Speech on the Matagorda Ship Channel Project from CCA-TX

Matagorda Bay’s ecosystem may benefit from the use of MSCIP dredged material on a panorama scale. To counteract the project’s adverse effects, the USACE may use a variety of environmental restoration and development features, such as in-bay marshes, beach nourishment, shoreline protection, oyster reef formation, and nesting shorebird habitat. We anticipate that the USACE will pay attention to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s( TPWD ), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and numerous other non-governmental organizations calling for logical solutions to prevent negative effects on aquatic resources as the SEIS is being developed.

Important Issues:

• Oyster reefs and grass beds may be negatively impacted by opened bay release of dredge material, which will suffocate them with thick sedimentation. All dredged fabric deposited in Matagorda Bay should be used productively in areas with limited space.
• Avoid placing dredge materials close to or over sustainably significant areas like Powderhorn Lake, Gallinipper Reef, and Indian Point Reef.
• Avoiding negative effects on ponds and grass beds northwest and southeast of Powderhorn Lake is crucial for the environment.
• The MSCIP’s results on Powderhorn State Park and the Wildlife Management Area may be covered by the SEIS.
• Metal substances should remain avoided at all costs. Any dredged substance within the MSCIP and ALCOA Superfund site should be tested and treated according to a sand restoration plan that is included in the SEIS.
• Analyzing how improved hydrology will affect aquatic resources and the surrounding landscape is part of the SEIS. The pneumatic effects that the MSCIP will have on Pass Cavallo are obviously poorly understood. The MSCIP’s potential for significant sand transport and eventual closure of the traditional pass worries CCA Texas.
• Coming monitoring sessions with stakeholders and regulatory bodies must be held in multiple locations. Regarding the effects on underwater resources and the location of possible mitigation areas, USACE should make a concerted effort to contact local commercial and recreational fishermen.

As the SEIS is created and shared with all stakeholders, CCA Texas may keep in touch with the correct events. When prospects arise during this process, we will encourage our account to take action by offering public input.