PROJECT OVERVIEW
ESE Partners performed a targeted environmental investigation to evaluate impacts associated with unauthorized dumping at an undeveloped property. The assessment was completed to characterize buried materials, evaluate soil and groundwater conditions, and support corrective action planning under Texas regulatory frameworks.
CHALLENGE
Historical unauthorized dumping raised concerns regarding potential contamination from construction and demolition debris, including petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, and asbestos-containing materials. The site required a focused investigative approach to define environmental risk while minimizing unnecessary disturbance and supporting defensible remedial decision-making.
ESE’S APPROACH
ESE implemented a phased investigation consistent with ASTM Phase II Environmental Site Assessment practices and the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP). Work included geophysical surveying to delineate buried material, exploratory trenching to visually characterize debris, and targeted soil sampling for laboratory analysis. Suspect materials were evaluated for asbestos content. Temporary and permanent groundwater monitoring wells were installed and sampled to assess potential downgradient impacts. Investigation-derived waste was properly characterized and disposed.
FINDINGS
The investigation confirmed the presence of buried construction and demolition debris within the impacted area. Analytical results identified localized exceedances of applicable residential screening criteria for petroleum hydrocarbons and select metals in soil. Asbestos-containing materials were identified within portions of the buried debris. Groundwater sampling indicated limited exceedances of screening criteria for select constituents in the shallow groundwater system.
OUTCOME AND VALUE
ESE’s work established a clear, defensible understanding of site conditions and environmental risk. The findings provided a technical foundation to support corrective action planning, additional delineation where necessary, and future monitoring decisions. Through an integrated approach combining geophysical methods, targeted intrusive investigation, and regulatory-aligned analysis, ESE delivered actionable insight to support long-term site management and risk reduction.
