02-18-2002 Port of Houston Expansion Review Committee Meeting

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• A potential exists for conflicts between commercial vessels and recreational boats between Bayport and the Houston Ship Channel. The DEIS does not develop any actions to mitigate this potential conflict except to suggest that recreational boaters will voluntarily relocate to less congested areas. The sailing distance from the Galveston sea buoy to the Bayport Terminal is approximately 36 miles. Two alternative terminal locations, Pelican Island and Shoal Point, have significantly less sailing distances. The DEIS indicates there would be less risk of ship collisions and groundings associated with development of the sites with shorter sailing distances. SEWAGE • Sewage from the ships and the port must be handled in a manner whereby there is no chance that it will enter Galveston Bay. A system approved by the TNRCC should be in place by the time operations begin. WATER QUALITY • The DEIS lacks discussion of current water quality for the portion of the bay that would be affected by the constn.iction 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 DEIS lacks reference to ongoing projects and water quality results from current studies that address dioxin and bacteria, which could help, deternune whether or not the Bayport Ship Channel will be added to the state list of impaired waters. • The DEIS 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 DEIS lacks discussion on the potential impact of increased shipping activity and storm water runoff on water quality. • The DEIS lacks discussion on the effects of ballast water on the Galveston Bay System.