Wetland Assessment Necessary for New High School Softball Field

Some extra assessments must be performed at before construction can begin on the new softball field.

On Tuesday, the school board approved additional services for a wetlands assessment on the land that will house the new field. It will cost the district $2,000.

John Hummel, marketing segment leader for architect L.R. Kimball, said the Allegheny County Conservation District has requested the assessment to look for wetlands. He said a previous project in the district had indicated there were "hydric soils"—the type of soils that you would see in wetlands—present.

Hummel said if the assessment identifies wetlands, it could impact the project or be more costly to the district.

"Our hope is that we don't have that issue here, or that if we do, it's not one that will impact the area of the project," he said.

The Plum School Board awarded a $264,750 contract to Palumbo Landscaping Inc. of Penn Hills this month to install the new field next to the existing boys baseball field at the high school.

Because of stormwater management, the cost of the overall project was $16,000 more than the district had set aside for it.

At a facilities committee meeting last week, Hummel also said Plum borough engineer Bob Mitall requested the subsurface water retention structure be relocated from the outer area of the site into the outfield. He said that might also add to the price tag.