|
Corpus Christi Ship ChannelCurrently open for comment is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Port of Corpus Christi's permit request to deepen Corpus Christi Ship Channel from 54' to 80' from the Gulf to Harbor Island, where 2 new oil terminals and a desalination plant are planned - so far. This exceeds the depth of the Panama Canal (50') and the Suez Canal (79'). The purpose is to fully load VLCCs with crude oil to increase foreign oil exports. The last EIS was completed in 2003, and has served to guide industrial development on Corpus Christi Bay for nearly 20 years. The entire EIS is available through links below, along with thoughtful comments by an IOBCWA member that can help you understand the consequences of this massive, expensive, and risky project.
|
PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI CHANNEL DEEPENING PROJECT, NUECES AND ARANSAS COUNTIES, TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT NUMBER SWG-2019-00067
|
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 possible comment suggestions:
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
More comment suggestions:
The Corps published a notice of intent and initiated the scoping process in the Federal Register to notify the public of the intent to prepare a Draft EIS on April 7, 2020. A meeting invitation was emailed to Federal and State agencies on April 28, 2020, and a virtual interagency scoping meeting was held on May 14, 2020. Notices to interested parties and local, State, and Federal elected officials were sent via email on May 27, 2020 and email on May 28, 2020, providing information about the Proposed Action, announcing the public meetings scheduled for June 9, 11, 15, 16, and 18, 2020, and providing a link to the Project website. The Corps solicited comments on the proposed Action during the scoping period meetings from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials, Native American tribal groups, and other interested parties for the proposed permit activity.
On May 25, 2022, the Corps published a special public notice inviting full public participation on the potential concerns surrounding the Draft EIS. In addition, participation by Federal, State, local agencies and other interested organizations was encouraged. An in-person public meeting was held on June 22, 2022, to provide information about the proposed Action and to receive public input and comment on the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS was available for a public review period beginning on June 22, 2022, and ending on July 25, 2022. The comment period for the Draft EIS was extended to August 9, 2022.
Comments from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials, Indian tribes, and other interested parties regarding the impacts of this proposed activity were considered by the Corps to determine whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for the proposed Action. Comments were considered in the Final EIS analysis pursuant to NEPA.
The Final EIS will be used to inform the Corps’ decisions regarding PCCAs permit application and may inform the decisions of other agencies that evaluate the Proposed CDP as part of their regulatory or permit processes. The information in the Final EIS will help decision makers, public officials, and citizens to understand the potential environmental impacts of the proposed CDP and its alternatives before decisions regarding the proposed Project are made.
We are asking for comments because an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed and additional time is needed to review the 702 page document. Response to comments received on the final EIS are required only when substantive issues are raised which have not been addressed in the EIS.
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
More comment suggestions:
- 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.
The Corps published a notice of intent and initiated the scoping process in the Federal Register to notify the public of the intent to prepare a Draft EIS on April 7, 2020. A meeting invitation was emailed to Federal and State agencies on April 28, 2020, and a virtual interagency scoping meeting was held on May 14, 2020. Notices to interested parties and local, State, and Federal elected officials were sent via email on May 27, 2020 and email on May 28, 2020, providing information about the Proposed Action, announcing the public meetings scheduled for June 9, 11, 15, 16, and 18, 2020, and providing a link to the Project website. The Corps solicited comments on the proposed Action during the scoping period meetings from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials, Native American tribal groups, and other interested parties for the proposed permit activity.
On May 25, 2022, the Corps published a special public notice inviting full public participation on the potential concerns surrounding the Draft EIS. In addition, participation by Federal, State, local agencies and other interested organizations was encouraged. An in-person public meeting was held on June 22, 2022, to provide information about the proposed Action and to receive public input and comment on the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS was available for a public review period beginning on June 22, 2022, and ending on July 25, 2022. The comment period for the Draft EIS was extended to August 9, 2022.
Comments from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies and officials, Indian tribes, and other interested parties regarding the impacts of this proposed activity were considered by the Corps to determine whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for the proposed Action. Comments were considered in the Final EIS analysis pursuant to NEPA.
The Final EIS will be used to inform the Corps’ decisions regarding PCCAs permit application and may inform the decisions of other agencies that evaluate the Proposed CDP as part of their regulatory or permit processes. The information in the Final EIS will help decision makers, public officials, and citizens to understand the potential environmental impacts of the proposed CDP and its alternatives before decisions regarding the proposed Project are made.
We are asking for comments because an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed and additional time is needed to review the 702 page document. Response to comments received on the final EIS are required only when substantive issues are raised which have not been addressed in the EIS.
Video (English): Featuring Cathy Fulton and Dan Pecore of Port Aransas
Video (Spanish): Featuring Chon Serna of Portland
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NfrxxkMgfnqsro7T5R9n4Nks8vVF0VMV?usp=sharingLink to Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Components & Comments
Video (Spanish): Featuring Chon Serna of Portland
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NfrxxkMgfnqsro7T5R9n4Nks8vVF0VMV?usp=sharingLink to Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Components & Comments
Figure 1: New Spoil Islands: The image above shows the various spoil islands that will be created in and around the beaches at Port Aransas from the estimated 46 million cubic yards (MCY) of material dredged up from this project. This includes spoil islands to protect San Jose Island, which is privately owned by the Bass Family. In the process, several hundred acres of seagrass and wetlands in Redfish Bay will be filled. The Port of Corpus Christi is to trying to claim that dredge placement is "beneficial use" - that reshaping thousands of years of natural processes that formed these barrier islands, bays, and estuaries is the only way to protect the bay system from the ravages of climate change.
Figure 2: Communities and the Bay System at Risk: Dramatically deepening the Channel will put Coastal Bend communities already impacted by rising sea levels and climate change at greater risk of increased storm surge and rising tides. Aquatic habitat and fishing will be affected due to "dredge and fill" activities that destroy habitat and increase sedimentation, turbidity, and salinity inside the Bay system. At a time when the world is transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, it doesn't make sense for taxpayers to fund projects that will increase fossil fuel consumption and accelerate global warming (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021).
BACKGROUND:
In response to public pushback at a scoping meeting in 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), required the Port of Corpus Christi (PCCA) to complete a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to prove its claims that "no significant impacts" would result from deepening the channel to 75-80' (as deep as the Suez Canal). The last EIS for deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel (to a depth of 54') was completed in 2003, and that deepening is still ongoing. Already, Ingleside on the Bay has seen impacts from deepening just to 54', experiencing up to 4' of storm surge with every tropical storm in the Gulf, no matter where it occurs. In 2003, the socioeconomic justifaction for taxpayer support of channel modifications was to position the Coastal Bend an import hub to support the nation. Today, the project's justification is solely to increase oil exports to benefit the Port's private petroleum customers. The maps and information below show, in more detail, what the Port is trying to do and why Coastal Bend residents should speak out about their concerns.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: This monster Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) contains 3 volumes, over 2500 pages, and 16 appendices, and is loaded with interesting information - including cumulative impacts from 42 other projects in the four-county Coastal Bend region (San Patricio, Nueces, Aransas, Refugio). Please help us review the topics that most interest you (e.g., dredge placement, fish and wildlife, ship traffic, hydrodynamics, sediement, cultural resources, etc.), and submit YOUR concerns to the U.S. Army Corps (USACE) before the deadline of 8/9/22! Every voice matters; USACE needs to know that folks are watching and care about the Coastal Bend.
HOW TO ACCESS DOCUMENTS: Click HERE.
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Send an email to [email protected]: 1) oppose the permit, 2) ask for more time to review the DEIS, 3) ask for public meetings in Port Aransas and Aransas Pass, and 4) include your specific concerns. There is no limit on the number of emails you can send. The more people who speak up, the better. Getting feedback from the affected public is an important part of a project of this magnitude, so let your voice be heard!
Sample Comments: IOBCWA member Chon Serna has graciously agreed to share his detailed comments, which will help give you a good idea of what's wrong with this permit. A list of Project Impacts is also provided below. It's a work in progress, since there's so much information to cover. Please feel free to use your own words and submit questions and comments expressing what you're most concerned about.
In response to public pushback at a scoping meeting in 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), required the Port of Corpus Christi (PCCA) to complete a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to prove its claims that "no significant impacts" would result from deepening the channel to 75-80' (as deep as the Suez Canal). The last EIS for deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel (to a depth of 54') was completed in 2003, and that deepening is still ongoing. Already, Ingleside on the Bay has seen impacts from deepening just to 54', experiencing up to 4' of storm surge with every tropical storm in the Gulf, no matter where it occurs. In 2003, the socioeconomic justifaction for taxpayer support of channel modifications was to position the Coastal Bend an import hub to support the nation. Today, the project's justification is solely to increase oil exports to benefit the Port's private petroleum customers. The maps and information below show, in more detail, what the Port is trying to do and why Coastal Bend residents should speak out about their concerns.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: This monster Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) contains 3 volumes, over 2500 pages, and 16 appendices, and is loaded with interesting information - including cumulative impacts from 42 other projects in the four-county Coastal Bend region (San Patricio, Nueces, Aransas, Refugio). Please help us review the topics that most interest you (e.g., dredge placement, fish and wildlife, ship traffic, hydrodynamics, sediement, cultural resources, etc.), and submit YOUR concerns to the U.S. Army Corps (USACE) before the deadline of 8/9/22! Every voice matters; USACE needs to know that folks are watching and care about the Coastal Bend.
HOW TO ACCESS DOCUMENTS: Click HERE.
- Click on the Table of Contents to access the main document (418) pages.
- Click on the individual Appendix filename to access that specific appendix.
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Send an email to [email protected]: 1) oppose the permit, 2) ask for more time to review the DEIS, 3) ask for public meetings in Port Aransas and Aransas Pass, and 4) include your specific concerns. There is no limit on the number of emails you can send. The more people who speak up, the better. Getting feedback from the affected public is an important part of a project of this magnitude, so let your voice be heard!
Sample Comments: IOBCWA member Chon Serna has graciously agreed to share his detailed comments, which will help give you a good idea of what's wrong with this permit. A list of Project Impacts is also provided below. It's a work in progress, since there's so much information to cover. Please feel free to use your own words and submit questions and comments expressing what you're most concerned about.
| Chon Serna's comments.pdf |
Proposed Corpus Christi Ship Channel Deepening from 54' to 75-80': USACE Permit #SWG-2019-00067
Private Oil Export Companies will Benefit: The Port of Corpus Christi is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to enable fully loading of VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers) and post-Panamax ships with crude oil inside Corpus Christi Bay instead of going offshore, as they do now. The current request is to deepen Corpus Christi Ship Channel from 54 feet to as much as 80 feet (as deep as the Suez Canal) for 13 miles from the Gulf to oil export terminals (yet to be built) on Harbor Island. This will enable a modern day short-term gold rush - making it cheaper for private oil companies to extract and pipe oil from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale to the coast for shipping abroad. This will be done at at taxpayer expense and cause permanent ecological changes.
Current Ship Channel Deepening: Under previous permits, the Port of Corpus Christi has already been authorized to deepen the channel to 54', as shown in the figure below. Dredging is currently occurring in Segment 2 - from Port Aransas to Ingleside on the Bay. Without even assessing the impacts from that deepening, the Port is now asking (in this current project up for comment) that Segment 1 - from the Gulf to Port Aransas - be deepened by over 20 feet! Ingleside on the Bay is already experiencing something new - 4 foot storm surges with every storm anywhere in the Gulf, no matter where it hits. Channel deepening is known to be a major contributor to increased storm surge - and the Draft EIS even acknowledges this! How many more communities will be at risk with a much deeper channel?
Current CORPUS CHRISTI SHIP CHANNEL CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - from 2019 presentation by the Port of Corpus Christi
(see www.swg.usace.army.mil/Portals/26/09%20Stakeholder%20Meeting%2008-14-2019%20Final_1.pdf)