[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     NECHES RIVER SALTWATER BARRIER

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                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
groundbreaking of a very important project based in Southeast Texas, 
the Neches River Saltwater Barrier. This barrier is critically 
important in protecting over 150 billion gallons of water per year from 
saltwater contamination.
  Saltwater threatens the freshwater intakes of lower Neches cities, 
industries and farms by moving upstream from the Gulf of Mexico through 
the deepwater channel to Beaumont. If downstream flows are 
insufficient, saltwater moves upriver and the lower Neches Valley 
Authority (LNVA) must take measures to protect the intakes.
  As part of the Greater Houston area, the lower Neches River and 
Neches-Trinity Coastal Basins are characterized by moderately dense 
populations; a heavy petroleum and petrochemical industry; a hub of 
highway, rail and deep-water transportation facilities; and a major 
rice-producing agricultural industry. The well-being and prosperity of 
all of these interests are dependent on an abundant supply of 
freshwater.
  Mr. Speaker, the Neches River Permanent Saltwater Barrier Project has 
become a reality. The Project, authorized by Congress in the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1976, provides benefits for salinity 
control, water supply, navigation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and 
recreation. The Lower Neches Valley Authority has worked hand in hand 
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, bringing the 
project to fruition, and I commend them both.
  The waters of the Neces River are used extensively for municipal, 
industrial and irrigation purposes and other water supply needs. These 
uses require an adequate supply of high quality water. During periods 
of low river flow, the saltwater travels up the river and if allowed to 
enter water intake structures, can cause damage to crops or contaminate 
water meant for consumption by humans or livestock. Traditionally, 
during these periods of low river flow, water has been released 
upstream from Sam Rayburn to ``flush'' the saltwater entering LNVA and 
City of Beaumont freshwater intakes.
  The new barrier will permanently replace the temporary structures and 
be operated such that the gates will be open 99% of the time and closed 
only on those occasions when the saltwater wedge makes its way up the 
Neches River to the project vicinity.
  At this time, I'd like to commend LNVA and the Corps. The Lower 
Neches Valley Authority has been an unusually committed, responsible, 
and cooperative local sponsor. They have worked tirelessly with the 
Corps of Engineers and Congress over the last several years towards 
completion of the saltwater barrier project and are deserving of much 
praise.

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