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Abstract:
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THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A LOW EARTH DAM IN THE DELTA OF THE TRINITY RIVER NEAR ITS ENTRANCE INTO TRINITY BAY. THE BAY IS PART OF THE GALVESTON, TEXAS BAY ESTUARINE SYSTEM. THE DAM WILL FORM A MULTIPLE PURPOSE RESERVOIR WITH A 45,000 ACRE-FEET STORAGE CAPACITY. THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SALINITY CONTROL, NAVIGATION, WATER SUPPLY, RECREATION, AND FISH AND WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE PREVENTION OF SALT WATER INTRUSION WHICH NOW EXISTS, PROVISION FOR NAVIGATION PASSAGE UPSTREAM, AUGMENTATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY, AND CREATION OF A SHALLOW FRESHWATER LAKE WHICH CAN BE USED FOR WATER SUPPLY. ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE LOSS OF 7,200 ACRES OF ESTUARINE NURSERY AREA IN UPPER TRINITY BAY, WHICH WILL REDUCE SALT WATER H INCLUDE CESSATION OF CONSTRUCTION; COMPLETION OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL, LOCK AND FLOODGATES, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER BARRIER UPSTREAM; AND OTHER VARIATIONS IN SCOPE AND LOCATION OF PROJECT FEATURES. (GRANT-FLORIDA) |