As the temperatures start to warm in Texas, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for recreational activities. Off-road vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, and other all-terrain machines) offer an exhilarating way to explore nature, but they also pose significant risks to our wetlands and waters. Tire Tracks and Habitat Destruction – Off-road vehicles can damage wetlands by tearing up soil and vegetation. This destruction leads to erosion, habitat loss, and the displacement of native species. Click here for more information. Water Pollution and Soil Disruption – When wetlands are disturbed, soil and pollutants can wash into nearby streams and lakes, affecting water Read More »
Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs) Stay Compliant & Optimize Your Fuel Systems Notice of Construction (NOC) Submission Get instant acknowledgment by submitting a Notice of Construction (NOC) via STEERS EPermits. This system allows submissions for both new and existing facilities. Only the latest TCEQ-0495 Underground & Aboveground PST Construction Notification (NOC) will be accepted. Forms with a revision date before June 2024 (lower left corner) will no longer be processed. Fill out all sections except Part G: Consultant Information. Faster Processing with STEERS We highly recommend using STEERS EPermits to submit: Renewals Owner/operator updates Tank updates, including: Temporarily Out of Service Read More »
As of August 14, 2024, the TCEQ has adopted the 2024 TPDES Phase II (Small) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit. This permit applies to new or expanded urban areas with a population of at least 50,000 people in the 2020 Decennial Census. Applications for the MS4 General Permit (TXR040000) must be submitted to the TCEQ by February 11, 2025. Municipalities, industries, and developers in the Houston area must act promptly to develop or update their Stormwater Management Programs (SWMPs) before submitting their applications. Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSCI) offers Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) services designed to Read More »
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Investigators often observe violations during Industrial and Hazardous Waste (IHW) compliance evaluations and investigations. Here are some Common Issues: Failure to conduct weekly inspections of the container storage area. Failure to properly label containers of paint and paint related waste managed as universal waste. Failure to close containers of of hazardous waste when not adding or removing waste. Failure to properly date universal waste containers/or maintain a correct record of the accumulation date. Failure to have containers clearly marked and visible with accumulation start date. Failure to have containers labeled “Hazardous Waste”. Failure to Read More »
We will be closed January 21, 2025 due to the upcoming winter storm. Depending on the weather conditions in the morning, we will be back in the office half a day. 24/7 EMERGENCY CALL NUMBER 1-(800) 324-7724
SSCI provides the following Wetlands and Ecological Services: Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) and Wetland delineation Threatened and Endangered Species assessment Water quality sampling Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) compliance USACE permitting Mitigation planning Restoration plans Oversight and monitoring, wildlife census surveys, wildlife management, vegetative assessments, permit preparation, and environmental compliance inspections and managment. Reduce Pollution: Wetlands trap oil, sewage and other pollutants in our water supplies. Control Erosion: Sediments settling in rivers and streams kill fish and aquatic animals, and damage habitats. Wetland vegetation helps maintain a natural and healthy shoreline. Improve Water Quality: Wetlands absorb and filter Read More »
Thought for the New Year: “Where the mind goes, the body will follow” – Arnold Schwarzenegger SSCI thanks you for your continued business and wishes you a fabulous new year! As in the past, SSCI has made donations to the following organizations to show our appreciation: Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC), Texas Extension Service’s 4-H programs, League City Historical Society (LCHS), and Interfaith Caring Ministries (ICM). ABNC was founded based on the conviction that an educated, involved community is vital to the preservation of our natural environment. ABNC has two missions: provide environmental education to the public and act as Read More »
As the winter season approaches, it’s not just homes and businesses that need preparation. Our natural and built environments also require special care to stay resilient during colder months. At SSCI Environmental, we’re committed to helping our communities protect natural resources while maintaining infrastructure designed for stormwater management. Here are some winter preparation tips focused on environmental sustainability. “Water is a natural resource we borrow. We don’t own it, we don’t keep it. We use it. When temporarily stored in a pond, water is ours to use and enjoy. Souls are soothed around water. Wildlife drinks it. The gurgling-stream sounds Read More »
In the United States, an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a specialized report crafted to evaluate a property’s potential exposure to environmental hazards. This assessment not only looks at the land itself but also considers any physical structures or developments on the site. Its primary purpose is to identify and assess any existing or potential environmental liabilities, offering valuable insight into the property’s environmental health and risks. Understanding the Basics: Since the 1980s, the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) has been a vital tool in protecting landowners under The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA’s) “innocent landowner Read More »
SSCI incorporates an Axillary AST and redesign of generator belly-tanks to increase emergency power run-time from 21 hours to 165 hours – 6.9 days. The first step: Increase backup fuel capacity from 21 to 37 hours at 50% load by doubling the existing generator belly-tank capacity. The second step: Implemented a strategic and flexible fuel storage design by incorporating a new 5,000-gallon AST, automatic refill systems, and emergency backup power connections extending generator run-time to an impressive 165 hours (6.9 days) at 50% load. 1. Needs analysis, full PE-sealed engineering drawings, permit preparation, and regulatory document submissions. 2. Design and Read More »