Extensive dredging operations were required at the onset of the project as the abandoned sand pit site had to be deepened to handle barges and tug vessels. A channel also had to be cut to connect the San Jacinto River and further deepen the terminal basis.
An interesting aspect of the job is the spill control system, which provides an immediate temporary spill retardant backed up by a more efficient boom system. The immediate control system uses an underwater pipe fitted with hundreds of nozzles.
A compressor onshore is started should a spill occur, which forces air into the pipe/nozzles, forming a curtain of air bubbles to contain the spilled material. The bubble barrier retards the progress of the spill, while a utility boat positions the floating rubber boom across the basin to completely retain then recover by a separator system.