Removal of clay from South Padre beach remains a top priority

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, UNITED STATES

03.28.2011

Story by Isidro Reyna 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, began the contracting process to remove clay from Isla Blanca Park located on South Padre Island following the discovery of clay in dredged material during maintenance dredging of the Brownsville Ship Channel in March.

“Removal was anticipated to begin shortly following the end of spring break,” said Don Carelock, chief of the USACE Galveston Construction Branch. “We are currently working with a dredging contractor on this project; however, the contracting process has taken longer than expected. We remain committed to working expeditiously through this process in order to remove the clay from the beach.”

According to Carelock, the clay does not pose a health hazard to the public.

“Safety signage has been posted noting to keep away from the clay piles,” said Carelock. “We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused for residents and beachgoers and we are working diligently to complete this project.”

According to Carelock, the entire beach renourishment is approximately one mile long, with the affected clay ball area encompassing less than one percent of the entire beach renourishment project.

“Working with the city, county and Texas General Land Office, the Corps has renourished Padre Island beaches throughout the years as a benefit to residents and visitors,” said Carelock.

The Corps awarded the contract Dec. 8 to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company to dredge the Brownsville Ship Channel in Cameron County, Texas. The Texas General Land Office and City of South Padre Island partnered to contribute in a non-federal cost share initiative.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2011
• Date Posted: 03.28.2011 20:00
• Story ID: 67893
• Location: SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, US