Unsuitable Soil Problem Costly

The unsuitable soils problem discussed earlier has been resolved, but at a price. Almost 3000 cubic yards of soil were removed, replaced, and compacted to achieve stable soil for the new building and the expansion to the parking lot. This was in addition to the fill required to achieve the grade levels specified in the site plan. The problem came about due to the fact that the old parking lot covered a large portion of the construction area. It was not possible to know exactly what lay beneath it. We knew that our old septic system was there, but it turned out that there were two septic system tanks and drain fields located under the footprint of the new building. The potential for the septic system creating a problem was identified by soil borings conducted by Froehling & Robertson, the soil engineering firm that Shiloh engaged prior to the start of grading. The problems were confirmed once the asphalt was removed and actual conditions could be observed.

The borings also identified a potential problem area in the southwest portion of the future parking lot. This turned out to be the larger problem and the most expensive to correct. The area contained a large quantity of old fill consisting of organic matter, asphalt, concrete, and building materials. It appears that at some time in the past this area was used as a dump of some sort. A lot of soil had to be replaced to achieve stable conditions.

The F&R soil engineer supervised all of the unsuitable soil corrective efforts and achieved satisfactory compaction test results in the affected areas.

The final cost to Shiloh for this unsuitable soil effort is right at $50,000. This cost is not part of the $1,310,000 construction contract with J H Batten. Fortunately the church voted to give the New Building Committee a budget of $40,000 to cover any costs that are not included in the construction contract - so the cost of the project has not increased by the full $50,000 - but it has increased.

Other costs to the church at present include a $1,000 increase to the soil erosion barrier and a $2,000 change to the electrical plan - both required by King George County. The county has also mentioned that they may require that the roof be constructed with fire-retardant plywood. This change would also result in additional cost. As soon as all of the additional cost factors are fully identified, the New Building Committee will come to the church for guidance.