Construction finds soil issue at Clute Park

WATKINS GLEN--Soil removed during excavation at Clute Park have revealed contaminated sediment at the revitalization project Mayor Luke Leszyk said during the Tuesday, Nov. 17 board of trustees meeting. Calling the contamination minimal and a non-risk, Leszyk said the decision has been made to re-purpose the soil on-site at Clute Park instead of shipping it to a specialized landfill.
"(Transporting the contaminated soil off-site) would be a heavy cost... and (contaminants present in the soil) are not at dangerous levels," Leszyk said. "The dirt can be left in the park."
Leszyk mentioned the contaminated soil has always been present at Clute and its continued presence, which he said would be buried, will change nothing.
"It was already there and was not considered a problem before," Leszyk stated.
Leszyk said the soil was determined to be an issue by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. However, while the DEC requires the soil to be transported and disposed of at a specialized landfill if moved off-site, DEC regulations also allow for the soil to remain on-site as well. Leszyk said the soil will remain on-site and will be repurposed for landscaping or a small hill for sledding in the winter.
"This will be less expensive (than transporting the soil) to a landfill," Leszyk added.
While reusing the soil is a less expensive option, it will still come at a cost. While not ideal, Leszyk said no aspect of the project plans have been effected as there was a financial cushion built into the project, which is being financed through grants, to absorb extra unseen costs.
"Extra costs are always expected," Leszyk commented.
The board also unanimously voted to not only allow the Glen Gators Swim Club to use the Watkins Glen Community Center three evenings a week but to waive its usual fee as well.
Approval by the board followed a presentation by Gators Assistant Coach Steve Klemann, who detailed how the club would use the facilities and the club's almost 40-year history. Klemann told the board the decision to ask to use the community center only came about when the club was denied use of the Watkins Glen high school pool.
"With school athletics canceled, we're trying to find outlets for (those who wish to stay active in a team setting)," Klemann said.
The club was OKed for use of the center by The Gators for exercise and activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until the end of the year. Authorization for use of the facilities was made with the understanding that a request for extended dates will be submitted as needed.