With hopes for a bright future and thriving watercourse, the initial evaluation and research for the new Houston Ship Channel Expansion Channel Improvement study is underway. This potential mega-project represents a great opportunity to modernize the Houston shipping channels and help assure that the Port of Houston continues to serve its community, provide jobs and remain a hub for commerce.
As ports and private sector entities make these improvements, a key element in the planning phase is evaluating the disposal or use of the material to be dredged from port expansion and improvements. Options to be considered are disposal in upland areas, open ocean disposal, or restoration of beaches, marshes or wildlife habitat. Consideration of any of these disposal methods requires that projects evaluate the physical and chemical parameters of the dredged material prior to the project work and planned disposal.
Guidance on preparing sampling plans, performing the sampling, and evaluating the sample data are provided by federal agencies such as the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in cooperation with local port authorities and regulations.
The planning, sampling, and reporting are key components to any successful project and project sponsors do not want to experience delays because disposal use and arrangements have not been properly satisfied. Consultants who bring together certified laboratories, sampling equipment providers, sampling personnel, and experienced analysts are valuable team members and help to facilitate a successful project.
How can we help?
360factors offers EHS consulting services in the areas of air, water, and waste permitting and compliance, site investigation and environmental remediation, dredge sediment sampling and evaluation, engineering and geology, expert testimony, health and safety, and operational risk management. Its Managed Services incorporate outsourced risk and compliance services using Predict360.
Source: PortofHouston.com
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