Council holds public hearing on MSD for contaminated site at 1010 East Walnut

The Garland City Council heard a public presentation on a proposed Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) for property at 1010 East Walnut Street, where consultants detected trichloroethylene (TCE) concentrations in a shallow perched groundwater unit. The MSD process would restrict potable use of the shallow groundwater beneath the property and facilitate redevelopment while the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) oversees technical remediation steps.

Josh Hopper, a licensed professional geologist representing Arrow Fabricated Tubing, explained the groundwater depth (about 9–15 feet), mapped the extent of contamination exceeding the drinking‑water standard for TCE (0.005 mg/L or 5 parts per billion), and noted no water wells within 0.5 miles of the site. Hopper said past degreasing operations likely caused contamination and that current operations have largely discontinued TCE use; Arrow has assumed responsibility for cleanup and is pursuing TCEQ's voluntary cleanup pathway. "The MSD is a common tool used to address contaminated groundwater by restricting its use for potable purposes," Hopper said.

Council members asked whether MSD approval would permit redevelopment and what liabilities neighbors might face. Staff clarified that the MSD applies only to the designated property, that the city will forward an ordinance (prohibiting well drilling) and resolution to TCEQ and that TCEQ's technical review could require cleanup actions. The ordinance and resolution will return for council action at a subsequent meeting; no council vote on the MSD occurred at this hearing.