Choosing the Right Solution

The Comal Power Plant

The Comal Power Plant in New Braunfels, Texas is surrounding by parks, playgrounds, tourist attractions and the Comal River. The area is important not only for recreation but also as the home to at least 64 different species of trees in the protected zone.

The Problem

The Lower Colorado River Authority wanted to refurbish the historic power plant and create a community resource, but first they had to strip five hundred thousand square feet of steel coated with lead paint. Then they would need to recoat it.

The Solution

UHP Projects, Inc. was ideally suited for this job. UHP waterjetting produces no airborne contaminants, allowing UHP Projects, Inc. to avoid the use of costly containment scaffolding who's weight place a large structural burden on the building being cleaned. UHP Projects, Inc. approached this projects, and all projects, with a safety first attitude. Ground containment barriers were placed, gutters fabricated and installed and a four foot high earthen berm were built to ensure that if any effluent escaped it would be stopped well before it reached the river. Containment basins were built around every pump in case of diesel fuel leaks. Then the facility was waterjetted and recoated. Next, the interior of the plant was thoroughly washed. Throughout the operation all water used was collected and filtered. Finally, the walls, floors and window sills were subjected to the strictest of lead wipe tests to ensure that the facility was lead free.

The Result

The LCRA is currently in the design phase of converting the now clean power plant in to a luxury hotel. When completed (currently scheduled for 2003) the hotel will have 120 rooms in the main building and several cottages on the site. See the Austin Chronicle for more information.

UHP Projects, Inc. allowed the community to turn what was previously an environmental and economic liability into a community landmark bringing business to the area. UHP Projects, Inc. - The Right Solution.