Description of DCI Role: Environmental Site Inspection
Project Team Leader(s): Jerry Cole
Project Cost: $2000
Time Period of Project Work: June 2004
Client: Dos Brisas Ranch Chappell Hill, Texas
Contact: Jan Keizl


Project Description
DCI was contacted by the facilities manager of an upscale equine facility regarding dead and dying trees proximate to the location of historic petroleum exploration on the 312-acre property. The client was seeking an explanation for the demise of the trees and an opinion regarding potential environmental hindrances to developing the subject portion of the ranch.

Project managers Jerry Cole and Ron Duckworth visited the site and conducted an inspection of the area in question. The inspection included a thorough walk-through of the affected area; recording GPS locations and photographs of dead, dying, and unaffected trees; noting soil and vegetation characteristics of the area; and the location of the affected trees relative to the previous oilfield activity.

DCI reviewed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the property conducted shortly after completion of petroleum exploration activities, property maps, historic weather data, and the county soil survey. An expert in oilfield contamination and cleanup was also consulted.

A written report that described onsite activities and presented DCI’s opinion regarding the likely cause for demise of the trees was submitted to the client. The report included maps, photographs, explanations of possible causes for the noted effects, and recommendations for additional assessment activities should further confirmation of the cause of damage be desired.

Third party laboratory analyses of tree samples corroborated DCI’s opinion and no further assessment was conducted.