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Case Study: Stabilizing a Commercial Foundation After a Chemical Spill in Jacksonville, FL

Interior of a building under renovation with a ladder, broom, exposed ceiling, and plastic-covered windows.

When a chemical spill occurred beneath a commercial laundromat in Jacksonville, FL, the situation quickly became a high-stakes structural and environmental challenge. The slab-on-grade foundation needed excavation to remove the contamination—risking the building’s stability in the process. Alpha Foundations was brought in to stabilize the structure while working under the watchful eye of the EPA.

Through close coordination with contractors and regulatory bodies, the team installed helical piers around the building’s perimeter. The result: a fully stabilized foundation, regulatory compliance, and a safe path forward for remediation.


The Challenge

  • Chemical spill beneath a commercial building
  • Excavation required beneath a slab-on-grade foundation
  • Structural risks paired with strict EPA compliance requirements

The Solution

  • Full-perimeter installation of helical piers
  • Customized stabilization plan coordinated with EPA and engineers
  • Led by Alpha Foundations’ most experienced Certified Field Inspector

The Impact

  • Foundation stabilized to support remediation efforts
  • EPA compliance achieved without delays
  • Project kept on track with minimal disruption

Before Foundation Repair:

An empty, unfinished room with exposed ceiling, white walls, a standing fan, and light from open double doors.

Chemical Spill Risks and Structural Concerns

After a hazardous chemical spill at a Jacksonville laundromat, the property’s slab-on-grade foundation faced potential destabilization due to necessary excavation. Because the contamination extended beneath the building, crews needed access below the foundation to remove it safely. That meant structural support was critical—not just for the integrity of the building, but also to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The stakes were high, and delays could be costly.

After Foundation Repair:

A hole in a concrete floor exposes a metal support bracket near a window during construction work.

Stabilization with Helical Piers

Alpha Foundations developed a stabilization plan tailored to the site’s structural and environmental constraints. Certified Field Inspector Eric Zegle worked alongside engineers, contractors, and EPA officials to finalize the approach. Foreman Brandon Wells and installer Brett Dougherty installed helical piers around the entire perimeter of the building, providing deep foundational support while avoiding disruption to the remediation schedule.

Large hole in concrete near a building, with caution tape and exposed metal footing inside the hole.

Coordinated Compliance and Expert Execution

The team’s work met all necessary environmental standards while safeguarding the building against potential shifts or collapse. Careful planning and clean execution ensured the project proceeded smoothly without delay or regulatory holdup.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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Bob was great! Explained the project very well. Great price, too!! I’m very confident that this project will go well.

Bob was great! Explained the project very well. Great price, too!! I’m very confident that this project will go well.

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Groundworks crew did excellent job Thank you Poly crew Joe and Chance pier crew Jorge Zach and Kenny

Groundworks crew did excellent job Thank you Poly crew Joe and Chance pier crew Jorge Zach and Kenny

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Doug Helfrich was clear, concise and friendly, even though the news he had to deliver was something no one likes to hear. I will recommend …

Doug Helfrich was clear, concise and friendly, even though the news he had to deliver was something no one likes to hear. I will recommend him to my friends that are dealing with the same issues we are.

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Austin C was great. Very professional and knowledgeable. Talked through what he saw with out basement and provided different options. Will…

Austin C was great. Very professional and knowledgeable. Talked through what he saw with out basement and provided different options. Will call him again when we figure out what we are planning.

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Had a consultation with Hunter B. about waterproofing my basement and was amazed with how knowledgeable and professional he was. He helped…

Had a consultation with Hunter B. about waterproofing my basement and was amazed with how knowledgeable and professional he was. He helped me learn a lot about the whole process and what it will take to get it done. I would absolutely recommend Bakers to anyone that needs waterproofing or concrete lifting thanks to Hunter B.

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Smiling worker in Groundworks uniform holding a level, standing in front of a company vehicle and houses.

Thanks to Alpha Foundations’ expertise and precision, the laundromat’s foundation remained secure throughout the remediation process. The project avoided delays, satisfied all EPA regulations, and allowed the property owner to proceed confidently.

With deep coordination and proven solutions, Alpha Foundations turned a high-risk situation into a successful, compliant, and structurally sound outcome. Schedule a free inspection with our team today!

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

Yes, foundation repair restores the stability and integrity of your building, preventing further damage. Solutions like helical piles and polyurethane injection provide long-lasting support for your foundation.

Our repair methods, such as polyurethane injection and helical piles, are designed to minimize disruption. We aim to complete most repairs efficiently to reduce the impact on your business.

Foundation piers attach to your home’s footing. If your home doesn’t have a closed footing, modifications can be made. Consult a qualified foundation repair expert to help ensure your foundation is properly evaluated and factors like soil composition and local building codes are considered.  

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.