Martin: Probability of contamination is very high

ICN FILE PHOTO/ First Street project, replacing railroad tracks with a tree-planted median boulevard. Testing of the soil for contaminants is necessary to proceed.

Terre Haute Fire Department Chief Jeff Fisher tells the Board of Public Works and Safety Monday that no further action is needed, as grievances have been resolved with employees and union officials/Lucy Perry Photo

​By Lucy Perry

City Engineering Department Chief Planner Pat Martin updated the Terre Haute Board of Public Works and Safety on plans for the second phase of the First Street former CSX railroad track site project, alerting the board to possible site contamination during the meeting this afternoon.

The rails have been removed and now the city wants to enhance the property by constructing a tree-planted median boulevard in its place, spanning around 6,500 feet. Before that can happen, environmental testing is necessary.

“We will be testing for what I call 'everything,' given the fact that this line was in operation from 1871 until a few years ago-- 144 years of contamination,” Martin said.

Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) has submitted a proposal to conduct a phase two Environmental Site Assessment on the property of the  abandoned rail line, which extends from First Street and progresses in a southward direction to Cruft Street.

Transforming the area into a serene treeline comes with some repercussions, including conducting soil samples at at least 20 locations due to long term nearby chemical exposure.

“The probability of contamination is very high,” Martin said.

The testing will begin Monday.

Some of the industrial and commercial properties throughout time include fuel filling stations, manufactured gas plant holding tanks, rail spurs, distilleries, foundries, mills, automobile maintenance facilities, a fertilizer plant, a chemical plant, machine shops and various other manufacturing facilities.

According to the report by PSI, some concerns include: likely use of pesticides and herbicides due to creosote-soaked railroad ties. The estimate of $38,359 calls for more than 20 soil borings at depths of eight feet below ground surface to groundwater  or to probe refusal will be required. The budget is not to exceed $46,409.

Martin explained that there is an additional rush cost of $8,050 if rush samples are necessary.

Member Jon Stinson questioned the urgency and noted concerns of city budget with the added $8,050. Martin explained the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Land Revitalization Grant is expected to cover costs. Quicker test results for some contaminants can come back within 48 hours, others can take a week or more.

“I’m trying to figure out -- we know the budget issue the city is currently under -- to spend an extra $8,000 on something that’s been in existence for 144 years, to gain three or four weeks. Unless I was aware of some major concern that hasn’t been brought to this board’s attention,” Stinson said, adding he realized the need for tesing, but wants to be practical.

Martin replied that there is probable cause for contamination, making it an obligation to get the testing underway. There is not necessarily a need for expedited testing results, although he noted that he’s concerned about the proximity of the river.

Member Cary Sparks agreed with Stinson, and motioned for the approval of testing costs, stipulating the additional rush costs allowable only if necessary. The board approved the motion.

All members, Roland Shelton, Sparks and Stinson were present, with exception of Jim Trimble.

In other business:
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• Terre Haute Fire Department Chief Jeff Fisher addressed the board regarding grievance hearings  by two employees at the last meeting. He said the issues have been resolved after meeting with union officials and assistant chiefs of the deparment. No further action is needed by the board, he stated.

• The board is reviewing two bids for city sidewalk projects and will have a special meeting Oct. 5 at 3:30 p.m. to  award the bid, which included: Dennis Trucking - $388. 079. 29 and ST Construction - $393,505.96.

• Reopen Aquatic Center road project bids to include alternates.

• The board approved an ambulance invoice hardship request.

• The board approved a request to declare a 2003 transit bus as surplus, as it is no longer working.

• The board approved one handicap parking request and denied one handicap parking request.

• The board approved a Veterans Day Parade and route.

• The board approved a request from Bohannon’s East to close 18th Street from Wabash Avenue north to the alley on Oct. 17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during ISU Homecoming activities.

• The board approved a request from Downtown Terre Haute, Inc. to close Seventh Street from Wabash Avenue to Ohio Street on Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a vendor fair.

• Approved Nationwide retirement loan procedure changes.

• The board tabled action on an amendment for S.R. 641 sanitary and force main $70,000 relocation project.​

• The board approved an amendment for Railroad ITS Project, which involves 13 railroad tracks across the country. In the second phase, it will provide 911 services with information that can project when and for how long traffic will be stopped by trains. The project is made available with grant money.

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