Compliance

Brownfields Cleanup

Austin Steel

Houston, Texas

One of dse’s largest turn-key remediation projects was the closure of Austin Steel’s metalworking plant which involved soil contamination from 75 years of on-site manufacturing activities. This project included 27 different chemicals including various VOCs, cuttings, lubricant, and hydraulic oils, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium) and TPH. This project was one of the earliest examples of a privatized Brownfield’s Initiative. Aggressive use of statistical methods and modeling techniques were used to demonstrate the achievement of cleanup goals which included: 1) Historical review of plant operations to determine the probable locations and identities of impacts, 2) Soil and groundwater sampling in order to delineate impacted soils and document the lack of impact to groundwater as well as confirming and documenting achievement of remedial goals, 3) Design of a remedial plan, preparation, review and negotiations of a bid package for potential remediation subcontractors to remove 6000 cubic yards of soil, and 4) Ongoing negotiations with the site buyer, their consultants, attorney, neighbors, and the TCEQ during site cleanup.