The Worcester County Board of Education retained professional services to replace the existing 40-year-old Showell Elementary School after a 2014 feasibility study identified significant building deficiencies. In addition to constructing the new facility, the project included developing associated stormwater management systems and improving parking areas and roadway infrastructure.  Hillis-Carnes provided comprehensive services in support of the design and construction of the new 104,000 SF school on the 28.72-acre site, including environmental consulting, geotechnical engineering, and construction materials testing and inspection (CMT).

Environmental services included completion of Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). The Phase I ESA involved a review of available records and historical documentation to evaluate the potential presence of hazardous materials, including suspected waste previously removed from an on-site septic system. Based on identified concerns, a Phase II ESA was conducted, consisting of subsurface exploration and groundwater evaluation to assess potential impacts to soil and groundwater. Two recognized environmental conditions (RECs) were identified during Phase I; however, the Phase II investigation determined that no further environmental action was warranted for the site.

Following completion of the environmental assessments, Hillis-Carnes performed a geotechnical investigation to support design and construction. This effort included subsurface exploration, laboratory testing, and engineering analyses to evaluate site conditions and provide recommendations for foundation design, earthwork, and site development. A comprehensive geotechnical report was prepared in accordance with project specifications and applicable standards.

During construction, Hillis-Carnes provided construction materials testing and inspection services to verify compliance with project requirements. Services included field and laboratory testing and inspection of soils, concrete, reinforcing steel placement, masonry, structural steel, asphalt pavement, and prepared subgrade to ensure quality control and adherence to design specifications.