October 6th, 2026

Hazardous materials are used and stored in many industrial, educational, commercial, and public facilities. When properly managed, these materials support essential operations. When containers leak, materials are stored outdoors without adequate protection, or wastes are improperly handled, they can create safety concerns, environmental impacts, and regulatory exposure. A comprehensive environmental-compliance program should address the complete life cycle of these materials—from purchasing and storage through use, waste generation, transportation, and final disposal. It should also prevent pollutants from coming into contact with stormwater. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP or SWP3) should identify material and waste-storage areas that could contribute pollutants Read More »

September 28th, 2026

Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) has recently acquired a 106-acre property that was once the Baywood Country Club. ABNC plans to restore a building that will become its Northern office and establish a native plant and tree nursery. The nursery will support restoration of native habitats and plant communities. Native plants can help restore wildlife habitat, support pollinators, improve soil stability, and strengthen the resilience of local ecosystems. ABNC protects approximately 4,337 acres of wetlands, forests, prairies, and marshes within the Houston metropolitan area. These habitats provide refuge for more than 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians while Read More »

August 31st, 2026

Did you know wetlands are often called “Nature’s Kidneys?” Wetlands filter sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from water before it reaches rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They also store significant amounts of carbon in their soils, making them great sources of carbon sequestration. Research published in Nature Communications found that U.S. wetlands contain approximately 11.5 billion metric tons of carbon in their soils, much of it stored deep below the surface.

May 15th, 2026

Answer: Mold is a natural part of our environment and exists both indoors and outdoors. However, when excess moisture develops inside a building, mold growth can increase beyond normal levels and create indoor environmental quality concerns. In the Gulf Coast region, high humidity, roof leaks, plumbing failures, HVAC condensation, and flooding can all contribute to indoor mold growth. When moisture remains present for extended periods, fungi may begin growing on drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, and other building materials. Answer: Mold growth is typically caused by moisture problems. Common contributing factors include: Water intrusion or leaks Flooding or storm damage Read More »

March 20th, 2026

Texas is home to tens of thousands of native plant and animal species, thanks to its diverse landscapes—from deserts to pine forests to coastal marshes. That variety also means the state has a long list of rare and threatened species that depend on very different ecosystems. As of recent counts, Texas is home to around 97 endangered or threatened plant and animal species, ranging from orchids to bats to freshwater mussels. Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth. More than 169,000 species worldwide are currently listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Read More »

January 13th, 2026

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 »

December 22nd, 2025

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 »

November 27th, 2025

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 »

November 18th, 2025

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

November 4th, 2025

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 »