Chaney Moore
President, Friends Of the River San Bernard
Last Monday the Friends Of
the River San Bernard Executive Committee was
approached by an individual who wanted us to
weigh the pros and cons of shipping petroleum
coke on the San Bernard River. A group has
apparently contacted ConocoPhillips about the
possibility of shipping coke on the river in
covered barges. It was stated that the barges
and conveyor would be covered, that increased
barge traffic would deepen the river and the
added economic impact would influence the Corps
of Engineers on future issues. Increased traffic
was estimated to be 930 round trips a year by
2011. It was also made perfectly clear that
ConocoPhillips had no interest at all in the
project, if there was not clear local support.
The Executive Committee
shared this information with the rest of the
board and sent the message below to the parties
involved.
The Friends Of the River San Bernard
appreciate you joining our executive meeting on
Monday, February 25th and providing us with
information on the proposal for petroleum coke
barge transits along the river. The executive
committee took the data you provided back to the
entire Board of Directors. While we understand
that the barges and conveyor belts would be
covered, the economic activity would influence
the Corps of Engineers involvement with the
river and the increase in barge traffic could
deepen the channel, we don't feel that the data
outweighs the potential impact to the ecology
and the enjoyment of individuals on the San
Bernard.
The mission statement of F.O.R. Is: "We will
restore, protect, promote and ensure a clean,
healthy, flowing San Bernard River for the
sanity and enjoyment of present and future
generations". During our deliberations we
returned to this idea and came to the conclusion
that in no way could we continue to follow this
vision and at the same time support any
petroleum coke transit on the San Bernard. While
it is not our wish to inhibit economic growth in
Brazoria County, any efforts that involve the
shipment of petroleum coke on the San Bernard
will be met with an ardent and earnest protest
from the river community.
Once again, thank you for bringing this to the
attention of Friends Of the River San Bernard
and we sincerely hope that you will continue to
join for future events.
Regards,
Chaney Moore
President, Friends Of the River San Bernard
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