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

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• • The DEIS indicates the residential areas north of Bayport Terminal would not experience an increase in nighttime ambient light due to the distance from the light sources. However, operational lighting at Bayport could lead to nightglow that would be visible by virtually all the residential areas adjacent to Bayport. There are several alternative sites where there are no residential areas in the vicinity of the site. EROSION • The information on shoreline erosion at the Bayport Channel is documented in the DEIS. It was noted that, on the average, each bank has been retreating at a rate of 4.3 feet per yeaz. This would be expected to increase because of increased traffic. • The DEIS summary states that there is no short-term or long-term impact relating to shoreline erosion. We assume this is attributed to another statement that "unprotected shoreline to be protected as part of the project construction." • Please confirm that plans for shoreline protection were part of the application and that they include protection of the private property at and around the northeast corner of the channel entrance to Bayport. TRANSPORTATION ISSUES • Delays will be caused at rail crossings and major thoroughfares due to increased vehicular and rail traffic. The DEIS presents references to roadways that will need to be improved upon but does little to discuss the actual additional traffic and the burden it would place on area residents. No consideration has apparently been given to conflicts with existing vehicular traffic. The only suggestions made are the widening of Port Road from the project site to SH 146 and "proposed interchange and ramp improvements in the vicinity of the Port Road and SH 146 interchange." The DEIS acknowledges that Red Bluff Road, Port Road, and SH 146 will need improvements in future years based on projected growth with or without the Bayport Terminal. As for rail traffic, the DEIS is even more vague, stating only that "The site is located so that trains from the site could easily be consolidated with those from the Barbours Cut Terminal" and suggests "road/rail grade separation at new rail crossings at SH 146." • The DEIS addressed the impact to the transportation system on an area basis but does not address localized impacts. Local communities, which are already subject 6