Preston Road/Brazos River Disposal Site

Client: Confidential Charitable Foundation

Location: Richmond, Texas, U.S.A.

Markets: Construction | Site Development | Commercial

Challenges

Under emergency response and dual agency Notice of Violation
(NOV), a massive volume of solid waste was discovered within a
remote area of Fort Bend County along the Brazos River in
Southeast Texas. Once confirmed as client’s land, it was
determined that this waste was disposed (by unknown parties)
over a period of ~20 years; it completely filled a steeply sloped,
broad, 75-foot deep ravine (having characteristically unstable
soils) and ultimately discharged waste into the sensitive Brazos
River, especially following heavy rains. Once investigated, the
waste presented multiple safety and environmental hazards, and
ongoing risk to the sensitive local environment. All waste would
require removal, proper transport, and regulated disposal. The
charitable foundation required “clean closure” certification,
without exception.

Debris accumulation in 75-foot deep ravine

Excavation and segregation of regulated wastes

Solution

TGE implemented immediate measures to minimize waste

discharge to the river;

Conducted comprehensive due diligence, historical research, and thoroughly evaluated the site’s original (pre-trespass) and current physical setting
Prepared a comprehensive remedial action plan integrated with sophisticated engineering controls (shoring and terracing) to simulate pre-disposal reclamation of the ravine
Performed geophysical screening for buried tanks/regulated structures
Prepared volume estimates utilizing statistical modeling
Evaluated and devised concurrent disposal options for various waste “streams”
Prepared a benchmark-driven time line for completion of the work
Evaluated job hazards and prepared contingency plans
Finalized and formally presented the plan, budget, and schedule for full board/trustee consideration
With full board authorization, TGE executed the plan as proposed and worked closely with the Executive Director, dual agency personnel, and the local community.

Outcome

Concurrent application of engineering controls, near “surgical”

waste excavation, sorting/characterization, implementation of

site-specific safety measures, and continual site grading (to

manage/control stormwater flow), allowed full removal of the

waste. Removal was followed by required confirmation testing,

and careful reclamation of the ravine area to pre-disposal

conditions.

On time, under budget, successful regulated removal of over 19,000 cubic yards of solid waste under sophisticated engineering design; resulting in final slope integrity and non-conditional “clean closure” through both Fort Bend County and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Foundation received a letter of commendation from the County for the professional manner in which the matter was handled. No fines were levied and the NOVs were canceled thereafter.