DESCO Conducted A Threatened And Endangered Species Survey In Hardin County, Texas

Dixie Environmental Services Co. (DESCO) conducted a Texas trailing phlox (Phlox nivalis ssp. texensis) survey in conjunction with Quantum Geophysical’s Triangle 3-D Seismic Survey. The survey was conducted to satisfy one of the permit conditions set forth by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE), allowing Quantum to operate under Nationwide Permit #6 (Permit SWG-03-06-014).

The purpose of the survey was to determine if Texas trailing phlox was present in appropriate habitat within the project area to ensure that seismic activities would not adversely impact this state- and federally-listed endangered species.

Color infrared aerial photography and USGS (7.5 minute) topographic maps were used to locate areas that could potentially contain appropriate habitat for Texas trailing phlox. DESCO also utilized data developed by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Southwest Texas University, which identified potential habitat for Texas trailing phlox using a Landsat Thematic Mapper and Ancillary Biophysical Data. The study combined aerial photography, existing habitat information, and soils and vegetation data to identify areas of suitable habitat.

Areas of potential habitat within the project area identified through the above mapping effort were ground-truthed to verify the existence or absence of appropriate habitat.

Three locations of Texas trailing phlox were discovered during the survey. All three locations were found in similar habitat, loose sandy soils in or adjacent to disturbed areas. DESCO flagged the boundaries of these areas with red tape so the seismic crews would not disturb them. In consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that 3-D seismic operations would not be conducted within 100 feet of known locations of Texas trailing phlox to protect the species and its habitat.


Texas Trailing Phlox


Jacqueline Smith and Tanya Matherne inspect Phlox site

DESCO Provides Environmental Compliance Monitoring And Consulting Services In Cojunction With A 3-D Seismic Project Within The Big Thicket National Preserve

Seismic operations began on the Big Sandy Creek and Menard Creek Corridor Units on November 1, 2003 and should finish in May of 2004. DESCO provided environmental compliance monitoring in the field to ensure the crews performed their duties in the least invasive manner possible. The monitors also aided the drilllers in finding least impact access routes to and along source lines. Several preventative measures were employed to minimize impacts to the preserve. For example, safety buffers were placed around fire ecology and threatened and endangered species plots, including Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis ssp. texensis) and Scarlet Catchfly (Silene virginica). Monitors inspected seismic lines after each crew (survey, drill, and recording) finished in an area to document any incidental impacts in daily field reports and detailed photograph logs.   ¶ 2:00 PM