https://charlescountygovernment.smugmug.com/Board-of-County-Commissioner-Events/Animal-Care-Center-Groundbreaking
LA PLATA, Md. — Progress continues at the future Charles County Animal Care Center, where site preparation efforts have reached a new phase requiring soil remediation to ensure long-term stability for the facility. During the April 8 commissioners meeting, county staff provided an update on the project’s next steps, including approval of a change order related to ground conditions.
Britta Hertling, chief of capital services, informed the commissioners that while the site was cleared and excavated to subgrade as planned, geotechnical testing showed that deeper soil layers would need to be replaced to support the new structure.
After consultation with engineers and project consultants, the county’s project team determined that the best path forward is to remove approximately 15,000 cubic yards of unsuitable soil and replace it with buildable material. Officials emphasized that modifications like this are common in large-scale construction projects, and this update reflects ongoing due diligence as the project advances.
The new Animal Care Center, located at 5690 Piney Church Road in Waldorf, will serve as a modern shelter for the county’s stray, sick, injured and unwanted domestic animals until they are adopted into permanent homes. It will replace the current facility, which has served the community for more than 60 years.
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Charles County commissioners joined staff from the Charles County Animal Shelter, the Department of Emergency Services and community members to break ground on the new facility—marking the start of an important expansion in animal welfare services in the county.
Commissioner Gilbert Bowling raised a broader point about land evaluation during the meeting, encouraging the county to better understand the history of properties before acquisition. “It’s important that as we acquire land in the future, we know what we’re working with,” Bowling said. “I say this to make sure that the taxpayer dollars are spent properly.”
The commissioners unanimously approved the change order, allowing the project to remain on track. Once complete, the Charles County Animal Care Center will expand capacity for animal sheltering and provide improved facilities for adoption, veterinary care and community education.
Learn more: Charles County Breaks Ground On New Animal Care Center
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