(The following story by Lourdes Vazquez appeared on the Victoria Advocate website on October 9, 2009.)
VICTORIA, Texas — Logjam cleanup came to a halt on the San Antonio River near the Victoria-Refugio county line after concerns were raised about the process.
Union Pacific, which hired Bylar Maintenance to clear the logjam, stopped removal after the San Antonio River Authority, which manages the river, expressed concerns about how the cleanup was being handled, said Raquel Espinoza-Williams, director of media relations for the Southern region of Union Pacific.
“The group is concerned that this will affect other downstream bridges,” said Espinoza, adding that the integrity of any bridges downstream could harm property or bridges along the river.
The logjam, which stretched for about 500 yards, formed Wednesday when debris flowed down river after last week’s rain.
The San Antonio River Authority added that they sent staff to monitor the removal on Friday.
“When we found out they were just trying to break down the logjam. We advised them that was not the most appropriate thing to do,” said Gloria Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio River Authority.
Union Pacific stopped any removal before it actually began, although machinery was brought in to begin cleanup.
“Union Pacific is cooperating to find a solution,” said Espinoza-Williams.
The San Antonio River Authority maintains they want an environmental approach in removal.
“Our goal is to resolve it as soon as possible and as safe as possible,” said Espinoza-Williams.
The bridge, which was rebuilt in May 2009, had been a concern of the SARA.
“We knew there could be potential problems,” said Rodriguez, adding that after the first beams were placed, the San Antonio River Authority and Union Pacific entered into an easement agreement.
Rodriguez added that the condition of the agreement was Union Pacific would be responsible for removing any debris collected because of the piers.
Espinoza added that Union Pacific and San Antonio River Authority have been in contact to come to a resolution in the logjam removal.
As of Friday, no resolution was made, but Espinoza-Williams had taken part in a conference call with San Antonio River Authority.
The groups will meet on Monday.