CLEARFIELD — Visible signs of “life” at the Davis County Health Administration building site, here, are starting to appear.

Girders are being moved in place by a large crane, and construction workers are continuing on earlier phases of the 45,000-square-foot facility, which is projected to see completion before year’s end.

The building is rising on a site that has housed a number of structures and businesses in the past – some of which apparently left a variety of pollution. That has meant some unexpected pre-construction work on the part of general contractors Wadman Construction.

“Unforeseen debris” had to be removed to the tune of $135,000 in remediation efforts, said Davis County Planning Director Barry Burton. Contaminated soils, gas and diesel fuel had to be removed, he said, telling commissioners recently that “much of the soil didn’t need remediation.” Extra fill material, excavation and disposal created the bill.

“Only certain people can do that kind of work,” said County Commission Chair John Petroff. “That actually doesn’t seem like that much,” based on the price, he added.

“It could’ve been much, much more,” Burton said of the contamination. Some rock work had to be done and excavation in the basement area, he said, adding, “I don’t think there was anything out of line.”

“It’s a big ouch, but looking at the broader scope, it’s basically the donation of land,” said County Commissioner Bret Millburn.

In a related issue, architectural services were approved late last month by the county commission for the adjacent senior activity center building, which is anticipated to cost about $2 million.

Millburn told the Clipper a bid opening will probably be held between mid-March and the first of April. “Both the city (Clearfield) and the county are doing final reviews on the plan. Then it will go to the architect for a final set of plans to put out for bid,” he said.

The facility will cover about 9,000 square feet, all on one level, and will be connected to the new health administration building.

In addition to classroom and eating areas, and other traditional facilities found in senior activity centers, there will also be an area for travel immunizations, Medicare assistance staff, a dietician, case management, and more.

“It’s going to be fun,” speaking of the layout, said Senior Services Director Sally Kershisnik. “There will be a stage and dance area, exercise area, billiards. All the facets will be central to the stage.”

Speaking to the Davis County Senior Services Advisory Board, recently, Health Director Lewis Garrett suggested the new center should get christened with a new name.

The Heritage Center currently is housed in Clearfield’s Community Center, about a block from what will be its new location.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com