ANAMAR was contracted to collect sediment and water samples in reaches of the Houston Ship Channel from Redfish Reef to Beacon 78 and the Bayport Ship Channel Flare in accordance with an approved Sampling and Analysis Plan. ANAMAR subcontracted sample analysis to a NELAP-accredited laboratory for physical, chemical, and toxicological analysis of sediment, site water, elutriate, and tissue, including bioassay and bioaccumulation testing. ANAMAR provided quality assurance/quality control services for laboratory results and generated appropriate reports and related deliverables required for the Galveston District to secure EPA concurrence required for ocean disposal of dredged material pursuant to MPRSA Section 103 and local and regional regulatory requirements.
Project Statute
- MPRSA Section 103
The Galveston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the navigability of the Houston Ship Channel, as authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1910 and subsequent legislation. Shortages of upland placement area capacity resulting in part from damage to upland sites caused by storm events necessitated testing of maintenance dredged material from the mid-bay segment of the Houston Ship Channel for ocean disposal. The Galveston District contracts and supervises maintenance dredging of the mid-bay segment averaging around 2 million cubic yards of material every two years. This regular maintenance dredging ensures uninterrupted access to port facilities served by the Houston Ship Channel, including Bayport Ship Channel.
