Former ENV Deputy, Ann Irwin, Dies Ann M

A newsletter from TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/environmental_affairs

Volume 12, Issue 1 Winter 2006-7 16 Pages Former ENV deputy, Ann Irwin, dies Ann M. Irwin, former deputy division various archeological sites. TxDOT gained recognition for its director of ENV, died Dec. 9. Ann received bachelor’s degrees achievements in the cultural resources She retired from TxDOT in December in anthropology and field, including 2004 after 27 years of service. Before English from the receipt of the Curtis becoming deputy division director of University of Kansas. Tunnell Award from ENV in June 2002 she was director of She received her Preservation Texas, the Cultural Resources Section (CRM), master’s in anthropology and the inaugural E. branch manager of the Archeology from the University Mott Davis Award Studies Branch and a field archeologist. of Pennsylvania and for Excellence in When she retired in December 2004, Ann completed coursework Public Outreach from went to work for Carter & Burgess, Inc. at the University of the Council of Texas Before joining TxDOT in 1978 Pennsylvania for a Archeologists. She she was curator for the Laboratory of Ph.D. in Anthropology. received one of the Anthropology and laboratory operations Ann received highest honors awarded manager at Washington State University; numerous awards over by TxDOT, the principal investigator on several projects, the years, including a Raymond E. Stotzer, Jr. including excavations of important Phi Beta Kappa. Her Award, in 1999. Paleo-Indian sites; research and editorial numerous fellowships She was admired assistant and teaching assistant at and grants included by her coworkers the University of Pennsylvania; and a Carnegie Institute Ann M. Irwin for her generosity, laboratory supervisor for several projects. Stipend, Woodrow determination, optimism Ann was also the field foreman for the Wilson Graduate Fellowship, University and unflappability. She was known Hell Gap Archeological Expedition and Institutional Fellowship and Teaching throughout the department as a skilled had served as a consultant to both the Fellowships form the University of negotiator. She was supportive of her Cheney-Cowles Museum and Rocky- Pennsylvania and grants for her work on staff and brought out the best in people. Reach Museum. She was a published the Lind Coulee Site in Washington State. Ann was an example of goodness author of many papers dealing with Under Ann’s leadership of the CRM (See IRWIN, Page 5) In this issue Mowing delayed to protect owls ENV’s Doug Mack By JENNY SADNICK Hermosillo, a member of the El Paso/ becomes the Environmental Affairs Division Trans Pecos Audubon Society. ‘Walking Quad,’ The El Paso District temporarily In response, El Paso District halted mowing this past summer on a Director of Maintenance Leo Betancourt Page 2 section of U.S. 54 in northeast El Paso postponed mowing in the area to avoid — to avoid disturbing the nesting season of damaging the nests and habitat. The Environmental burrowing owls. The district made the heavy equipment used to mow could Achievement Awards, decision after it learned that these owls have compacted the soil, complicating had nested in the right of way. the burrowing process for the owls or Pages 8-9 destroying their burrows altogether. — Burrowing owls are an endangered species in Canada and a Texas “watch- Mowing resumed in September, when Brownwood list” species, or species of concern. the fledglings were old enough to fend grain elevator Lois Balin, a biologist for the Texas for themselves and mowing no longer team earns award, Parks and Wildlife Department, brought posed a significant threat. Betancourt said, “I certainly felt that delaying the Page 11 the situation to TxDOT’s attention after learning of the situation from Richard (See PROTECTED, Page 10) Page 2 Winter 2006-7 Doug Mack beat paralysis

By BLYTHE JEWELL order.” found his place at TxDOT. He met his Environmental Affairs Division Mack’s engaging temperament wife Julie a few years after college, and On the surface, Doug Mack seems may come from an unlikely source: the two were married in a Las Vegas like one of the guys. A project manager overcoming paralysis. At the age of 19, ceremony, where Mack opted to forego with ENV’s Pollution Prevention and the college freshman joined a group the tradition groom’s tuxedo for an Elvis Abatement (PPA) Branch, Mack’s work of friends to play basketball, a casual jumpsuit. They later had a son, Raleigh, helps make Texas transportation safer get-together that would suddenly and who is now 3 years old and, according to for all of us, regulating roadways and unexpectedly change his life. At the Mack, “made of pure energy!” structures built through contaminated gym, the group came upon an open After his recovery, Mack used his areas like landfills, superfund sites room with gymnastics experience to write a book titled “The and gas stations. His agreeable nature equipment and Walking Quadriplegic: Defeating has made him well-liked among his decided to try some Paralysis.” Published in December coworkers, and his dedication to his job of it out for fun. 2005, the book tells his inspiring story has made him well-respected. Their amusement and offers an inside look at life as a But beneath Mack’s easy-going quickly turned to quadriplegic and beyond. It is now professional demeanor lies a sense of tragedy when Mack available online at many retail determination that once saved him from dove headfirst into a sites, including Amazon. life as a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic. set of foam blocks, com (www.amazon.com) This determination led him to a new life typically used to and Barnes and Noble as a successful TxDOT project manager, arrest gymnasts’ (www.bn.com). (Find inspirational author and proud father and movement during the book’s web site at husband. training. The www.thewalkingquad. Mack started working for ENV in impact broke his com.) March of 1998. In his current position neck. With the with PPA, he provides a wide range During his successful release of services and works with a varied first month in of “The Walking group of TxDOT districts and divisions the hospital, Quadriplegic,” Mack including Right of Way, Advance Mack was able has now written a Planning, Design and Construction. to move only second book, a work Most recently, he worked with the small facial of fiction he hopes El Paso District to locate and remove muscles. Hope to publish soon. unexploded ordances, such as anti- for further Living in Austin with tank rounds, grenades and bullets, on a recovery was Julie and Raleigh, he former Fort Bliss shooting range before essentially continues to inspire detention ponds could be built there. nonexistent. those who know him Mack has great regard for his Told by doctors and those he reaches coworkers and a strong sense of respect that he was through his writings. for the work that TxDOT does. When not likely His weighty past has asked about his favorite TxDOT to survive not diminished Mack’s memory, he said, “The one thing that and certainly sense of fun, however. He will always stick with me is the manner would never walk may even be harboring a in which TxDOT employees work again, Mack refused to secret identity. According together as a team… It’s amazing to step accept the hopelessness to Dempsey, “Doug back and realize the overall scope and of his diagnosis and is an Elvis fanatic. grandeur of what TxDOT has actually chose instead to fight. I’ve seen pictures accomplished.” After months of painful – at his Las Vegas This earnest answer does not exactly rehabilitation, unblinking wedding, and reflect the light-hearted Mack that his determination and intense wandering the coworkers know. When asked about hard work, he walked out streets on Mack, Terry Dempsey, a team leader for of the hospital to resume Halloween PPA, said, “Because of his entertaining his life. – where he nature and easy-going style, he adds Mack went on looks just a little bit of lightness to the office to receive a degree in like Elvis. environment.” Environmental Sciences Maybe Former PPA team leader Dan Neal from Texas State he really adds, “Doug’s world revolves around University and, after a is Elvis in two things: (1) Taco Friday and (2) five-year stint with the disguise.” [his son], maybe not necessarily in that City of Austin, finally Winter 2006-7 Page 3 Sandbur Site decades in the making By JENNY SADNICK other local groups in South and Central Texas.” Environmental Affairs Division Distinctive stone tools left behind during that time have The Texas Historical Commission (THC) presented its been found at sites scattered from West Texas to the Gulf of annual Award of Merit in Archeology to the Environmental Mexico, but little is known about where they came from or Affairs Division’s Archeological Studies Program in July 2005. why the people who left them suddenly disappeared after A.D. According to 1600. It was a time of Mark Denton, early European contact Coordinator for State in northern Mexico, and Federal Reviews and archeologists at THC, the award suspect that some recognizes “superior cultural patterns of quality archeological later historical groups, field investigations, especially those of artifact analysis and inter-regional trade and report production interaction, may have associated with Cultural originated with these Resource Management early inhabitants. investigations performed “When people with at the local, state or a new technology, style federal level here in and toolkits appear Texas.” without precedence in a ENV was recognized region’s archeological because of a project record, their presence based in southeast may be the result of Texas, near the banks significant influences of the lower Colorado in the cultural and Wayne Young (in cap) and Frank Weir at Sandbur site. River in Fayette County. Archive photo natural environments. “If you followed that As an example, the river all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico, the site is about abrupt appearance of these hunter-gatherers in turn roughly 100 miles from the coast. It’s not really on the Colorado, but corresponds to evidence of increased bison herds across the on a big tributary that flows into the Colorado River. The site state. This may be related to larger influences of climate change is located near the historical La Bahia road crossing of the river and regional migration patterns,” says McGraw. and in an area containing many early sites associated with Texas Ardi Kalter and Michael Smith, both PBS&J staff history,” explains TxDOT archeologist Al McGraw, who was archeologists, conducted the majority of the analysis on the involved in the project from its inception. artifacts previously collected in 1979. PBS&J’s work began The site later came to be known as the Sandbur Site because in October 2002 and concluded with their March 2005 report of the many Sandbur weed plants found there. on the Sandbur site. Kalter authored the report with help from Federal and state laws require TxDOT to identify any Smith and Robert Rogers, the principal investigator of the site. significant historic or prehistoric sites that might be impacted by Kalter agreed with McGraw that the traditional view of the transportation construction, so when plans were made to rebuild area as an archeological “transition zone” is likely flawed. a highway across the Colorado River archeologists Frank Weir Given the area’s geographic location and proximity to the and Wayne Young were sent with a TxDOT crew to investigate Colorado River, early people may have passed through the site, the area in 1979. but it also probably held its own indigenous population. They soon discovered that the site “consisted of a series of McGraw agrees and says, “The TxDOT and PBS&J study vertical layers of prehistoric occupations covering a span of at provides new insights into the poorly understood history of least 10,000 years, with occupants ranging from about 9500 early Texans. These findings will be used in the future as a B.C. or earlier to about A.D. 1400-1450,” McGraw says. challenging base of information when others encounter and Study of the Sandbur Site has shed new light on a poorly investigate similar campsites within or beyond TxDOT’s understood period of Texas prehistory. According to McGraw, highways.” TxDOT archeologists and consultants from PBS&J determined While honored by THC’s regognition, McGraw maintains that large parts of the different occupational layers had mixed that this project was about more than an award. It is important together, making analysis difficult. But one part of the site shows “how you can use information…to advance the scientific appeared to be relatively intact. Luckily, it was the most recent understanding of archeology. And it reflects TxDOT’s layer, a campsite that was repeatedly occupied from A.D. 1250- continuing commitment to address and finalize the requirements 1450. of what they’d set out to do.” Those specific years marked an important time in Texas. As McGraw continues, “More often that not, an archeological McGraw explains, “At that time, people with new technologies, study isn’t the glamorous version shown in the movies but as including the bow and arrow and pottery, appeared suddenly the Sandbur work shows, it can be a difficult, tedious and often across much of Texas. Archeological evidence shows that they lengthy process to better understand our common heritage.” often lived among, interacted with, and occasionally fought Page 4 Winter 2006-7 FHWA’s Excellence in Highway Design Awards

sites throughout the city. • At 44,620 square miles, the Brazos River basin is the largest watershed contained entirely within Texas. Flood levels between 20 and 30 feet are common. The outside stream where U. S. 59 crosses the Brazos was dangerously scoured. The Houston District implemented strategies in more than 1800 feet of riverbank so that erosion is reversed, and new soils are being deposited with every river rise, This project won a 2004 Honorable Mention in the category of Highway Improvements on Publicly Owned Land. This national award honors the most ‘Black-eyed Susan’ wildflowers beside a central Texas highway. creative designs that apply context- sensitive solutions to transportation- TxDOT file photo related problems – safety, mobility, By H.G. QUINN Preservation. environmental enhancement, economic Environmental Affairs Division Built 11 miles upstream from productivity, accessibility, aesthetics and TxDOT was recognized for four Gonzalez in 1913, the 140-foot, pin- security. projects in FHWA’s Excellence in connected Parker through truss could no The next call for entries will be in Highway Design Biennial Awards for longer handle modern traffic loads. September 2007. both 2006 and 2004. Besides being one of the • The Brownwood District received earliest settlements in the a 2006 Merit Award for the Walker state, the city of Gonzalez Street project in the Historic Preservation also played a pivotal category. The restored section of U. S. role in the earliest days 180 in Breckenridge is one of the few of the Texas Revolution remaining brick roadways located on and Republic. It is home the U. S. Highway system. (See related to many prominent article on page 8.) monuments and sites. • TxDOT’s Wildflower Program The local historic won a 2004 Merit Award in the category preservation organization of Environmental Protection and worked closely with Enhancements. Texas is known for its TxDOT to have the bridge magnificent wildflowers, with more than restored and moved into a million acres of roadside blooming in town to span Kerr Creek huge carpets of color from spring to early as part of a hike and bike summer. The peak wildflower season trail linking the historic draws tourists from around the world to U. S. 59 at the Brazos River near Richmond. see the rolling panorama of more than Houston District photo 5,000 species of wildflowers unfold each spring. TxDOT’s wildflower program not only beautifies the highways but conserves water, controls erosion and provides habitat for wildlife. TxDOT’s Maintenance Division sows about 15 tons of wildflower seed each year and delays all mowing, unless essential for safety, until the wildflower season is over. This practice has stayed in place for more than 60 years and has expanded into today’s full-scale vegetation management system. • The relocation and rehabilitation of the Oak Forest Bridge won a 2004 Oak Forest Bridge relocated to Kerr Creek in the City of Gonzales. Merit Award in the category of Historic Photo by H. G. Quinn Winter 2006-7 Page 5 Former permits ofﬁ cer Remaley dies at 53 Thomas M. Remaley, former Environmental Remaley stayed with TxDOT for three Affairs Division (ENV) permit assistance and a half years before moving to Houston officer, died July 24, 2005 at age 53. Tom to work for Berg-Oliver in December came to ENV from the Texas Commission 2002. At Berg-Oliver, Tom was a Vice on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), where President and Senior Project Manager, and he headed up the Standards and Assessment opened the company’s Austin office. Section. He started work at TxDOT as an Tom’s approach of putting others before environmental specialist in ENV’s Water Quality himelf at whatever cost remained with Branch. He was later promoted to supervise the him through his transition into a new job. Water Resources Management Branch. Ken Berg, the principal of Berg-Oliver Jean Beeman, Design Division’s Associates, also saw that part of Tom and administrative manager, was a long-time friend. added, “Tom was a patient and caring “The thing I really liked about Tom as far as person with his co-workers and often took work goes, was that it didn’t matter how much time to teach younger employees about stress he was under, and I know he was under a aspects of our business that are gained lot of stress, he never let it affect how he related from experience.” to people,” Beeman said. Outside of work, Tom’s family was a “He also tried to make the job easier [by top priority in his life. He really enjoyed cutting] through the red tape in the bureaucracy Tom Remaley spending time with his family and Beeman to get at some kind of resolution or partnership recollected a time “when his son had his that worked well for everybody involved,” Beeman said. “He first grandchild, maybe three or four years ago, he was so just really tried to work with people and establish good rapport excited to be a first-time grandpa.” and relationships, and working in Environmental in that kind of Tom left behind a son, daughter, two grandchildren, a position, that’s real important.” sister,and other family members. Alan Wormser, archeologist, Irwin: Loved pets (Continued from Page 1) and loyalty to her friends. She was with TxDOT ties, dead at 48 known for her wonderful personality; Alan Joseph Wormser passed away Aug. 12, 2005, in Inova Fairfax Hospital, she was good hearted, kind, gentle, located in Falls Church, Virginia. funny and unselfish. She and her Wormser worked as a TxDOT archeologist from 1986 to 1993. husband Chuck always made their ENV archeologist Barbara Hickman said that “he was always involved in friends feel welcome in their home something.” This drive led him to and shared everything they had accomplish many things, from writing unselfishly. a National Register of Historic Places Ann had many interests, and nomination for Camp Mabry, to receiving many pets—dogs, birds and a cat. a personal citation of merit in 1998 from She showed Dachshunds for several William Cohen, Secretary of Defense. years and met many of her friends Wormser launched the country’s first through a shared love of dogs. Her cultural resources office for the National pets brought her much love and comfort. She was an avid collector of Guard. He was then awarded the Secretary antiques and enjoyed making jewelry of the Army 1997 Environmental Award for herself and her friends. She was and the Secretary of Defense 1997 well read and enjoyed traveling. Environmental Security Award for his Ann was born in Kansas City, notable deeds. Missouri, on April 3, 1940. Her Wormser was also a ham radio parents were I. T. Monseth and operator. Fred Adsit with eHam, a ham Mary Louise Rothwell. radio organization, said “What I remember She met her husband, Charles most about Alan was his passion for (Chuck) Johnson over a spilled pot of Alan Wormser everything. Alan enjoyed living life to tea. They married on Aug. 26, 1985. the fullest… Alan had also recently become Ann was preceded in death by engaged to a lovely lady, Laura. Alan and Laura were planning a new life together both parents. Her husband, Chuck … Alan was struck down in his prime. It is seldom that we get the pleasure of Johnson, died earlier on June 21, knowing someone so capable of enriching our lives.” 2006. Page 6 Winter 2006-7 TxDOT protects endangered Big Red Sage By JENNY SADNICK disturbing the Big Red Sage plants themselves. “My crews had Environmental Affairs Division to do quite a bit of handwork as to not disturb or destroy the The Big Red Sage, a native Texas plant, was thought to be surviving plants,” Lux said. “Within a few days, not only did extinct a few decades ago. Little was known about this plant my crews see the light, so did the Red Sage.” except that it only grows on the Edwards Plateau in Central The plant now has a second chance. John Bohuslav, San Texas. Antonio District’s director of maintenance, said he was “proud According to ENV biologist Karen Clary, the sage was to be working with such fine folks that take such great care of first discovered in the 1800s by early naturalists, but was lost our highways and roadsides.” to history. It was only rediscovered by botanists in the 1980s. The recent efforts of the Boerne maintenance staff have made it possible for the sage to survive and thrive. Soon after the plant was rediscovered in the ‘80s, a botanist found a small population of Big Red Sage under the Interstate 10 bridge at Frederick Creek in Boerne. According to Dennis Markwardt, director of the Maintenance Division’s Vegetation Management Section, this was actually the first place the sage was found, making it an important historical site for the plant. To protect the plants, the right of way was designated as a “non-mow” zone to keep contractors from cutting the plants down by mistake. When the Boerne maintenance staff reached the site in 2005 they found the area overgrown with scrub brush, which was beginning to choke out the Big Red Sage. The sage needs lots of light and limited plant competition to survive. Big Red Sage bush. Marvin Hatter, San Antonio District vegetation manager, the Boerne maintenance staff - Chad Lux and his crew of Glen Henry, Kevin Fries, Russell Rust, Gary Jaimes, and Santos Munoz - and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff were concerned that if the site was not cleaned out, the Big Red Sage would be lost. They devised a plan to clear and protect the site, and they did the work themselves. The Boerne maintenance staff proceeded despite the frequent flooding, abundance of poison ivy, and possible snake-infestation in the area. They cleared the brush and weeds, mowed the area, killed the poison ivy with an herbicide application, and added mulch chips to control erosion on the banks of the creek. The biggest challenge was to do all this work without Big Red Sage flowers. San Antonio District photos Campus invaded by sons and daughters By JENNY SADNICK The day started just before 8 a.m. first time a child is exposed to a parent’s Environmental Affairs Division with breakfast, and proceeded with career first-hand. Almost 200 children explored presentations all morning. Lectures such Hill spoke with several of the children TxDOT’s Riverside Campus for the as “Working for TxDOT” and “The about their future career plans. A popular “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Public and TxDOT in the News” helped choice among the boys is computer Day” on Aug. 3, 2006. familiarize the children with the agency gaming. The girls’ choices were more The annual TxDOT-hosted event and its purpose. varied. One little girl named Amy hopes allows employees to bring their children After lunch and a coloring contest, to become an obstetrician one day. to work for activities designed to teach the children spent the afternoon at their None of the children mentioned them more about what their parents do for parents’ divisions for more activities. wanting to work for TxDOT, but their a living. Environmental Specialist Don Hill, minds may change after seeing up close 195 children registered to attend the who served as a tour guide, believes the work the agency does. The hope is event. TxDOT employees volunteered as the event is a valuable tool for showing that this event will inspire them to follow tour guides to lead the children through a kids the important work their parents in their parents’ footsteps and one day variety of activities. do at TxDOT. In many cases, it is the join the TxDOT family. Winter 2006-7 Page 7 2 TxDOT winners honored by Truett Latimer Award By H.G. QUINN He researched and produced Environmental Affairs Division a travel guide entitled Los For the first time, judges at Caminos Del Rio (The Roads Preservation Texas awarded the of the River), which chronicles prestigious Truett Latimer Award the historic legacy of the multi- to two recipients in one year. cultural Rio Grande valley. Preservation Texas is a Dr. Sanchez continues to statewide organization dedicated examine the rich heritage of to preserving the state’s historic the Rio Grande Valley. He is resources through education, currently involved with the advocacy, collaboration and Roma Restoration Project communication. that has been designated as a According to their web site National Historic Landmark. (www.preservationtexas.org): Charles Walker has been “The Truett Latimer Award instrumental in the preservation is named for Texas’ first State of numerous historic bridges Historic Preservation Officer throughout the state. Recently and executive director of the Charles Walker, P. E. and Dr. Mario Sanchez. he was involved with the Texas Historical Commission. This rehabilitation and relocation of Photo by H. G. Quinn award goes to working professionals who the notable Oak Forest Bridge demonstrate a significant commitment the Austin Marriott Hotel. to the historic town of Gonzales. and sustained involvement to preservation Working closely with local interests, Among other significant bridge as part of their job responsibilities. Only Dr. Sanchez laid the regulatory projects, Walker was involved with the one award is given in this category.” groundwork to save and restore the restoration of the award-winning Regency Dr. Mario Sanchez of the Old River Pumphouse on the Rio Bridge. He currently leads a project Environmental Affairs Division and Grande River in Hildalgo, which won to restore an exceptional suspension Charles Walker, P. E., of the Bridge the esteemed 2003 National Trust for bridge outside of San Saba known as the Division were honored in April 2005 at Historic Preservation Award. Beverage Bridge. Texas now recycling more scrap tires than generated By H.G. QUINN pavement, 1,412 tons for crack sealer and 563 tons for rubber Environmental Affairs Division products and tire bales (used to stabilize embankments). Things look good for the scrap tire recycle effort jointly Seal coat is a layer of asphalt covered with a layer of rocks managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide either a new driving surface or a waterproof layer (TCEQ) and TxDOT. The January 2006 Progress Report under the surface layer. Engineers prefer seal coats with as on Using Scrap Tires and Crumb Rubber in Texas Highway much as 15 percent tire rubber in the asphalt to hold the rocks Construction shows that during calendar years 2004 and 2005, in place better and provide greater durability. TxDOT’s 2005 both TCEQ and TxDOT oversaw significant progress in the contracts called for using about 13,400 tons of tire rubber for state’s scrap tire situation. seal coats. Major developments include the following: Hot mix asphalt pavements are compacted mixtures of rock • The state disposed of or recycled 28.1 million scrap tire and asphalt. TxDOT engineers choose the rubber option for units (STUs) in 2004, 3.7 million more than were generated. pavement because it adds greater surface durability, improves •TCEQ and industry efforts reduced the volume of scrap tire ride quality and increases skid resistance. material stockpiled at registered scrap tire storage sites by about The use of rubber in asphalt paving will continue to grow 10.5 million STUs during 2004 and an estimated 10.6 million because TxDOT’s 2004 standard specifications provide for STUs during 2005, a 45 percent reduction in state stockpile expanded use of crumb rubber-modified asphalt over the 1993 volumes since 2003. specifications. •The number of Texas scrap tires consumed as tire-derived TxDOT and TCEQ have worked to encourage the fuel continues to increase. In-state and out-of-state cement kilns development of scrap tire markets and products. As the volume and paper and pulp mills increased the volume of Texas scrap of crumb rubber and other scrap tire rubber material processed tires they consumed as fuel by 4.8 million tires, a 39.4 percent in Texas increases, the potential for productive use grows. category increase in 2004. For more information about tire recycling go to: •The number of scrap tires used to manufacture crumb • http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/permitting/registration/tires/recycling. rubber products increased by 332,734 tires between 2003 html and 2004. This is the first time TxDOT’s recycling use has • http://www.txdot.gov/services/general_services/recycling/tirefill. exceeded the number of scrap tires generated yearly. htm TxDOT’s use of recycled rubber has increased each year • http://www.txdot.gov/services/general_services/recycling/ since the Texas Legislature mandated the use of STUs in road tirebales.htm construction. From 2001 to 2005 TxDOT has used 57,133 • http://www.rubberpavements.org/ tons of recycled rubber for seal coats, 8,837 tons for asphalt Page 8 Winter 2006-7 2005-06 Environmental Achievement Awards District and division project and program achievements gain recognition

By H.G. QUINN Company was used to pave the street highway. Environmental Affairs Division adjacent to the courthouse to alleviate this The project was successfully In 2005–2006, numerous TxDOT problem. The brick road was eventually completed without negative impacts to projects went beyond observing basic paved over when the roadway became any of the 64 historic structures within environmental requirements. The most part of U. S. 180. the project limits. New sidewalks with innovative projects were recognized with The need to rehabilitate this roadway, brick insets established a backdrop ENV’s Environmental Achievement combined with a shared desire to for the landscaping details of period- Awards. preserve the integrity of a historic piece decorative streetlights, returning downtown Breckenridge to its original historic context. The finished project is unique and reaches far beyond local heritage. It is one of very few refurbished brick roads in the country that are part of the United States Highway System. The Federal Highway Administration, TxDOT, the city of Breckenridge, the Texas Historical Commission, local business owners and the contractor all came together in a successful partnership. Thanks to their cooperation and the hard work of the Brownwood District, a part of Texas history and the national past has been preserved. • 2006 Runner-up — Corpus Christi District for the “Elevation of the JFK Causeway Project.” The JFK causeway is the only hurricane evacuation route from North Padre Island. At only three feet above mean high tide, the original causeway often flooded during storm surges, U. S. Highway 180 brick streetscape in Breckenridge. cutting the island off from the mainland. Photo by Kevin Stillman A new causeway was constructed nine feet above high tide to provide a secure • Presented at the TxDOT District business district, created an opportunity Engineer/ Division Director/Office for the Brownwood District to partner Director meeting on Oct. 10, 2006, the with the city of Breckenridge, local 2006 Environmental Achievement Award business owners and the Texas Historical was given to the Brownwood District for Commission. its “U. S. Highway 180 Brick Streetscape The work was done one block at a Project.” time, minimizing any negative impacts Breckenridge was the sleepy county on the business district and improving seat of rural Stephens County for several safety with the shortened length of traffic quiet decades until oil was discovered exposure to the work zone and roadway in 1916. Thousands of workers and equipment. The bricks were removed, speculators began to arrive in 1920. In cleaned and stored for later use. the classic oil boomtown manner tents The original Thurber bricks were JFK Causeway and shacks sprung up overnight. From a used to pave the entire block in front of Corpus Christi District photo population estimated at 1,500 in January the historic Breckenridge courthouse, route. 1920, the town grew to 30,000 by the curb to curb. The travel lanes in the With approval from the scientific end of the year. Activity was frenzied as remaining three blocks of the project community and regulatory agencies, a some 200 wells were put down inside the were paved with antique bricks, and new 2,550 foot bridge replaced the smaller city limits. brick pavers were used in the parking Humble Channel Bridge at the west The lightest of rains quickly turned lanes. A new sub-base was engineered end of the three-mile project. The new the teeming, deeply-rutted dirt roads into so that the restored brick roadway could bridge created better water circulation treacherous quagmires. In 1923 locally- accommodate the current and future in the upper Laguna Madre, improving produced brick from the Thurber Brick traffic volumes and loads of a major (See EAA, Page 9) Winter 2006-7 Page 9

anglers. The Silver Falls Rest Area was EAA: Runner-up The bridge has been named for built during the Great Depression by (Continued from Page 9) Cowan, who passed away from a long- the Civilian Conservation Corps. The overall conditions for marine life. The term illness during construction. Corps created a haven for travelers on old landfill under the new bridge was Thanks to early planning by Cowan the slopes of the Caprock Escarpment in removed to create 15.2 acres of sea and Waco District personnel, this huge a vast and extremely dry area of West bottom and expand the endangered sea project went beyond basic environmental Texas, constructing a small spillway dam grass habitat which was present on both across the intermittently dry White River sides of the causeway. to create a detention pond. Skilled stone Part of the removed landfill was used masons built picnic tables, barbecue pits, to build an island, providing an isolated walls, steps, a pump house and a stone nesting area for the endangered Black fountain. Skimmer. Previously, these ground- The first phase of the project nesting birds were often disturbed by renovated the 60-year-old deteriorated anglers moving through the area. stone structures. Next, with approval The Corpus Christi District from the United States Corps of coordinated with federal and state Engineers, the river was dredged to entities, as well as the scientific remove the sediments and invasive community, to go beyond the basic vegetation that clogged the waterway FM 2288 project. behind the low-water dam. The final Photo by Kevin Stillman phase replaced the 1960s rest area concerns to create new wildlife habitat structure overlooking the White River while constructing a beautiful bridge. canyon with a well-designed facility • 2006 Honorable mention — San including added parking, picnic tables Angelo District for the “Upgrade of FM and modern restrooms. 2288 Project.” The importance of the Silver Falls This road was widened to four lanes Rest Area extends beyond its use by the to accommodate rapid residential and traveling public. Surrounding towns have commercial development. The district traditionally used the area as high school confined the project to the existing right- biology and history laboratories, and for SH 36 at Lake Belton. of-way to reduce impact to San Angelo social events such as community picnics. Waco District photo State Park, which borders the roadway on The rest area is of such importance to the east. the history of these communities that requirements of the road project to The project was designed to visually it is eligible for listing in the National preserve and enlarge the natural heritage blend with the natural feel of the area. Register of Historic Places. of Texas. An exposed aggregate finish was used to Due to the efforts of the Lubbock • 2006 Honorable mention — Waco avoid large expanses of stark concrete District, a refreshing oasis was made District for the “State Highway 36 across surfaces. The retaining walls were functional for the traveling public, stone Lake Belton Project.” finished to resemble limestone, which structures that are very rare in this part The new replacement bridge crossing echoes the historic structures inside the of Texas were preserved, an important Lake Belton at State Highway 36 is 3,840 state park. Buffalo-head sculptural bas- cultural resource was saved and a river feet long. Early in the design process the reliefs were placed at each end of the system was revitalized. Waco District and Jim Cowan, the Bell retaining walls to draw attention to the • 2005 Runner-up — Houston District County area engineer, realized that a buffalo herd at the state park. for the “Texas 87 Revetment Project on project of this magnitude would require The district worked with state park the Bolivar Peninsula.” special environmental considerations. officials to improve the park entrance. The only hurricane evacuation route To avoid disturbing the endangered Relocating the entrance away from a for residents of Bolivar Point is S.H. Golden-Cheeked Warbler during its hill that limited sight distance improved 87, but at less than five feet above sea nesting season, the district coordinated traffic safety while leaving historic level, the highway was threatened by with the contractor to delay right-of-way structures unaltered. erosion. One of the few remaining Texas clearing activities. Thanks to the efforts of the San lighthouses was also endangered. For weeks a continuous stream of Angelo District, a context-sensitive, The project, a first of its kind for dump trucks hauled more than 180,000 aesthetically pleasing roadway was built the district, created a breakwater and cubic yards of soil for the bridge with minor impact to a historic state an artificial lagoon to stabilize the embankment from nearby land owned park. shoreline. Designed to submerge at high by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. • The 2005 Environmental tide, the lagoon will eventually silt up. Belton Area Office designers worked Achievement Award was announced at Consisting of a double row of five-ton with the Corps to create a 20-acre the October 10, 2005, TxDOT District granite blocks, the permanent breakwater wetland from the resulting borrow pit. Engineer/ Division Director/Office protects the silting action, creating a Demolished columns from the old bridge Director meeting in College Station. The sheltered coastline. Box culverts were were carefully placed in Lake Belton Lubbock District was declared the winner installed at each end of the breakwater to to provide cover for game fish, and the for its restoration project of the Silver (See 2005, Page 10) area was marked with buoys for use by Falls Rest Area on U.S. 82. Page 10 Winter 2006-7

inch pipe, vastly improving water exchange. 2005: Projects awarded The project was carefully designed to avoid damage to the (Continued from Page 9) critical bird habitat of Sunset Lake and other sensitive marine provide a healthy water exchange between the lagoon and the habitats within the area. Off-road driving was a problem Gulf of Mexico. Follow up surveys show that native plants and with the previous design. Retaining walls, railings and traffic animals are thriving in the lagoon. barriers were incorporated into the new design to end driving in Thanks to the efforts of the Houston District a hurricane the habitat. evacuation route is safer, a significant lighthouse is protected Due to the laudable efforts of the Corpus Christi District and the environment has been improved using zero-maintenance a safer evacuation route was provided and a sensitive natural natural materials. area was improved and protected. The redesigned project also • 2005 Runner-up — San Angelo District for the “U.S. 87 improved recreational opportunities by providing parking areas Native Plant Preservation/Relocation” project. and boardwalks for bird watching. Although under no regulatory obligation to do so, the • 2005 Honorable mention — Austin District for the “I-35 district went to extraordinary lengths to save the seed stock between Loop 150 and SH 123 Project.” of non-threatened native plant species. Concerned about the One of the world’s most fertile and unique rivers, the displacement of vegetation by the widening of U. S. 87, district San Marcos rises entirely from cold-water springs. A major personnel removed the plants by hand. highway, Interstate 35, crosses the river not far from the The district coordinated a plan with local and state agencies springs. to relocate the plants to five new gardens at various sites and While accommodating a daily traffic flow of more than public access areas near U. S. Highways 87 and 83. Plants 75,000 vehicles per day, the contractor was required to replace were also moved to the Paint Rock and Menard Elementary obsolete bridges without entering the river or allowing any Schools using the guidelines of the Texas Wildscape program, material to flow or fall into the riverbed. a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program that teaches Unlike the original bridges, the finished project filters young people to become good land stewards by giving them an rainwater runoff before it enters the river. It also includes opportunity to study and care for native plants. hazardous material traps where none existed before. The admirable efforts of the San Angelo district have The project was finished on time without incident. Thanks preserved a part of the natural heritage of Texas. to the worthy efforts of the Austin District an important natural • 2005 Honorable mention — Corpus Christi District for the treasure was protected and a safer crossing was built. “U.S. 181 Portland – Phase III” project. The Environmental Achievement Award recognizes the best U. S. 181 is a major hurricane evacuation route for the TxDOT projects and processes that meet transportation needs Corpus Christi area. This project expanded traffic capacity to while protecting and enhancing the environment. ENV presents six lanes and raised the roadbed by three feet. the annual award to the district or division whose projects Within the project 2.3 miles of road passes through the go beyond the basic environmental requirements to produce sensitive environmental area between Nueces Bay and Sunset exceptional results. Lake. The hydraulic exchange between the bay and lake was The 2007 call for entries went out in January and the inadequate to maintain the lake as a healthy body of water. deadline is May 11. Large box culverts in the new design replaced the original 30- Protected: Burrowing owls

(Continued from Page 1) legs and feet to improve burrows mowing until September was worth already dug by other mammals, it.” such as ground squirrels. Burrowing owls are sandy “Opportunities abound to see a brown birds, 10 to 13 inches tall, burrowing owl at the Rio Bosque that live in the ground. As humans Wetlands Park and along Highway have developed more and more of 54 from McCombs to the State their habitat, their numbers have line. That part of El Paso is the declined drastically. best place to see…the burrowing The owls are unique in several owl,” Balin said. “Look for the ways. They are “diurnal,” or active birds perching on fences near their during the day, presenting ideal burrows or on the ground next to a circumstances to view and study burrow.” them. They also nest in burrows These birds would not be so underground, and have very long, easily viewed if the El Paso District strong legs – both unusual traits had not taken special measures to Burrowing owl. in an owl species. They use their protect their habitat. Winter 2006-7 Page 11 Brownwood Grain Elevator project recognized By KAREN HUGHES and ANDREW CHISHOLM Brownwood District The Great State of Texas Historical Transportation Complex is located on the former site of the Continental Grain Elevator and Warehouse in downtown Brownwood. A team associated with this project was awarded the inaugral Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Founders award from the National Park Service. Partially funded by TxDOT’s Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program, the complex incorporates parts of the original agricultural facility, including the distinctive concrete grain silos that date to the late 1920s. A collection of historic railroad memorabilia will be showcased in the museum. The complex will adjoin the Santa Fe Depot and Harvey House, also TxDOT enhancement projects. In June 2003, under contract with TxDOT, a team from HHM Inc. and the College of Architecture at Texas Tech University scanned the Continental Grain Elevator with a Cyrax 2500 laser scanner. The team consisted of Principal Investigator Elizabeth Louden, of Texas Tech University, Karen Hughes, HHM Inc. project manager, and graduate students Dake Zhang, Rocky Diaz, Jennifer Widmer and Matt Jasper. Continental Grain Elevator and Warehouse in downtown Brownwood. The team first developed a scan plan and Photo by H. G. Quinn strategically placed targets around the site. These targets were used as a frame of reference when the scans Before scanning, the team established a horizontal datum were combined later. using a laser level for use in data post-processing. They conducted exterior scans around the entire site perimeter and on the main storage building interior. For each scan, the technician defined the scan area, density, point spacing and scene distance through software used to operate the scanner. Each individual scan holds a maximum of one million data points. The number of data points depends on the distance from the object and the size of the scan area defined by the operator. Each scan consists of a “cloud” of measured XYZ points. The team spent five days in the field scanning the grain elevator. Additional field notes and measurements were taken to verify the scan data and help with some of the architectural details. With the field work complete, the team began post- processing the data through “registration” - the process of transforming individual point clouds from each scan world into a common coordinate system. They registered the individual scans together to form one overall three-dimesional point cloud model. After completing the registration process, the combined point cloud represented a measurable three-dimensional coordinate Left to right: front row - Dake Zhang, Rocky Diaz; map of the scanned structure and site. The research team back row - Jennifer Widmer, Elizabeth Louden, Karen generated eleven large (E size) sheets of architectural drawings Hughes, Matt Jasper. for the grain elevator from this data. The drawings showed all Photo by Bernice Hughes (See HAER, Page 12) Page 12 Winter 2006-7 Wichita Falls helps restore native prairie By JILL HOLMES projects in the district. The only piece TxDOT, TPWD and MSU began by Wichita Falls District missing was a third party willing to take developing an interagency agreement When brothers Leslie and Charles ownership and manage the land. to outline the responsibilities of each Finnell decided to donate 25 acres in Midwestern State University (MSU) agency. TxDOT’s job is to provide Holliday for an environmentally-friendly in Wichita Falls soon entered the picture. materials, equipment and resources to purpose, such as outdoor education or Former TxDOT employee and MSU establish the native prairie. This includes conservation, the wheels were set in graduate Julie Wicker recommended clearing, seeding and maintaining the motion for the Wichita Falls District to contacting Dr. Norman Horner, Dean of land to keep our invasive species for up complete an important project to three years. The district set a funding for TxDOT. limit for expenditures like seed and Native mid-grass prairie herbicide, and has used its own staff to once dominated the Rolling perform the work. Plains ecoregion of Texas Once the prairie is established, MSU that makes up much of the will take over the land management for Wichita Falls District. The 20 years. The amount of acreage that has Texas Parks and Wildlife been successfully established as prairie Department (TPWD) when management transfers to MSU will estimates that today about determine the number of credits awarded 75 percent of the Rolling to the TxDOT mitigation bank. Plains have been converted TPWD responsibilities include to urban or agricultural uses, preparing a restoration and management with only a half-percent plan for the site and assisting TxDOT in of the land dedicated to tracking the mitigation bank. preservation or conservation. To date, MSU has accepted the For this reason, the guidelines Work continues on mitigation project. land donation from the Finnells, the of a Memorandum of Wichita Falls District photo interagency agreement has been signed Agreement between TxDOT by all three parties and district Special and TPWD include the consideration of the College of Science and Mathematics, Maintenance forces have begun work compensatory mitigation if native prairie who was interested in using the land on the site. The mesquite is currently is impacted by transportation projects. as an outdoor classroom for MSU’s being grubbed and the sunflower pasture When the Finnell brothers contacted Environmental Science and Biology plowed under to prepare for seeding the Wichita Falls District about their programs and graduate research. with native grasses in early spring. This idea, the district seized the opportunity The property, just 20 minutes from project required cooperation and the to work on a native prairie mitigation MSU, is north of Holliday in Archer willingness to try something new by all project. They called Danny Allen, of County. It largely consists of degraded involved. Bill Butler, district survey TPWD’s Wildlife Habitat Assessment mesquite shrub land and a recently technician, Tim Hertel, district director Program, with the idea of establishing cleared sunflower pasture, and its of operations, Brady Woolsey, district a mitigation bank. A new idea for primary uses had been grazing and maintenance supervisor, and David unregulated habitat, the plan called for oil production. Because the mitigation Bates, Jim Simpson, and Tommy Veal TxDOT to fund restoration work on the project had great potential to improve the of the Special Maintenance crew made land in exchange for mitigation credit quality of the land, MSU agreed to take significant contributions to the project – for future impacts from transportation part. their hard work did not go unappreciated. HAER: Grain elevator team awarded (Continued from Page 11) Engineering Record (HAER) Founders aspects of the grain elevator’s physical award. makeup and operation. They included One jury member called the project floor plans, elevations, sections, “Godzilla compared to the rest.” axonometric, perspectives, details, a The drawings “set the high bar for history and a chronology of the building subsequent entries to match similar to development. the Peterson Prize the first year, when The drawings were submitted to the Ann Weber submitted a set of drawings Historic American Building Survey that would have competed well in every (HABS) for the prestigious Charles year since.” E. Peterson Prize national drawing The team traveled to Washington, Award winning team (left to right) Eliza- competition in June 2004. The jury D.C. in November 2005 to receive beth Louden, Jennifer Widmer, Rocky was so impressed with the entry they their honors during the annual meeting Diaz, Dake Zhang, Karen Hughes and (not decided to give the drawings the of the American Institue of Architecture pictured) Matt Jasper. first inaugural Historic American Historic Resources Committee. Winter 2006-7 Page 13 Clean Air Plan recognizes employees, districts By JENNY SADNICK from work by public transit earned him the top spot. Second Environmental Affairs Division place went to Jeff Richardson, an avid bicycle commuter. In March 2002, TxDOT partnered with the Texas As part of the CAP, districts were asked to follow Commission on Environmental Quality to create the Drive guidelines designed to reduce the amount of air pollution Clean Across Texas (DCAT) campaign, the first state- generated by their activities. Measures they were asked to sponsored public awareness program designed to motivate take included limiting mowing activities on Ozone Action individuals to change driving habits. DCAT asks the public to Days, using cleaner diesel fuel, purchasing solar-powered drive less, maintain their vehicles, avoid unnecessary idling, sign boards, limiting idling of vehicles, and the use of night buy less-polluting vehicles and drive the speed limit to reduce construction to alleviate peak traffic congestion. pollution. Several districts participated in clean air activities outside The Clean Air Plan (CAP) is TxDOT’s internal effort of the required CAP measures. The Forth Worth District, for to take the kind of action that DCAT asks of the public. example, encouraged employees to reduce trips with further Launched by ENV in 2005, a designated Air Quality incentives. For its efforts, the district was presented with the Coordinator (AQC) runs the program for each district, “2006 Best Workplaces for Commuters – Clean Air Partner division and office. Individual employees are asked to report Award” at the North Texas Clean Air Coalition Luncheon. their commute-related activities, such as carpooling, use of The Corpus Christi District participated in a “Clean Air public transit and reduction of workday outings. Fair” in August 2005, and the San Antonio District conducted In October, ENV presented awards to some of its own a lunchtime carpool contest in September 2005. employees for their participation in the CAP program. The These actions show that TxDOT districts and employees are first place winner was Dan Neal, whose many trips to and environmentally responsible. Drive Clean TV commercial nets Telly Award A public service announcement (PSA) spot that features a series of animals Austin. produced in 2004 for the “Drive Clean heard coughing instead of making their The Telly Awards nationally showcase Across Texas” (DCAT) campaign has usual sounds. outstanding non-network and cable captured a first place national 2005 Telly The award is DCAT’s third Telly television commercials. Entries do not Award, which recognizes non-network Award. In 2003, a first place, or silver compete against each other, but are and cable television commercials. Telly also went to “Butterfly Valves,” judged based on a high standard of DCAT is the nation’s first statewide featuring an elderly woman discussing excellence. public outreach and education campaign the importance of car maintenance. Each entry is rated on a ten-point that aims to improve air quality by Also in 2003, the “Singer” PSA, in scale, and those that receive a score of convincing individual drivers to change which country music performer Rick 7.0 to 8.9 are bronze finalists. Entries their behavior and maintain their Trevino sings near a busy highway, but that receive a 9.0 or higher are first place vehicles. The campaign is a partnership periodically takes a breath of oxygen silver winners. In the past several years, between TxDOT, the Texas Commission from a mask to emphasize the health more than 10,000 entries have been on Environmental Quality and the effects of automobile exhaust, earned a received. Approximately 7 to 10 percent Federal Highway Administration. bronze, or finalist, Telly. have been named winners, and 14 to 18 The first place silver 2005 Telly was All three PSAs were produced by percent have been named finalists. awarded to “Creatures,” a 30-second Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing of AASHTO spotlights MNT’s Rest Area Program emphasizes preservation of the built so far fit into their The new Donley County TxDOT’s Safety Rest Area Cypress groves along nearby regions with attractive Safety Rest Area on U.S. 287, Program won AASHTO’s streams. structures that reflect local for example, has a railroad 2006 ‘Best Practices in The context sensitive architecture. Each facility design theme that reflects Context Sensitive Solutions’ design approach gives each houses exhibits that feature nearby Hedley’s role as a award. facility a unique identity The 21 rest area facilities regional themes and history. ‘railroad hamlet’ where cattle were loaded onto rail cars with safe, comfortable for transportation to distant convenient features that are inviting to travelers. The Don’t peek before trying puzzle on Page 15! markets.

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citizens take pride in the Answer to Rebus Ruckus on Page 15: Page on Ruckus Rebus to Answer ranching culture of northern Texas, while further south facilities that represent their the Medina County facility towns. Page 14 Winter 2006-7 Environmental Affairs welcomes new staff Many changes have taken place at ENV since the last issue from Eastern Michigan University. Benn’s background in rural of ENVision. Here is a recap of staff additions and promotions properties comes from a childhood spent on a sesquicentennial in 2005-2006. dairy farm in Michigan. Dorothy Nowlin became ENV’s division director Jason Barrett joined ENV as an archeologist in December administrative assistant in February 2005. She came to ENV 2005. His archeological experience includes work in American from the Austin District. Before joining TxDOT, Nowlin Samoa, Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, New England and Texas. worked for several state agencies, including the Texas Youth He previously taught anthropology courses at Texas A&M and Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Blinn College. Quality. Nowlin also served in the U.S. Marines from 1984 to ENV welcomed Archeologist Scott Pletka in December 1988 and joined the Air Force Reserves in 1988. 2005. Pletka previously worked as an archeologist for a Jimmy Tyree became ENV’s deputy division director in consulting firm and taught at several colleges and universities. June 2005. Tyree had been ENV’s planning specialist for Also in December 2005, John Arnn joined ENV as 2½ years before assuming his new position. Prior to joining an archeologist. His previous archeological investigation TxDOT, he was a planner and project manager for the Coastal experience includes everything from acting as a field tech to Projects Division of the Texas General Land Office. Tyree working as a principal investigator for a variety of research replaced Ann Irwin. (See related story on page 1.) institutions, government agencies and contract firms. Arnn Sarah Stroman, a project manager for ENV’s Project also taught anthropology and archeology for three years at the Management (PM) section since October 2004, replaced Tyree University of Kentucky. as the environmental planning specialist in September 2005. In August 2006, Lisa Hart was named the new director of Stroman previously worked for the Governor’s Office in the CRM. Hart replaced Nancy Kenmotsu, who retired in May. Research Division. Her background also includes technical Hart has been with ENV since 1998, most recently serving as writing and social work. the supervisor of Historical Studies. Before that, she spent ten Blythe Jewell joined ENV as a contract communications years with the Texas Historical Commission. specialist in April 2005. Jewell was previously an In January 2005, Erin Foster joined ENV as an administrative manager at National Instruments and a project environmental specialist in Biological Resources Management manager in the high tech industry. She holds a bachelor’s (BRM). She was recently selected as the USACE liaison for degree in history and English from the University of Texas at the Water Resources Management (WRM) branch. Foster Austin. previously worked as an environmental consultant. Jenny Sadnick (nee Cho) joined ENV in August 2005 as Environmental Specialist David Nuckels transferred from an information specialist for the Communications branch. She the Bryan District to ENV in June 2005 and now works for came to TxDOT as a recent graduate from the University of WRM. In Bryan, he served as the district environmental quality Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. Most coordinator. He has been with the state for nearly six years- recently, she worked as a marketing representative at an Austin two with TxDOT. agency and interned at the Texas Department of Agriculture. Greg Sengelman joined ENV as an environmental specialist Phillip Garcia joined ENV in August 2005 as a systems with Pollution Prevention and Abatement (PPA) in October support specialist. Garcia’s 13-plus years of experience 2005. He had 22 years of environmental consulting experience in information technology include stints with the Texas before coming to TxDOT. Commission on Environmental Quality and TxDOT’s Bridge Rodney Concienne became the new supervisor of PPA in Division. January 2006. Concienne began working for TxDOT in 1998 Warren Grannis joined ENV in April 2005 as a contract with WRM. He has over 14 years of environmental experience, cultural resources database manager for the Cultural Resources which include working for TCEQ as a project manager in Management (CRM) section, tracking historical information the Remediation Division and as a project geologist for for bridges. Grannis has previous experience as a mechanic, environmental consulting firms. professional speaker and program manager for a non-profit In April 2006, Emily Cuellar became an environmental organization. He continues to pursue his education while specialist with BRM. She now works for WRM. Cuellar working at TxDOT. received her degree in Biological Science from Colorado State Sharon Dornheim became an ENV archeologist in August University in 2004 and worked with the Colorado Mosquito 2005. She worked at Hardy Heck Moore before coming to Control before joining TxDOT. TxDOT. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Holly Brady came to ENV in April 2006 as an Texas, and she has completed the coursework for her doctorate. environmental specialist with BRM. She now works for WRM. In November 2005, ENV welcomed Historian Carolyn She previously worked in a lab while she pursued her studies Nelson. She previously received her master’s degree in at the University of Texas. She continues to work toward her geography - historical preservation with a specialty in graduate degree while working for TxDOT. architectural conservation from Eastern Michigan University. In May 2006, Mary Perez assumed the position of director Mark Brown joined ENV in November 2005 as a historian. of NRM. She had spent the previous twelve years serving as He holds a doctorate in American art and architectural history the Corpus Christi district’s environmental coordinator. Perez from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in art replaced Duncan Stewart, who left ENV in January 2006 to join history from SUNY-Binghamton. TxDOT’s Research and Technology group. Before joining ENV in November 2005, Historian Renee Benn obtained her master’s degree in historic preservation (See STAFF, Page 15) Winter 2006-7 Page 15 Staff: New faces join ENV (Continued from Page 14) an ENV project manager. Mata holds a bachelor’s degree in physical geography from Texas State University, and is ENV welcomed Monica Scott in May 2006 as an pursuing his master’s degree there in applied geography. Most environmental specialist with PPA. Scott has over 14 years of recently, he worked as a grant technician through a partnership experience in the environmental field, including eight years in with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the regulatory field. Texas State University’s Geography Department. In October 2006, Chad Burrows joined ENV as an Jim Barta became the new director of the Project environmental specialist for BRM. Burrows previously worked Management Section in October 2005. Barta had been the for Geo-Marine, Inc. as principal investigator for the Fish and supervisor of ENV’s Pollution Prevention and Abatement Fisheries section. Branch (PPA) for nearly seven years. Before joining Jasmine Gardner came to ENV in July 2005 and worked as TxDOT, he was with the Texas Railroad Commission’s Site an administrative assistant for three months before becoming a Remediation Section, Oil and Gas Division. For 16 years, he project manager. Before joining TxDOT, Gardner received her worked with what is now known as Texas Commission on master’s degree in International Relations from the University Environmental Quality. He has also worked for seven years as of Chicago. an environmental engineer. Colleen Harvey joined ENV in July 2005 as a project Lindsey Capps joined ENV as a project manager in October manager. She came to us from the Michael Baker Corporation. 2005. She now also serves as the contract manager for PM. She Her previous work experience includes working for the Nature came to ENV from the Texas Commission on Environmental Conservancy and the Texas A&M DeWitt Fish Lab. Quality, where she worked in the Air Permits Division for five In August 2005 Mario Mata, Jr. joined ENV as an years. She holds a bachelor’s in environmental science and environmental specialist. After assisting with air quality and recently earned a master’s degree in business administration water resources projects for several months, Mata became from Texas State University. Jamandre’s Jumbly Rebus Ruckus By H.G. QUINN Word Jambalaya Decipher the environmental term! by Orlando Villa Jamandre Jr. N

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ONHIDLP PETTORC S A vital statement PIESSCE for environmental documents when + T analyzing impacts VEVURIS to marine mammal ______: a habitat... documented study of all environmental factors affected by a project. Print your answers in the squares below. A “rebus” is a representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols, A “” and often presented as a puzzle. Good luck! Answer on Page 13. Answers on back page. Page 16 Winter 2006-7

Environmental Affairs Division 125 East 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701-2483

Address correction requested

Jumbly Word Jambalaya Answers Dear readers: Miss us? ‘A vital statement for environmental documents Editor’s note: No, you didn’t miss an issue of ENVision, when analyzing impacts to marine mammal this really is the first in almost two years. Time has flown habitat’ ... ‘PORPOISE and NEED’ and so did half our staff. After nearly a decade of stability, DOLPHIN – PROTECT – SPECIES – SURVIVE ENV’s Communications Branch fell to two, while the The Purpose and Need statement is essential in establishing a workload compounded. ENVision hit the backburner basis for the development of the range of reasonable alternatives while we focused on major tasks like the Environmental required in an environmental document. A clear, well-justified Coordinators’ Conference and the web redesign project. purpose and need section explains to the public and decision But we’re back to a four-person team, counting our trusty makers why a proposed project should be undertaken and assists contractor. ENVision is back on track, and we plan to keep with the identification and eventual selection of a preferred it that way. So keep an eye out for future issues - we’ll keep alternative. them coming!

ENVision is a publication of the person within your organization? Division Director Environmental Affairs Division, Texas Contact us to correct or to suggest Dianna F. Noble, P.E. Department of Transportation, 125 East additions to the mailing list. 11th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701-2483. Visit ENV on the web at: Deputy Division Director We welcome ideas for stories and http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/ Jimmy Tyree standing features. Submit those to environmental_affairs PIO/Editor the above address, attention Richard Access the ENVision archive at: Richard Goldsmith Goldsmith, phone 512.416.2743; http://www.dot.state.tx.us/env/vision. via GroupWise to “rgoldsmi” within htm Contributors TxDOT; “[email protected]” Blythe Jewell for e-mail from outside TxDOT. Jenny Sadnick RECYCLED PAPER Henry Gregory Quinn Does ENVision reach the right SOY-BASED INK