Client:
City and County
of Denver

Project Duration: 2000–2005

Project Value:
$48.5 million

Parsons Responsibilities: Prime remediation contractor

Beginning in 1989, with the decision to build the new Denver International Airport, a group of civic and community leaders began planning the future of the Stapleton Airport property. In 1995, the airport was closed and the Stapleton Development Plan was published. The former Stapleton Airport is now a landmark brownfield redevelopment site—the largest urban infill project in the nation and the first urban airport redevelopment project in the United States.

The 4,700-acre former airport site is situated along I-70 and existing rail lines. It is being transformed into a mixed-use master planned community with over 15 million square feet of commercial, industrial, and institutional space, including a WalMart SuperCenter and a Home Depot. The new development will include residential neighborhoods with a “new urbanism” feel and a sustainable approach. The extensive park and trail system amounts to nearly 30% of Stapleton’s 4,700 acres, increasing the size of Denver’s park system by 25%.

Aerial photo of Stapleton Airport

As the prime remediation contractor for the city and county of Denver, Parsons excavated approximately 30% of the nearly 5-square-mile site, almost 5 million cubic yards, or enough soil to fill a football field 1,000 feet high. The contaminated soil was the result of 65 years of aviation activity at Stapleton. Using the strictest environmental standards, Parsons removed all the contaminated soil within 20 feet of the previously existing ground surface. Parsons investigated and diligently cleaned up known areas of contamination before properties were transferred or conveyed for development. As the areas were investigated and cleaned up, Parsons conducted soil and groundwater sampling and analysis to verify that the property was suitable for residential development. Cleanup guidelines (known as the Stapleton Numeric Criteria or SNC) were developed using the most stringent guidelines applicable. The SNC guidelines meet or exceed many of the State of Colorado’s existing criteria for cleanup of industrial sites and oil spills.

Stapleton Control Tower circa 2004

Parsons bid this work initially on a lump-sum basis, taking on considerable risk. Over the years, changes at the site have led to a renegotiation of the unit rates, resulting in a considerable savings to the city. The main areas of contamination have been released ahead of schedule—in some cases, an entire year earlier than planned.

Parsons work on the project is 98% complete. All the major areas identified have been cleaned up and final monitoring results are pending on the last two areas. More than 15 specific letters from the state specifying “No Further Action” by the city have been issued, allowing unrestricted use of the property. Newly constructed commercial buildings have been erected at locations such as the former Consortium Fuel Farm, where large aboveground storage tanks of jet fuel once stood. Other areas are being readied for redevelopment as soon as the land transfers are completed. Approximately 30% of the redevelopment work is complete.

Parsons shared with Denver the 2003 Mayor’s Council Award, recognizing the outstanding efforts at Stapleton and its role as the largest urban infill and brownfield redevelopment project in the nation.

Quebec Square shopping center

Once an outdated airport, new homes sit where runways use to be, and they are selling at a premium in Denver’s latest thriving community, a shining example of sustainable development. In 2004, Stapleton was awarded the “Best in American Living Award for Smart Growth” by the National Association of Home Builders. This award was based on Stapleton’s commitment to protect and provide access to the natural environment, incorporate a mix of land use, use land in an efficient and innovative manner, encourage multiple transportation options, respect local tradition, and take advantage of infill opportunities.

See related websites for more info:
www. stapleton denver.com
www. stapleton corp.com
www.denvergov.org

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