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Easton board: EMS site contamination manageable; additional testing and partial soil removal planned
Summary
Easton officials said a newly retained environmental consultant found contamination at the new EMS site manageable but identified data gaps; the town will pursue more sampling, monitoring wells and a phased "hybrid" plan to allow ambulance access and early occupancy while longer-term remediation continues.
First Selectman Dan Lent and members of the Easton Board of Selectmen on June 18 were briefed on environmental findings at the town's new EMS facility and endorsed a phased approach intended to allow EMS to occupy the building while longer-term cleanup continues.
Building Committee members John Foley and Joe Palmieri reported that the recently retained licensed environmental professional, EKI Environment & Water, completed an initial review and concluded contamination issues appear manageable but that additional investigation is required. The town plans more soil sampling, installation of monitoring wells and a groundwater evaluation; EKI is to prepare a Soil Management Plan and a Remedial Action Plan for review by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
The committee described a preferred "hybrid" approach: begin additional investigation immediately, simultaneously remove impacted soils necessary to provide ambulance access, and complete paving of the ambulance entrance so EMS can occupy the building as soon as it is safe to do so, while longer-term remediation proceeds. The committee said the redesigned septic system will reduce the volume of soil that must be removed, and that grading modifications are being evaluated to lower off-site soil disposal costs.
Committee members said EKI is expected to propose a next-phase scope not to exceed $60,000. Bids for a licensed 454 contractor were expected on June 22. The Health District is being consulted about temporary septic pumping to permit occupancy while permanent leaching fields are completed.
On budget, the board heard that roughly $3.8 million of an approximately $4.1 million project budget has been spent, leaving about $178,000 in contingencies and previously unallocated site work funds; the committee said those funds are expected to cover the initial investigative and remediation steps currently planned, while additional appropriations may be requested once the full remediation scope is known.
Residents who spoke during public comment emphasized the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy and moving EMS into the new building quickly. A statement submitted on behalf of the Easton Volunteer EMS Board of Trustees expressed disappointment at the Police Commission's decision not to renew Captain John Arnold's contract and thanked him for decades of service; the statement also urged the town to continue to use legal counsel during remediation and to track EMS-related remediation expenses separately for transparency.
The board thanked the building committee, consultants, staff and volunteers and reaffirmed its commitment to move EMS into the facility as soon as it can be done safely and in compliance with applicable regulations. Next steps the board identified include reviewing EKI's proposal, awarding necessary contractor work, continuing consultations with DEEP and the Health District, and providing regular public updates as the remediation effort proceeds.
