Environmental considerations relating to operation and maintenance of the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

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dc.acquisition-srcDr. David R. Aldrichen_US
dc.call-noTC 623.5 .J3 c.1-2 GBAYen_US
dc.call-noTC 623.5 .J3 c.1-2en_US
dc.contract-noGrant 04-6-158-44012en_US
dc.contributor.authorJames, Wesley P.en_US
dc.contributor.authorGiesler, Stevenen_US
dc.contributor.authorDeOtte, Roberten_US
dc.contributor.authorInoue, Masamichien_US
dc.contributor.otheren_US
dc.date.accessioned2010-02-15T16:56:00Z
dc.date.available2010-02-15T16:56:00Z
dc.date.issued1977en_US
dc.degreeen_US
dc.description227 pgs.en_US
dc.description-otheren_US
dc.description.abstractThis 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.en_US
dc.description.urihttp://gbic.tamug.edu/request.htmen_US
dc.geo-codeIntracoastal Waterway (ICWW)en_US
dc.geo-codeGalveston Bayen_US
dc.geo-codeSabine Lakeen_US
dc.geo-codeLower Laguna Madreen_US
dc.history8/8/07 easen_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/20154
dc.latitudeen_US
dc.locationTAMUG Circulating Collection; GBIC Circulating Collectionen_US
dc.longitudeen_US
dc.notesen_US
dc.placeCollege Station, TXen_US
dc.publisherTexas A&M University, Sea Grant Programen_US
dc.relation.ispartofseries2376.00en_US
dc.relation.urien_US
dc.scaleen_US
dc.seriesTAMU-SG-78-204; COE Report No. 208en_US
dc.subjectnavigational channelsen_US
dc.subjectship canalsen_US
dc.subjectenvironmental factorsen_US
dc.subjectdredgingen_US
dc.subjectsedimentationen_US
dc.subjectmaintenanceen_US
dc.subjectwater circulationen_US
dc.subjectwater qualityen_US
dc.subjectsatellite sensingen_US
dc.titleEnvironmental considerations relating to operation and maintenance of the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterwayen_US
dc.typeBooken_US
dc.universityen_US
dc.vol-issueen_US

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