MORGANTOWN — While COVID-19 and the various restrictions aimed at slowing its spread have brought most activity to a grinding halt, construction — specifically more than $150 million in local public works projects — continues to move forward.
Morgantown Utility Board Spokesman Chris Dale said work on the utility’s $101.8 million overhaul of its Star City wastewater treatment plant is about 85% complete based on contract price.
Dale said MUB has discussed the feasibility of work stoppages with contractor Ulliman Schutte Construction due to COVID-19, but has determined that to be unnecessary at this time.
“Given the engineering and scientific complexities involved with upgrading the WWTP while simultaneously continuing the operation of the WWTP, discontinuing work presents numerous and substantial challenges,” Dale said.
Building, construction and other trades that support essential infrastructure are deemed essential per Governor Jim Justice’s order of March 24.
He went on to say MUB is investigating a citizen-generated complaint regarding COVID-19 safety concerns at the plant/construction site, but remains “confident that the concerns will prove to be unfounded.”
According to Dale, a number of measures including pre-entry temperature screening, social distancing, gathering restrictions, tool-sharing policies and a reduction in staff have been implemented.
Despite most of the work being done in the open air over a large swath of land, Dale said similar measures have been implemented at the plant’s sister project, the $50 million Flegal Dam and Reservoir.
“The contractor, Kanawha Stone, is 23% complete based on contract price and the project is roughly a year behind schedule,” Dale said. “We are working closely with the contractor to hopefully recover some of the lost time, and to prevent any further delays.”
Construction of the raw water pipeline through White Park connecting the reservoir to MUB’s treatment facility is complete.
Dale said contractor D&M Construction has installed 97% of the pipe and has only to bore beneath Don Knotts Boulevard and install valve vaults at the water treatment facility.
Project updates will be discussed at MUB’s April 14 meeting, to be held at 5:30 p.m. via video conferencing and available on Comcast Channel 15 and at morgantownwv.gov.
Anyone wishing to provide input has until 4 p.m. on April 14 to email Dale at cdale@mub.org or text or leave a voice message at (681) 404-0860.
