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).
CG 7600, L.P.: CG 7600, L.P. is seeking a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) for 19.1560 acres of land located at 925 South Loop West, Houston, TX 77054. Since 1966, the site has been utilized by various commercial/industrial operators. The site is currently used by TNT Crane Services for crane rental, servicing and storage. The contamination consists of perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethene, vinyl chloride and 1,1-dichloroethane. A licensed Professional Engineer has certified that the area of contamination has been thoroughly investigated, is fully delineated and is stable.
CG 7600, L.P. 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 December 2, 2021 via Microsoft Teams and a public hearing was held on January 11, 2022 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 CG 7600, L.P. site located at 925 South Loop West, Houston, TX 77054, and support issuance of an MSD by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Director
Houston Public Works