Improperly maintained detention ponds are one of the most common causes of regulatory violations and unexpected repair costs for property owners. Detention ponds are crucial in flood prevention and stormwater mitigation. Improperly maintained detention ponds could result in local flooding and property damage. Their purpose is to reduce peak stormwater runoff rates by providing temporary storage and mitigating discharge into other storm water systems. Detention ponds are essential in stormwater management efforts. Below are a few types of ponds: Wet detention pond: designed to have a remaining permanent pool of water after a storm event, also called an Amenity Pond Read More »
Did you know that the addition of lead to paint increases color vibrancy and durability? It has since been realized how hazardous this material is to human health. The use of lead-based paint has been banned for residential use since 1978. Another hazard present in building materials is asbestos. Asbestos was also historically added to building materials to increase durability as well as strength and heat resistance. These fibrous minerals are now known to be a hazard to human health. There are many types of asbestos that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been placing bans on since 1989. The EPA Read More »
In today’s fast-paced real estate and development market, time is everything. Delays in environmental due diligence can stall transactions, increase costs, and create unnecessary uncertainty. That’s where we come in. At SSCI, we specialize in delivering Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) with unmatched speed and precision—often in just a few business days. Our clients count on us not only for accuracy and compliance, but also for the confidence that comes with knowing their projects won’t be slowed down by lengthy turnaround times. Rapid Turnaround: We understand deadlines. Our streamlined processes and experienced team allow us to Read More »
SSCI specializes in designing RV parks that blend functionality, aesthetics, and guest experience. With extensive expertise in permitting, structural requirements, and infrastructure planning, we ensure our projects reach the finish line. From concept to completion, we deliver RV park environments that attract travelers and maximize long-term value. Let SSCI provide expert-level engineering services for your RV park development. Feasibility studies Storm Drainage Utilities Parking and Paving Traffic TXDoT Permitting Mechanical/Electrical/Plumping COMChecks Driveways Structural
Each fall, the Greater Houston area plays a critical role in one of the planet’s most remarkable natural events – the migration of millions of birds. Located along the Central Flyway, Houston serves as a key stopover and refueling zone for migratory species traveling between breeding grounds in North America and wintering habitats in Central and South America. Diverse habitats of Houston, including coastal marshes, estuaries, bottomland hardwood forests, and barrier islands, offer essential resting and foraging areas. Locations such as Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats, and the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge provide nutrient-rich wetlands where shorebirds, waterfowl, Read More »
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has made a big update to their State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS) EPermitting. You are now able to renew, make owner/operator updates, and make changes to your Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) registration through their online service. You’ll also able to submit a registration for a new PST with STEERS. This program has built-in error identification in effort to minimize the occurrence of errors within your submissions. This new addition will also speed up the processing time. Typical timeline for STEERS: 7 Days Typical timeline for TCEQ-00724 Form: 20 Days Submit online and save some time!
Owners may not realize that the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) requires acknowledgment of United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting for work done in HCFCD rights-of-way (ROW). HCFCD designs, implements and maintains flood infrastructure in Harris County. Businesses looking to expand their existing developments or looking to build new developments within Harris County are subject to HCFCD regulations. This can require: A Wetlands Delineation to investigate potential Waters of the United States (WOTUS) or other regulated waters under USACE jurisdiction within the project area. A Threatened & Endangered Species Review to determine the presence of protected species. A Cultural Resources Review to assess Read More »
A Stormwater Quality (SWQ) Permit is an approval issued by either the city or county that ensures a construction project includes measures to manage and reduce pollution in stormwater runoff, both during and after construction. The most commonly permitted Permanent Storm Water Quality Features (PSWQF) are ponds and stormwater interceptors. However, this begs the question as to how one obtains an SWQ Permit? After the engineering drawings have been approved the permitting process involves the submission of an affidavit to the public which is recorded with the county clerk, application fees, and a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). However, a Read More »
With temperatures rising into the triple digits, heat exposure is a serious concern for us all. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the United States. Heat-related illnesses may include cramping, exhaustion, syncope (fainting or dizziness), nausea, rashes, muscle breakdown, and/or stroke. Sensitive populations — such as the elderly, children, and those with diabetes — are highly susceptible to heat–related illnesses. Individuals should wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing to minimize the effects of heat exposure. Hydration is a key. According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, fluid intake should be about 3.7 liters of fluids Read More »
Engineering services Environmental services Safety
Hurricane Season 2025 Is Here – Are You Prepared?
Don’t Get Blown Away—Stay Storm-Ready with SSCI Environmental Helping You Prepare, Prevent, and Protect – June 1 to November 30 Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21. Hurricanes: 7-10. Major hurricanes: 3-5 The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts June 1st, and NOAA is predicting another above-average season. For businesses and industrial facilities across the Gulf Coast, that means now is the time to revisit emergency procedures, inspect equipment, and double-check compliance. At SSCI Environmental, we understand the risks storms pose to your operations—and we’re here to help you prepare before Read More »