Define priceless. Remediation or abatement issues are common in construction today. Entire industries are dedicated to meeting these needs. And they have a price tag. Large ones, with lots of zeros behind several commas -- even before environmental or health impacts are examined.
Over in Blacksburg, a renovation is adding to the purchase price of a property, even with contingency funds being factored into the equation. Although environmental tests were done prior to the purchase, and with oversight from regulatory agencies such as the EPA and DEQ, groundwater and soil contamination is now being addressed as part of the project. Residents shouldn't worry, however, as federal historic tax credits may help offset the total public costs. When all is said and done, the community will benefit from having more space for more government.
When the new Christiansburg Middle School was being built, unexpected remediation became necessary due to years of farm equipment and waste being uncovered. The county recently agreed to purchase an old gas station and so should prepare for contingencies for possible unforeseen abatement issues, too. This just after a a water study for an Elliston development was conducted, declaring "enough" wellwater but not really addressing quality issues. In Giles County, "safe" fly ash is to serve as the base for a future building site. Residents shouldn't worry, however, about short or long term harm to the groundwater or the nearby New River, because it's all being done for the good of local school children.
When the Town of Christiansburg was again working on drain repairs at the Cambria railroad crossing, no one was planning on summer rainshowers. Historic buildings were nearly swamped by clogged pipes and stormwater -- and mud from other area construction sites washed downhill and filled the streets. Residents shouldn't worry, however, because all work is done in compliance with soil, sediment and erosion control standards. Nothing bad could happen to the nearby waterway from area groundwater or storm run off.
An infamous landfill is almost "safe" now per the EPA, years after this agency told residents there weren't any significant problems.
If the EPA and DEQ are involved and their standards being met, at a minimum, in all these local examples -- why should citizens worry?
Because "priceless" isn't something you can buy with a plastic card. Priceless is something as elemental as clean water or a healthy environment.
Too bad no one has figured out how to get petroleum waste from groundwater, and reconvert it into gasoline. At nearly $5/gallon, seems like a good way to get more mileage while keeping water sources clean.