COLLEGE STATION — With the goal of getting the town’s infrastructure safe and operational for West, TX, citizens as quickly as possible, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) asked The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to mobilize a Public Works Assessment Team, part of the Public Works Response Team (PWRT), to deploy to West on April 24.

In their operational period Thursday, the team assisted the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the West city engineer with testing and documentation of the integrity of the city sewer system in the blast impact zone. Assignments for today’s operations include assisting the TCEQ and the West city engineer with testing and documentation of the integrity of the city drinking water service lines in the blast impact zone.

The team is expected to remain operational for up to 5 days and has additional resources on standby should the need arise.

Who is the PWRT?
The Public Works Response Team (PWRT) supports local jurisdictions in their response to a catastrophic event by providing critical public works services as needed to facilitate recovery. The PWRT is a state resource with multi-disciplined, multi-talented, and highly qualified members who support local response, rapid damage assessment, and recovery efforts. PWRT is composed of members who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in public works activities such as Utilities (Electrical, Gas, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Environmental Safety and Compliance, Communications); Debris Clearance; Structural Safety; Transportation Systems; Traffic Engineering and Management; Fleet Services; and Parks and Recreation.


About TEEX

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. The agency operates a comprehensive emergency preparedness and infrastructure training campus, which includes some of the world’s top facilities for hands-on training. Courses are conducted by instructors, many of whom are recognized experts in their respective fields. TEEX offers on-site, customized training and services to businesses and industries, municipalities and public agencies across the globe.

Home to the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, TEEX also sponsors the elite Texas Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team. A state extension training agency, TEEX is a member of The Texas A&M University System.

Back to top