Impoundments

The Copano site consists of four impoundments – also called beds — that contain various amounts of bauxite residue based on their operational history. These residue storage areas are known as Beds 1, 2, 3 and 4 and cover approximately 3,100 acres. The impoundments are managed under TCEQ requirements to maintain safe conditions. In addition, CE Ranch conducts inspection, maintenance and monitoring operations at the site, including levee repair, water management, dust control and foam control. The interior and exterior levees of the Copano beds have been repaired and are being maintained to assure their integrity and stability to withstand significant storm events and provide containment for impounded materials.

General description and prior operations

The entire site extends over approximately 11,000 acres and is shown in the aerial photograph below. The four bauxite residue storage areas (referred to as Beds, 1, 2, 3 and 4) cover approximately 3100 acres.The balance of the area is comprised of a working ranch, equipment storage areas, hay fields, grasslands, ponds and wetland areas. The map to the left shows the current property boundaries of the site and the orientation of the buried 18-inch diameter water transfer pipes.

Description of Impoundments (Beds)

The surface of Bed 1 rises above the elevation of the perimeter dike or levee except for a small impoundment area in the north corner of the bed. At the other three beds impounded water covers almost all of the bauxite residue. CE Ranch has made significant progress on Bed 1 to improve conditions, control dusting and work towards closure objectives including clean storm water runoff and reduced leachate volume in accordance with applicable TCEQ regulations. The remedial actions listed below will continue to be implemented over the next several years:
  • Baseline characterization and continual field screening.
  • Continual hay, mulch and gin trash application; allow volunteer vegetation to propagate.
  • Sequential ripping/disking/plowing to create flow pathways and incorporate organics into upper 2 to 3 feet.
  • Aeration to allow natural remediation to occur.
  • Flush with Aransas Pass water and allow to dry; repeat as needed to reduce alkalinity
  • Apply and incorporate gypsum into upper 12 – 18 inches to further reduce alkalinity
  • Flush and allow to dry.
  • Field screening and sampling.
  • Disk and smooth out surface to eliminate low areas and assure proper grade
  • Apply fertilizer and seed mix.
  • Analytical program consists of field screening for moisture %, pH and EC; sample analysis includes testing for SAR, ESP, and CEC.
  • Neutralization of the upper 18 – 24-inch layer has occurred along with significant vegetative growth.
  • Residue is of very low permeability at depths below cover development activities.
  • Perimeter areas are being modified for leachate and stormwater management.
  • Stability assessment complete to assure/confirm the integrity of the levees.
Click Here to See Bed 1 Project Activity Photos

Repair of the Bed 2 interior levee (before and after)

1

Repair of the Bed 2 exterior levee

Repair of the erosion rills on the Bed 3 exterior levee

Repair of the Bed 3 interior levee

Repair of the Bed 4 interior levee (before and after)

Repair of the Bed 4 exterior levee

Click Here For More Information About the Copano Beds

Copano – Oblique Views of Beds_September 2022

Copano Bed 1 Levee Assessment Summary Memo

Typical Section of the Copano Beds Levee Systems

Copano – Vertical Views of Beds_January 2023

Water and Stormwater Management

All stormwater and water used for irrigation and dusting prevention stays onsite and is ultimately controlled by evaporation.  In addition, stormwater collection and pumpsystems are in place to prevent discharge into the surrounding land or surface water bodies.

Click Here for information on How Water is Managed at Copano

Dusting

Dusting events can occur on dry, flat surfaces during extremely high wind.  Since 2018, CE Ranch has implemented a series of successful dust control actions including promoting vegetative growth, covering with or applying water, scarifying and regrading levees, and placing hay or other organic materials over exposed areas.

Scarifying the exposed bauxite residue surface prior to applying hay
Spraying water to control dust and promote vegetation

Foam Control

Foaming events can occur as organic matter decays within impounded surface water.  Since 2018, CE Ranch has conducted successful foam control actions including managing impoundment water levels, installing barriers and applying anti-foaming agents.Admittedly those actions do not eliminate conditions that create foam, but rather minimize the potential for foam to leave the Copano property.
Click Here to Learn More About Each Bed
Click Here for More Information on Each Bed