Due to severe rainfall that affected our area between March 27-29, 2025, the Northside and Turning Basin wastewater treatment plants located at the Port of Brownsville were unable to properly treat the domestic wastewater they received from the collection system.

During this 72-hour period, approximately 709,008 gallons of partially treated wastewater were discharged into the Brownsville Ship Channel. This volume exceeded the permitted amount for the treatment facilities affected during the weather event.

The Port of Brownsville initiated cleaning efforts in the affected area and is working closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to monitor the water quality in the channel. Both treatment plants are now operating normally.

We advise the public to avoid contact with water from the ship channel at the Turning Basin and near Seatrium AmFELS due to the potential of discharged water.

This notification is being issued under the guidance of TCEQ in accordance with Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (TAC 30) Section 319.302.

The Port of Brownsville remains committed to ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for the communities and businesses we serve.