Burton C. Suedel, ENTRIX, Inc., 5252 Westchester, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77005, Tel: 713-662-1986, Fax: 713-666-5227, Email: bsuedel@entrix.com
John P. Slocomb, ENTRIX, Inc., 5252 Westchester, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77005, Tel: 713-662-1922, Fax: 713-666-5227
W. Barry Gillespie, Jr., ENTRIX, Inc., 5252 Westchester, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77005, Tel: 713-662-1908, Fax: 713-666-5227

On November 27, 2001, a break occurred in a 14-inch high-pressure pipeline near Vidor, Texas, resulting in the release of a large volume of Jet Fuel (JP-8) to the surrounding environment.  Initially, the fuel was contained in a low-lying area within the pipeline right-of-way.  However, shortly following the pipeline break, 10 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, which transported the fuel into surrounding bottomland hardwood forest, creeks, and roadside ditches and threatened a downstream federal marshland.  In total, about 20 acres of habitat was affected by the fuel release after floodwaters abated.  Based on initial site visits, aerial photographs and site maps, an exposure-based sampling program was developed to determine the nature and extent of contamination in different environmental media.  These data were used to conduct a screening-level ecological risk assessment to representative species of vegetation and wildlife, to help assess remedial alternatives, and to develop a risk-based closure plan for the site as required under the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP).  Chemical analysis of the fuel indicated that BTEX, naphthalene, and TPH were chemicals of concern.  Samples of surface water, sediment, and soil for chemicals of concern were collected and analyzed for these constituents.  Risks were estimated for receptors of concern and areas with residual contamination significantly contributing to ecological risk were delineated.  Protective concentration levels were generated based on risk results to support remedial decisions and regulatory closure of the site.

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