Committee reviews geotechnical borings, temporary access and phased geothermal work for new school site

The committee received a construction update April 16 outlining near‑term geotechnical work, temporary site access, stormwater treatment requirements and a two‑summer phasing plan for geothermal wells.

Consigli and the design/owner’s project management team told the committee that geotechnical crews will advance roughly 24 borings next week, and that test pits will be dug to about 10 feet to sample soil conditions. The team said borings will reach about 20–30 feet to assess subsurface conditions for ledge, sand, gravel and drainage characteristics that will influence foundation, drainage and stormwater infiltration design.

Because the temporary access and stockpile areas will exceed one acre of disturbance, the team said the project must provide stormwater treatment for any temporary impervious surfaces. The design team said test‑pit results will inform the infiltration system design and the extent of any temporary retention or treatment features; the town engineer and conservation commission have been consulted and the team plans to submit to the commission for its May meeting.

Phasing and schedule: The committee heard the site will be enclosed with temporary construction fencing this summer and that most heavy earthwork around the left side of the existing building will occur before a week‑long pause for the town’s kids camp. The team intends to avoid removing the existing rink this summer and will preserve fields used by athletics. Work to create a temporary loop road, widen the bus/parent drop area and to stabilize slopes is scheduled for summer 2025; Consigli and the design team said they now plan to install the large bore geothermal wells in summer 2026 after site grading and earthwork are completed so the well field can be drilled from a prepared platform.

Neighborhood impacts and safety: The team said noise and disruption will be limited — borings and test pits will occur during daytime hours, no night or weekend work is planned — and that program staff coordinated with the recreation director to preserve scheduled practices. The committee asked that neighbors be notified; the project team said notices would be sent through the schools. Police, fire and town staff have reviewed gated access and emergency response plans for the fenced construction perimeter, and first responders will have gate access during construction.

Next steps: borings and test pits next week; submission to the conservation commission in the following weeks; updated budget and estimate reconciliation scheduled for the committee’s May meeting.