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Boardwalk project hit by unexpected oil tank, archaeological screening that raises costs
Summary
Coupeville officials told council that crews found an underground heating oil tank beneath the boardwalk alignment and tribal monitoring and screening of disturbed soil is increasing project costs; staff said one cement pour is complete and additional work aims to finish ahead of the August arts festival.
Town officials updated the council on July 22 about progress and unexpected costs on the downtown boardwalk and North Main sidewalk project.
Contractors have completed one concrete pour and planned a second pour; a crew of carpenters is lined up to install stringers, deck and handrails once substructure work finishes. Staff said the contractor still plans to have the boardwalk open and cleaned up before the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival setup beginning August 8.
Work slowed and changed after crews discovered an underground heating‑oil tank beneath the west end of the boardwalk. The tank lies shallow enough to prevent the originally planned timber decking for roughly the first 14–15 feet at the Toby’s end; that short section will be poured concrete to allow required stormwater features without disturbing potentially sensitive subsurface deposits.
The project has also required expanded archaeological monitoring and screening at tribal request, staff told council. The town originally expected to move and cap screened material at a safe location; tribal representatives and an archeologist required hand screening and different final handling. Staff reported approximately $30,000 already spent on screening and said that amount covers less than a quarter of the material. Monitors have been paid at about $1,300 per day each, and current manual screening has been slow.
Public works staff said they are seeking larger, electric screening equipment to speed the work while remaining acceptable to tribal monitors; they purchased a small electric screener to increase efficiency but continue to pursue heavier equipment used by gravel pits and nurseries.
Contractors also removed vegetation, backfilled a historic hole in the right‑of‑way to return the stem wall to original engineering and reduced the planned stem‑wall height. A proposed decorative rock‑stamp finish to the stem wall was dropped after staff discovered material costs alone would be roughly $30,000; staff will return to a previously approved vegetation buffer and design.
Staff warned the archaeological monitoring and screening has put the project significantly over the originally anticipated costs and that additional funding will be needed. Councilors asked clarifying questions about the length of boardwalk that must be concrete and monitoring procedures. The council did not take formal action but directed staff to continue coordinating with tribes and the contractor and to report back on budget implications.
Officials emphasized trails and NPS‑owned buildings remain open and that volunteers and summer programs continue while the town manages construction and monitoring.
