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Commission approves geotechnical borings for Shinston/Royal Chrysler site after DEP agrees to cover cost; commissioners press contractor accountability
Summary
Commissioners authorized four geotechnical borings at the 720 Hood Avenue (Royal/Chrysler/Shinston) property after county administration said the Department of Environmental Protection would reimburse the cost. Commissioners emphasized contractor responsibilities and requested written confirmation of DEP payment.
Harrison County commissioners on Aug. 6 authorized geotechnical testing — four borings — at the 720 Hood Avenue Shinston/Royal Chrysler property after county administration reported the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would pay for the borings.
County Administrator (Tara) said the contract for the borings was approximately $17,200 and that the work is needed to determine subsurface conditions (rock or soil) to inform demolition and stabilization planning. She said the DEP confirmed, via email, that it will cover the expense; commissioners asked that the written confirmation be attached to the county record before work begins.
Commissioners pressed for clarity about existing contractual responsibilities. Several commissioners noted contract language that required the contractor (identified in meeting documents as Safeco) to coordinate demolition sequencing, provide shoring/bracing, implement vibration monitoring where required and coordinate with adjacent property owners. Commissioners and staff said they had not seen daily field reports, demolition plans or proof that Safeco had implemented temporary bracing or other contract requirements; one commissioner said it appears Safeco has not fulfilled some obligations.
Motion and conditions: The commission voted to authorize the four borings, with two conditions stated during discussion: (1) the DEP reimbursement email be attached to county documentation and (2) the county will verify contractual obligations and coordination with adjacent property owners moving forward. Commissioners marked up contract language in the record and stated they do not want the county to assume liabilities Safeco contracted to handle.
Why it matters: The borings will inform whether the structure and hillside are stable, whether additional stabilization or demolition measures are required, and whether additional engineering or remediation work will be necessary. Commissioners emphasized public-safety concerns and careful contract oversight to avoid shifting contractor responsibilities to the county.
Ending: County staff will attach the DEP reimbursement email to the contract record, schedule the borings, and return to the commission for further decisions once results are available and the engineering recommendations are clear.
