Tradepoint Atlantic and Sparrows Point Container Terminal Confirm Sediment Compliance for Ocean Placement
Tradepoint Atlantic, in partnership with Sparrows Point Container Terminal (SPCT), has announced that sediment dredged from the southern Sparrows Point Channel meets federal requirements for ocean placement. This update follows the release of a comprehensive dredging report, which is part of a sampling and testing program approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sediment’s compliance with the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) criteria is a significant step toward the development of a new container terminal at the Port of Baltimore.
The Impact of Sparrows Point Container Terminal on the Port of Baltimore
A Joint Project to Transform the Port of Baltimore
The Sparrows Point Container Terminal is a collaborative effort between Tradepoint Atlantic and MSC’s Terminal Investment Limited (TIL). Launched in 2022, the project aims to establish a state-of-the-art container terminal that will solidify the Port of Baltimore’s position as the third-largest port on the East Coast. Once complete, the terminal is expected to generate more than 8,000 direct and port-related jobs, greatly boosting the local economy.
Key Features of the New Container Terminal
- 3,000-Foot Wharf: The terminal will include a 3,000-foot wharf equipped with modern cranes to handle ultra-large container ships.
- Container Yard and Gate Complex: A spacious container yard and advanced gate complex will streamline cargo operations.
- Intermodal Rail Yard: The facility will feature an intermodal rail yard to facilitate efficient transport and logistics.
- Sustainable Port Operations: The terminal will incorporate ship-to-shore power and electrified equipment to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability.
Redevelopment of Sparrows Point: A Multi-Modal Logistics Hub
Reviving Sparrows Point Since 2018
The transformation of Sparrows Point began in 2018, when Tradepoint Atlantic acquired 3,300 acres of land, including the former Bethlehem Steel site, Coke Point, and a shipyard in Maryland. In partnership with Baltimore County, Tradepoint Atlantic has been focused on redeveloping the area into a premier multi-modal logistics hub.
The Vision for Sparrows Point
The redevelopment plan aims to create a fully integrated logistics facility, combining maritime, rail, and road transport capabilities. The site’s strategic location and new infrastructure will significantly enhance the region’s logistics and shipping capabilities, making it a vital part of the U.S. supply chain.
Dredging Efforts at Sparrows Point Container Terminal
Why Dredging is Essential for the New Terminal
To accommodate large container vessels, the project involves widening and deepening the Sparrows Point Channel to -50 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). This depth will match that of the nearby Brewerton Channel, ensuring safe navigation for ultra-large container ships. The dredging process will remove approximately 4.2 million cubic yards of sediment to achieve the required channel dimensions.
Results from the South Channel Sediment Survey
Earlier this year, SPCT collaborated with EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, to conduct an extensive survey of the South Channel segment. The findings revealed that 1.57 million cubic yards of dredged material—representing over one-third of the total volume—meet the MPRSA criteria for ocean placement. This result marks a critical step in advancing the project while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Evaluating Options for Dredged Material Placement
Ocean Placement as a Viable Solution
Ocean placement is one of several options being considered for disposing of the dredged material. If selected, the process will require formal concurrence from the EPA and a Section 103 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The dredged material would then be transported to the Norfolk Ocean Disposal Site (NODS), located 17 miles east of Cape Henry in the Atlantic Ocean. NODS is a USEPA-designated facility, covering approximately 50 square nautical miles, and provides unlimited capacity for long-term management of dredged material.
The Benefits of Using the Norfolk Ocean Disposal Site
- Unlimited Capacity: NODS offers ample space for the long-term disposal of dredged material.
- Proximity to Sparrows Point: The site’s location, 17 miles offshore, makes it a convenient choice for material placement.
- Regulatory Compliance: NODS is a USEPA-designated facility, ensuring that all disposal activities meet federal guidelines.
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility and Transparency
Tradepoint Atlantic’s Environmental Efforts
Pete Haid, Senior Vice President of Environmental Compliance at Tradepoint Atlantic, highlighted the dredging report’s findings as a significant milestone for the Sparrows Point Container Terminal project. “We continue to be fully committed to conducting this project in the most community-conscious, transparent, and environmentally responsible way possible,” Haid stated.
Next Steps for the Dredging Project
- Sampling and Testing of North Channel Sediments: SPCT is conducting a survey of the North Channel segment. The results will be available for public review upon completion.
- Exploring Alternative Dredged Material Placement Sites: As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, SPCT continues to evaluate additional placement options.
Conclusion
The Sparrows Point Container Terminal project is set to transform the Port of Baltimore into a leading logistics hub on the East Coast. The recent dredging report confirms that a significant portion of the dredged material meets ocean placement standards, bringing the project closer to completion. As SPCT continues to prioritize environmental responsibility and community engagement, the future of the terminal looks promising, with substantial economic and logistical benefits on the horizon.