A proactive response to a legacy of contamination
For decades, the South Garaches Lane site in Wilmington, Delaware, carried the imprint of heavy industrial use. Railroad easements and auto salvage yards dating back to the 1940s left behind contamination that exceeded safety standards set by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Elevated levels of arsenic, lead and other contaminants posed risks to residents and local ecosystems.
Community leaders envisioned something different: a sports complex that could bring families together and energize the city. To make that vision real, Onterris was asked to assess and remediate the outdoor fields and roadways. Brightfields managed the future field house building area, while Alliance focused on roads, parking lots, and outdoor sports fields. Together, the teams worked toward one goal: transforming a neglected site into a safe, thriving community asset.
Speed, clarity, and care in remediation
Onterris developed a Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP) that earned DNREC approval and guided every step of the cleanup. A site-specific Health & Safety Plan and Contaminated Materials Management Plan ensured protection for workers and the community.
Monitoring wells, test pits and soil borings mapped contamination across five Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA) sites. Laboratory analyses shaped a strategy that included multiple operable units. Contaminated soil was excavated and capped with DNREC-approved materials, while groundwater use was restricted through an Environmental Covenant to safeguard future generations.
Powered by teamwork
The project’s success rested on collaboration. Engineers, project managers, field staff and health and safety specialists worked side by side with DNREC officers, construction managers and the client. Regular planning meetings built trust and enabled quick responses to challenges, from equipment emergencies to hazardous material disposal.
We weren’t just cleaning up land. We were building the foundation for a place where families can gather, play, and grow together.
A lasting impact for Wilmington
The result is the Chase Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art complex that now hosts the Delaware Blue Coats NBA G League team and the Titus Sports Academy. With indoor and outdoor facilities, the complex has become a cornerstone for Wilmington, offering opportunities for recreation, connection and pride.
This transformation demonstrates how environmental stewardship, technical expertise, and teamwork can turn contaminated land into a community asset. The Chase Fieldhouse project is more than remediation. It is a model of sustainable redevelopment and a reminder of what’s possible when people move together toward one goal.
