This project consisted of Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA) Section 103 sediment sampling, analysis, and assessment in support of maintenance dredging the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) in Galveston, Texas. The HSC Upper Bay Project consists of the Bayport Ship Channel, Redfish Reef Channel to Morgans Point, and Barbours Cut Terminal Channel.
Project Statute
- MPRSA Section 103
Maintenance of the HSC is performed on a regular basis with hopper dredges to restore the navigation channel to project depth (-47 to -48 ft MLLW). Sampling and analysis of the dredged material was necessary to support this maintenance dredging. Field sampling was conducted in June 2019 and consisted of collecting sediment and water samples for physical, chemical, toxicological, and bioaccumulation analysis.
Areas to be dredged were divided into seven project-specific dredged material management units (DMMUs). Sampling consisted of 2 to 3 sampling stations per DMMU, and 3 stations each from the offshore reference area and the Galveston ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) placement area. A water sample was also collected at each DMMU and from the ODMDS. Each DMMU was expected to have relatively consistent characteristics. Sediment samples from each DMMU were composited and homogenized to create one composite per DMMU.
ANAMAR coordinated and directed field operations and worked closely with USACE and EPA to perform sample collection and laboratory analysis. ANAMAR reviewed all data and produced a report, finalized in December 2019, summarizing the results of the physical, chemical, toxicological, and bioaccumulation analysis of samples. Following report completion, USACE received concurrence from EPA Region 6 for ocean disposal of the dredged material. From CPAR: Successful completion and approval by EPA Region 6 MPRSA 103 Evaluation for Houston Ship Channel Upper Bay maintenance dredged material. Dra_ report required minimal changes before approval by EPA R6. An unexpected shoal warranted emergency dredging of this navigation channel prior to the report completion. The contractor expedited a portion of the analysis to quickly provide a summary that was immediately approved by EPA R6. The contractor’s response and performance was integral to Operation’s ability to relieve a draft restriction in the second highest ranked ship channel in the nation.
