Richland Center, WI
Earlier this year, The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC) announced the purchase of three parcels of land totaling just over 40 acres on Highway 14 and the TRHC Board of Directors’ intent to construct a new facility on the property. The combined cost of the land purchased from Koch Tractor and Premier Cooperative was approximately $1.2 million.
Prior to the purchase of these parcels, TRHC and the hospital board of directors insisted upon extensive environmental testing of soils and groundwater. A full Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was performed by Vierbicher Associates, Inc. which identified areas of environmental concern based on historical and existing site conditions. With that determination and in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), TRHC hired True North Consultants to perform multiple Phase 2 ESAs that included initial soil and groundwater sampling in areas identified by Vierbicher as being a concern. The initial soil and groundwater sampling identified slightly elevated petroleum and petroleum byproducts nearest the area where the former Koch Tractor buildings stood. Additional soil and groundwater sampling was completed to further address these concerns for the WDNR and, based on resident feedback, to further reevaluate the area east of the buildings that historically was used by Koch for tractor and implement storage. Additional soil and groundwater sampling in that area did not identify any contamination in soil and/or groundwater. Upon completion of Phase 2 ESA testing, the WDNR determined that no further action was required in regard to the remediation of soils or groundwater at the property.
In October, the remediation, demolition, and recycle of the existing structures previously owned by Koch Tractor were completed. TRHC brokered the sale of an existing 220’ x 60’ pole shed with a private party via a Wisconsin Surplus online auction. The private party paid $13,100 for the pole shed and entirely deconstructed the building with the intent to reuse all materials. The sale and deconstruction of that structure further reduced demolition costs and reduced burden on area landfills.
Following the cap and removal of the well on the property and the proper removal of the septic system, Robinson Brothers, a special projects contractor out of Waunakee, WI, performed asbestos remediation, demolition and recycle of the remaining block building and small garage on site. Robinson Brothers separated and recycled all materials possible including crushing all concrete aggregate deemed safe to reuse. This recycled concrete aggregate stockpile will be used as base for future roads and parking lots on the property. Video taken of the demolition process can be found on the TRHC YouTube channel here.
Meanwhile, TRHC leadership has formed a planning committee consisting of hospital board members and staff. The committee has contracted Wipfli LLP to complete a TRHC strategic plan, market assessment and financial feasibility study regarding future healthcare needs in the greater Richland County area. No timeline for new construction has been established to date. TRHC will continue to engage our staff and community about this project via internal communications, our website, TRHC social media accounts, special events, and local media.
The Richland Hospital, Inc., is an independent, integrated group medical practice and critical access hospital – celebrating nearly 100 years of service to the health care needs of people in Richland Center and the surrounding area. The Richland Hospital, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is located 60 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin, and 65 miles east of La Crosse. For more information about The Richland Hospital and Clinics or this project, contact Shawna Connor, Director of Community Relations & Marketing, 608.647.1886 or shawna.connor@richlandhospital.com.
Photos:
Demolition Photo credit: The Richland Hospital and Clinics
Crushing Photo credit: Drew Shonka Photography