M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters

About

GTA provided environmental and geotechnical consulting services during the design phase for the new headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). The property, owned by Montgomery County, was redeveloped with a 14-story, 308,000-SF office building with four-story underground parking garage and ground floor retail. A geothermal well system for heating/cooling is located beneath the parking garage, one of the first such applications in Maryland. The site includes a landscaped plaza and the Marian Frier Town Square with amphitheater, art sculptures, community open spaces, and a transit connection.

Prior to redevelopment, the site most recently contained a surface parking lot and the Mid-County Services Building. Two auto repair businesses previously operated on the site, and nearby properties have included gasoline stations, additional auto service facilities, and dry cleaners. Some environmental impacts were identified in the site’s soil and groundwater, mainly consisting of petroleum and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Based on the environmental impacts, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reviewed and commented on the site characterization information and environmental remedies in order to construct the planned developments. After performing additional site characterization, GTA prepared an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which was ultimately approved by MDE, specifying remedial measures for soil, groundwater, and soil vapor during construction. GTA also obtained MDE permits for water appropriation and discharge for the construction-related dewatering system.

GTA provided construction-related environmental services during site excavation and construction. The $170 million building is the first government-owned office building in Maryland to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.