In 2003, the Texas Legislature authorized the creation of Municipal Setting Designations (MSD), which designate an area in which the use of contaminated groundwater is prohibited for use as potable water. The law is administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and requires local City support to designate an MSD. The intent of the legislation is to encourage redevelopment of vacant or abandoned properties while protecting public health. On August 22, 2007, City Council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances by adding Article XIII relating to groundwater, which provides a process to support or not support an MSD application to the State (ordinance amended 7/14/2010).
Grant Prideco, LP Application: Grant Prideco, LP is seeking a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) for 17.1289 acres of land located at 6300 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011. The former Vallourec facility is currently owned by Grant Prideco, LP part of National Oilwell Varco (NOV). NOV acquired the property from Vallourec Drilling Products USA, Inc. in 2018. The contamination on the site consists of arsenic and benzene. The contamination is associated with historic fueling activities. A licensed Professional Engineer has certified that the area of contamination has been thoroughly investigated, is fully delineated and is stable.
Grant Prideco, LP is seeking an MSD for this property to restrict access to groundwater to protect the public against possible exposure to the contaminants. There is a public drinking water supply system that meets state requirements that supplies or is capable of supplying drinking water to the MSD property and all properties within one-half mile of the MSD property. A public meeting was held on October 12, 2020 via MicroSoft Teams, and a public hearing was held on November 12, 2020 during the Regulatory and Neighborhood Affairs Council Committee. Both meetings are necessary steps prior to City Council’s consideration of support.
Recommendations: It is recommended that City Council adopt a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) ordinance prohibiting the use of designated groundwater at the Grant Prideco, LP site located at 6300 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011, and support issuance of an MSD by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
_________________________________
Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Director
Houston Public Works