02-04-2002 Port of Houston Expansion Review Committee Minutes

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i the Texas Department of Health should be in place by the time operations begin. Water Quality • The EIS lacks discussion of current water quality for the portion of the bay that would be affected by the construction of this project and subsequent increase in shipping. It noted a few stations with data collected in 1997- 1998 but the majority is from Galveston Bay Estuary Program reports dated 1992 and 1994. • The EIS lacks reference to ongoing projects and water quality results from current studies that address dioxin and bacteria which could help determine whether or not the Bayport Ship Channel will be added to the state list of impaired waters. • The EIS lacks discussion on the impact of dredging on water quality for the short or long term. If dredging causes re-suspension of contaminants, the channel would be placed on a list that would require Total Maximum Daily Load studies. • The EIS lacks discussion on the potential impact of increased shipping activity and storm water runoff on water quality. Wetlands/Habitat • Wetlands in the Galveston Bay watershed provide treatment of storm water runoff and buffer floods to reduce storm surges and additionally serve as habitat for wildlife and commercially valuable species. The EIS describes 2.5 acres of wetlands under the jurisdiction of the Corps that will be destroyed and require mitigation and 103.5 acres of non- jurisdictional wetlands. The EIS lacks adequate discussion on the impact of losing these wetlands. • The EIS lacks adequate discussion on the value of wetlands, specific mitigation requirements, or the location of mitigation. Furthermore, we believe that our original concerns remain valid and require a closer examination by the Corps of Engineers.