Proposed cross-Florida Barge Canal: assessment of impacts of proposed transloading facility, barge fleeting area, and barge port on water quality

This report briefly describes the expected impact of several navigation facilities along the Cross-Florida Barge Canal on water quality. These facilities which include a barge port near Ocala and a transloading area and barge fleeting area near the west end of the canal were not specifically addressed in earlier environmental impact studies. Major impacts of these facilities on water quality in the area include increased turbidity and suspended sediment concentrations during excavation. Normal operation and use of these facilities is not expected to present a major pollution problem but, as with any commercial navigation project, there is the possibility of a barge spill that will introduce pollutants into the waterway.