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

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2/ 15/2002 • 8:30 am Draft NOISE POLLUTION • Homes to the north side of the channel will experience disruptive amounts of noise. The DEIS notes that construction noise alone during the nighttime would exceed 55 dBA (decibels, A-weighted sound level) at the nearest residences for dredging, and the nighttime pile construction would exceed 55 dBA at the nearest residences. Operation sound levels at the residences north of the channel would increase 16 to 22 dBA and exceed 65 Dba Ldn. Two of the alternate sites listed would not increase noise pollution or disturb area residents. AIR POLLUTION DEIS Statement The DEIS states "emissions of NOX [Nitrogen Oxides (NO + N02) + the nitrate radical (N03)], SOZ (Sulfur Dioxides), and PMIO (Particulate Matter less than. l0 microns in diameter) will be generated by construction equipment engines as well as fugitive dust emissions. This is a short-term adverse impact. Comment - The EIS lacks discussion of fine particulate matter that will be discharged. Although this area currently is in compliance at 10 microns, a small increase from the port may cause it to be non compliant. DEIS Statement Fugitive dust PM,o emissions would be mitigated by use of dust control measures. Emissions of NOX, SOZ and PMIO will be generated both offsite and onsite due to container and cruise terminal operations. These emissions represent a long-term adverse impact. Comment Y The EPA is mo~~ing towards lowering the standard from 10.0 to 2. S, which mandates that the EIS address this issue. DEIS Statement The impact on the Ozone Attainment Plan is stated as "2007 NOX and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions generated by terminal construction and operations are included in the HGA (Houston-Galveston Non-attainment Area) ozone attainment plan. Therefore, the impact on the region's plans to attain the ozone standard is a long-term, less than significant adverse impact.