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Pasco aquatics project hits ground, permits in hand; board warned of sand and water-cost issues
Summary
The Pasco Public Facilities District reported active construction after April 11 permit receipt, on-schedule progress, and new concerns about wind-blown sand from a nearby gravel pit and higher potable water fees that are being tracked against contingency.
Pasco Public Facilities District staff and the project owner's representative reported on April 20 that construction of the new aquatics facility is underway after full permits were issued April 11, but they flagged site-specific challenges including wind-blown sand from a nearby gravel pit and higher-than-anticipated potable water fees.
Jake Hartwig, the owner's representative, said crews have poured initial concrete and are forming footings, that walls and surge pits are advancing and that off-site electrical conduit work on Harris Road is in progress. “Permits are there. They are in the ground. ... The first concrete pour has happened. Bound was very responsible with her schedule, so we remain on schedule,” Hartwig reported.
Hartwig told the board the project is holding a $200,000 contingency line in the construction contingency log and that some fees — notably potable water costs and latecomer fees for sewer and water — appear higher than budgeted. The city has engaged a third party to review potable water charges; staff said they are tracking the issue closely and will determine whether the contingency will cover the shortfall once final invoices are known.
The project team also described a recurring problem of wind-blown sand. With vegetation removed for construction, sand from a nearby operation identified as American Rock is migrating onto the site and neighboring properties. Hartwig said interim measures are in place and the team plans to accelerate vegetation planting this summer to stabilize soil and reduce sand transport.
“We're right by the American Rock Pit,” Hartwig said; “the stuff comes up and over the hills. So we're trying to get with the owner and things like that about there is an obligation for them to keep their dust levels down.”
Staff highlighted the use of building information modeling and clash-detection tools (Navisworks, Revit) to reduce future construction conflicts and contingency spend. Hartwig said project teams meet weekly on coordination and that the modeling work is ahead of expectations, helping avoid costly in-field changes.
The board was also briefed on site security coordination with local police, additional patrols, and suggestions to tighten security around the fenced 13-acre site while construction proceeds. Board members asked for continued monthly schedule updates and the owner's representative said the board will receive schedule tracking in monthly reports.
No formal board action was required on the construction updates beyond tracking and contingency monitoring. Staff said they will continue to report progress, change orders and contingency impacts in future board packets.
