Houma Barge Cleaning Facility: Harbour in Houma, Louisiana, USA

Houma Barge Cleaning Facility is a harbour located at 3643 Industrial Avenue A in Houma, Louisiana, within Terrebonne Parish. The facility is operational and serves the marine transportation sector, focusing on barge cleaning services. It is situated along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, a key inland waterway for cargo movement in the southern United States. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the US EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) for discharges incidental to vessel operations and the NPDES program for shoreside activities. As a barge cleaning facility, it handles wastewater and residues from barges, requiring compliance with stormwater management and oil-water separation standards. The NAICS code 488320 indicates it falls under marine cargo handling, though its primary function is cleaning rather than cargo transfer. Environmental significance includes its proximity to the Gulf Coast and sensitive coastal habitats. The facility must manage potential pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and sediments from barge cleaning operations. Proper waste management and spill prevention are critical to protect local waterways and the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. The facility's role supports the efficiency of inland waterway transport, a vital component of the US logistics network.

The facility is located in Houma, Louisiana, near the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. This region features sensitive coastal habitats including marshes and estuaries that support diverse wildlife. Barge cleaning operations generate wastewater containing oil, grease, and chemical residues, requiring careful management to prevent contamination of nearby waters. Stormwater runoff from the facility must be controlled to meet NPDES permit requirements. The area is also prone to hurricanes and flooding, adding risk of accidental releases during extreme weather events.