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Witness and participant describe buried well and say groundwater handling follows construction protocols
Summary
Panel questioning covered groundwater management during excavation and the discovery of a buried well in dense bamboo; the witness said groundwater control depends on site-specific geotechnical plans and stormwater pollution prevention measures and that the well likely was found before the structures were demolished (exact date not specified).
During cross-examination, the panel asked whether groundwater that seeps into construction excavations is environmentally relevant and what typically happens to that water. Miss McClusick replied that disposition depends on the volume and the project and is governed by the project’s stormwater pollution prevention plan and geotechnical-engineer recommendations; when groundwater enters a foundation excavation, construction teams typically follow protocols to mitigate environmental concerns.
A participant described finding a buried well "deep in bamboo thicket" while inspecting the property prior to demolitions. Witnesses referenced Exhibit 043, labeled "2025 winter update," and said the well's discovery likely occurred before the demolitions and prior to that update, but no exact discovery date was provided in testimony.
Why it matters: where pumped groundwater is discharged and how a previously undocumented well is handled can affect water quality and permitting requirements; the witness said those issues are ordinarily addressed through stormwater plans and geotechnical guidance but that precise regulatory steps would require consulting written plans and permits.
Details and limits: the witness repeatedly emphasized she had not pulled exact regulatory citations during the hearing and would need to consult notes and documentation to provide precise dates or regulatory text. The hearing record did not specify where pumped groundwater was ultimately discharged nor the full set of containment or sampling steps used on this site.
Next steps: the panel will continue the hearing on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when parties and possibly additional witnesses or public commenters may offer further evidence on site conditions.
