Commission approves soil management oversight for Jackson Street work tied to Hopewell

The Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously Aug. 4 to hire the consultant that prepared the Hopewell soil management plan to provide on‑site oversight for the section of Jackson Street that will be constructed as part of the Hopewell project. Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Anna Killeen Hanson said environmental studies for Hopewell revealed chemicals of concern and elevated arsenic levels consistent with local background. Because the Jackson Street segment is integral to the Hopewell infrastructure, work there must follow the approved soil management plan. She said the consultant negotiated the plan with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and is best positioned to oversee on‑site sampling and regulatory reporting. Hanson described the consultant’s scope as project management, excavation oversight, testing of excavated material, and regulatory reporting. She also cautioned that the current contract does not include disposal coordination, trucking, or disposal fees; the oversight contract separates testing and oversight from any later remediation or disposal work, which could require additional contracts depending on results. City engineering staff confirmed coordination with public works and the contractor; engineering led a preconstruction meeting to align responsibilities. Commissioner questions focused on which fund would cover any off‑site disposal costs; staff said reuse on‑site is possible if testing shows the material meets reuse criteria, but hauling to an approved facility would require an additional procurement or change order and corresponding budget source. The motion (resolution 25‑96) passed unanimously. Staff said confirmatory testing will determine whether soils can be reused on site or will need removal and separate contracting for disposal and transportation.