OUR SUCCESS STORIES
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐱𝐨𝐧𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭
Located in Houston, Texas, this 95-acre property was the location of the Exxon Chemical Plant that began operations in 1932. The plant included a fuel oil terminal, paints/coatings manufacturing, and specialty oil field chemical manufacturing. The plant was shut down in 1994. The Client has placed the property under contract and is set to purchase the property soon. Upon ExxonMobil’s acceptance of the agreement, the Client contracted with EEG to complete the following environmental tasks in advance of the upcoming real estate transaction:
Phase I ESA - Due to the long industrial history of the property, EEG completed an extensive Phase I ESA that included a records review and a site visit to observe the presence of on-site and off-site recognized environmental conditions (RECs). The primary recommendation of the Phase I ESA was that further sampling was necessary to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the property.
Affected Property Assessment - EEG completed an affected property assessment to determine the nature and extent of contamination in soil and groundwater at the property. Soil samples indicated that various VOCs and SVOCs were above TCEQ TRRP protective concentration levels (PCLs) at key locations within the proposed development areas. In addition, EEG completed TCEQ-required soil vapor and indoor air sampling underneath existing office-warehouse buildings to determine vapor intrusion risks. EEG then completed and submitted an Affected Property Assessment Report, which the TCEQ approved.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭
Located in Dallas, Texas, this 315-acre property was developed in the early 1940s as a Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) until it was shut down in 2014. Operations at the property during this time included large-scale aircraft and missile manufacturing. Upon ownership change to a developer, EEG was contracted to complete the following environmental tasks required by TCEQ and EPA:
Mountain Creek Lake Sediment Assessment/Remediation - As part of previously conducted sediment sampling, a PCB hot spot in sediments was discovered within a small cove on Mountain Creek Lake. As a result, EEG managed a hot spot sediment removal action that was completed in May 2018 and approved by the TCEQ. Also, sediment, ecological, and fish tissue studies conducted by EEG demonstrated that Monitored Natural Recovery (MNR) of contaminated sediments was the most cost-effective and protective response action. Based on this evidence, EEG submitted a Response Action Plan (RAP) for long-term MNR that TCEQ approved.
EEG continues to complete water, sediment, and fish tissue sampling every five years, submitting a Response Action Effectiveness Report (RAER) describing the results of sampling supporting the MNR remedy.
Indoor Air Sampling – TCEQ required indoor air sampling within two large office warehouses located over the existing on-site portion of the VOC plume to determine if vapor intrusion risk to on-site workers was present. EEG completed indoor air sampling based on a TCEQ-approved work plan. TCEQ then approved the report with results supporting the conclusion that no vapor intrusion was occurring.
Groundwater Remediation Pilot Tests - Off-site contaminated groundwater migrating onto the neighboring City of Dallas property requires treatment until it meets residential protection concentration levels. EEG managed the completion of a field pilot study using injections of sodium permanganate into the three groundwater bearing units underlying an approximate 2,000-foot area of trichloroethylene-affected groundwater on the property. The results indicated that extremely limited oxidant spread was observed, such that oxidant contact with all affected groundwater within the area was not occurring. As a result, EEG completed a RAP submittal to TCEQ proposing the use of Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation as the best method to treat contaminated groundwater effectively.
Groundwater Monitoring - EEG currently manages the annual groundwater monitoring of 50 on-site and off-site groundwater monitoring wells to determine if stable and decreasing concentrations of chemicals of concern are occurring.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐎𝐢𝐥 & 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲
Located in southwest Houston, Texas, this 9-acre property was developed as a polyethylene wax manufacturing facility for more than fifty years until its shutdown in 2017. Before acquiring the property, EEG’s client was accepted into TCEQ’s VCP. EEG then completed an affected property assessment to determine the nature, extent, and delineation of affected media on the property. The assessment identified VOCs, SVOCs, and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soil and groundwater above soil-to-groundwater migration PCLs. Further soil and groundwater investigations were conducted that successfully delineated all chemicals (COCs) of concern on-site. In addition, a trend of plume stability for all groundwater COCs was verified.
Based on the affected property assessment findings, EEG recommended and was approved by the client to submit a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) application to the City of Houston to receive an ordinance prohibiting the potable use of groundwater at the property. After completion of all municipal administrative requirements, a City of Houston MSD ordinance was issued. EEG then provided the ordinance in its MSD application to the TCEQ. Upon completion of their review, TCEQ then issued an MSD certificate prohibiting the potable use of groundwater at the property.
EEG then completed the Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR), which included the MSD certificate, thereby eliminating both soil-to-groundwater and groundwater ingestion exposure pathways. As a result, the report concluded that no additional response actions were necessary. TCEQ subsequently approved the APAR, and a final certificate of completion was issued.
𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭-𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Located near downtown Houston, this 4-acre industrial property originally operated as an acetylene production facility and later as a facility that heat-treated metal parts for use in the oil production industry. Upon identification of chemicals of concern in both soil and groundwater, EEG submitted a TCEQ VCP application on behalf of the client. An affected property assessment was completed that identified VOCs, SVOCs, and metals in soil and groundwater above commercial/industrial soil-to-groundwater and groundwater ingestion PCLs. EEG conducted an additional assessment, which confirmed delineation on-site and that the shallow groundwater plume was stable over time. As a result, EEG then submitted a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) application to the City of Houston to receive an ordinance prohibiting the potable use of groundwater at the property. After completion of all municipal administrative requirements, a City of Houston MSD ordinance was issued. EEG then provided the ordinance in its MSD application to the TCEQ. Upon completion of their review, TCEQ then issued an MSD certificate prohibiting the potable use of groundwater at the property.
Upon receipt of the TCEQ MSD certificate, EEG then completed the Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR). Because no non-ingestion exposure pathways PCL exceedance was identified, the report concluded that no additional response actions were necessary. TCEQ subsequently approved the APAR and issued a final certificate of completion.
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Industrial Properties Due Diligence Sampling Site Investigation
Located in south Houston, Texas, this 5-acre industrial property included two separate industrial tracts, a former metal parts machining and automotive repair business, and an active fence manufacturing business. Upon completion of a Phase I ESA confirming the presence of several current and historically recognized environmental conditions (RECs), EEG completed a limited site investigation to determine the nature and extent of potentially affected soil and groundwater at the property. The investigation results indicated the presence of trichloroethylene and its daughter products exceeding their respective residential and commercial/industrial PCLs in one on-site groundwater monitoring well. The report was submitted to the client within the client’s due diligence period before acquisition.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭
· Client – Rockport Terminals, LLC
· Location – Aransas Pass, Texas
· Project – Environmental Closure
Final Certificate of Completion Achieved for Former Aransas Pass Carbon Black Plant – AOC-1
We are proud to announce the successful closure of environmental activities at the 5.3-acre Former Aransas Pass Carbon Black Plant – AOC-1, located between Rockport and Aransas Pass, Texas. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has officially issued the sixth and final Certificate of Completion for this site—a significant milestone in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.
This final certificate, awarded by the RRC, follows five Certificates of Completion previously granted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), reinforcing our track record of excellence in site investigation and remediation.
Our involvement began with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), which identified recognized environmental conditions related to historic oil and gas pipelines. Epperson Environmental Group then conducted a detailed investigation, confirming the presence of total petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil and groundwater. However, all levels were within the regulatory standards established by the RRC. With no further action required, we successfully secured the Final Certificate of Completion.
This achievement clears the way for future redevelopment, and we’re excited to share what’s next: the transformation of the site into a fully operational, large-scale railyard. This project will not only enhance regional infrastructure but also support sustainable, long-term industrial growth.
To learn more or get involved, please get in touch with Chuck Epperson at 512-636-4305. Be part of the momentum driving the success of Rockport Terminals, LLC.
𝐃𝐢𝐱𝐢𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭
Client - Current Owner
Location - Houston, Texas
Project – Affected Property Assessment, Ground Water Cleanup
Dixie Electro Plating Company: A Legacy of Remediation and Resilience
The transformation of Dixie Electro Plating Company stands as a powerful example of resilience and environmental responsibility. Located on Engelke Street in Houston, this 2.5-acre property has long been a center of industrial activity, with a rich history of hard chrome and nickel plating operations.
Epperson Environmental Group (EEG) became involved when the site entered the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), initiating a comprehensive effort to address historical contamination. Investigations revealed the release of plating chemicals into the shallow groundwater near a former containment area and wastewater treatment sump.
Environmental assessments revealed the presence of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and nickel in groundwater at concentrations exceeding protective levels for potable use. EEG responded by installing a groundwater recovery system, which operated until sustained monitoring revealed that the groundwater plume had stabilized. This progress led to the approval of a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) as the long-term remedy for the site.
Demonstrating our continued commitment to responsible stewardship, EEG coordinated the MSD application process with the City of Houston and worked closely with TCEQ to secure the necessary ordinance and certificate. Further site activities included waste unit closures, an Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR), and a Response Action Plan (RAP). The RAP addressed isolated soil impacts beneath the facility building footprint, which are now effectively capped by the building structure itself.
In recognition of these successful actions, TCEQ issued a conditional Certificate of Completion, affirming the site’s compliance with regulatory standards and supporting its continued industrial use.
The story of Dixie Electro Plating Company is one of proactive remediation, long-term planning, and a dedication to sustainable industrial operations. This achievement reflects EEG’s core mission and values.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
Client -Future Owner
Location - Austin
Project – Affected Property Assessment
Roxie Drive Redevelopment: From Industrial Past to Environmental Success
A 0.7-acre former industrial site on Roxie Drive in northwest Austin has reached a significant milestone—earning the prestigious Certificate of Completion from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Once used as a storage yard and warehouse for an oilfield drilling company, this property supported decades of operations, including equipment maintenance, truck fueling, and chemical storage. After the site was vacated, Epperson Environmental Group conducted a thorough investigation to assess its environmental condition and potential future uses.
Our team conducted comprehensive soil and groundwater sampling to assess the site for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and metals. The results were promising: a detailed Tier 2 risk evaluation determined that no chemicals of concern exceeded Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) Protective Concentration Levels or Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) regulatory limits.
This finding led to the issuance of a final Certificate of Completion by TCEQ, officially clearing the site for redevelopment. Today, the former industrial yard stands ready to support new commercial and industrial opportunities, serving as a model for responsible cleanup and future-forward planning.
The Roxie Drive success story exemplifies how environmental diligence and expert remediation can transform legacy industrial properties into valuable assets for future generations.
𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐧/𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝
TCEQ Issues Certificate of Completion
Client -Developer
Location - Central San Antonio
Project – Affected Property Assessment
Revitalizing San Antonio: The Transformation of Former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage
We proudly celebrate a significant achievement with our developer client: the successful completion of environmental remediation for a 4-acre site just east of downtown San Antonio, now recognized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) with a Certificate of Completion.
Known as the “Former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage,” the property is steeped in history. Once home to cotton ginning and oil refining operations, the site later evolved into a cold storage and refrigeration facility. It was subsequently used for limited reuse—most recently as an entertainment venue—while much of it, including the iconic Merchants Ice building on Houston Street, remained vacant for decades.
Epperson Environmental Group partnered with the client to address the environmental challenges posed by this legacy site. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) identified several areas of concern, including a former machine shop in the cold storage engine room, historical underground storage tanks, and residual hazardous substances from earlier industrial uses.
Our team conducted an in-depth investigation of the soil and groundwater, culminating in the submission of an Affected Property Assessment Report (APAR) to the TCEQ. Using Tier 2 human health exposure pathway analysis, we confirmed that all contaminant levels were safely below Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels. TCEQ determined that no further action was required and awarded the final Certificate of Completion.
With the site now cleared for redevelopment, plans are underway to create a dynamic multi-family residential community. The design honors the site’s heritage by incorporating portions of the existing structures, blending historic character with modern, sustainable living.
The Former Merchants Ice & Cold Storage site is a powerful example of how environmental remediation and thoughtful redevelopment can breathe new life into historic properties, transforming a once-abandoned industrial site into a thriving, future-focused neighborhood.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝
Receives Certificate of Completion
Client - Developer
Location - Central Dallas
Project – Municipal Setting Designation and Affected Property Assessment
Old Dallas High School: Preserving History, Paving the Future
Our developer client has reached a significant milestone, securing a Certificate of Completion from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the iconic "Old Dallas High School" property—a 5.4-acre historic site located on Bryan Street in downtown Dallas.
Originally established as a public school in the late 19th century, the property includes a 125,000-square-foot, three-story school building with a basement, an asphalt-paved parking area, and adjacent undeveloped land. Vacant for many years, the site is now poised for a transformative future.
Environmental concerns emerged during early assessment activities, which revealed the presence of chlorinated solvents in the shallow groundwater beneath the property. In response, Epperson Environmental Group guided the client through the successful acquisition of a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) from the City of Dallas—an essential first step in addressing potential groundwater impacts.
Following this, our team conducted a targeted investigation of historical source areas using soil and groundwater sampling. Results confirmed that all contaminant concentrations were well below the Texas Risk Reduction Program Protective Concentration Levels. With this confirmation, TCEQ issued a final Certificate of Completion, clearing the site for residential redevelopment.
Today, the vision for Old Dallas High School is one of renewal, transforming this storied landmark into a vibrant residential community that blends historical character with modern design. This project stands as a testament to the power of environmental leadership and thoughtful urban revitalization.
Join us in celebrating the continued evolution of downtown Dallas, where the legacy of the past helps shape a bold, sustainable future.
𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝
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.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
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.
𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
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.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭/ 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲
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.
