A lot of rapid industrialization is happening around us here in the Coastal Bend, and it's hard for any one person to keep up with all of it. We are asking the communities to check back often for our calls-to-action to help protect the land, air and water we love so much! Email any links we should consider adding to this page.Hydrogen: Future of Clean Energy or False Solution?
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This video was taken from the Port of Corpus Christi's Commissioners meeting March 19, 2024 confirming more than 80 new business prospects slotted for port owned property in San Patricio County representing the Hydrogen chain. |
IT IS NOW TIME TO COMMENT TO FERC ON THIS ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT!Last year approximately 215 Large Natural (fracked and piped in) Gas Carriers (LNGC) transversed in and then out of Corpus Christi Bay on La Quinta Ship Channel right in front of Ingleside on the Bay, Ingleside Cove Sanctuary, Gregory and Portland Texas.
Cheniere already as approval for a total of 400 LNGC. The ship wakes from the 215 seen last year are already causing these areas significant damages to personal property, coastal erosion, depletion of seagrass, upsafe boating and swimming conditions, silting in of beaches and marina, reduction of marine life, along with air, noise, light, and water pollution. We tried to get the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to demand a more stringent environment review called an Environmental Impact Statement to TRULY show the devastation happening to these areas, BUT FERC went with the lesser environmental review called Environmental Assessment. |
To ensure that the Commission has the opportunity to consider your comments prior to making its decision on this Project, it is important that they receive your comments in Washington, DC on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2024.
For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to file your comments with the FERC Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or [email protected].
HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMMENT
For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to file your comments with the FERC Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or [email protected].
HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMMENT
- If you have never filed a comment complaint with FERC you must first register an online account HERE: Link to register an online FERC account
- After you have registered you will need to verify your email address. After that is done, select “FERC Online Home” and then select “Log In” and log in with your new credentials.
- After you have logged in, select “eFile”, Then select “General” in the first window, in the second window select “Comment (on filing, environ, report or tech conf), then select comment and hit “Next”.
- Enter the docket number CP23-129 and hit search. Then select the “Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Midscale Trains 8 & 9 Project” by selecting the + sign on the right and hit "Next"
- The next screen is where you can upload any videos or files.If you do not have a video or file hit "Next"
- The next page you will be asked to add a contact email and then hit the tab "add as signer" and hit "next". This window is where you will write your written comments (Please request Cheniere to do an Environment Impact Statement) and hit "next".
- This last screen will be a summary of everything you have completed and after reviewing it, hit "SUBMIT".
MORE Care, LESS Flare!!!
Cheniere Public Meeting June 20th, 7pm at East Cliff Elementary (School Cafeteria) 1140 Broadway Boulevard, Portland, TX
Cheniere is once again trying to increase the amount of air pollution it releases in San Patricio County, putting the health and livelihoods of people who live in Gregory, Taft, and Portland at risk.
If the state allows Cheniere to release MORE pollutants (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide), it will mean MORE of us living nearby could be at risk to MORE health problems, ranging from asthma and nosebleeds to increased risk of cancer. |
IOBCWA is asking everyone to please email a comment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Port of Corpus Christi Deepening (Dredging) Project Permit SWG-2019-00067 to deepen the Corpus Christi Ship Channel from 54 to 75' by Sunday April 21, 2024.
We are asking for comments because an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed and all previous comment concerns have not been addressed in the EIS and additional time is needed to review the 400+ page document. Please email a comment to [email protected]. All comments made should include your name, address, phone number and permit # SWG- 2019-00067 and state I OPPOSE USACE Permit SWG-2019-00067 for the Port of Corpus Christi Deepening Project for "your reasons" AND request an EXTENSION for 90 days to review the EIS. |
Here are comments we are suggesting:
1. The increased tidal amplitude from a deeper ship channel will put Ingleside on the Bay (IOB) in harm's way. IOB already has storm surge up to 4' from the last deepening.
2. These large ships already have trouble maneuvering - even with power. What will happen if a fully-loaded VLCC loses power? Coastal communities are in harm's way.
3. There are already too many large vessels surrounded by tugs in the ship channels, making conditions unsafe for recreational boaters and those who fish.
4. It isn't right to tear up Corpus Christi Bay and disrupt aquatic and bird life so that private petroleum companies get even richer.
5. Keeping the channel deepened to the proposed depth of 75' will require constant dredging, which is not pleasant to be around.
6. Placing potentially polluted dredged materials on and in front of the beaches in Port Aransas will kill tourism.
7. This channel deepening is another step closer to bringing in ammonia and hydrogen companies that further harm our communities.
If you want to dive into this deeper here are some additional links:
Special Public Notice for Permit SWG-2019-00067
POCCA Final Environmental Impact Statement
Link to all submitted documents to USACE regarding this permit
Even more comments we are suggesting:
1. The increased tidal amplitude from a deeper ship channel will put Ingleside on the Bay (IOB) in harm's way. IOB already has storm surge up to 4' from the last deepening.
2. These large ships already have trouble maneuvering - even with power. What will happen if a fully-loaded VLCC loses power? Coastal communities are in harm's way.
3. There are already too many large vessels surrounded by tugs in the ship channels, making conditions unsafe for recreational boaters and those who fish.
4. It isn't right to tear up Corpus Christi Bay and disrupt aquatic and bird life so that private petroleum companies get even richer.
5. Keeping the channel deepened to the proposed depth of 75' will require constant dredging, which is not pleasant to be around.
6. Placing potentially polluted dredged materials on and in front of the beaches in Port Aransas will kill tourism.
7. This channel deepening is another step closer to bringing in ammonia and hydrogen companies that further harm our communities.
If you want to dive into this deeper here are some additional links:
Special Public Notice for Permit SWG-2019-00067
POCCA Final Environmental Impact Statement
Link to all submitted documents to USACE regarding this permit
Even more comments we are suggesting:
- There is no placement of dredged clay that is compatible or consistent material for a beach nor bay. This does not follow the coastal management plan. Clay turbidity will degrade marine ecosystems.
- More information is needed regarding the ferry schedules and frequency of traffic at certain times of the year. Impacts of increases in LNG vessels from 215/year to 480/year and expanding oil exports vessel traffic.
- The issues regarding certain times of year for sea turtle, migrating/nesting bird activities and effects of dredge and placement was not addressed especially in Redfish Bay State Scientific Area.
- Purpose is for one company, Axis Midstream. Unsubstantiated claim that lightering needed at Harbor Island.
- Sea level rise projections, tidal velocity increase and impacts during storm surge (36% at Port A) not updated.
- 4,515 acres of estuarine habitat loss for minimal mitigation.
How to Send Comments on Regulatory Division Public Notices: Send comments to the Regulatory Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, P.O. Box 1229, Galveston, Texas 77553-1229 or by electronic mail to our Public Notice Comment Email. Comments made in reference to a public notice should include your name, address, phone number and the Department of the Army permit number referenced in the public notice.
Thank you to all who attend!!!
We are currently waiting for TCEQ's Executive Directors response to comments. Notice of Public Meeting for Enbridge Water Rights Permit #13775 is Thursday, February 29, 2024, 7pm, at Northshore Country Club, 801 East Broadway Ave, Portland, TX 78374 Enbridge water rights application 13775 is for 500 acre feet which equals 446,371 gallons of water a day, and more than 160 million gallons (162,925,714.29) of water annually from Corpus Christi Bay states their use is for fire pump testing but we believe it's actually a water grab for Blue Ammonia. |
PENDING PUBLIC HEARING DATE-THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE COMMENTS!
Here is their Plain Language Summary listing the tons of toxic air pollutants proposed per year for the Blue Ammonia Plant at Enbridge, being filed under the named Ingleside Clean Ammonia Partners LLC. The partnership name for Canadian owned Enbridge and Norwegian owned Yara.
We MUST make a Public comment to the state regulator TCEQ and request a Public Meeting and a Contested Case Hearing! Comments and requests must be submitted either electronically HERE and reference permit #174275 or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.
This application would authorize construction of the Blue Ammonia Production Trains (production units) 1 and 2 located at 1450 Lexington Boulevard, Ingleside, San Patricio County, Texas 78362. Don't let the Ingleside Clean Ammonia Partners name fool you. This is the Canadian owned Enbridge and Norwegian company Yara partnership. The application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J.
Permit Public Notice
Permit Application
Air Permit Project Record
Modeling Protocol
Suggestions for permit Comments
This application would authorize construction of the Blue Ammonia Production Trains (production units) 1 and 2 located at 1450 Lexington Boulevard, Ingleside, San Patricio County, Texas 78362. Don't let the Ingleside Clean Ammonia Partners name fool you. This is the Canadian owned Enbridge and Norwegian company Yara partnership. The application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J.
Permit Public Notice
Permit Application
Air Permit Project Record
Modeling Protocol
Suggestions for permit Comments
News Articles Related to Ammonia and Hydrogen:
Stop ALL San Patricio Ammonia Plants
Ammonia to be used as a Hydrogen carrier and the process of creating Hydrogen is anything but green!
IOBCWA is currently monitoring permit requests with state and federal agencies responsible for granting these Ammonia plant permits to these polluting industries. We will provide call-to-actions here on help needed as they become known.
San Patricio Economic Development Corporation has presented to several local city councils new Ammonia project developments with disguised names to close to our neighborhoods for comfort!
San Patricio Economic Development Corporation has presented to several local city councils new Ammonia project developments with disguised names to close to our neighborhoods for comfort!
Project Green
- 500 acres, 8 modules(1 1/2 million tons of ammonia per module), $2B+ capital investment, 150 jobs, and advised the company has been on multiple site visits.
- Large-scale green hydrogen/ammonia plant, 500-700 acres, 2 million tons per year for phase 1, 4M GPD water, will use cooling tower for process water, 2000 construction workers, 250 FTE, 24/hour per day operation, $3B capital investment, 4 large trains over multi-year ramp up: start with 1 train and add another every 2 years.
- Green ammonia facility, 100 acres, 30-50 jobs, $1.5B capital investment, 1.2G power, company site visited was planned for March 2, 2023
Questions to consider asking:
- What will the emissions be?
- Isn't ammonia made from hydrogen which is very explosive?
- Will there be a community notification system in case of a spill or release?
- Isn't ammonia toxic?
- Why cut down acres of trees for a solar farm when they use carbon dioxide?
- What are you going to do to reduce upstream emissions of methane from the well, through the pipeline?
- Where and how are they getting the enormous amount of water required for the hydrogen process?
- Why did they split their air emissions into two minor permits and not go with a major permit that have higher standards to protect our air better?
- How are they shipping the ammonia? Pipes or ships?
- Will there be new pipelines through Ingleside carrying methane?
- What process are they going to use to create the ammonia?
- What they going to do with all the carbon dioxide produced from hydrogen driven production?
- Where will the carbon be stored?
- How will the carbon get there?
The Very Scary links to documented Ammonia Accidents and Explosions
- The terrible event that happened in Satartia, Mississippi on Feb. 22, 2020 when a CO2 pipeline ruptured.
- Accidents have occurred such as explosion in 2020 at a hydrogen fuel production plant of OneH 2 ,Inc. in Long View, NC, which blew 10 miles away and damaged 60 homes and the explosion in a hydrogen gas research facility at Gangwon Technopark, South Korea (two deaths)
- Accidents from leaking ammonia are often deadly, such as the 2022 leak in a Massachusetts food plant.
- In 2009, 4 workers were fatally injured and dozen were injured when an explosion occurred at the ConAgra Food facility in Garner, North Carolina.
- In 1992, the worst industrial ammonia accident occurred in Senegal, South Africa when a tanks
exploded forming a dense vapor cloud that spread over a significant distance ultimately killing
129 and 1,150 injuries. - Who can forget the explosions in West Texas at the West Fertilizer Plant is 2013 that blew out windows up to 7 miles away. This accident killed 15 people and injured up to 200.
- The devastating blast from Ammonia Nitrate stored on a tanker Port of Beirut Lebanon in 2020 was the most devastating blasts in recent history. The supersonic pressure killed 220 people and injured more than 6,500. The blast leveled the surrounding community and impacted for miles.
Let's Talk Hydrogen/Ammonia
The process of creating hydrogen is anything but green. It requires a source of hydrogen gas(H 2 ), which is stripped away from natural gas or coal in a reaction using pressurized, superheated steam. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is left behind, accounting for about half the emissions from the overall process. The second feedstock, N 2 , separated from air. Generating the pressure needed to meld hydrogen and nitrogen in the reactors consumes more fossil fuels, which means more CO 2.
Hydrogen is highly reactive and explosive. There is a high risk of fire and explosions along with the risk of a high pressure release without ignition. It is the smallest atom on the periodic table, very light and high probability of leaking. It is odorless and colorless and tasteless and can be difficult to know when there is a leak. There is no known odorant that can be added the would diffuse at the same rate.
Ammonia has been attracting attention for its use as a hydrogen carrier. Ammonia is energy dense enabling efficient storage and transportation than liquid hydrogen. Ammonia is highly toxic, even in very low amounts. Ammonia production at a facility on the Live
Oak Peninsula places it down wind of residential neighborhoods and schools. Ammonia facilities are constant source of noxious odors. Ammonia is a nitrogen bearing fuel and is likely to generate large amounts of nitrogen oxide(NOx) in its combustion as a fuel. While ammonia is less flammable than hydrogen, it nonetheless carries a risk of explosion and fire.
Hydrogen is highly reactive and explosive. There is a high risk of fire and explosions along with the risk of a high pressure release without ignition. It is the smallest atom on the periodic table, very light and high probability of leaking. It is odorless and colorless and tasteless and can be difficult to know when there is a leak. There is no known odorant that can be added the would diffuse at the same rate.
Ammonia has been attracting attention for its use as a hydrogen carrier. Ammonia is energy dense enabling efficient storage and transportation than liquid hydrogen. Ammonia is highly toxic, even in very low amounts. Ammonia production at a facility on the Live
Oak Peninsula places it down wind of residential neighborhoods and schools. Ammonia facilities are constant source of noxious odors. Ammonia is a nitrogen bearing fuel and is likely to generate large amounts of nitrogen oxide(NOx) in its combustion as a fuel. While ammonia is less flammable than hydrogen, it nonetheless carries a risk of explosion and fire.
Join an IOBCWA Community Action Team!
Currently organizing groups in Ingleside on the Bay, Aransas Pass, and Ingleside
We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our outreach to neighboring cities to raise awareness and provide education regarding potential impacts to coastline resources, water and air quality due to increased ship traffic and rapid industrialization happening and planned for San Patricio County. Our goal is to increase community awareness and create additional community response and action from surrounding communities to the state and federal regulators reviewing and approving the increased applications from industrialization in San Patricio County. We realize we can not do this alone and need additional awareness and activism.
Please email [email protected] today to get involved!
Please email [email protected] today to get involved!
Status of Prior Calls to Action
Enbridge/Yara Objectionable Use permit DENIED!!!!! Check out full story here.
THANK YOU to EVERYONE who attended the hearing and to those who submitted their comments on line!!!
Next up, City of Ingleside Public Hearing, January 16th, Tuesday, 6:30pm at Ingleside Humbler Center, 2821 Main Street, Ingleside TX and tell City of Ingleside (Local) to DENY Enbridge's Objectionable Use Permit for Blue Ammonia Plant!
THANK YOU to EVERYONE who attended the hearing and to those who submitted their comments on line!!!
Next up, City of Ingleside Public Hearing, January 16th, Tuesday, 6:30pm at Ingleside Humbler Center, 2821 Main Street, Ingleside TX and tell City of Ingleside (Local) to DENY Enbridge's Objectionable Use Permit for Blue Ammonia Plant!
THANK YOU to all who ATTENDED the Notice and Comment Hearing, January 11th in Portland!!!!! It really made a difference!!!! f
*TCEQ Executive Director will craft a written “Response To Comments” made in the hearing.
*TCEQ may identify changes to permit and add Special Conditions, but will likely still grant the permit. As we heard last night from the TCEQ representative, he stated to his knowledge in the history of TCEQ regulating our environment they have NEVER denied a permit.
* EPA will review TCEQ's Response to Comments and oversee issuance of final (hopefully strengthened) permit. Some air monitors over here in Ingleside would be fantastic!
Available documents for this Enbridge Permit request:
- Here is a video link to Part 1 of the Public Hearing for the 30min Q&A period regarding the renewal application to TCEQ from Enbridge for their Federal Operating Permit O3906. This was the time to publicly ask questions and get answers from TCEQ or Enbridge off the record.
- Here is a video link Part 2 of the Notice and Comment Hearing granted by TCEQ regarding the renewal application for Enbridge's Federal Operating Permit O3906 that is on the record.
*TCEQ Executive Director will craft a written “Response To Comments” made in the hearing.
*TCEQ may identify changes to permit and add Special Conditions, but will likely still grant the permit. As we heard last night from the TCEQ representative, he stated to his knowledge in the history of TCEQ regulating our environment they have NEVER denied a permit.
* EPA will review TCEQ's Response to Comments and oversee issuance of final (hopefully strengthened) permit. Some air monitors over here in Ingleside would be fantastic!
Available documents for this Enbridge Permit request:
- Copy of TCEQ Notice of Permit Application
- Copy of Enbridge Federal Operating draft Permit
- Copy of Enbridge's Statement of Basis
- Copy of the Enbridge Application
- Original Talking Points
- Talking Points Revision
As of 9/11/23 FERC has requested an Engineering Information Request to Cheniere regarding questions they have on application. Cheniere has 30 day to respond. Cheniere's permit application CP23-129 for its Stage IV expansion of trains 8 & 9 will more than double the number of ships passing through the La Quinta Channel. Thank you for your comments. FERC (Federal Energy Regulator Commission) has requested additional information from Cheniere. If this permit is granted IOBCWA has preserved FERC Motion to Intervene individually and with Sierra Club. Status.
IOBCWA and member Chon Serna are engaged in a TCEQ Contested Case Hearing opposing the Port of Corpus Christi's application for water rights for a desalination plant on the La Quinta Channel. State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) decision is due 1/22/24
Comments are now closed regarding the Railroad Commission (RRC) to regulate Carbon Dioxide storage underground! Thank you to everyone who commented! Check back for outcome later this year.
RRC has an inherent conflict of interest because they receive campaign donations by the industries they regulate.
The number of uncapped wells in Texas is growing everyday. RRC cannot keep up with the current job they have.
Carbon Dioxide escaping a well poses serious danger to human health and the environment.
RRC has a HORRIBLE TRACK RECORD of enforcing regulations and will fail to protect residents who reside next to potential carbon dioxide storage.
Copy of original RRC Chapter 5 rules for CO2 9/19/22
Proposed rulemaking amendment to RRC Chapter 5 for CO2
Notice of Public Comment Hearing from RRC on proposed amendments
RRC has an inherent conflict of interest because they receive campaign donations by the industries they regulate.
The number of uncapped wells in Texas is growing everyday. RRC cannot keep up with the current job they have.
Carbon Dioxide escaping a well poses serious danger to human health and the environment.
RRC has a HORRIBLE TRACK RECORD of enforcing regulations and will fail to protect residents who reside next to potential carbon dioxide storage.
Copy of original RRC Chapter 5 rules for CO2 9/19/22
Proposed rulemaking amendment to RRC Chapter 5 for CO2
Notice of Public Comment Hearing from RRC on proposed amendments
Past Industry Public Notices |
Climate-Related Notices |
This link provides the history of industrial activity in the Coastal Bend near Ingleside on the Bay.
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Industry-Related Notices
Port of Corpus Christi
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
United States Army Corps of Engineers