Section 2: Environmental Site Assessment and Investigations

Keys to success in dealing with potentially contaminated sites are:
  • Early identification and assessment
  • Early coordination with:
    • Design Division (DES)
    • Environmental Affairs Division (ENV)
    • Right of Way Division (ROW)
    • Construction Division (CST)
    • Procurement Division (PRO)
    • Professional Engineering Procurement Services (PEPS)
    • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
    • Responsible parties, local entities and regulatory agencies
  • Early determination and use of measures to avoid or minimize involvement during construction activities at the site.
Environmental site assessments should be performed early in the project development process to identify potentially contaminated sites. The findings of an initial site assessment or investigations performed by the district may indicate the need for more detailed assessment that can potentially influence project design. This more detailed assessment will generally be a comprehensive site investigation designed to fully characterize the type, concentration, and location of hazardous materials likely to be encountered during construction. The results of the assessment will be utilized for:
  • Development of a preventive action plan
  • Development of plans and specifications
  • Monitoring/testing during design and construction.
It is necessary to coordinate with TxDOT divisions, FHWA, TCEQ and other agencies to ensure timely and efficient project development. The results of the environmental site assessment and investigations are the basis for design and construction considerations. Right-of-way acquisition and utility adjustments should also be analyzed as part of the project development phase.
The environmental site assessment and investigations should provide adequate information so that all design considerations and factors can be examined and analyzed with regard to possible contamination within the proposed project limits. This information should focus on identifying, quantifying, and delineating the vertical and horizontal extents of soil and groundwater contamination that will be affected during construction.