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Soil tests show arsenic on stadium site; board approves further sampling as rendering cost debate continues
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Summary
Kleinfelder testing found arsenic in initial samples for the athletic‑field project, prompting approval of additional sampling (up to roughly $88,500 total testing) and a broader discussion about whether to pay $10,000 for a full stadium rendering; PennDOT also requested a tiny parcel for a traffic signal with $2,600 compensation.
Staff updated the board on ongoing environmental and construction work tied to the district’s athletic‑field project. Kleinfelder’s initial testing identified naturally occurring arsenic at one site, and staff recommended proceeding with additional sampling at two more locations and the football field sidelines so the overall testing package would remain within an updated not‑to‑exceed cost of approximately $88,500.
A staff member explained the sequencing: the initial evaluation covered the key areas, but the arsenic result at Site 1 triggered additional sampling obligations to fully document the property so contaminated soil — if present above regulatory thresholds — can be handled and certified by the engineer and the PA Department of Environmental Protection. "It was because of the results of Site 1 that our property was known to have arsenic by nature in the soil," staff said during the discussion.
Board members asked about cost drivers and whether the district could see the lab results; staff said initial results have been received and that formal packages go to the engineer and then to state authorities for sign‑off before remediation recommendations are finalized.
Separately, staff reported PennDOT needs a very small strip of district land at Adams and Bannister (described as 0.01331 acre) for a traffic signal and will compensate the district $2,600 plus district solicitor fees; the project also includes tree removal and a sidewalk connection that staff described as a community benefit.
Facilities discussion: the facilities committee reported color and design decisions for the field houses and press box and debated paying up to $10,000 for a full stadium rendering. Some directors urged getting a detailed rendering to show the public; others questioned whether $10,000 would produce the expected precision. The board agreed to record color choices in the minutes and to pursue display/rendering options that staff will follow up on.
What the board did: staff received board direction to proceed with the additional Kleinfelder sampling to complete the required testing package and to secure the necessary engineering and regulatory sign‑offs; the rendering question was left for staff to pursue further cost/details and return to the board.
Next steps: staff will complete sampling, await certified results from the engineer and state review, and return with the remediation recommendation and any cost implications; staff will also follow up on PennDOT compensation and the rendering procurement.
