POCCA's harbor island terminal plans

On May 17, 2019 Wood Engineering on behalf of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (POCCA) filed with the Army Corps of Engineers a "Standard Individual Permit Application under Section 404 of the Clean Waters Act and Section 10 of the Rivers & Harbors Act for a berth construction project on Harbor Island, and associated dredging in a nearby Maneuvering Basin." Included in their application were detailed plans that we've long sought.

But those plans were still a work in progress so on July 10 POCCA filed a revised application, which you'll find below. The project would consist of two VLCC berths dredged to a depth of -60 feet MLLW, removing 6.5 million cubic yards (CY) of material; a large pump facility that can load crude at a rate of 80,000 barrels per hour; two vapor recovery units (VCUs) to burn off fumes that escape tankers during filling; two bermed storage tanks to handle surges; and all of this fed by a 36" pipeline running down the 361 corridor. We are assured that "The proposed development is consistent with the Port Aransas zoning ordinances" and that "There are no potential adverse impacts expected as a result of construction activities associated with the proposed Project." It's all good.

Or not. Appendix H--Consistency with the Texas Coastal Management Program Document--is a simple checklist where we're to take POCCA's word that they're following Texas law regarding dredging and waterfront construction. We'd like to see some proof of that along with the Water Quality Certification that they claim is In Process.

Appendix J--Protected Natural Resources Information--lists numerous fish, birds, turtles and mammals in the project area that are either threatened or engangered. The US Dept of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service said, "We strongly recommend that the selected project site not impact wetlands and reparian areas, and be located as far as practical from these areas."

As for the economic impact NONE of it benefits Port Aransas or the coastal bend--it's all money in POCCA's pockets. The impact on tourism, on which Port A is heavily dependent, is bound to be negative as is the effect on property values. The Port's claims that the terminals will have minimal impact on maritime traffic and may in fact reduce it are ludicrous. 

TAKE IT OFFSHORE!

You have until September 23 to make your concerns known to the Corps and to request a public hearing. Please do both!

PUBLIC HEARING

The purpose of a public hearing is to solicit additional information to assist in the evaluation of the proposed project. Prior to the close of the comment period, any person may make a written request for a public hearing, setting forth the particular reasons for the request. The District Engineer will determine if the reasons identified for holding a public hearing are sufficient to warrant that a public hearing be held. If a public hearing is warranted, all known interested persons will be notified of the time, date, and location. 

CLOSE OF COMMENT PERIOD

All comments pertaining to this Public Notice must reach this office on or before September 23, 2019. Extensions of the comment period may be granted for valid reasons provided a written request is received by the limiting date. If no comments are received by that date, it will be considered that there are no objections. Comments and requests for additional information should reference file number SWG-2019-00245 and should be submitted to: 

Corpus Christi Field Office 

Regulatory Division, CESWG-RD-R 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite 306 

Corpus Christi, TX 78411-4318 

Phone: 361-814-5847 

Email: SWG201900245@usace.army.mil