Corpus Christi: Security Zones For Hazardous Transport

The Coast Guard published a final rule on May 26 – effective June 26 – announcing it will establish 500-yard security zones around vessels carrying Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) transiting within the Port of Corpus Christi (POCC). Vessels may transit through the security zone but only “at the minimum speed necessary to navigate safely.” However, no vessel may come within 100 yards of a vessel in a security zone carrying CDC without permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP).

The 45-mile Corpus Christi Channel starts in the Gulf at Port Aransas. It heads due west into Corpus Christi Bay. About halfway through the bay, the channel branches north at Ingleside, Texas, becoming the La Quinta Channel, the waterway between the mainland and Donnel Reef. To the west, the channel enters the Port of Corpus Christi, then continues about 12 miles inland, ending at the Viola Turning Basin. To be clear, the entire channel is included in the new rule, not just the narrow portions at Corpus Christi and Ingleside; those channels range in width from 300 to 500+ feet.

Note that the security zones – set on a case-by-case basis – cover individual vessels, transiting or at berth, loading or unloading. This new precaution is needed, the Coast Guard writes, because ships carrying CDC could be targets for sabotage “or other subversive acts, accidents” or similar events. The ships themselves also could be launch platforms. A security zone will help safeguard vessels and, importantly, nearby communities, according to the Coast Guard.

The new rule is designed to allow the COTP authority to act quickly. Notice will be given via Broadcast Notices to Mariners or Marine Safety Information Bulletins.

The Coast Guard expects the zones will have limited impact on port activity, lasting about six hours. The Coast Guard writes that most vessels will be able to move around the security zone. Moreover, the rule allows other vessels to seek permission from the COTP to enter the zone.

A Closer Look

Certain Dangerous Cargo is a specific reference to materials listed within the Code of Federal Regulations, including explosives and blasting agents, “poisonous gas” and “material poisonous by inhalation.” It includes bulk liquefied gas cargo that is flammable and/or toxic. It also includes ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate-based fertilizer.

The Federal Code is also specific – and detailed – regarding CDC “residue,” listing specific quantities and chemicals, e.g., ammonium nitrate residues as well as residues for bulk liquids and liquified gases – material that remains onboard because it is “not accessible through normal transfer procedures.”

The Coast Guard notes that more than 450 vessels with CDCs arrived or departed from the port over the last two years. A new, growing concern is that the Coast Guard expects a doubling of CDC vessels over the next 15 years.

Background

The Coast Guard published its proposed rule last year, on December 23, which started a month-long public comment period, but the proposed rule did not prompt any public comments.

Payton Campbell is the science director for Coastal Watch Association (CWA), which includes Ingleside. He thinks the new rule will increase the port’s public safety. CWA’s larger concern, he said, is the projected doubling of CDC traffic. Campbell said that in Ingleside, houses are so close to the ship channel that Wi-Fi from passing vessels interferes with service in peoples’ homes.

Lieutenant Tim Cardenas, Sector Corpus Christi Waterways Management Division, is the Coast Guard’s security zone contact person.

In response to emailed questions, Cardenas explained that Corpus Christi is an export port, which means, he said, that CDC vessels arrive empty and depart loaded. He said that security zones may overlap if such a situation arises. It is his assessment that the new rule will have little operational impact on port activities. He noted that “vessels may transit/operate within the security zone if coordinated and approved by the COTP. We work closely with the harbor master, pilots and tug and barge operators to ensure minimal disruptions to commercial traffic.”

Cardenas was asked about the six-hour impact. He explained that the Coast Guard, on a case-by-case approach, will coordinate with port officials and marine operators to determine when the zones will be in effect to “alleviate disruption to the marine transportation system.” Notification will be via broadcast and safety information bulletins.