Plum School District Still Waiting on Stormwater Management Approval for New Softball Field

Construction at the new Plum High School softball field has hit a setback, and it could cost the district.

At the school board facilities committee meeting on Tuesday, John Hummel, marketing segment leader for architect L.R. Kimball, said the stormwater management hasn't been approved by Plum Borough.

He said the under-surface retention facility currently lies outside of the outfield area near an embankment. Hummel said Plum borough engineer Bob Mitall requested the subsurface structure be relocated into the outfield and farther away from the embankment because extreme weather conditions could impact the stability of the slope.

Hummel said architects wanted to locate the retention facility away from the outfield because a manhole is required for access. Though the manhole would be six inches under the facade, it would have to be excavated periodically for maintenance.

Earlier this month, the Plum School Board awarded a $264,750 contract to Palumbo Landscaping Inc. of Penn Hills to install a new field next to the existing boys baseball field at the high school.

Because of stormwater management, the cost of the overall project was $16,000 more than the district had set aside for it.

Hummel said the relocation could cost the district some extra money due to piping requirements.

"We don't think it will be very significant," he said.

Hummel said engineers and architects will continue to monitor the situation closely.