SWG-2007-00909 - Robert Pennacchi-Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC - Buffalo Bayou - Harris County, Texas

Public Notice          Project Plans

The proposed project will consist of the following activities:

1. The modification of the previously authorized Barge Dock 5, also known as Barge Dock 7, (western dock) and associated new work dredging to -12.5 feet mean low lower water (MLLW).
2. The modification of the proposed Barge Dock 5 (75 feet by 30 feet) (eastern dock) and associated new work dredging to -18.5 feet MLLW.
3. The modification of the previously permitted Ship Dock 6 (37 feet by 60 feet) and full-faced fender system and associated new work dredging to -47 feet MLLW.
4. The deepening of Barge Dock 4 from the currently authorized depth of -18.5 feet MLLW to -47 feet MLLW.
5. The deepening of Ship Docks 1 and 2 from the currently authorized depth of -43.5 feet MLLW to -47 feet MLLW.
6. The construction of approximately 1,020 feet of combi-wall bulkhead wall along the proposed Barge Dock 5.
7. The addition of silt blade dredging methods to maintain the authorized dredge depths.

These activities will result in the dredging and excavation of approximately 300,000 cubic yards (CY) of material of obtain depths of -47 feet MLLW within approximately 42.0 acres and -18.5 feet MLLW within 6.23 acres. Approximately 0.5 acres of material above the MLLW line will be excavated to provide the area necessary to safely maneuver and berth incoming and outgoing vessels. Approximately 315,000 CY of material located below the MLLW line will be dredged within an approximate 12-acre dredge footprint to obtain depths of -47 feet MLLW within Ship Docks 1-4, and 6. Approximately 128,000 CY of material located below the MLLW line will be dredged to obtain depths of -18.5 feet MLLW within Barge Docks 5 and 7. A mechanical of hydraulic dredge would be used to remove the material located beneath the MLLW line.

Additionally, site development consisting of the mechanical excavation, modification of site elevations, and mechanical trenching preparation for the installation of the modified bulkhead wall will be required within the portions of the project area located above the MHW line. The proposed 1,020 feet of modified bulkhead will be positioned so that no portion will be installed below the MHW line. All piles supporting the new bulkhead wall will be pneumatically driven into place and spaced accordingly to ensure structural integrity. The proposed project will also require the discharge of clean fill material behind the proposed bulkhead wall alignment.

None of the proposed clean fill material will be placed below the MHW line.

The proposed modified Barge Dock 5 will be positioned perpendicular to the Houston Ship Channel along the proposed bulkhead wall and will consist of a full faced fendering system. The proposed ship and barge docks will exhibit a minimum 225-foot setback from the limits of the Houston Ship Channel. The proposed modified Barge Dock 5 will be supported by concrete piles pneumatically driven to depths to ensure structural integrity.