Golden Triangle Polymers running treated industrial wastewater pipeline through Levingston Park

Published 12:20 am Thursday, March 14, 2024

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Golden Triangle Polymers plans to run a pipeline through Levingston Park near Sabine River in Orange.

Company officials plan to begin construction this summer and complete the project by the end of 2024.

The pipeline is going to be used for treated industrial wastewater with a standard depth of cover of 4 feet, according to company officials.

Orange administrators said, in compensation for land access, Golden Triangle Polymers is paying the city $312,770, which includes $173,000 for the easement, approximately $17,000 for temporary work space and $10,000 for a temporary access road. Included is $112,000 for repurposing the park.

The agreement impacts approximately seven acres of property and includes clearing some wooded areas to install the pipeline. That means tree removal, the installation of pipeline and restoration of the area back to grass.

The City of Orange is also working with multiple local and state groups to help the administration plan what that repurposing for the park eventually looks like.

During a recent city council meeting, Mayor Larry Spears Jr. said he was “very happy” to hear the update.

“Not only are we able to work with GT Polymers to establish a pipeline, but we are also able to restore and make that area a bright space for birds and people who want to go and watch the birds,” he said. “Thank you, GTP, for setting the example for others to follow.”

Orange City Attorney Guy Goodson said the treated industrial wastewater planned for the pipeline will be chlorinated and de-chlorinated.

“The quality under EPA or TCEQ standards of this, we call wastewater fluid, but it is water, running into that portion of the bayou that is better than the water quality that it is going into. Effectively, wastewater influid is now being recommended for re-use by industrial companies for process water or other matters that many in this room are familiar with. It can also be reprocessed for many purposes.

“The lines will be buried under ground. They will have, what I would call, minimal surface (impact). They simply have some air relief valves on the surface, but otherwise it will be a pipeline buried and will be completely unnoticed.”

According to Golden Triangle Polymers, as part of negotiations with the City of Orange for the pipeline easement, the company agreed to pay $112,500 for restoration and enhancement efforts at Levingston Park.

“It’s our understanding the City plans to form a committee to determine the best use of those funds. We care deeply about the environment and appreciate that the City will use these funds to enhance the community,” a company statement to Orange Newsmedia said.