EPA Eyes Bigger Ocean Dump Zones Off Texas Coast
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA wants to make the ocean dumping sites off Corpus Christi, Texas, bigger so there's more space to safely dispose of dredged material from the ship channel. This change helps keep the marine environment safe while supporting local shipping and construction needs. People can send their thoughts on this plan by April 13, 2026, and the EPA will keep an eye on the sites to protect the ocean.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Corpus Christi Ocean Sites Expanded
The EPA proposes to expand two ocean dredged material disposal sites offshore of Corpus Christi: the Corpus Christi Ship Channel (CCSC) site from 0.61 to 1.05 square nautical miles and the Corpus Christi New Work (CCNW) site from 1.39 to 5.57 square nautical miles. The expanded areas lie about 1.7 nmi (CCSC) and 2.7 nmi (CCNW) offshore in depths of roughly 35–55 feet and would provide more long‑term capacity for disposing suitable dredged material.
Avoided Costs and Greater Operational Certainty
The EPA says the site expansions increase cost‑effective disposal options and operational certainty for regulated entities, which would avoid costs otherwise associated with alternative dredged material management (for example, dewatering, damping, levee raises) and costs from insurance or evaluation of alternatives. The agency states designating or modifying sites would not impose additional administrative costs on regulated entities.
Users Must Follow Updated SMMP and Monitoring
All parties using the CCSC or CCNW sites would be required to follow project‑specific permit conditions and the updated Site Management and Monitoring Plans (SMMPs). EPA and the USACE would continue periodic environmental monitoring of the sites, approximately every 10 years, including water, sediment, bioassays, and benthic analyses.
EPA Finds No Significant Small‑Entity Impact
After considering economic impacts, the EPA determined that this proposed action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency also states the action does not contain an unfunded mandate and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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