Judicial center site needs initial study

Contamination or no contamination, city officials say a newly proposed judicial center site between Walton Way and Fenwick Street will need at least an initial environmental study before a land purchase can be considered there.

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"Anytime we purchase a site, we do a phase one (environmental study),'' Teresa Smith, director of Augusta's Public Works Department, said Monday.

At today's Augusta Commission meeting, which begins at 2 p.m. at the municipal building, commissioners will be asked to approve up to $40,000 for professional fees, surveys, environmental testing, geotechnical testing and title exams associated with the proposed judicial center site, which is also bordered by James Brown Boulevard and 10th Street. Ms. Smith said that doesn't mean the entire $40,000 will be spent. She said it simply allows spending up to that amount without continuous commission approval.

Mayor Bob Young has said there should be no concerns over contamination at the newly proposed site, but officials have said an initial study, which takes a look at property records and includes a walk-through inspection, is wise because the city would be liable for any contamination there should it purchase properties at the site. A second, more in-depth study would be conducted if the initial one suggests a need for more analysis.

A first study at a site between Fenwick and Walker streets was delayed because some property owners didn't allow access. Officials have said they don't expect that problem this time.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 828-3904 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Tuesday, May 4, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle