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Commissioners approve contract to remove buried fuel tank behind courthouse
Summary
Contractor Inland Environmental Services will remove an historic, fuel-filled underground tank and concrete vault behind the McLennan County courthouse; commissioners approved a $49,885.50 contract and directed coordination with sheriff's security for the work.
McLennan County commissioners on Feb. 4 approved a contract to remove an old underground fuel tank discovered behind the county courthouse.
County staff presented the finding and contractor proposal for agenda item F2. The tank sits in a concrete vault close to the courthouse foundations and a medium/high‑pressure gas line; county staff stressed the site requires careful, specialized handling. The contractor described a plan to use vibration‑free concrete demolition (drill grid and controlled expansion paste), vacuum trucks, a 60,000‑lb excavator and a limited work window; staff recommended executing removal work on a weekend to reduce courthouse disruptions. County staff reported the tank still contained heating oil and said the location and vault construction make the job technically complex.
The court approved the contractor’s quote of $49,885.50 for tank removal, with the county to coordinate site access and security (sheriff’s office). Court members discussed logistics including fencing the alley, vacuuming and temporary backfill, and county crews were asked to provide backfill material. The vote passed by motion, second and voice vote.
Why it matters: The buried tank posed a contamination and safety hazard near an occupied public building and a nearby gas line. County staff said controlled removal and proper handling were prudent to reduce environmental and safety risks and to clear the alley for planned courthouse alleyway work.
