Texas Point Hydrology Restoration
The goal of this project is to restrict tidal
exchange within the southeastern portion of Texas Point. A rock plug is proposed
to be constructed to limit tidal exchange, and return normal hydrolog
ical
functions to this area. Thereby, allowing natural marsh processes to return to
approximately 850 acres of wetlands. A man-made ditch was constructed which is
connected to the Sabine-Neches waterway. Additional ditches have altered the
sheet flow from the interior marshes. Subsidence and hydrological changes has
resulted in increased erosion and loss of organic and mineral sediments causing
fragmentation and habitat loss. The project will plug a 70' wide ditch with rock
materials. The ditch varies in depth between 4-6 feet. The use of rock will
allow limited tidal exchange to occur in a manner that will prevent stagnant
water for occurring. The base of the plug will be ~27' wide with side slopes of
2 to 1 ratio. This project requires ~290 tons of rock to meet construction
designs.