Appendix E WSP 2016 Updated Phase I InfoAM WSP 8R NCKERHOFF
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
January 11, 2016
2025 Gateway Place
Suite 435
San Jose, CA 95110
Main- 408-453-6100
wspgroup.comf usa
plaworld.comf usa
Re: Updated Information to the January 7, 2014 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of Vallco Mall in
Cupertino, California
To Whom it May Concern:
WSP Services, Inc. (WSP) re -visited the existing Vallco Mall (Vallco) in Cupertino, California to provide
updated information to a January 7, 2014 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report of Vallco Mall
prepared by WSP.
Updated Information
As noted, WSP completed a Phase I environmental assessment report dated January 7, 2014 for Vallco. The
facilities most recently occupied by a Sears retail store, a fitness facility in the building, and the facilities most
recently occupied by a Sears Automotive Center, were not covered in the Phase I report due to confidentiality
considerations. Subsequently, a detailed review and walkthrough of these facilities was conducted on June
12, 2014 and a letter report dated June 26, 2014 was prepared.
On January 8, 2016, Richard Freudenberger of WSP visited the Vallco facilities.
The following provides updated information to WSP's January 7, 2014 Phase I environmental site
assessment:
• In November 2014, the current property owner completed the purchase of the 1.3 -million -square -
foot Vallco Mall in Cupertino with plans to replace it with a mixed-use development. The mall's
interior shopping space and the areas occupied (or once occupied) by Sears, J.C. Penney and
Macy's were purchased in October 2014 and the interior mall was acquired in early November
2014. J.C. Penney and Sears sold both their buildings and the land underneath, while the new
owner acquired the 40 -year ground lease for the Macy's property.
• The Sears retail operations and the Sears Automotive Center were closed and vacated as of
October 4, 2014.
• Macy's closed in March 2015 and J.C. Penney's is expected to close by April 2016. Other
tenants in Vallco have also closed and vacated the premises and many others are in the process
of leaving on or before April 2016. The theatres, fitness club, ice rink, and several restaurants will
continue to operate within Vallco.
• There have been improvements in storm water management by upgrading the pumps used to
control precipitation accumulation in the tunnels beneath N. Wolfe Road.
• In the closure of food related operations by tenants at Vallco, care has been taken to ensure that
all grease traps are thoroughly cleaned and pass final inspection by Vallco and the city.
• Proper decommissioning of HVAC systems and removal of Freon is being managed by a licensed
refrigerant company.
• Under the oversight and final approval of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Sears and
J.C. Penney are responsible for the implementation of closure plans that will address the cleaning
and removal of any residual hazardous materials or wastes that resulted from their activities.
Page 2
January 11. 2016
Based on the June 2014 review of the former Sears facilities, current conditions, and the plans for the re-
development of Vallco, the following updated recommendations to our January 7, 2014 Phase I report are
offered:
Before conducting any renovation or demolition activities that might disturb potential asbestos,
light fixtures, or painted surfaces, the property owner should ensure that it complies with the
Operations and Maintenance Plan for management and abatement of asbestos -containing
materials, proper handling and disposal of fluorescent and mercury vapor light fixtures, and with
all applicable requirements regarding lead-based paint.
Per the January 7, 2014 Phase I report, the site of the former Sears Automotive Center and
location currently occupied by J.C. Penney were listed on the leaking underground storage tank
(LUST) database as closed cases with no further action required. The LUST cases for the former
Sears and current J.C. Penney locations were identified as historic recognized environmental
conditions (RECs). With the closure of these operations, the Santa Clara County Fire Department
requires implementation of an approved closure plan. The closure activities of these premises
should be monitored and coordinated with the Santa Clara Fire Department to ensure that no
residual hazardous materials or contaminants remain following closure. Any remaining
groundwater monitoring wells or other subsurface sumps/separators should be properly
abandoned or removed as part of the closure activities.
Any future subsurface disturbance (excavation or fill) during redevelopment activities should be
performed with care and an awareness of possible past releases of chemicals or petroleum
products in these areas. To this end, a Soil Management Plan for all redevelopment activities is
recommended to ensure that excavated soils are sampled and properly handled/disposed, and
that imported fill materials are screened/analyzed before their use on the property.
Please call me at 408.453.6100 if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely yours,
r.
Richard E. Freudenberger
Executive Vice President
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