Barboursville Target, a popular retail store in Barboursville, West Virginia, is facing a significant risk of landslips. The store has been dealing with the aftermath of a landslip, and crews are currently working on the demolition of the affected area. However, the situation remains precarious as engineers hired by Target need to continuously evaluate the condition of the hillside, especially with the possibility of more rain and snow in the forecast.
The problems at the Barboursville Target site date back to 2001, according to court documents obtained by Eyewitness News. Just five weeks after the Merritt Creek Development site broke ground, an engineered fill slope failure occurred at the southeast corner of the area designated for the Target store. Lance Wolfe, a retired construction building consultant, emphasized the importance of thorough research and geotechnical studies before construction begins. Understanding the underlying strata is crucial to ensure the stability of the building and prevent any potential slips.
A lawsuit filed in 2007 revealed that fill was placed in an area known as “Shops A” in late 2001, leading to damage due to settlement in the following year. The case eventually reached the West Virginia Supreme Court, which, in 2011, reversed a judgment against the general contractor’s firm responsible for building Target. The court stated that the contractor could not have known that groundwater was a significant contributing factor until an engineering report in 2007.
The issue of landslides is not unique to Barboursville. Data from the 1980s indicated that West Virginia had the highest per capita landslide damages between the early 1970s and 1983. In 2021, a federal study conducted by FEMA, state emergency management, and West Virginia University focused on Cabell County. The study revealed that the back corner near Barboursville Target had a 70 to 100% probability of slope failure or landslide, with a potential width of at least 33 feet.
Rod Watkins, a retired construction administrator, analyzed a recent photo of the Target site and shared his opinion on the landslip. He observed that there were piles along the edge of the site, suggesting that something beyond site preparation may have triggered the failure. Watkins speculated that water intrusion could be a contributing factor.
In response to the situation, a Target spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to safety. They stated that the safety of their team, guests, and neighbors is their top priority. Target is actively working on addressing the land movement issue at the Barboursville store. Demolition efforts are underway, and additional steps will be taken to prepare for construction in the coming months. Target is closely monitoring the site’s condition and collaborating with local officials to ensure the area is secure and the store is repaired safely. However, no specific timeline for the store’s reopening has been provided.
The landslip risk faced by Barboursville Target highlights the importance of thorough research and geotechnical studies in construction projects. It serves as a reminder that understanding the underlying conditions of a site is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of buildings. As crews continue their work on the demolition and subsequent construction, the focus remains on securing the area and restoring the store to its former state while prioritizing the well-being of all involved.