A geotechnical engineering report indicates there are no soil-related issues that would prohibit building a new police station on city-owned land next to Warren Field Airport, according to a memorandum from Mick Reed, Washington’s police chief, to the City Council.

The geotechnical report was prepared by Terracon, which was hired to evaluate the site chosen for the new facility. The city is planning to build a 15,000-square-foot facility at the intersection of Market Street Extension and Airport Road.

Some concerns about the suitability of the land for the proposed police station arose during a council meeting. The council approved spending up to $3,900 for an evaluation of the site. It also approved spending up to $6,100 for a detailed site survey, including topographic information.

The Terracon report did recommend a change in how stormwater runoff on the site should be addressed. The recommendation came after Terracon provided infiltration testing for the proposed stormwater retention structures.

“Based on the high water table and the surface zone of clay encountered in the borings, the use of a ‘dry’ pond does not appear feasible and alternatives should be explored,” reads a letter from Terracon to the city. “In addition, the soils excavated from detention ponds likely will be wet and difficult to adequately compact without extensive drying efforts. The use of off-site borrow to raise site grades should be planned and specified.”

The total cost of the police station project č construction, site preparation, soils analysis, architectural/engineering fees, moving costs and other fees – comes to an estimated $4.3 million, according to figures provided during the council’s March 8 meeting to discuss the project. The construction cost and site work cost combined come to $3.22 million. At that meeting, the council decided it wants the project cost closer to $3 million rather than $4.3 million.

The city has been seeking funding for other projects.

Last week, the city learned it’s been approved for a $612,000 loan to help pay for replacing the sewer pump station near the intersection of West Main and Respess streets. If the Local Government Commission approves the city borrowing the money, the funds would come from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The commission is a state agency that monitors the fiscal affairs of local governments.

The city’s next step regarding the project is submitting an engineering report to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources by July 1.