The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was planning to replace a deteriorated bridge on State Highway 146 across Goose Creek in Baytown, Texas. During geotechnical borings, hydrocarbon odors were noted in the subsurface soil and in sediment within the creek. Kleinfelder conducted soil and sediment sampling to assess concentrations of hydrocarbons.

Scheduling Constraints

The discovery of hydrocarbon odors during geotechnical boring necessitated an expedited schedule. Time for what had now become an environmental project was not accounted for in the original construction plan. Furthermore, sediment cores had to be obtained from the creek, which precluded the use of a standard drilling rig.

Creating Safe Working Conditions

Kleinfelder secured the services of a subcontractor that conducted soil and sediment coring services over water from a raft-like structure. This facilitated obtaining samples and assessing the concentrations. A Soil and Sediment Management Plan was prepared to enable TxDOT to complete the construction project, while maintaining safe working conditions for workers and to ensure proper management of any soil or sediment that was removed from the site during construction.

Project Results

Quick recognition of the situation through geotechnical testing, the creation of a soil and sediment removal procedure, and implementation of safety measures for onsite workers resulted in minimal delays for completion of the project.

Project Details

Location:
Baytown, Texas

Owner:
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)