News Articles
State of the River Held
Posted on Mar 7th, 2022
The 16th annual FOR State of the River was held on Sat Mar 5th at Dido’s Restaurant patio. A group of 70 attendees learned more about the river’s water quality impairment issue, progress of dredging the mouth open, marine-theft fraud and duties of the Freeport Coast Guard. The annual Ralph Primeau Memorial winner was also announced. The event was free and open to the public.
PROGRAM
FOR Director Tom Ronayne provided information about the City of Brazoria wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that has had problems dating back to 2006 causing incompletely treated wastewater to be discharged into the San Bernard. A joint effort between river residents and the FOR organization dating back to April of last year resulted in a project to mitigate the pollutions while a complete overhaul of the plant is designed and constructed. Mitigation engineering and procurement began in January and construction and start up are scheduled to complete by April 1st.
- For complete details, read "Sludge in the San Bernard" reports on the Environmental Page.
Brazoria County Pct 1 Commissioner Dude Payne reported the Yellowfin dredge, used by Rigid Constructors is at the Gulf to complete the last 10% of the project. The remaining 1,420 ft section, as stated by Rigid Constructors, extends from the coastline into the Gulf. The vessel, because of its small size, has had problems tolerating the adverse effects of Gulf wind and wave conditions. $1,800 of RESTORE Act money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will be returned to the County, an amount charged per day if dredging fails to meet the completion deadline. The County will schedule a survey of the dredging when 100% complete. The original reopening plans call for a channel 100 ft wide and 10 ft deep extending 1,800 ft into the Gulf. An agreement between the County and Port Freeport will continue maintenance dredging for 25 years.
- Read details and dates of reopening the mouth on the Mouth Page
Captain Ned Nichols, Texas Parks and Wildlife Marine Theft Investigations Team, kept the audience’s attention with a fact-filled and amusing presentation of marine theft-related investigations and recovery of stolen boats and jet skis. Items were sold with false titles and identification numbers but eventually recovered and returned to owner. Also included in marine fraud investigations are folks trying to dodge registration fees or other similar fraud.
Contact: ned.nichols@tpwd.texas.gov
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Boarding Team Members (BTM) from the USCG Station Freeport came ready to impress the the State of the River audience. They are Gomez BM2 (Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class), Wallace MK3 (Petty Officer 3rd Class) holding the gun, Rictis BM3 (Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class) and Vittitoe MK3 (Petty Officer 3rd Class).
BTMs are trained in defensive tactics techniques, use of force, administrative inspections, authority and jurisdiction, identification of possible violations of U.S. law, personal searches, initial safety inspections, and boarding procedures. BTMs enforce various laws and regulations such as the security zones for Freeport which are off limits to recreational vessels.
Contact information:
USCG Station Freeport - Ph: 979.233.7551
Oh, and the gun…it’s a M4 automatic rifle with a 36 round magazine, gas-chambered and a red dot scope. Semper Paratus (Always Ready).
Hillis and Breakiron Receive Special Recognition
President Kirk Wardlaw thanked Environmental Committee Chairman Justin Hillis and Community Center Committee Co-chair Bob Breakiron for the numerous hours spent helping solve the problem of the WWTP discharge into the San Bernard.
Note: Read about Ralph Primeau Memorial Award winner in separate post.
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