Penn Hills may change geotechnical engineer for elementary center
By Zak Koeske
Penn Hills School District officials don't plan to be caught off guard by the discovery of pyrite at the construction site of the new elementary center.
Last month, the board paid $255,000 for a change order for pyrite remediation after the sulfide mineral was discovered unexpectedly during excavation on the new high school building. Geotechnical engineering contractor Advantage Engineers had not tested for pyrite before construction.
At the recommendation of director of business affairs Richard Liberto, the school board will vote on Monday to terminate officially Advantage's contract on the elementary center. D'Appolonia Engineers of Monroeville is expected to be hired to perform all geotechnical testing associated with the design of the elementary project and accompanying athletic fields.
Advantage will continue to operate in its current capacity on the high school construction project because D'Appolonia declined to take it over, citing liability concerns since it had not provided the original construction design.
D'Appolonia estimates its total service cost at $42,261.
Pyrite, which doesn't pose a problem when left undisturbed beneath the ground, can expand and damage surface structures if exposed to water or air.