USCG: Limited Opening of San Jac River Announced

The USCG Captain of the Port has updated vessel traffic coordination directives. Facility cargo operations as of March 25, 2019 include Limited Opening of the San Jacinto River during Daylight Hours and Resumption of Cargo Operations.

This MSIB is issued in regard to vessel traffic and facility cargo operations as a result of the chemical fire at ITC Deer Park in the Upper Houston Ship Channel (HSC).

As of March 25th, 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has opened the San Jacinto River to allow for vessel traffic during daylight hours only. Old River and HSC remains closed to traffic between Tucker Bayou and HSC light 116 with the exception of coordinated vessel movement by the Coast Guard. All vessels are required to check in and out via Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).

The U.S. Coast Guard COTP has lifted the restriction on cargo operations in the Houston Ship Channel that were in place from the Cargill Facility East to Cemex USA, between Houston Ship Channel Light 139 and Houston Ship Channel Light 129. Facilities are requested to heed local official warnings, continue with normal air monitoring, and report any abnormalities to unified command. Any readings of concern, please send reports to [email protected], or call (281) 787-1214 or (832) 780-6739.

If at any time a safety risk to operations on the San Jacinto River becomes evident, the Captain of the Port will take action to ensure safety of port operations and mariners on the waterways. Facilities and employees should continue to follow any direction provided by the County officials.

This bulletin shall remain active until rescinded or superseded by future direction.