Bath County approves plumbing scoping, asbestos sampling and final inspections for school renovations

The Bath County Board of Education on Aug. 25 approved several final construction and investigative steps for ongoing renovations at Bath County High School and Bath County Middle School.

At the meeting the board approved final special inspection services related to the Bath County High School HVAC renovation (BG22-376) and approved asbestos core sample evaluation for the Bath County Middle School roof. The board also approved a plumbing/piping scoping service from Pipe Eyes LLC for the Bath County Middle School renovation (BG25-O84); project staff told the board the scoping service would cost $13,801.50.

The work discussed and approved is intended to clarify existing conditions and limit change orders during construction. Project staff described three distinct items: (1) final special inspections and testing tied to asphalt, steel and foundation work at the high school, which the presenter said represent the last billings for work already completed under the contract; (2) asbestos core sampling and additional abatement surveying to check attic and roof areas not inspected during the initial survey; and (3) camera-based sanitary and storm-line scoping at the middle school to confirm whether pipes are intact or collapsed before bids are issued.

Board members were told an asbestos vendor, Air Source Technology, requested $1,480 for additional abatement surveying after staff discovered the initial survey had not accessed two attic spaces (the gym attic and a vaulted shingle-roof area) and had not performed roof cores. Project staff said the additional asbestos testing would document whether materials require encapsulation or removal and would inform whether more expensive demolition down to the deck is needed.

On sewer and storm infrastructure, staff explained the $13,801.50 camera-and-scope service would record internal conditions and produce linear feet estimates for sanitary and storm lines so bidders can price accurately. Staff said the district’s original budget included contingency for additional services and that, because some initial budgets had been conservative, approving the scoping service would not necessarily increase the project’s net budget; it would reduce the risk of costly change orders once slabs are opened.

Project staff also reviewed punch-list items at the high school, including rooftop HVAC adjustments, replacement of a one-door glass unit and a vinyl graphic in the gym lobby whose printed color did not match the district’s standard. Staff said the vinyl panels would need to be removed and reprinted if the supplier printed the wrong color; the district’s one-year walk-through for that building is in December and a partial closeout walk-through is planned in October to document warranty items.

Board action taken (motions and approvals): the board approved the final special inspection services for BG22-376; approved asbestos core sampling for the Bath County Middle School roof; and approved the plumbing/piping scoping service from Pipe Eyes LLC (BG25-O84). Each motion carried on voice vote.

What was not decided: staff and board discussed an Air Source Technology request for additional abatement testing ($1,480) and the vinyl graphic replacement, but the transcript does not record a separate, final board vote adopting or rejecting the $1,480 abatement request during the regular meeting period.

Why it matters: the inspections and sampling approved this month are intended to reduce change-order risk, confirm whether asbestos abatement is required, and document underground piping conditions before bidders submit firm prices. That clarity can affect contractor bids, project timelines and whether more intrusive (and costly) demolition is required.

Next steps and notes: project staff said they will proceed with the approved inspections and sampling, confirm warranty items during the scheduled walk-throughs and follow up with the board about any additional findings that affect scope or budget.