STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: June 25, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 6
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing to (1) receive comments on a proposed municipal setting designation to prohibit the use of groundwater as potable water beneath property owned by LO 1401 West Commerce LLC generally located near the intersection of West Commerce Steet and North Edgefield Avenue and adjacent street rights-of-way; and, at close of the public hearing; and (2) an ordinance authorizing support of the issuance of a municipal setting designation to LO 1401 West Commerce LLC by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and prohibiting the use of groundwater beneath the designated property as potable water - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Based on information provided by the Applicant, groundwater is first encountered at 15 feet below ground surface. A portion of the designated groundwater has been affected by chlorinated volatile organic compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons at concentrations above groundwater ingestion standards. Potential on-site sources of the chemicals of concern identified in groundwater are various spills and/or releases that may have occurred during historical commercial/industrial operations. Off-site sources include former industrial activities to the south and west.
The applicant has requested that the City support its application for an municipal setting designation (MSD). A public meeting will be held on June 9, 2025 to receive comments and concerns. Notices of the meeting have been sent to 1,371 property owners within 2,500 feet of the property and 76 private well owners within five miles of the property. There are no other municipalities within one-half mile of the property.
The designated property was entered into the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) February 14, 2022 and is designated as VCP ID No. 3204.
This item is a municipal setting designation ordinance prohibiting the use of potable groundwater beneath property located near the intersection of West Commerce Steet and North Edgefield Avenue including adjacent street rights-of-way; and supporting the issuance of an MSD by TCEQ.
The applicant’s current plan is to obtain closure through the VCP supported by an MSD. Currently, the designated property is occupied by Andes Coil Processors. Operations include steel cutting, warehousing, and distribution services. Commercial operations will continue at the designated property, but redevelopment planning is underway for other potential uses.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
LO 1401 West Commerce LLC
Thomas H Kuhlmann, Member
MAP
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