Hillcrest Community Environmental Investigation
This page last updated on 10/23/2012
Conclusions:
Exposures to the reported levels of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) from Part I of the Phase II HCEI groundwater and subsurface soil sampling and Part 2 of the Phase II HCEI groundwater sampling are not expected to cause adverse health effects, even in potentially sensitive populations such as children.
- Background
- About the Hillcrest Community Environmental Investigation
- HCEI Meeting Agendas and Newsletters
- HCEI Phase I
HCEI Phase II- Health Effects Evaluation: Part I of Phase II
- Groundwater and Subsurface Soil Data: Part I of Phase II
- Fact Sheets
- Public Input and TCEQ Responses
- Procedure to Submit Recommendations
- Related Remediation Information
- Join the HCEI E-mail Update List
- Contact Information
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Background
Texas A&M University Health Science Center scientists and the Citizens for Environmental Justice (CFEJ) conducted a pilot study in 2008 that detected benzene in the blood of some Hillcrest community residents. In response to the results of this study and at the request of the Hillcrest community at the December 1, 2009, neighborhood meeting, the TCEQ is planning an investigation, the Hillcrest Community Environmental Investigation (HCEI). The HCEI will attempt to determine whether there are environmental impacts from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to soil, groundwater, or ambient air.
The TCEQ has conducted two meetings (January 4, 2010) and February 11, 2010) to discuss issues related to the HCEI. Based on input from the community at the January 4, 2010, meeting the TCEQ began to develop an investigation that would include soil, groundwater, soil-gas, and ambient air samples. On February 11, 2010, TCEQ staff presented a draft outline of the HCEI to the community residents and solicited their input.
About the Hillcrest Community Environmental Investigation
The HCEI will determine whether potential environmental sources of VOCs exist within the Hillcrest community, and whether any identified sources require further evaluation. HCEI will focus on the Hillcrest community and adjacent areas with known refinery sector subsurface releases in Corpus Christi. The TCEQ will investigate subsurface soils, groundwater, soil-gas, and ambient air samples for potential environmental sources of VOCs. Geo Strata has been selected as the prime contractor to implement the present phase of the HCEI. Their Conflict of Interest Certification has been accepted by TCEQ and the community.
The contract in use for the HCEI and the contract amendment implementing revisions to the contract are available.
The HCEI is currently in Phase II. Phase II will include sub-surface soil and groundwater sampling and analyses. Phase I screening data will be used to select the permanent monitor well locations in conjunction with existing groundwater gradient and subsurface contamination data.
HCEI Meeting Agendas and Newsletters
Fact Sheets
What are Chemicals of Potential Concern?
How is a Health Assessment Conducted for Phase II of the HCEI?
Public Input and TCEQ Responses
Presentation: CFEJ Representative, February 24 2011
TCEQ responses to the conclusions from the CFEJ Representative's February 24, 2011 presentation
Procedure to Submit Recommendations
Please submit feedback via e-mail to tox@tceq.texas.gov or by mail to:
Regular mail:
Toxicology Division, MC 168
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
Mail delivery services:
Toxicology Division, MC 168
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg. F
Austin, TX 78753
Related Remediation Information
Join the HCEI E-mail Update List
To receive e-mail updates on the Hillcrest Community Environmental Investigation, please e-mail: tox@tceq.texas.gov and state your interest in joining the HCEI email update list. Once the list administrator has admitted your e-mail address you will receive a “Welcome” document confirming your placement on the list.
Contact Information
For more information or to suggest topics for future meetings, please contact Neeraja Erraguntla, Ph.D., of the Toxicology Division at 512-239-1795 or toll-free 1-877-992-8370 / tox@tceq.texas.gov or Omar Valdez of the Remediation Division at 512-239-2200 / oce@tceq.texas.gov.
