Commission authorizes county signatories to start DEQ certification work at 1901 East Grand hydrocarbon site

The Oklahoma County Commission authorized county signatories to start Department of Environmental Quality certification work aimed at addressing hydrocarbons at 1901 East Grand, and commissioners agreed that all three may sign the certification to expedite the work. County staff said crews and trucks were ready and urged the commission to permit signatures so remediation could begin.

During discussion of possible action on authorization for the chairman to sign DEQ certification, a staff member said, "Allow us to get started on the hydrocarbons at 1901 East Green." Commissioners debated whether the next duly elected chairman should sign; the chair then proposed allowing all three commissioners to sign to avoid delaying the work. A motion to permit all three commissioners to sign was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Separately, county staff earlier reported project-related pay applications for GH2 Architects and a change order to Lingo Construction for asbestos abatement and lost time on work in the Investors Capital Building. Those items were approved during the meeting, and the change order for Lingo Construction was for $349,541.19.

The commission did not detail funding sources or precise timelines for remediation during the meeting beyond statements that equipment and trucks were ready. The authorization made at this session allows county officials to sign DEQ paperwork necessary to proceed; the transcript records all present commissioners indicated approval by saying “Aye.”

Speakers on record for this agenda item: county staff member (unnamed) and the three commissioners present, including Chairman Miles Davidson and Commissioner Lowe. The action at this meeting was authorization for signatures; no contract award, budget appropriation or remediation completion date was recorded in the meeting minutes for this session.