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• <br />and other sources of information used to prepare the EA, (5) analyses of anticipated impacts; and <br />(6) data gaps, if any, and recommendations for further action. The analyses of impacts will be <br />qualitative (at a minimum), but will also be quantified when the available data is sufficient to <br />identify the magnitude of the impact. EIl''s approach to development of the impact analyses for <br />each of the environmental issues is further detailed below: <br />WATER QUALITY <br />The following information will be needed for use in the water quality assessment. It is <br />assumed that the data will be obtained by the Association and made available to EIP staff: <br />state and local water quality control plans for Galveston Bay, including existing <br />or planned programs to improve water quality conditions; <br />~' ^ supporting and background environmental documentation for any existing U.S. <br />Army Corps of Engineers dredging permits for the Bayport Channel; <br />sediment and water quality data, including salinity and mixing zone data and <br />seasonal changes in water constituents of the Bayport Channel, Galveston Bay, and <br />Taylor Lake/Clear Lake; <br />^ storm water quality data from container shipping terminals of similar size and type <br />(if available); <br />^ Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps of the project <br />area and its vicinity; <br />The above information will be used to develop an assessment of the potential water <br />quality impacts of the proposed Bayport Terminal Project. It should be noted that the <br />results of the water quality assessment will also be used in the assessment of biological <br />resources impacts (as described below). The environmental assessment will include water <br />quality analyses of: <br />^ effects on sediment quality and release of particulate-bound contaminants to the <br />water column from dredging the Bayport Channel to a depth of 50 feet, or 5 feet <br />more than currently permitted under existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <br />permits; <br />^ effects of increased ship traffic on the rate of siltation at the Bayport Terminal and <br />the increased potential for more frequent dredging; <br />^ changes in salinity and mixing due to greater channel depth from dredging and <br />from increased volumes of ballast water disposal; <br />^ changes in stormwater quality and volume due to more intense heavy industrial <br />M:WPPROACH.WPD 2 <br />