OUR SUCCESS STORIES

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Client - Current Owner

Location - Houston, Texas

Project –  Affected Property Assessment, Ground Water Cleanup 

The transformation of Dixie Electro Plating Company is a testament to resilience and environmental stewardship. Nestled on Engelke Street in Houston, our 2.5-acre property has been a hub for hard chrome and nickel plating operations since 1939, showcasing a rich legacy of industrial excellence.

In 1997, the property became part of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Voluntary Cleanup Program (TCEQ VCP), marking the beginning of our commitment to environmental remediation. Over the years, rigorous investigations since 1999 revealed a release of plating chemicals into the shallow groundwater near a former containment area and wastewater treatment sump, both decommissioned in 2003.

Facing challenges head-on, we identified cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and nickel in the groundwater, surpassing potable water protective concentration levels. Swift action ensued, with the installation of a groundwater recovery system that operated until 2011. Subsequent monitoring by Epperson Environmental Group (EEG) demonstrated stabilization of the groundwater plume, leading TCEQ to endorse a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) as the long-term response for the property.

Our commitment to excellence continued with the filing of an MSD application with the City of Houston in 2013, culminating in the issuance of an MSD ordinance in 2016 and the coveted MSD certificate from TCEQ in 2017.

In 2020, EEG's closure reports for waste management units and an Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR) showcased our dedication to meticulous documentation. A Response Action Plan (RAP) outlined soil contamination beneath a portion of the facility building footprint, effectively capped and controlled by the building itself. Recognizing this achievement, TCEQ granted a conditional Certificate of Completion in April 2021.

Witness the success story of Dixie Electro Plating Company – a harmonious blend of environmental responsibility and strategic remediation, shaping a future of sustainable industrial practices.

Client - Current Owner 

Location - Aransas Pass, Texas

Project –  Affected Property Assessment, Soil and Ground Water Cleanup  

We proudly announce the successful milestones achieved at the Former Aransas Pass Carbon Black Plant, VCP No. 2885. Our journey, marked by dedication and environmental responsibility, saw the issuance of TCEQ VCP Certificates of Completion for Partial Response Action Areas (PRAA) 2 and 3 on October 9th, 2018.

Continuing our commitment, TCEQ recognized our efforts with Certificates of Completion for PRAA 4 on April 8, 2019, and PRAA 5 on April 22, 2019, heralding a new era of accomplishment.

Dive deeper into our transformative initiatives at the 315-acre former Nilok Chemical Plant in Aransas Pass, Texas. Through meticulous Affected Property Assessments, Soil Remediation, and Response Action Completion Reports in 2017-2018, we addressed over 9,000 cubic yards of affected soils. These soils underwent a revolutionary bioremediation process in a composting area, aligning with our goal of remediating TPH-contaminated soils to TCEQ standards. In a testament to our commitment to sustainability, we successfully removed over 2,000 gallons of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) from the groundwater, contributing to environmental conservation.

Our journey doesn't stop here. As of the latest update on August 2, 2019, our team is actively engaged in a soil/groundwater assessment for RRC AOC-1, coupled with ongoing TCEQ PRAA6 landfill activities. Having undergone rigorous testing and turning for successful remediation, the soils are set to be repurposed as on-site fill, ensuring a seamless transition toward a sustainable future.

Stay tuned as we continue to redefine industry standards, contributing to a legacy of environmental excellence.

 Client -Future Owner
Location - Austin
Project – Affected Property Assessment 

The 0.7-acre former industrial gem nestled on Roxie Drive in northwest Austin proudly receives the prestigious Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Certificate of Completion.

With roots dating back to the 1970s, this historic property served as an oilfield drilling company storage yard and an office building warehouse, witnessing decades of oilfield service equipment storage, maintenance, truck fueling, and chemical storage activities until its vacating in 2014.

In our pursuit of environmental excellence, Epperson Environmental Group delved into a comprehensive soil and groundwater sampling investigation, shedding light on the presence of semi-volatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, total petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals within on-site soil and groundwater. However, meticulous analysis of Tier 2 exposure pathways revealed a reassuring outcome – no chemicals of concern were detected above Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels or Petroleum Storage Tank regulation levels.

This resounding success paved the way for the issuance of a final Certificate of Completion by the TCEQ, unlocking the potential for future commercial and industrial development of this property. Witness the transformation of this former industrial hub into a beacon of environmental responsibility and a canvas for future development, setting new standards for sustainable progress. 
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 ​TCEQ Issues Certificate of Completion

Client -Developer
Location - Central San Antonio
Project – Affected Property Assessment

We celebrated a groundbreaking achievement with our developer client, who has been honored with a Certificate of Completion from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a remarkable 4-acre property situated just east of downtown San Antonio – the renowned "Former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage."

While a portion of the property found recent use as an entertainment venue, the majority, including the iconic Merchants Ice & Cold Storage building on Houston Street, stood vacant. The property's historical narrative is rich, dating back to a cotton gin and cottonseed oil refining and storage operations period from 1888 to 1912, before transitioning to cold storage and refrigeration in 1920. However, since 1992, most of the property had been abandoned.

Facing environmental challenges head-on, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) uncovered recognized environmental conditions tied to a machine shop in the cold storage engine room, historic underground storage tanks, and hazardous substances from the former cotton gin and cottonseed oil refining process. Undaunted, Epperson Environmental Group conducted a thorough soil and groundwater assessment, submitting an Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR) to the TCEQ.

Through a Tier 2 analysis of human health exposure pathways, it was determined that all soil and groundwater concentrations fell below the Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels. In recognition of this success, the TCEQ mandated no further action and granted a final Certificate of Completion, paving the way for future residential development of the property.

Looking ahead, the vision for this property is set to come to life with the construction of a new multi-family development. This innovative project will integrate some of the existing buildings, weaving together the rich historical fabric of the site with modern, sustainable living spaces. Join us in witnessing the transformation of "Former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage" into a vibrant hub of residential development, where history meets the future.

 Receives Certificate of Completion

Client - Developer
Location - Central Dallas
Project – Municipal Setting Designation and Affected Property Assessment 

Our esteemed developer client secured a Certificate of Completion from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the iconic "Old Dallas High School" property, spanning 5.4 acres in downtown Dallas on Bryan Street.

This historic site, tracing its roots to its inception as a public school in 1885, encompasses a 125,000-square-foot three-story school building with a basement, an asphalt-paved parking lot, and adjacent vacant land. The journey of this once-vacant property, teeming with history, has now reached a pinnacle of achievement.

In a dedicated effort to address environmental considerations, a prior assessment brought to light the presence of chlorinated solvents in shallow groundwater beneath the property. Responding with diligence, Epperson Environmental Group navigated the complexities by obtaining a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) from the City of Dallas, laying the groundwork for assessing potential contaminants.

Executing a comprehensive soil and groundwater assessment of historical source areas, Epperson Environmental Group confirmed a resounding success – all on-site soil and groundwater concentrations were found to be below the Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels. Recognizing this achievement, the TCEQ granted a final Certificate of Completion, signaling the green light for future residential development of this historic property.

As we look forward, envision the rebirth of the "Old Dallas High School" property into a vibrant hub of residential excellence, seamlessly blending the rich tapestry of its past with the promise of a dynamic future. Join us in celebrating this transformative success that adds a new chapter to the legacy of downtown Dallas.

 Receives Certificate of Completion

Client -Developer
Location - Dallas
Project – Affected Property Assessment

We look back on one of our most recognized milestone achievements as a 6-acre former industrial haven, nestled on Maple Avenue in Dallas, secured a coveted Certificate of Completion from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

This historically rich property has seen various industrial chapters unfold, from a former lumber yard and steel plate manufacturing facility to a truck repair facility and, most recently, office buildings. The transformation of this landscape, marked by resilience and forward-thinking, is a testament to our commitment to environmental excellence.

Delving into a comprehensive assessment, we obtained oil and groundwater samples, revealing the presence of semi-volatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, total petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals in on-site soil and groundwater.

In a resounding triumph, our findings showcased that no chemicals of concern exceeded the Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels, and no actions were deemed necessary under TCEQ Petroleum Storage Tank Regulations.

This success story led to the issuance of a final Certificate of Completion by the TCEQ, opening the doors for future residential development of this prime property. As we look ahead, envision the evolution of the Maple Avenue property into a vibrant residential community, seamlessly merging the echoes of its industrial past with the promise of a sustainable and thriving future.

Join us in celebrating this triumph, where environmental stewardship meets visionary development, setting a new standard for revitalizing industrial landscapes.  

 Client - ABMIC
Location - Plano, Texas
Project – Affected Property Assessment, Soil Cleanup 

Adjacent to the railroad tracks that support the new Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) line to the Dallas Fort Worth Airport and close to historic downtown Plano, the 18.5-acre General Cable production plant was an attractive property for redevelopment.
General Cable operated a large wire and cable manufacturing plant at this location until the 1980s. Solvents used in the manufacturing process contributed to surface and groundwater contamination.  An affected property assessment was completed and the property was entered into the VCP.  Soils affected with metals and volatile organics compounds contamination were removed to residential standards and a Response Action Completion Report (RACR) was submitted to TCEQ, approved and a final certificate of completion was issued.  Today the property has been subdivided into multiple transportation warehouse tenants. The owner has updated the exterior of the building and added landscaping, thereby making it a productive and attractive addition to the community.

 Client - ABMIC
Location - Dallas, Texas
Project – Affected Property Assessment, Soil Cleanup 

Located at 3200 Ross Avenue in Dallas, Texas, this 1.32-acre property is an area transitioning from light industrial to mixed use residential. The site was initially developed in 1907 as a laundry and dry cleaner; it closed its doors in 1997. Underground plumes of contaminated groundwater containing chlorinated solvents originating from on-site underground storage tanks were identified beneath the site.  The property was entered into the VCP and received an MSD certificate.   Approximately 1,600 cubic yards of solvent contaminated soils and six underground storage tanks that had once held chlorinated solvents and diesel fuel were removed and disposed of off-site.  The TCEQ issued a final Certificate of Completion and  the property was sold to a local Dallas developer. Today construction is complete on a 45 new brick-and-stone residential townhome development.

 Client - ABMIC
Location - Dallas, Texas
Project – Affected Property Assessment, Soil Cleanup 

 The former 2306 Motor Street property is strategically located one-half mile from Parkland Hospital and the UT Southwestern Medical Facility, well-positioned to serve the housing needs resulting from the expansion of the hospital and the medical campus.  Much of 2306 Motor Street was perceived as heavily contaminated with lead and heavy metals (from past lead battery cracking and remanufacturing activity) and from unknown activities at a former food processing plant also located on-site.  The affected property assessment included an investigation of a drum storage area, oil/water separators, chemical storage above-ground storage tanks, and lead-contaminated soils from the historic battery recycling operation.
Remediation of the property began with the City of Dallas MSD ordinance and resulting TCEQ MSD certificate followed by the removal of approximately 1,200 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soils to residential use standards.  TCEQ approved the RACR and then issued a final certificate of completion for the property.  Today, the site is now a $30 million mixed-use development with 263 apartments and 43,000 square feet of retail space, providing housing and services to the surrounding medical community.