Texas Border Business
Multi-departmental,-agency personnel worked in Aransas Pass, Fulton, Ingleside
WHO: City of McAllen Fire, Parks, Police, Public Works Depts. McAllen Public Utility
McAllen Cable Network Hidalgo County Precinct 4 and Health & Human Services
Asst. City Mgr. Jeff Johnston, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator
WHAT: Rio Grande Valley Public Works Response Team Convoy Returns
WHEN & WHERE: TODAY, Sept. 4, 2017 3:30 PM, approximately McAllen Public Works, 4201 N. Bentsen Rd.
WHY: Last week, on Aug. 30, the City of McAllen deployed approximately 99 employees, including several crews from the McAllen Fire, Parks, Police and Public Works Departments, as well as the McAllen Public Utility and crews from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 and Health & Human Services through the Rio Grande Valley Public Works Response Team to assist with water and sewer system issues, brush collection and continued emergency response support in Aransas Pass, Fulton, Ingleside.
Aransas Pass: Assessed water system, replaced storm damaged components, flushed ground storage tanks, ensured that pumps on ground storage tanks were functioning, pumped freshwater into system, bled air out of system by flushing nearly 250 hydrants, performed system control by working valves in various areas, including at and around the collapsed water tower site, provided assistance to staff in monitoring pump systems after hours so existing staff could rest, assessed and made recommendations related to current SCADA system, resulting in approximately 20psi pressure at the main (fluctuating throughout town). For the city’s wastewater system, crews inspected 25 lift stations, checked electrical connections at main lift station and made adjustments, assisted with generator hookup and installation at some lift station sites, monitored lift station operations, assisted with WW treatment plant repairs.
Fulton: Assessed waste water system and needs, assessed generator needs for lift stations, made
connections and installations to larger bypass pumps on primary lift stations. Advised staff on next steps and plan of action to get system running
Ingleside: Performed emergency road debris removal, hauling of debris when necessary. Ensured clearance of 100% of assigned roads, moved nearly 4,000 tons of brush and debris.
“I am very proud that we had the capability to assist a community in need of our equipment, support and experience in emergency response,” said City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “God be with all of the people affected by this horrible natural disaster.”
The City of McAllen equipment convoy included 55 vehicles, stretching half a mile in length, and included pumps, backhoes, brush, dump and fuel trucks and light towers. Additionally, the response team left with their generators, tents, sleeping bags, cots and food and all that was needed to be self-sustaining while out there assisting. All employees who were part of the response team volunteered.
