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 »
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 »
Engineering services Environmental services
Secure Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs): Compliance and Testing
Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs) Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) and Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs), are vital components within the fuel industry, frequently found at gas stations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of PSTs, construction materials, safety considerations, environmental impacts, and the essential role of a Texas-licensed engineer. Furthermore, we’ll highlight an upcoming regulatory change from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which mandates lead testing for all PSTs constructed before a specified date. SSCI stands ready to assist with this testing requirement. Types of PSTs: Underground Storage Tanks (USTs): USTs are buried below ground, commonly used Read More »
Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSCI) has worked extensively with various owners, contractors, and transportation agencies to resolve issues encountered during the construction of new roads. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy— the book and subsequent movies and broadcasts — is a satire (1981) making light of right-of-way (ROW) issues. In the original book, an alien wrecking crew destroys Earth to make way for a new intergalactic bypass. In the movie, a human construction crew knocks down the main character’s house with all his belongings still inside because the home is in a newly “declared” ROW. In real life, however, ROW Read More »
Detention Ponds Engineering services Environmental services
Detention Pond Maintenance Tips and Stormwater Quality Permit
Most counties and cities require annual inspections and periodic re- permitting of detention and retention ponds. SSCI can assist you in renewing your annual Houston Public Works Stormwater Quality Permit. Be sure your contractor understands and can remediate ALL violations for your failed facility (i.e. a landscaper may re-vegetate well, but they may not be the best option if you have other maintenance issues). Specific violations are noted on the inspection report page and on the code form page in your information packet. Ponds must be restored to ALL design specifications. Wet detention pond: a pond designed to have a Read More »
SSCI was selected to accomplish the fuel tank removal of a former gas station on the TxDOT 288 Expansion Project. SSCI provided the engineering design, construction, and environmental field investigations for the tank removal. The fueling system consisted of two (2) 20,000-gallon underground storage tanks (USTs). One containing gasoline and the other diesel fuel. Please read below to see how this was accomplished one step at a time. Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Surveys First step: SSCI performed an Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey for demolition. The objective was to identify and sample suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and Lead-Based Paint Materials Read More »