12 Pages

A newsletterfrom TxDOT's

Environmental AffairsDivision

Volume 10, Issue 1 Spring 2004

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/

Meet Pharr’sMark Iglesias,

Page 2—

Be bat friendly,spare that palm

Page 5—

Web site showcasesprehistoric travelors,

Page 9—

Fun facts,puzzles,Page 11

In this issue

Concrete and steel from old bridgeswill create artificial reefs in Gulf

The State of Texas has been activelycreating artificial reefs in the Gulf ofMexico for almost 50 years using tires,automobiles, construction rubble andobsolete ships. The 71st TexasLegislature recognized the potential ofartificial reefs to boost the state’sfishery resources and promoteeconomic growth by enacting theArtificial Reef Act of 1989. The actdirected the Texas Parks and WildlifeDepartment (TPWD) to promote,develop, maintain, monitor, andenhance the potential for artificial reefsin state and federal waters adjacent toTexas.

TPWD subsequently adopted theTexas Artificial Reef Plan in 1990.Since that time, the program hasdeveloped more than 40 major artificial

reef sites in the Gulf of Mexico. Theheart of the effort has been thedonation of decommissioned offshorepetroleum platforms by oil companiesthrough the Rigs to Reefs Program.

In 2001, the 77th legislaturerecognized that suitable material wasavailable from TxDOT’s bridgedemolition projects. The Legislatureenacted HB 2719 directing TPWD andTxDOT to coordinate with localgovernments to use obsolete bridges,tunnels, and causeways to createartificial reefs.

The Gulf of Mexico seabed isrelatively flat and featureless. Artificialreefs create critical habitat for reef-dwelling marine life attracted tounderwater structures. That in turnattracts scuba divers and fishermen.

Concrete is an excellent reef materialbecause it lasts longer than metal shipsand rigs, which start to rust andcrumble after 50 years.

“The lime in concrete is going fullcircle, back to where it originated, thesea,” Michael O’Toole, TxDOT’spoint man in seeing that the legislativemandate is carried out, said.

Moreover, reefs created fromdiscarded concrete and steel - insteadof oil rigs and ships - are not as tall,meaning they can be built in shallowerwater without creating an underwaterhazard to navigation. Such shallow-water artificial reefs are accessible tomore fisherman and divers becausethey are closer to shore.

The Bridge Division is the office of

Japanese look at SH 146to research TxDOT methodsfor handling contaminated soil

H.G. QUINNH.G. QUINNH.G. QUINNH.G. QUINNH.G. QUINNEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionRecently, a visit to TxDOT’s

Houston District to view a road-widening project was part of a 10-day whirlwind tour of this country bya Japanese delegation. The presidentof the Civil Engineering ResearchLaboratory, Dr. Toshio Iwasaki, washere to research the rehabilitation ofheavily polluted soils usingSuperfund regulations and methods.After visiting the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) and theUSDOT/FHWA headquarters inWashington, D.C., Dr. Iwasaki

visited three cleanup sites across thecountry, including the State Highway146 project in Texas City.

With a well-documented history ofdeadly and devastating diseasescaused by industrial pollutants (seerelated story, Page 7), concern forpublic health led the JapaneseGovernment to enact a number ofenvironmental laws since the 1960s.The most recent is the “SoilPollution Prevention Law” inFebruary 2003. Tainted soil alsolessens the value of land – an

See JAPANESE, Page 6See JAPANESE, Page 6See JAPANESE, Page 6See JAPANESE, Page 6See JAPANESE, Page 6

See ARTIFICIAL, Page 4See ARTIFICIAL, Page 4See ARTIFICIAL, Page 4See ARTIFICIAL, Page 4See ARTIFICIAL, Page 4

Page 2 Spring 2004

By JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionTo paraphrase the bumper sticker,

he wasn’t born in the Rio GrandeValley but he got there as soon as hecould. Once there, he hasn’t strayedfar from his west valley home inEdinburg. This is the life of PharrDistrict Environmental Coordinator/District Environmental QualityCoordinator Mark Iglesias.

Houston-native Iglesias moved tothe valley with his family while ingrade school. Following anEdinburg High School career as amulti-sports star (football, baseballand track and field), Iglesiasattended the University of Texas –Pan American in his adoptedhometown. He graduated in 1992with a Bachelor of Science degree inBiology.

Iglesias worked in the homehealthcare field prior to joining thePharr District staff in 1998 as anenvironmental quality specialist. Hemoved up to district environmentalcoordinator in 2001. The additionalduties of district environmentalquality coordinator (DEQC) wereadded last year.

“The aspect of my job that Ilike the

most is

that every day I get to do somethingdifferent, something interesting, thatis never the same,” Iglesias said.“I’m always learning something new– like archeology, hazardousmaterials abatement or endangeredspecies issues. Since becomingDEQC, I visit construction sites andlearn that side of the business. I nowlook more closely at constructionplans. Before, I was just concernedwith environmental commitments.Now, I look at the SW3P plans, siltfencing, and other things that I didn’tpay much attention to before.”

One of the more challengingprojects that Iglesias has worked onwas related to the repairs to theQueen Isabella Causeway (see“Emergency permits secured forIsabella repairs, ferry docks, Fall2001 ENVision at http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/pdf/envisionpdf/22fall01.pdf)

“Following the accident, TxDOTneeded to establish a ferry service toget people to and from South PadreIsland,” Iglesias said. “The ArmyCorps of Engineers wanted the ferrylanding in a place that did not haveadequate road access. Because of myeducational background, I wasallowed to delineate the sea grassbeds that are important endangeredsea turtle habitat. Juan Alcazar and Ispent about a week in waders and amask and snorkel marking the sea

grass beds. Because ofthat work, we were

able to put theferry landing in

a better

location right between two sea grassbeds without harming either one.This satisfied the Army Corps ofEngineers’ permit requirements.Later, when the debris was beingblasted to clear the channel, thecontractors had me acting as a seaturtle and dolphin lookout. Theycould not set off the charge until Igave them the all clear. I felt it wasa rewarding project to work on.”

Three other projects in the millare keeping Iglesias busy.

“We are working with a consultantto draft an environmental impactstatement for a second causewayconnecting South Padre Island to themainland. We have had two publicmeetings and there has been a lot ofopposition so far. Two other projectsinvolve endangered ocelots (Felispandalis). A project in CameronCounty on State Highway 48 involvesa conservation easement for ocelots.A project on General Brant Highwayis currently installing 11 catcrossings and two and a half miles offencing to protect ocelots,” Iglesiassaid.

Iglesias’ hard work has not goneunnoticed.

“Mark is very knowledgeableabout every aspect of our operationsand is focused on our goals andmissions,” said Pharr DistrictEngineer Mario Jorge. “He acceptschallenges without hesitation andproduces results. We have hadrecord lettings in the past three yearsand Mark and our EnvironmentalSection have been instrumental inour success.”

Pharr District Public InformationOfficer Amy Rodriguez has workedwith Iglesias for much of hisTxDOT career.

“Mark was featured inFHWA’s Keeping it Simplepublication and on the Rio GrandeValley’s CBS affiliate’s newscastfor not trimming palm fronds onstate highway right of way to helppreserve Southern yellow bat

Pharr District’s Iglesias enjoysthe variety of environmental job

See IGLESIAS, Page 8See IGLESIAS, Page 8See IGLESIAS, Page 8See IGLESIAS, Page 8See IGLESIAS, Page 8

Spring 2004 Page 3

By JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSBy JIM DOBBINSEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs Division

TxDOT has become the nation’sfirst state transportation agency to jointhe Environmental ProtectionAgency’s clean air initiative, theSmartWay Transport Partnership.

SmartWay is a voluntarypartnership focused largely on thefreight carrying industry thatestablishes incentives for improvedfuel efficiency and reducedgreenhouse gas emissions. The annualgoals of SmartWay by 2012 are toconserve as much as 150 millionbarrels of oil, reduce carbon dioxideemissions by 33-66 million tons andeliminate 200,000 tons of nitrogenoxide emissions.

SmartWay creates partnershipsbetween transport companies andbusinesses that improve theenvironmental performance of freightoperations. The program alsoestablishes a national “idle-freecorridor” to eliminate pollutants fromidling trucks and trains. A third focusof the program is increased use ofintermodal transportation.

Presently, 52 companies andagencies are members of theSmartWay Transport Partnership.

“We are very excited aboutbecoming SmartWay partners,” saidDon Lewis, TxDOT fleet manager.“As a SmartWay partner, it willafford us the opportunity to showcaseour air-quality initiatives in the area ofcleaning up our diesel poweredvehicles. We believe our leadershipwill bring additional state DOTs intothe SmartWay program. EPA islooking at our participation toshowcase how other state DOTs andnon-industry stakeholders canparticipate.”

TxDOT currently uses ultra-lowsulfur diesel in six districts.Eventually, all of the approximately6,000 on and off road diesel vehicleswill be using this cleaner-burning fuel.

Additional information on theSmartWay program can be found onthe web at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway/index.htm

The Houston District was honored Feb. 20 with a tree plantingThe Houston District was honored Feb. 20 with a tree plantingThe Houston District was honored Feb. 20 with a tree plantingThe Houston District was honored Feb. 20 with a tree plantingThe Houston District was honored Feb. 20 with a tree plantingand sign for winning the 2003 Environmental Achievementand sign for winning the 2003 Environmental Achievementand sign for winning the 2003 Environmental Achievementand sign for winning the 2003 Environmental Achievementand sign for winning the 2003 Environmental AchievementAward. From the left are: Gary Trietsch, P.E., districtAward. From the left are: Gary Trietsch, P.E., districtAward. From the left are: Gary Trietsch, P.E., districtAward. From the left are: Gary Trietsch, P.E., districtAward. From the left are: Gary Trietsch, P.E., districtengineer; Craig Rollins, district environmental coordinator;engineer; Craig Rollins, district environmental coordinator;engineer; Craig Rollins, district environmental coordinator;engineer; Craig Rollins, district environmental coordinator;engineer; Craig Rollins, district environmental coordinator;James Koch, P.E., director of district design; Ethan Beeson,James Koch, P.E., director of district design; Ethan Beeson,James Koch, P.E., director of district design; Ethan Beeson,James Koch, P.E., director of district design; Ethan Beeson,James Koch, P.E., director of district design; Ethan Beeson,RLA, landscape architect; Pat Henry, P.E., director of ProjectRLA, landscape architect; Pat Henry, P.E., director of ProjectRLA, landscape architect; Pat Henry, P.E., director of ProjectRLA, landscape architect; Pat Henry, P.E., director of ProjectRLA, landscape architect; Pat Henry, P.E., director of ProjectDevelopment; Ann Irwin, ENV deputy division director; DanaDevelopment; Ann Irwin, ENV deputy division director; DanaDevelopment; Ann Irwin, ENV deputy division director; DanaDevelopment; Ann Irwin, ENV deputy division director; DanaDevelopment; Ann Irwin, ENV deputy division director; DanaCoté, RLA, district landscape architect; Mike Alford, P.E.,Coté, RLA, district landscape architect; Mike Alford, P.E.,Coté, RLA, district landscape architect; Mike Alford, P.E.,Coté, RLA, district landscape architect; Mike Alford, P.E.,Coté, RLA, district landscape architect; Mike Alford, P.E.,director of Maintenance. ENV presents the Environmentaldirector of Maintenance. ENV presents the Environmentaldirector of Maintenance. ENV presents the Environmentaldirector of Maintenance. ENV presents the Environmentaldirector of Maintenance. ENV presents the EnvironmentalAchievement Award annually to recognize the best examples ofAchievement Award annually to recognize the best examples ofAchievement Award annually to recognize the best examples ofAchievement Award annually to recognize the best examples ofAchievement Award annually to recognize the best examples ofprojects and processes that fulfill transportation objectivesprojects and processes that fulfill transportation objectivesprojects and processes that fulfill transportation objectivesprojects and processes that fulfill transportation objectivesprojects and processes that fulfill transportation objectiveswhile protecting and enhancing the environment. The Houstonwhile protecting and enhancing the environment. The Houstonwhile protecting and enhancing the environment. The Houstonwhile protecting and enhancing the environment. The Houstonwhile protecting and enhancing the environment. The HoustonDistrict won for its innovative landscape and vegetationDistrict won for its innovative landscape and vegetationDistrict won for its innovative landscape and vegetationDistrict won for its innovative landscape and vegetationDistrict won for its innovative landscape and vegetationmanagement policy that integrates environmental concerns withmanagement policy that integrates environmental concerns withmanagement policy that integrates environmental concerns withmanagement policy that integrates environmental concerns withmanagement policy that integrates environmental concerns withproject development, construction and maintenance. Theproject development, construction and maintenance. Theproject development, construction and maintenance. Theproject development, construction and maintenance. Theproject development, construction and maintenance. Thedistrict has moved to using 100 percent naturally deriveddistrict has moved to using 100 percent naturally deriveddistrict has moved to using 100 percent naturally deriveddistrict has moved to using 100 percent naturally deriveddistrict has moved to using 100 percent naturally derivedproducts in its landscaping projects to positively impact theproducts in its landscaping projects to positively impact theproducts in its landscaping projects to positively impact theproducts in its landscaping projects to positively impact theproducts in its landscaping projects to positively impact theenvironment.environment.environment.environment.environment.

TxDOT becomes 1st

DOT to join EPA’s

SmartWay effort

Photo by Jim Dobbins/ENVPhoto by Jim Dobbins/ENVPhoto by Jim Dobbins/ENVPhoto by Jim Dobbins/ENVPhoto by Jim Dobbins/ENV

Sign of a Winner...Sign of a Winner...Sign of a Winner...Sign of a Winner...Sign of a Winner...

Page 4 Spring 2004

Artificial reefs: TxDOT providingconcrete & steel from old bridges

primary responsibility forimplementation of HB 2719.O’Toole, director of ProjectDevelopment in the BridgeDivision, represents TxDOT onall issues related to the use ofobsolete concrete and steelmaterial from TxDOT for use inthe Texas Artificial ReefProgram. He was also appointedby TPWD to be a member ofthe Texas Artificial ReefAdvisory Committee, whichadvises TPWD on all mattersrelated to the Artificial ReefProgram.

HB 2719, now codified asSec. 89.005 of the Texas Parksand Wildlife Code, does notallocate funds to create artificialreefs. Unlike the Rigs to Reefs Program, in which it costsless to transport a decommissioned offshore rig to a reef sitethan to disassemble it on land, it is more expensive to deployconcrete and steel than to dispose of it by conventionalmeans. Oftentimes, the scrap steel can be sold and theconcrete crushed for reuse as roadbed material.

TxDOT’s approach has been to work with TPWD todevelop strategies for reducing deployment costs and to findwin-win situations when they exist. One of these strategiesresulted in TPWD acquiring five storage locations along theTexas Gulf Coast where material can be kept until the mosteconomical time for deployment. For example, the sea iscalmer during the summer, making it less costly to move anddeploy materials during those months. Also, material can bedeployed more economically in larger quantities.

The Corpus Christi District’s recent modifications to theJFK Causeway and demolition of the old, 605-foot HumbleChannel Bridge provided an opportunity to obtain reefmaterial for the program. Material from the bridge included108 concrete box beams, 1,250 feet of concrete railing, andabout 60 concrete piles. Steven Ashley, an environmentalspecialist in the Corpus Christi District, pursued negotiationswith the contractor - Zachry Construction Corp. - to obtainthe bridge material for the program.

“Steven grabbed the bull by the horns and made thingshappen,” O’Toole said.

Through these negotiations it was determined thecontractor could save time and expense if they couldtransport the beams to a nearby storage facility instead ofbreaking the beams up for transport to a landfill. ScottSullivan, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Engineer in theTransportation Planning and Programming Division’sMultimodal Section, worked to locate a possible site forstorage. As a result, TPWD leased the Corpus Christi

storage site, one of TPWD’s five storage locations, from thePort of Corpus Christi and the contractor agreed to donatethe material to the program. A formal contract betweenZachry and TPWD is pending.

The bridge caps and piles were removed by AmericanPile Cutting, Inc., subcontractor to Zachry, using a pilecutter and a jetting system to get below the mud line.

The Humble Channel Bridge had the following “win-win”attributes:

• The artificial reef will provide habitat for marineorganisms and fish that will attract fishermen that willresult in a boon to the local environment and economy.

• The contractor will earn positive publicity and savemoney because the beams will not have to be brokenbefore disposal.

• TPWD gets materials for the artificial reef program.• The Port of Corpus Christi Authority receives money

from TPWD to temporarily store the materials untilthey are ready to be deployed.

• TxDOT earns positive publicity for facilitating thedonation of recycled material for an artificial reef.

Negotiations are ongoing to obtain more potential reefmaterial from the much larger Galveston Bay Causewaybridge replacement project.

Using obsolete bridge material for artificial reefs mayseem like a simple idea, but it takes a lot of people, time,and effort to make it happen. The Bridge, EnvironmentalAffairs, Construction, Design and Transportation Planningand Programming divisions, Office of General Counsel,Administration, Texas Transportation Commission, Houstonand Corpus Christi districts have spent hundreds of hoursresolving issues related to TxDOT’s involvement in theArtificial Reef Program. All of the hard work is nowbeginning to pay off.

Artificial reefs: TxDOT providingconcrete & steel from old bridges(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)

Corpus Christi District PhotoCorpus Christi District PhotoCorpus Christi District PhotoCorpus Christi District PhotoCorpus Christi District PhotoA bridge cap is removed from the JFK Causeway’s Humble Channel Bridge.A bridge cap is removed from the JFK Causeway’s Humble Channel Bridge.A bridge cap is removed from the JFK Causeway’s Humble Channel Bridge.A bridge cap is removed from the JFK Causeway’s Humble Channel Bridge.A bridge cap is removed from the JFK Causeway’s Humble Channel Bridge.

Spring 2004 Page 5

Woodsman, spare that bat!Dead palm tree fronds home to flying mammalsBy CHRISTINA CONNERBy CHRISTINA CONNERBy CHRISTINA CONNERBy CHRISTINA CONNERBy CHRISTINA CONNER

Environmental QualityEnvironmental QualityEnvironmental QualityEnvironmental QualityEnvironmental QualitySpecialistSpecialistSpecialistSpecialistSpecialist

Corpus Christi DistrictCorpus Christi DistrictCorpus Christi DistrictCorpus Christi DistrictCorpus Christi DistrictIn planning road

construction, TxDOTconsiders the possibilitythat a bat colony mightroost in culverts and underbridges ... so we check.However, not everyonerealizes that along thecoast several species ofbats will roost in droopingdead palm fronds insteadof more permanentstructures, such as bridges.

Ornamental palms areincreasingly popular inlandscaping, thus,becoming more readilyavailable as habitat forbats. Dead palm fronds notonly provide the perfectconditions for roosting, butpalm fronds also harbor anassorted “menu” of insectsfor the hungry bats.

The Southern yellow bat(Lasiurus ega) and its closecousin, the Western yellowbat (Lasiurus xanthinus),are yellowish-brown incolor and camouflageremarkably well against theyellowish-brown ofdrooping dead palm fronds,called a “beard.” Southernyellow and Western yellowbats were once thought tobe the same species, butrecent DNA testing provedthey are separate species.The Western yellow ismore common furtherwest, but has been sightedin Texas and may beexpanding its territory.

Besides being small, theSouthern yellow bat is alsoa state-listed threatenedspecies. Although itclosely resembles theNorthern yellow bat(Lasiurus intermedius) incolor, the Southern yellow

bat is smaller and is notassociated with Spanishmoss. Although Spanishmoss is the preferredroosting material forNorthern yellow bats, theyare also known to roost indead palm fronds. Recentfield records show thatSouthern and Northernyellow bats share roosts inWashington fan palms inNueces County year-round.

In relation to humans,bats are a natural ally inthe control of nuisanceinsects such as mosquitoesand moths. However, lackof education and fear ofthe unknown are theprimary reasons why thisunique group of flyingmammals are included inthe growing list ofvanishing animal speciesand are not readily

protected. Europeanfolklore has traditionallyassociated bats with evil.However, Oriental culturesconsider the bat a symbolof happiness and longevity.

So, before conducting a“trimming of the fronds”event at your home orTxDOT property, consideran evening “bat watch”and enjoy the show!

Trimming should beavoided in the months ofApril thru November,limiting trimming to thefour months of Decemberthru March. Becausematernity seasons varybetween bats that use palmfronts to roost, andbecause young bats takeanywhere from 1-1/2 to 2months to fly, avoiding anytrimming during thesemonths should eliminate

any chance of harmingyoung, flightless bats.Removing a palm treebeard bat roost before thepups can fly means theirdemise.

To learn more aboutbats (including the rabiesfear) visit the Bat Conser-vation International web-site at www.batcon.org.For specific informationabout the state-listedSouthern yellow bat andthe Northern yellow bat,visit the Mammals of Tex-as - Online Edition atwww.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/lasiega.htm You can alsofind ENV’s “Bats ‘N’Bridges” brochure onlineat http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/pdf/publicat/Bats.pdf

A Southern Yellow bat roosts in the dead fronds, or beard, of a palm tree.A Southern Yellow bat roosts in the dead fronds, or beard, of a palm tree.A Southern Yellow bat roosts in the dead fronds, or beard, of a palm tree.A Southern Yellow bat roosts in the dead fronds, or beard, of a palm tree.A Southern Yellow bat roosts in the dead fronds, or beard, of a palm tree.Photo by Merlin TuttlePhoto by Merlin TuttlePhoto by Merlin TuttlePhoto by Merlin TuttlePhoto by Merlin Tuttle

Page 6 Spring 2004

important consideration in dealing with westerninvestors accustomed to stringent environmentalprotections. The latest estimated nationwide cleanup costfor polluted soil in Japan is 13.3 trillion yen (7.8 trillionU.S. dollars). With this much at stake, interest in soilremediation is a top priority.

Dr. Iwasaki was accompanied by his hosts, Dr. C.Vipulanandan, Chairman, Department of EnvironmentalEngineering at the University of Houston; and Dr. NoelRaufaste of the National Institute of Standards andTechnology, who coordinated Dr. Iwasaki’s trip. Theywere given a detailed presentation at the Galveston AreaOffice in LaMarque. ENV’s Dan Neal explained theprocedures TxDOT uses to evaluate the environmentalaspects in project development, specifically to determinethe potential for impacts from contamination. LarryFrench, URS Corporation consultant, described thegeneral geology, environmental assessment, levels ofcontamination, andthe actions taken atthe site. CarlosSanchez, of theEPA, gave anoverview of theFederal SuperfundProgram anddiscussed the historyof the Tex Tin siteand the cleanupactions taken there.To emphasize thecomplexity of theproject JoseRamirez, P.E.,Galveston AreaEngineer “held up aone inch thickdocument indicatingthat this representedthe road project.Then he held up athree-inch thickdocument and saidthis represented theproject to close thehighway, excavatethe arseniccontaminated soil forplacement on the Tex Tin superfund site, and to rebuildthe road,” ENV’s Dan Neal said.

After a question and answer session, Dr. Iwasaki wasshown the site. Looking north from the bridge he viewedthe cleanup activities within the right of way. VariousTex Tin features to the east and northeast were pointedout and their significance explained.

SH 146 is the southwest border of the triangular 170-

acre Tex Tin Superfund site. The other borders are FM519 to the north and the Texas City Terminal Railway tothe southeast. According to an EPA website posting,“Superfund is the Federal government’s program to cleanup the nation’s uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. EPAworks closely with communities, Potentially ResponsibleParties (PRPs), scientists, researchers, contractors, andstate, local, tribal, and federal authorities. Together withthese groups, EPA identifies hazardous waste sites, teststhe conditions of the sites, formulates cleanup plans, andcleans up the sites.” The Tex Tin site contains fivewastewater treatment ponds, slag piles, a landfill, openacid ponds and other waste disposal areas associated witha copper and tin smelter that was active for 60 years.The site was given Superfund status in 2000.

The area that later became the right of way wascontaminated by the operations at the Tex Tin facilityprior to the construction of SH 146. The contaminate ofmajor concern is a potentially deadly element - arsenic.

Before soil removalcould begin theentire roadbed hadto be stripped away,including the bridgeapproach.

“With regard tothe excavation at thesite, the deepestexcavation occurredat the southern endof the projectadjacent to thebridge,” Dan Nealsaid. “After theclean embankmentsoils were removed,an additional 11 to12 feet of soil wasexcavated to removethe contaminatedmaterial. Asexcavation activitiesprogressed furthernorth, thecontaminationmaterial didn’textend quite as deep,so the excavationswere much

shallower.”To date, over 60,000 cubic yards of soil have been

moved and contained in two disposal cells within theSuperfund site from the 700 foot section of right of waythat defines this phase of the project.

In a thank-you letter from Japan, Dr. Iwasaki said,“We had informative discussions with you and your staffand obtained meaningful information and survey results.”

From the left are: Carlos Sanchez, EPA Region 6; Dr. Toshio Iwasaki,From the left are: Carlos Sanchez, EPA Region 6; Dr. Toshio Iwasaki,From the left are: Carlos Sanchez, EPA Region 6; Dr. Toshio Iwasaki,From the left are: Carlos Sanchez, EPA Region 6; Dr. Toshio Iwasaki,From the left are: Carlos Sanchez, EPA Region 6; Dr. Toshio Iwasaki,CRL; Jim Barta, ENV; Noel Raufaste, consultant; Dan Neal, ENV;CRL; Jim Barta, ENV; Noel Raufaste, consultant; Dan Neal, ENV;CRL; Jim Barta, ENV; Noel Raufaste, consultant; Dan Neal, ENV;CRL; Jim Barta, ENV; Noel Raufaste, consultant; Dan Neal, ENV;CRL; Jim Barta, ENV; Noel Raufaste, consultant; Dan Neal, ENV;Duncan Stewart, ENV; Dr. C. Vipulanandan, University of Houston;Duncan Stewart, ENV; Dr. C. Vipulanandan, University of Houston;Duncan Stewart, ENV; Dr. C. Vipulanandan, University of Houston;Duncan Stewart, ENV; Dr. C. Vipulanandan, University of Houston;Duncan Stewart, ENV; Dr. C. Vipulanandan, University of Houston;Larry French, URS.Larry French, URS.Larry French, URS.Larry French, URS.Larry French, URS. ENV PhotoENV PhotoENV PhotoENV PhotoENV Photo

(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)(Continued from Page 1)

Japanese delegation: Superfund site highwayproject looked at for TxDOT cleanup methods

Spring 2004 Page 7

Galveston BayTexas City

Present Project Limits

(Approximately 700 feet)

An aerial photo (above) shows the Tex TinAn aerial photo (above) shows the Tex TinAn aerial photo (above) shows the Tex TinAn aerial photo (above) shows the Tex TinAn aerial photo (above) shows the Tex TinSuperfund site and the Houston District’s project toSuperfund site and the Houston District’s project toSuperfund site and the Houston District’s project toSuperfund site and the Houston District’s project toSuperfund site and the Houston District’s project towiden State Highway 146 from two lanes with awiden State Highway 146 from two lanes with awiden State Highway 146 from two lanes with awiden State Highway 146 from two lanes with awiden State Highway 146 from two lanes with a Houston District PhotoHouston District PhotoHouston District PhotoHouston District PhotoHouston District Photo

Tex Tin superfund Siteboundary

shoulder to four lanes with a shoulder. Right of wayshoulder to four lanes with a shoulder. Right of wayshoulder to four lanes with a shoulder. Right of wayshoulder to four lanes with a shoulder. Right of wayshoulder to four lanes with a shoulder. Right of wayfor the project includes contaminated soil that mustfor the project includes contaminated soil that mustfor the project includes contaminated soil that mustfor the project includes contaminated soil that mustfor the project includes contaminated soil that mustbe remediated.be remediated.be remediated.be remediated.be remediated.

In the early 1950s a mysterious diseaseappeared in the small Japanese fishingvillage of Minamata. People started actingstrangely. They occasionally shouteduncontrollably. They would stagger asthough drunk. They were not able to writeor button their clothing, had troublehearing or swallowing, and some trembleduncontrollably. The disease was first called‘cat-dancing disease’ for the effects it hadon pets, and created dread throughout thearea as it reached epidemic proportions.

The origin of Minamata Disease,discovered in 1963, was a nearby industrialplant that for many years dumped largeamounts of methyl mercury into MinamataBay. The mercury migrated up the foodchain.

The effects of severe mercury poisoning

were devastating. Almost an entiregeneration died and children were bornwith symptoms. The local economy wasruined. The bay was closed to fishing andthe population of the area declined.

It wasn’t the first contamination-relatedmystery illness to strike Japan.

In 1912 a new disease appeared in thedownstream basin of the Jinzu River.Locals called it “itai-itai” (“itai” isJapanese for “it hurts”). Generations ofwomen were afflicted with intense pain.The more severely afflicted cases sufferedbroken bones when trying to move on theirown. Since authorities considered thedisease endemic, it wasn’t until the 1950’sthat research began.

In May 1968, the Ministry of Healthand Welfare officially announced that the

“itai-itai disease was chronic cadmiumpoisoning.” Victims suffered from kidneydamage and severe calcium deficiencysince cadmium drives calcium from thebody. The report followed that thecadmium came from the “upstreamdischarge by the Kamioka Mining Co.”

Other less notorious mass poisoningshave occurred. Respiratory disorders havebeen seen in the Tokyo/Yokohama,Nagoya and Osaka/Kobe industrial belts.Chronic arsenic poisoning was found in theToroku district. The effect of unmitigatedpollution has a long and ignoble history inJapan. However, mass poisonings havedeclined due to stringently enforcedenvironmental laws, giving hope to anotherwise bleak picture.

– H.G. Quinn– H.G. Quinn– H.G. Quinn– H.G. Quinn– H.G. Quinn

Japan’s environmental laws the result ofmass poisonings from industrial pollution

Texas CityTerminal Railway

State Highway 3

State Highway 46

FM 519

➛➛N

Page 8 Spring 2004

habitat,” Rodriguez said (see related story, Page 5). “He has also servedon a committee representing TxDOT at South Texas Community College inMcAllen to help design an Environmental Science Curriculum.”

The occasional moment of levity is allowed in the work day.“During this past year’s short course I did a presentation on project

specific locations,” Iglesias said. “Dianna Noble, the moderator forthe panel, e-mailed all the presenters asking them to please register on-line for the conference. This I did. The next day she e-mailed everyoneinforming us not to forget to fill out the biography as well. This turnedout to be too late for me because the on-line registration did not allowme to add any additional data, it just said that I was already registered.So I did not get to fill out my biography. Right before mypresentation, Dianna told me that since I did not provide one she wasgoing to make up one! So when she introduced me, she told theaudience that I was a former Olympic wrestler and had won a bronzemedal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics! It turns out many believed her.During the break between sessions several people came up to me andasked me what it was like being in the Olympics!”

Mark and his wife, Elizabeth Paradise (an internal auditor at thePharr District), reside in Edinburg. Their daughter, Chloe, 6, is akindergartner at St. Mathews Episcopal School. A second child is duein December. In his free time Iglesias coaches his daughter’s T-balland basketball teams and enjoys playing golf.

ENV’s Jim Dobbins won an “Award ofDistinction” for script work on the trainingvideo “Taking Care of the Environment –It’s Part of the Job” in the 2004Communicator Awards.

The competition recognizes talentedwork in the communications field. Thisyear’s contest had 3,743 entries with about13 percent, or 486, earning the highestrecognition, the “Crystal Award ofExcellence”; and another 18 percent, or674, winning the “Award of Distinction.”An additional 10 percent earned anhonorable mention.

The Travel Division produced and editedthe video.

Iglesias: Didn’t competein 1988 Seoul Olympics

Pharr District PhotoPharr District PhotoPharr District PhotoPharr District PhotoPharr District Photo

Pharr District Environmental Coordinator Mark Iglesias (far right)Pharr District Environmental Coordinator Mark Iglesias (far right)Pharr District Environmental Coordinator Mark Iglesias (far right)Pharr District Environmental Coordinator Mark Iglesias (far right)Pharr District Environmental Coordinator Mark Iglesias (far right)works to delineate seagrasses for a tempoarary ferry landing afterworks to delineate seagrasses for a tempoarary ferry landing afterworks to delineate seagrasses for a tempoarary ferry landing afterworks to delineate seagrasses for a tempoarary ferry landing afterworks to delineate seagrasses for a tempoarary ferry landing afterthe collapse in 2001 of the Queen Isabella Causeway.the collapse in 2001 of the Queen Isabella Causeway.the collapse in 2001 of the Queen Isabella Causeway.the collapse in 2001 of the Queen Isabella Causeway.the collapse in 2001 of the Queen Isabella Causeway.

(Continued from Page 2)(Continued from Page 2)(Continued from Page 2)(Continued from Page 2)(Continued from Page 2)

Training videoearns award

Resource sharingproves valuable

When you face a tough, new issue, theexperience you need may be in a neighboringTxDOT district.

“I have been partnering experienceddistrict personnel with other districts that mayneed just a little aid with 404 permit issues,”Carla Kartman, ENV permits officer, said.

Jay McCurley of the Dallas District hasyears of experience with mitigation for watersof the U.S., including wetlands. So when BillLeach of the Abilene District contacted ENVlooking for help with a fee in lieu mitigationplan, which was proving difficult due to a lackof mitigation sites in the vicinity of theproject, Kartman put him in contact withMcCurley. After McCurley and Leachdiscussed the proposed construction and itsimpacts to the jurisdictional water, McCurleysuggested spanning the water crossing toavoid impacts so that in the end no mitigationwas needed. Presley Hatcher of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) foundout about the district partnering venture andpraised TxDOT for its problem solving skills.Recently Jocelyn Thomlinson of the Lubbockdistrict called ENV because USACE did notaccept her mitigation plan and requested help.Once again, ENV asked McCurley to helpand he made suggestions based on hisexperience. He also offered to joinThomlinson in a meeting with the Fort WorthDistrict of the Corps to work out anyadditional issues.

Does your district have a resource sharingstory you’d like to share? If so, please send itby e-mail to ENVision Editor RichardGoldsmith via GroupWise, orrgoldsmi@dot.state.tx.us

Spring 2004 Page 9

By AL MCGRAWBy AL MCGRAWBy AL MCGRAWBy AL MCGRAWBy AL MCGRAWEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs Division

During construction of the modernLoop 1604 West and I-10 interchange innorthwest San Antonio, archeologistsuncovered the remains of a significantprehistoric campsite buried in the right-of-way along Leon Creek.

First identified in the 1970s, thearcheological site was later namedPavo Real and contained the remains ofone of the earliest human occupationsin Texas, dating to about 11,500 B.C.TxDOT conducted full-scalearcheological excavations at the location

to save and analyze the unique culturalmaterials before they were impacted byimpending highway construction.

The collection was only partiallystudied in the intervening years and asa result, TxDOT contracted with theUniversity of Texas at Austin toconduct a detailed study of the finds.Completed in October 2003, the jointUT/TxDOT archeological report is ascientific summary of the lifeways,stone tools and activities of some of thestate’s oldest inhabitants.

As part of TxDOT’s commitment topublic and educational awareness,

TxDOT also supported thedevelopment of the Pavo Real webpage on UT’s website, Texas BeyondHistory. The interactive websitepresents the significance of some of thestate’s most important archeologicaland historical sites and targets a widerange of audiences and interests,including public awareness andeducation.

The Pavo Real web page is aneducational outreach effort intended toillustrate the importance of such findsto the public. The page is at: http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/pavoreal/

Pavo Real website showcases campof prehistoric travelers at presentLoop 1604 and I-10 in San Antonio

By H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs DivisionEnvironmental Affairs Division

In 2002, Texas reused a million more scrap tires than werediscarded, the first year during which the state recycled moretires than were thrown away.

That’s just one of the upbeat facts found in the “2004Progress Report on Using Scrap Tires and Crumb Rubber inHighway Construction Projects,” an annual report by TxDOTand the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Scrap tires are a national problem. Texas generates some24 million waste tires a year out of the estimated 272million generated nationwide in 2001. At least 310 millionmay be stockpiled throughout the nation according to theRubber Manufacturers Association. At the end of calendaryear 2002 it was estimated that 69.1 million scrap tires layon the ground in Texas.

Mountains of discarded tires are an eyesore. They alsoprovide an ideal breeding ground for disease-bearingmosquitoes and pose a fire hazard. The Texas Legislature hasmandated that TxDOT recycle used tires whenever possible.

The report contains positive news about the trends inrecycling scrap tires:

• A total of 25 million scrap tires were used beneficially,which is a million more than generated in 2002. This the firsttime that recycled tires outnumbered scrap tires produced in asingle year.

• The volume of scrap tires legally placed in landfillsdecreased 56 percent from 2.3 million to 1 million in 2002,largely due to recycling efforts.

• The volume of stockpiled scrap tires at previouslyregistered storage sites was reduced by approximately 6.3million.

• TxDOT increased its use of viable tire-rubber productsincluding anti-vegetation mats for use around sign posts andguard rail posts, delineator posts and guard rail spacer blocks.

• Successful projects using crumb rubber or other scrap tirematerials in several TxDOT districts, including asphalt-rubberpaving and scrap tire bales, have garnered industry attentionaround the state and beyond.

According to the TxDOT website “In parts of Texas, goodquality materials are scarce, and recycled materials can relieveshortages. Recycled materials can save money by reducingpurchase and transportation costs. Recycled materials can, insome instances, exceed the performance of traditionalmaterials. Finally, using recycled materials extends landfilllife, reduces air and water pollution, and extends naturalresources.”

Although TCEQ and TxDOT continue to expand the scraptire recycling program, illegal dumping continues in areas withfew end users or disposal facilities and demand for scrap-tireproducts is not yet high enough to clean up illegal dumpsites.Texas has 150 known illegal dumpsites holding about 4.5million tires.

There is concern that when funds appropriated for cleanupof existing stockpiles have been exhausted, very limitedfunding will be available for the cleanup of remaining illegalstockpiles. However, the answer may be in the success of therecycling program. As the demand for recycled materials byend users grows it may become profitable for illegal dumpsitesto recycle their tires.

Visit the TxDOT website to learn more about this successfulrecycling program. (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/GSD/recycle/roads.htm).

2002 recycling of old tires in Texassurpassed supply for the first time

Page 10 Spring 2004Answer to Rebus Ruckus on facing page:

“pet-roll-E-rum”= petroleum

Don’t peek unless you have tried the puzzleon Page 11!

New DAM, GIS analyst join ENVJames MeltonJames MeltonJames MeltonJames MeltonJames Melton is ENV’s new

Division Administrative Manager(DAM) as of Feb. 1. Melton beganhis TxDOT career as a senior budgetanalyst in the Budget andForecasting Section of the FinanceDivision. He previously completed acivilian career with the Air Force,serving in several capacities thatincluded contract administration,aircraft production management, andas program manager for largetransport aircraft. His experiencealso includes human resourcemanagement. Melton earned abachelor’s degree in managementfrom Texas Lutheran University. Hehas also completed several Air Forcesponsored courses in personnelmanagement, training andinstructional systems development,contract administration and contractquality management. Melton and hiswife, Marylou, have three childrenand four grandchildren.

Peggy IsaacsPeggy IsaacsPeggy IsaacsPeggy IsaacsPeggy Isaacs joined ENV Jan. 12as the new GIS systems Analyst,replacing Sean Ayala, who left inJune 2003. Isaacs was with theTransportation Planning andProgramming Division where shegained a wealth of GIS knowledgeand experience. She also has a

bachelors degree in computerinformation systems from theUniversity of Nebraska.

Bill JordanBill JordanBill JordanBill JordanBill Jordan, ENV’s transportationair quality specialist since August2002, was promoted in January totake over as the new BiologicalResources Branch chief. Jordancompleted his master’s of science inbiology in 1993, soon after he joinedthe Texas Commission onEnvironmental Quality (TCEQ) as anenvironmental quality specialist. Hespent the next eight and half years atTCEQ working in the field of mobilesources and air quality. He was headof the State Implementation PlanTeam that put together theattainment demonstrations for theHouston/Galveston, Dallas/FortWorth, and Beaumont/Port Arthurareas. He left TCEQ as manager ofthe Texas Emission Reduction Planteam responsible for implementationof Senate Bill 5. Jordan brings 10years of state agency environmentalexperience and six years ofprogressively responsiblemanagement experience to his newposition. He lives in Austin with hiswife and three children.

Longtime Project Manager KyleKyleKyleKyleKyleFordFordFordFordFord left ENV Feb. 6 for an

opportunityto work withhis family ona project inthe AmazonBasin of

Ecuador. Ford was with the ProjectManagement Section since December1998.

Project Manager Margaret “TheMargaret “TheMargaret “TheMargaret “TheMargaret “TheChicken Lady” CantyChicken Lady” CantyChicken Lady” CantyChicken Lady” CantyChicken Lady” Canty left April 14thfor a job in the Risk Assessment andToxicology Section of the TexasDepartment of Agriculture. Cantywas with ENV for two years andsupplied coworkers with yard eggsfrom her free-range chickens.

Ken BohuslavKen BohuslavKen BohuslavKen BohuslavKen Bohuslav has announced thathe will retire June 30th after about 2and a half years as director of theDesign Division. Before taking overthe Design Division, Bohuslav wasENV’s deputy division director from1994 to November 2001. From 1987to 1993 he was director of Design’sEnvironmental Studies Section,which was combined with a smaller,policy-making ENV to create thecurrent Environmental AffairsDivision.

Former ENV archeologist MichaelMichaelMichaelMichaelMichael“Muffin Man” Jordan“Muffin Man” Jordan“Muffin Man” Jordan“Muffin Man” Jordan“Muffin Man” Jordan, who left inDecember 2002 for a civilian jobwith the Army National Guard, is ona hot streak. He is accepted for thisfall at the University of Oklahomaon full scholarship for his Ph.D.,largely due to his outstanding workon Kiowa art and artists. Thissummer he is interning at theSmithsonian. Not bad for a guy bestknown in ENV for setting hisbreakfast muffin on fire in amicrowave, creating an impromptufire drill that cleared the building.

FHWA says new noise modeling softwarerequired for projects begun after Oct. 14

In an April 14, 2004 memo, the Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) announced the release of the latestversion of its Traffic Noise Model (TNM), version 2.5.

The FHWA memo says TNM version 2.5 will berequired for all new traffic noise analyses for all highwayprojects that begin on, or after, Oct. 14, 2004. That meansthat on Oct. 14, previous versions of TNM (v1.0 thru v2.1)may not be used. The only exception is that previousversions of TNM may be used (grandfathered) tocomplete traffic noise analyses for highway projects

begun before Oct. 14, 2004.TNM version 2.5 has been distributed at no charge to all

registered users of TNM versions 2.0 and 2.1 as well as allregistered users of any TNM versions purchased on or afterMarch 1, 2002. All other registered users of TNM canupgrade to version 2.5 for $495. New TNM users canobtain version 2.5 for $695. Specific information on how topurchase TNM can be found on the McTrans website (http://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu) or by contacting McTrans directly at 1-800-226-1013.

Spring 2004 Page 11

Print your answers in the circles below.

❍ “❍❍❍❍❍❍ ❍❍❍❍”

TRAWE❒❍❒❍❍CLOMPY❒❒❍❒❍❒ALWENDT❒❍❒❒❍❍❒IMPREST❒❒❒❒❍❍❍

Unscramble the four jumbled words (one letter to eachcircle or square) to form four ordinary words and arrangethe circled letters to form the puzzle answer.

The shortest distancebetween two Section 401certification reviews?

Answers on back page.

by Orlando Villa Jamandre Jr.

Jamandre’s JumblyWord Jambalaya

Rebus RuckusBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINNBy H.G. QUINN

A “rebus” is a representation ofwords in the form of pictures orsymbols, often presented as apuzzle. Good luck! Answer onbottom of Page 10.

_________: a highlypolluting ingredientif allowed to get intoa waterway.

Decipher the environmental term!

bacteria = a cultureboars =a soundercats = a clowder (clutter)cattle = a herd (drove)Cows = a kine (dozen calleda flink)chickens = a brood (peep)Crocodiles = a floatcrows = a murdercoyotes = a banddove = a dulefrogs = an army (colony)hogs = a drift (parcel)horses = a team

jellyfish = a smackmallards =a sordmoles = a labourmonkeys = a troopowls = a parliamentquail = a coveyrattlesnakes = a rhumbarhinos = a crash (herd)squirrels = a drayswans = a bevy (herd, wedge,lamentation)turkeys = a refterturtles = a bale

Fun Facts by Christina Conner, Corpus Christi District

A group of ____ is called a ___:A group of ____ is called a ___:A group of ____ is called a ___:A group of ____ is called a ___:A group of ____ is called a ___:

Look out! A ‘rhumba’ of rattlesnakes.

Page 12 Spring 2004

Environmental Affairs Division125 East 11th StreetAustin, Texas 78701-2483

Address correction requested

‘The shortest distance between two Section401 certification reviews?’

A “STREAM-LINE”

WATER – COMPLY – WETLAND – PERMITSWATER – COMPLY – WETLAND – PERMITSWATER – COMPLY – WETLAND – PERMITSWATER – COMPLY – WETLAND – PERMITSWATER – COMPLY – WETLAND – PERMITS

Jumbly Word Jambalaya Answers

ENVision is a publication of theEnvironmental Affairs Division,Texas Department of Transportation,125 East 11th Street, Austin,Texas, 78701-2483.

We welcome ideas for stories andstanding features. Submit those tothe above address, attention RichardGoldsmith, phone 512.416.2743;via GroupWise to “rgoldsmi” withinTxDOT; “rgoldsmi@dot.state.tx.us”for e-mail from outside TxDOT.

RECYCLED PAPERSOY-BASED INK

Division DirectorDianna F. Noble, P.E.

Deputy Division DirectorAnn Irwin

EditorRichard Goldsmith

Writer/Copy EditorJim Dobbins

Regular ContributorHenry Gregory Quinn

Does ENVision reach the rightperson within your organization?Contact us to correct or to suggestadditions to the mailing list.

Visit ENV on the web at:http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/Access the ENVision archive at:

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/vision.htmvision.htmvision.htmvision.htmvision.htm

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) isresponsible for conducting Section 401 certification reviews ofU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit applications forthe discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters, includingwetlands. TCEQ is the lead state agency that administers theSection 401 certification program in Texas except with respect tooil and gas exploration, which is the responsibility of the RailroadCommission of Texas. The goal of these certification reviews is todetermine whether a proposed discharge will comply with statewater quality standards.

TEA-21 mandated Environmental Streamlining as the timelydelivery of transportation projects while protecting and enhancingthe environment. The objectives of Environmental Streamlininginclude:

• expedited transportation project delivery• integrated review and permitting processes that identify keydecision points and potential conflicts as early as possible• full and early participation by all relevant agencies thatmust review a highway construction project or issue a permit,license, or opinion relating to the project• coordinated time schedules for agencies to act on projectdecisions• dispute resolution procedures to address unresolved projectissues• improved NEPA decision-making