Concerns over soil testing practices took center stage at the Peabody Conservation Committee meeting on July 30, 2025, as members questioned the legality and safety of recent excavation activities at a site managed by Benito Construction. The discussions highlighted a lack of clarity regarding the presence of a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) during these operations, raising alarms about potential environmental implications.

Committee member Bill explained that the excavations were conducted to assess soil conditions for regrading purposes, as the project aims to avoid removing material from the site. However, he acknowledged that the team had opted against formal soil testing due to high costs, despite being in contact with their LSP, Jeff Lawson, and the engineering firm Ty and Bond.

Lucia, another committee member, expressed serious concerns about the implications of these actions, particularly regarding the site's status as an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) area, which may contain contaminated soils. She urged the team to consult with Ty and Bond and their legal counsel before proceeding with any further site activities, warning that the situation could escalate with regulatory bodies.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and maintaining transparent communication with city officials, especially as the project moves forward. The outcome of this meeting may significantly impact the relationship between the construction team and the city, as well as the future of the site development.