Browsing by Author "James, Wesley P."

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Environmental considerations relating to operation and maintenance of the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
(Texas A&M University, Sea Grant Program, 1977) James, Wesley P.; Giesler, Steven; DeOtte, Robert; Inoue, Masamichi;
This study aims to identify potentially adverse environmental factors, other than dredging, associated with the operation and maintenance of the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Field sampling was conducted along the waterway in January, May, and August 1975 to ascertain background water and sediment quality. To study the flow between Galveston Bay and Sabine Lake, a numerical model study was conducted of this reach of the waterway. Satellite imagery was used in the Lower Laguna Madre to study the circulation patterns and sedimentation rates. The following conclusions and recommendations were developed. Conclusions: 1. The Intracoastal Waterway can transport water, pollutants, aquatic plants and animals from one river system to another. 2. The waterway and normal operational activities in the waterway did not appear to be a major source of pollutants but elevated concentration of nutrients and metals were usually associated with freshwater inflow. 3. In shallow, open-bay reaches of the waterway, the current patterns adjacent to the channel can have significant effect on the shoaling rate. 4. The Intracoastal Waterway and associated dredged material islands have the potential of modifying circulating patterns and salinity levels in the bays and estuaries. Recommendations: 1. a feasibility study should be conducted for constructing a control facility in the reach between Sabine Lake and Galveston to limit flows and to contain hazardous materials in the event of an accidental discharge. 2. Additional field studies should be conducted along the Neches River, Brazos River, Caney Creek, Colorado River, and Arroyo Colorado to define the source of the nutrients and metals entering the waterway. 3. Detailed hydrological and ecological studies should be conducted at several locations in land-cut areas to evaluate the impact of the existing waterway on the groundwater and surface hydrology. 4. Studies should be conducted on promoting bottom vegetation in shallow bays. 5. Current patterns in adjacent shallow bays should be considered when planning modification to the waterway. 6. Model studies should be conducted of proposed waterway modifications in shallow bays to optimize circulation patterns, control salinity levels, and reduce maintenance dredging.
Proceedings of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Workshop on Environmental Considerations of Brine Disposal Near Freeport, Texas
(Texas A&M University, 1977-04) James, Wesley P.; Center for Marine Resources
The proposed brine disposal outfall considered at this workshop will be located in the Gulf of Mexico 5 miles offshore from Freeport, Texas. Brine at a concentration of about 300 ppt will be discharged through a diffuser into fifty feet of water. The fate of the brine was studied using a numerical model which considered the waste field in three zones. The near field zone had a length scale of about 100 feet. Dilution in this zone was primarily by turbulent jet mixing and the brine concentration was reduced to 3 to 5 ppt above ambient at the end of the near field. The intermediate field or second zone was characterized by buoyant lateral spreading and had a length scale of about 1000 feet. The far field zone had a length scale of about 10,000 feet before the concentration of brine reached 0.1 ppt above ambient. Dilution in the final zone was primarily by natural diffusion and dispersion. One major concern expressed at the workshop was that perhaps the increased salinity from the brine disposal operation would interfere with the migration of shrimp and other marine organisms into the estuaries. In general, it was recommended that any outfall should be located away from the major passes so that the brine waste field would not interfere with the movement of marine organisms into the estuaries. The proposed disposal site at Freeport is in a white shrimp spawning area as well as a spawning area for a number of fishes. In addition to salinity and the concentration of individual constituents in the brine, the ratio of certain ions are important in toxicity studies, particularly the ratio of calcium to magnesium. It was pointed out that the high jet velocity (25 feet per second) from the diffuser ports could create a barrier to movement and the turbulence could have harmful effects on the shrimp larvae. A complete chemical analysis will be required of the (1) brine, (2) displacement water used during the drawdown phase of the operation, and (3) leaching water used for the enlargement of the storage caverns. The temperature of the brine from the salt dome was estimated to be about 100 degree Fahrenheit which is 10 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient depending on the season of the year. The concentrations of the hydrocarbons in the brine during the refill operation are not known and additional information should be obtained and/or additional studies should be conducted to determine the concentrations of hydrocarbons in saturated brine. It was pointed out that the French had observed 17 ppm oil and grease in saturated brine from their salt dome storage of petroleum. Shrimp larvae were recommended for bioassay work because they are considered to be more sensitive to environmental changes than the other stages. Since polychaetes are a major food supply for the shrimp, they were also recommended for bioassay tests. Because of their sensitivity and availability, it was suggested that tests be conducted on the larval and juvenile stages of red drum. It was also suggested that bioassays be conducted on the juvenile southern flounders. Physical, chemical and biological monitoring of the disposal area will apparently be required to verify projections and to insure that disposal operations will not cause unknown adverse impacts. In order to establish baseline conditions, it was recommended that some pre-construction monitoring be conducted. Because of the large natural variations, it was also suggested that control areas, subject to the same natural variations as the disposal area, be established in the monitoring program. EPA is interested in insuring that certain water quality parameters not exceed their limits at the boundary of the mixing zone and that there will not be any unreasonable degradation within the mixing zone.
SEADOCK Literature Review: Working Document No. 1
(Texas A&M Research Foundation, 1973-03-31) Hann, Roy W., Jr.; James, Wesley P.; Basco, David R.; Williams, Glen N.; Carpenter, Stewart B.; Osoba, Joseph S.; Von Gonten, Douglas; Dameron, Jake T.; Page, Sandra; Balanoff, Howard R.; Bruington, Stephen L.; Bingham, Paula H.
The purpose of this working document is to organize the existing aquatic literature and data for the SEADOCK project. While the literature review will continue throughout the project, this report will provide reference and background material to the study teams working in the aquatic systems. The initial literature review was carried out early in the study period in order to identify missing information while there is adequate time available to obtain this information.