319 to 323 WHL (High Island Bends)

11331

Several consecutive bends are difficult to transit, making this area extremely hazardous.

Widening and easening bends, proved to be successful in simulator study.

Simulator project has been completed. The Section 216 study will continue in order to address placement area capacity that remains an issue.

George Alcala

The Section 216 study reviewed widening and/or realigning three bends at the High Island
location, based on waterway users input and vessel simulations conducted at the Engineering Research Development Center. These three segments of the waterway were omitted from the feasibility report, which was completed in September 2003, due to placement area capacity issues. However, these issues will be addressed during subsequent studies that will be conducted upon receipt of additional GI funds.

329 WHL (Rollover Bay)

11331

Existing channel width combined with current and wind conditions greatly limit doubled-up tow movements. Meeting situations are especially difficult. Groundings and buoy discrepancies result.

Request widening of Rollover Bay by about 50-80 feet to the south.

Reported May, 2002.

Not assigned

This specific problem was not identified in the reconnaissance phase of the 216 study and is therefore not currently being addressed. Alternate funding will have to be pursued for this
project. The 216 study addresses the segment of the waterway associated with the Rollover
Pass, where a sediment trap was proposed in the Feasibility Report dated September 2003. However, FY 06 funds were dedicated to developing “draft” P&S for the Texas City Wye and Pelican Island Moorings segments of the GIWW system.

343 WHL (Sievers Cove)

11331

Shoaling north bank at Sievers Cove.

Consider reestablishing north bank to reduce shoaling and strong currents in the GIWW.

Area reviewed under Corps 216 study for improvements from High Island to Brazos River in the Feasibility Study that was completed in September 2003.

Problem still exists.

George Alcala

Under the 216 study, it was determined based on waterway user input and past dredging
records, that current and wind from East Bay cause the most problems to traffic. Therefore, the Corps determined that widening the GIWW channel along the west approach to the gap is the selected alternative, and would give pilots additional maneuvering room to position their tows northward when crossing the gap during prevailing northerly winds. The bottom of the channel will be widened 75' on its north side of the GIWW. The pilots were queried about the length of the channel to be widened; their response was to open up the entire length of channel constriction westward until the channel became sufficiently wide enough, approximately 1400 feet, including transitions. This segment of the GIWW received limited PED funding in FY 05. FY 06 funds were dedicated to developing “draft” P&S for the Texas City Wye and Pelican Island Moorings segments of the GIWW system.

348 to 349 WHL (Port Bolivar)

none

Tight channel entrance forces tows to "crab" as they transit in order to counteract current and wind conditions. Repeated knockdowns and buoy hull discrepancies show traffic is repeatedly set along the green (southern) side of the channel.

Request widening of the southern side of Bolivar Peninsula (locally known as the Bolivar Buoys) from mile 349.4 to mile 348.6.

Reported May, 2003.

Not assigned

This specific problem was not identified in the reconnaissance phase of the 216 study and is therefore not currently being addressed. Alternate funding will have to be pursued for this
project.

351-352 WHL (Pelican Island Moorings)

11322

Insufficient mooring buoys available. Tows double up on buoys creating traffic hazard and damaging buoys.

Install at least 3 additional buoys to the west of existing buoys.

Reported July 2001.

George Alcala

The Section 216 study (Feasibility Report completed September 2003) recommends widening the existing basin to provide the needed channel clearance. The bottom of the mooring basin will be widened 80 feet to the north, more than doubling its present width of 75 feet, yielding a total width of 155 feet. In conjunction with the widening, the 13 existing mooring buoys will be cut away from their anchors and set back 80 feet. This design has been coordinated with waterway users. This segment of the GIWW received limited PED funding in FY 05. FY 06 funds were dedicated to developing “draft” P&S for the Texas City Wye and Pelican Island Moorings segments of the GIWW system.

364-365 WHL (Greens Lake Mooring Facility)

11322

Need mooring buoys at this location to provide safe "waiting weather" spot for Galveston Bay crossing.

Install 6 mooring buoys on south bank near Greens Cut. Insure placement out of main navigation channel.

Reported July, 2001.

George Alcala

The Section 216 study (Feasibility Report completed September 2003) recommends that a new mooring basin with 7 mooring buoys be constructed at the mouth of Greens Lake. The location and design was selected through coordination with waterway users. This segment of the GIWW has received limited PED funding in FY 05. FY 06 funds were dedicated to developing “draft” P&S for the Texas City Wye and Pelican Island Moorings segments of the GIWW system.

370.5 - 371.7 WHL (northeast of Halls Lake)

11322

Very rapid erosion of the islands on the south side of the GIWW is occurring in this area.

Reestablish the south bank to prevent shoaling in the waterway and eventual erosion of the north bank.

April 2003, problem still exists.

Vacant

This specific problem was not identified in the reconnaissance phase of the 216 study and is therefore not currently being addressed. Alternate funding will have to be pursued for this
project.

372 - 374 WHL (West Bay Washout)

11322

West Bay breached this entire section on the south bank of the GIWW. The Corps of Engineers replaced one-third of the bank with dredge material that is eroding. Some fabric tubes were used.

Install 24-foot circumference by 10,058-foot-long geotubes between GIWW and the West Bay, offset 300 feet from the centerline of the channel. Additionally, install an estimated 39,500 SF cellular concrete mattress along the channel's north shoreline, which would separate the GIWW from Halls Lake.

April 2003, problem still exists.

George Alcala

The Section 216 study (Feasibility Report completed September 2003) recommends a single geotube be constructed on the south bank of the GIWW to provide protection to the channel. The study also recommended using concrete mat on the northern bank to prevent further erosion between Halls Lake and the GIWW. This segment of the GIWW received limited PED funding in FY 05. FY 06 funds were dedicated to developing “draft” P&S for the Texas City Wye and Pelican Island Moorings segments of the GIWW system.

392 WHL-395 WHL (Freeport Wiggles)

11322

Several consecutive bends make a difficult and dangerous bridge approach and cause one way traffic.

Make straight channel alignment to bridge, as proved to be successful in simulator study. Simulator project has been completed. The Section 216 study will continue in order to address real estate and environmental issues that remain unresolved.

The area is under the Corps 216 study for improvements from High Island to Brazos River.

July 2001- problem still exists.

George Alcala

The Corps has examined bend widening/easing as well as channel realignment opportunities. According to waterway users and vessel simulations, the bend widening/easing was not successful in addressing existing traffic problems. The realignment alternative did improve navigation through the reach but the Corps has not been able to justify the high cost and adverse environmental impacts that would result from the same. Therefore, this segment of the GIWW was omitted from the feasibility report, which was completed in September 2003. However, these issues will be addressed during subsequent studies that will need to be conducted upon receipt of additional GI funds. Safety concerns will be stated in subsequent studies/reports. The study received limited funds in FY 05. The project is not currently in the FY 06 budget.

400.5 WHL Brazos Floodgates

11322

The current has increased significantly in the west gate over time. Approach to both gates is hazardous in high water.

Study completely removing both gates.

1993, reported to the Corps of Engineers.

April 2003, problem is getting worse.

Mike Bragg

Initiated Section 216 Study GIWW Modifications to examine possible modifications to existing structure. Reconnaissance phase study has been completed. The feasibility phase study is on hold pending funding. The GIWW Modifications Study was suspended in FY 2004 to provide funds for other projects with critical milestones. Insufficient funds were received in FY 2005 to accomplish any milestones on the study and funds were reprogrammed to another study .The GIWW Modifications Study was not funded in FY 2006 and is not in the President's Budget for FY 2007. The Possibility of removing gates will be addressed in feasibility phase. Study effects of San Bernard River Gulf opening is on hold and will be studied as part of the section 216 GIWW Modifications study with the floodgates as one whole system.

(Brazos River intersection)

none

Of the ten buoys placed just east of the Brazos intersection, only 5 are functional (2 on the north bank and 3 on the south bank).

Repair or replace non-fuctional buoys and double the number of buoys available.

Corps is currently addressing buoy repairs at Pelican Island and Bolivar. The Brazos intersection is next on the list. New "floating anvil" style buoys will be placed for evaluation in April or May. If the new design works well, additional buoys of the same type should be feasible without much deliberation.

Reported to Bill Jakeway, Galveston Corps District, February 14, 2005.

420 WHL "Caney Creek Wiggles"

none

Bends in waterway create slow traffic, waiting and unsafe passages.

Recommend shaving of banks to straighten bends.

Reported to the Corps of Engineers 2002.

Proposed bend easing solution to be handled under Section 224 authority. Team is investigating safety and clearance issues related to the Sargeant Beach project.

Dennis Thomas

The project has been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds.

441 WHL Colorado Locks Bypass Channel

11319

In July 1992, the bypass channel was opened between the east locks and the FM 2031 swing bridge. Tows are experiencing cross-current-related tow control problems. The Corps of Engineers has imposed tow size limits at higher current rates, requiring tripping. This area is extremely hazardous for both commercial and recreational vessels.

Study removal of both locks and increasing the depth of the bypass channel at the intersection with the GIWW. Physical model study at WES proved no navigation improvements could be made to the existing conditions.

Galveston District initiated Section 216 feasibility phase study for the Colorado River Locks in October 2001. The study will examine possible modifications to existing structures including removal of both locks. Comprehensive study is ongoing at Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) to address the currents at the GIWW and mouth of bypass channel.

Mike Bragg

The feasibility study for the GIWW Modifications, Colorado River Locks was suspended in FY 2004 to provide funds for other projects with critical milestones. Analyses have not progressed to the point where a recommendation can be made. Navigation simulation study is complete. Analysis of current at GIWW and mouth of bypass channel completed. A small channel south of the diversion dam will be the recommended plan to reduce recreational traffic through the locks. ERDC modeling did not show a significant reduction of crosscurrents with Southwest Cut opened. Additional modeling is required to quantify the impacts of opening the southwest cut on sediment and dredging frequency at the jetties. No funds were received in FY 2006 for the diversion channel or jetty analysis, and no funds are in the President's FY 2007 budget.

471 WHL (Matagorda Bay Re-route)

11319

Shoaling, because this is an area of significant crosscurrent and requires more frequent dredging than in the past.

Relocate GIWW further north to take advantage of the natural deep water and avoid these strong crosscurrents.

February, 2001, Matagorda Ship Channel area dredged to provide for 12 foot drafts. Overall alternate route limited to 10 foot drafts. Survey of pipelines from MSC to Port O'Connor to be done 4th Qtr. 2001 and every 6 months thereafter until project is complete.

Dennis Thomas

Feasibility report was completed in June 2002. Project authorization pending. Pre-construction, Engineering and Design (PED) phase was initiated and had to stop due to funding shortfall in FY 04. Survey of the beneficial use sites is needed; however, core borings efforts are complete. Restart PED when funding is received.

492 WHL (Channel to Victoria)

11315

Navigation aids cannot be kept in place in "Y" of intersection with Victoria Barge Canal due to narrow channel width in the turn.

Increase width of channel throughout intersection turns.

Reported July, 2001.

Ricky Villagomez

At this time, the total removal of the split appears to be the best alternative. A ship simulation is required. The feasibility study continues to address this and other problem areas, however, the project has been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds.

540 WHL Ingleside Moorings

11308

Cannot safely get to existing mooring buoys. A 100' wide channel to the mooring facility was dredged in August 1999. Condition survey taken in February 2001 indicates that the controlling depths are as follows: south tow 14.5, centerline 16.0, north toe 14.5. The Corps will discuss with the Coast Guard the possibility of installing ATONs to better mark the channel.

As of July 2002, Coast Guard to address adequate marking of channel to mooring buoys.

UPDATE April 2003: New marking buoys have been installed to more clearly mark access to the Ingleside mooring buoys as of late 2002. Old Corps of Engineers structures are planned for removal pending funding.

UPDATE January 2007: Industry recommends relocating the Ingleside Mooring Buoys to a more usable location near Lydia Ann Channel.

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