05-29-2003 Bayport Expansion Review Committee Meeting

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. . . Port of Houston Authority No. 21520(Revised) Ga_ton Bay, along the Bayport Ship .nel, CitJll'f Pasadena, Harris County, Texas. Attachment 1. Sheet!. of 3~.(Revised May 2003) Bayport Terminal Mitigation Features FINAL PROPOSED The Bayport Terminal plan has undergone considerable modification since the concept for the terminal was approved by the Port Commission nearly four years ago. The vast majority of these modifications have been the result of input from citizens and agencies that was provided with a goal of reducing or mitigating the impact of the project on the human environment. The POHA is updating the materials that comprise the permit application to ensure that the reviewing agencies and public have the most accurate information possible about the proposed terminal. This discussion describes those elemepts of the PORA application that have been included to reduce or mitigate impacts. 1. Buffer Zone and 2. 20-Foot Berm As shown on the enclosed facility drawings, the terminal will have a buffer zone separating the terminal from surrounding land uses. The width of the buffer zone ranges from approximately 130 to 600 feet. Along the southern boundary the buffer zone ranges from 130 to 205 feet. Along Todville Road, the buffer zone is 600 feet wide, narrowing to 300 feet as it approaches Port Road. 128 acres of the project site, or approximately 12% of the total acreage involved it) the project will be buffer. Within the buffer zone, a 20-foot tall and 130-foot wide earthen berm will be constructed as shown. The portion of the berm, formerly located between the container and cruise terminals, has been relocated. This section will now be constructed between the cruise terminal and EI Jardin (Figure 2). This will provide an enhanced level of mitigation for the potential noise, light, and aesthetic impacts to the EI J~din community. In addition, POHA will plant the berm with a mixture of deciduous trees and shrubs, which will minimize noise, light and visual impacts to the surrounding community. The planting will be composed of native deciduous and evergreen species that' are typically found within the Galveston Bay area (Figures 15 &. 16). Approximately twenty different species will be used to create a natural appearance and view from nearby residential areas. Additionally, the planting plan has been designed so that the area will develop into a self-sustaining natural environment within a few short years. Because the berm is being constructed from dredged material, the applicant will over-excavate the planting pits and introduce a fertile planting backfill mix. This added backfill mix along with a slow release fertilizer would provide the plant material with needed nutrients and help ensure the successful vegetation of the berm.. As part of the initial construction, a one-year watering and maintenance period will be included. 3. Seventy-Five Foot Set Aside The PHA is committing the 7S-foot wide strip located between the vegetated berm and Pine Gully (9.3 acres) to be set aside for habitat pwposes and no future development (Figure 13). This area will remain in its present natural condition, thus maintaining water quality functions. - 1 - 5/6/03