PROTECTING GULF COAST COMMUNITIES
By Ella Tyler
The Gulf Restoration Network and the Sierra Club released a joint report, May 31, titled “The School of Big Storms – the High Cost of Compromising Our Natural Defenses and the Benefits of Protecting Them.” The report examines actions taken by communities across the Gulf that either increase protection from storms or make them more vulnerable. The report concludes that much of the devastation from hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 could have been avoided if the lessons discussed in the report had been heeded.
The report presents case studies for eight issues: development in flood plains; political pressure weakening plans to reduce flooding impact; protecting barrier islands and coastal wetlands; allowing projects that destroy natural storm barriers; encouraging development that is set back from the waterfront; protecting coastal habitat; exempting development from building codes; and strengthening oil and gas infrastructure.
According to the report, “Nature has suffered at the hands of the oil and gas industry in the Gulf Coast for many years.” A great deal of coastal wetlands loss is due to the pipelines and canals crossing swamps in Louisiana and Texas. Extraction of oil and gas contributes to subsidence. Toxic chemicals used in drilling remain in soil and water. These were issues before the increase in hurricane strength seen recently.
In addition, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed 113 oil platforms and damaged 457 pipelines. It may take as long as seven years to repair the damage to pipelines. Some oil rigs are still missing and have become navigational hazards.
The report also examines the Murphy oil spill in St. Bernard Parish that occurred during Hurricane Katrina. More than 1 million gallons spilled and the mixed crude spread over a one-mile area. The oil that was not recovered has evaporated, but high levels of benzene remain in the sediment. According to the report, the storage tank that overturned was only 10 percent full, leaving it an easy toss for the 18-foot storm surge. Standard practice is to top off tanks so they do not overturn.
The report recommends that oil and gas companies be held accountable for the damage they have done and be required to assist in wetland restoration. It also suggests that those facilities that can be relocated be moved out of harm’s way whenever possible. Facilities that can not be moved must be built to withstand Category 5 storms.
One case study focuses on Houston and its response to Tropical Storm Allison. The study blames the damage, in part, on development in flood plains and the region’s failure to complete projects that were supposed to mitigate the impact of upstream development. However, the study also looks at improvements the Harris County Flood Control District has made in its flood control plans and recommends that other communities study them.
The full report is available from the Gulf Restoration Network, .