Remediation efforts include:

  • Demolishing multiple buildings, some containing asbestos.
  • Remediation of lead and hydrocarbon-impacted soils (i.e. old burn pits used for fire fighter training).
  • Demolishing the fire tower and installing a 2.2-acre, clay cap over residual impacted soil.
  • Completing requirements through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP).
  • Working with San Antonio Water System (SAWS) on a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) to address remaining groundwater contamination related to on-site and off-site releases.

 

Public Input Opportunities:

  • Public Meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at the Normoyle Community Center at 700 Culberson Ave.
  • Community Health Committee, 1 p.m. Dec. 16, 2024 in the Council Briefing Room at City Hall, 100 Military Plaza

 

The shallow groundwater beneath the former Zarzamora Service Center has been shown to be impacted by discrete areas with elevated levels of chlorinated solvents and per-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) above groundwater-ingestion-based Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) Critical Protective Concentration Levels (PCLs). The presence of these chemicals appears to be primarily from historical releases flowing to the site from other locations, with a much smaller impact from historical operations at the service center.

 

There are no anticipated health impacts to the public.

 

Groundwater is located between 20 to 50 feet below grade and not used for drinking or landscaping. SAWS provides drinking water to the area in excess of ½ mile from the former Zarzamora Service Center and its primary source is the Edwards Aquifer, which is more than 1,000 feet below grade and unimpacted by the perched shallow groundwater at the site.

 

For more information on the park expansion, visit SASpeakUp.com/NormoylePark. For more information on the MSD process, click HERE.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at [email protected], 210-207-4569 or:

City of San Antonio, Public Works

Attention: Environmental Management

P.O. Box 839966, San Antonio, TX 78283-3966

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Click Image To Enlarge

 

While the proposed MSD will restrict future potable use of groundwater at the former Zarzamora Service Center, installation of water wells are already prohibited under City Ordinance Sec. 34-567, without prior approval of SAWS. In addition, there are no registered water wells within a half-mile of the service center.

 

The data collected during closure efforts in the VCP have confirmed residual impacts related to historic use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for fire fighter training at the Zarzamora Service Center. All use of AFFF at the site ceased in the 1980s and residual impacts are in steep decline.

 

Consistent with prior monitoring completed by the Kelly Air Force Base (AFB), the City’s comprehensive testing and analysis show multiple sources of groundwater contamination are present in shallow groundwater across this region.

 

The project closure goals within the VCP are to meet residential standards prior to redevelopment. Any future park amenities at Normoyle Park will be designed to these same residential goals.

 

The MSD program was created by the State in September 2003 to address groundwater contamination and encourage redevelopment of idle brownfield properties like the former Zarzamora Service Center. The City of San Antonio developed a procedural MSD Ordinance in 2016 to encourage responsible redevelopment projects just like the Normoyle Park Expansion. To date there have been over 500 MSDs certified by TCEQ in Texas. Two of these MSDs have been here in San Antonio.

 

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a variety of products since the 1940’s, including carpeting, non-stick pans, cleaning products, paints, personal care products, and food packaging. The use of these chemicals has mostly been phased out in the United States.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at [email protected], 210-207-4569 or:

City of San Antonio, Public Works

Attention: Environmental Management

P.O. Box 839966, San Antonio, TX 78283-3966

 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

  • What are the health impacts?

​There are no anticipated health impacts to the public.

  • Is my property impacted?

​Impacted groundwater is isolated within a shallow perched unit (~20-50 feet below grade) with no impact to the Edwards Aquifer at depths in excess of 1,000 feet in the area. Since the 1980s, releases of contaminants are known to have impacted this shallow perched groundwater-bearing unit throughout the area surrounding the service center. Accordingly, it is likely one or more compounds related to these historic releases may impact any property in this area. However, there are no water wells within a half mile of the site and all potable water for the area is supplied by SAWS via the aquifer.​

  • Is the soil safe for gardening?

Yes. The soil at the site does not exceed direct exposure concerns. It is only a small portion of the site that exceeds criteria set for protecting groundwater. Accordingly, the City’s development will address all remaining impact as part of closure through the VCP. There are no soil impacts off site.​

  • How will this affect my property value?

No specific changes to property values are anticipated. However, as park redevelopment goals are realized, it is possible property values would rise as a result. A previous MSD location was Broadway & McCullough, which has become a premier destination in San Antonio.​

  • How was the groundwater impacted and what is being done to prevent it from happening again?

At many sites with historic contamination, the owner/operator was following the standard practice at that time. However, as knowledge advanced and standard practices changed, the State began to regulate businesses to prevent further contamination. In this instance, the City is addressing a property that housed City maintenance buildings and a fire fighter training facility that ceased use of AFFF in the 1980s. The site has remained vacant since 2012. The Site has been fully assessed and is completing closure within the VCP. Remaining groundwater impacts at the Site include regional chlorinated solvents and PFAS associated with off-site releases.​

  • Is my tap water safe?

​Yes, the groundwater concern at the former Zarzamora Service Center is not related to any potable uses. SAWS serves all areas near the MSD site and does not utilize the impacted groundwater being restricted. For more information on the sources and quality of SAWS drinking water please visit https://www.saws.org/your-water/water-quality/water-quality-report/water-quality-report-san-antonio-water-system/.​

  • I have a well within 5 miles, is my water contaminated? 

​No releases related to the former Zarzamora Service Center impact any water well. Administratively, notice was required to go to any registered well within 5 miles of the project. 

  • Is it safe to go to Normoyle Park? Will it be safe to go to the new park?

​Yes. The City of San Antonio is committed to finding innovative solutions that allow us to safely reclaim idle brownfield properties and best serve and support the surrounding community. For example, Pearsall Park was a former landfill before being transformed into a park.​​

  • Will residents be able to provide feedback on the new park?

​Yes. The City wants this park to reflect the community’s goals. Once the site is ready, San Antonio’s Public Works Department will create a master plan for the new park. There will be plenty of opportunities for the public to provide input through upcoming public meetings. The new park will feature recreational amenities and vibrant community spaces. For more information, visit SASpeakUp.com/NormoylePark.

 

 

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