[CPEO-MEF] Testing begun on site of propoposed school

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Testing begun on site of propoposed school
11/04/2002
By KATIE MULVANEY
Journal Staff Writer

CHARLESTOWN -- Testing is under way to determine the suitability of
Ninigret Park as the site of the proposed elementary school.

Representatives of the engineering firm of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin dug
several test pits Wednesday to examine the soil strata of the land,
which once served as a Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, according to Ken
McDermott, an engineer for VHB. The firm also completed an historical
examination of past uses at the site last month.

McDermott said his firm has not studied the soil for possible oil and
hazardous waste contamination, but has recommended that closer
examination of the land is warranted based on its history.

"If one is to move forward with development, there probably is some
additional testing that needs to be done," McDermott said. "You want to
have a handle on what's in the ground."

The land was once part of a Naval air base used to train pilots during
World War II and for three decades later. The Naval Auxiliary Landing
Field was built in the 1940s and operated in support of Quonset Point
until 1974.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.projo.com/southcounty/content/projo_20021104_char4.5b8c2.html

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