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Council approves additional VHB testing as debates over Rogers High soil pile continue
Summary
Council amended the VHB contract to expand site investigation at the Harrison Avenue former dump and to further delineate lead‑elevated areas near Rogers High School; neighbors and councilors pressed for clear remediation paths, cost contingencies, and assurances that contaminated soil would not be added to the existing stockpile without proper handling.
The council approved Contract Amendment No. 2 to VHB to extend site investigation work at the Harrison Avenue former dump and to further characterize an area of elevated lead found near the Rogers High School project. Fred Bevans, a VHB project manager, said fieldwork (soil boring, groundwater monitoring) is complete and that the team will prepare a site‑investigation report for RIDEM that summarizes findings and outlines conceptual remedies.
Councilors and public speakers pressed for clarity about whether new contaminated soil would be added to the stockpile on the rail‑track site and who would pay for remediation if removal is required. Gilbane (project contractor) clarified that soils above regulatory thresholds will not be added to the existing stockpile without proper disposal, and that project allowances and owner contingencies are in place to manage contaminated‑soil removal. Councilors asked for regular administration updates and greater transparency; the amendment passed after the administration described budget allowances and the narrow investigatory scope.
