Port Houston’s latest environmental project may look like a giant pile of dirt, but there is much more than meets the eye.

Port employees and members of the community volunteered at the port’s Seabrook Berm Planting Project Oct. 20, supporting the development of the new vegetation sight-and-sound berm near the Bayport Container Terminal.

The new Seabrook Sight and Sound Berm is a culmination of years of careful planning and industry partnerships. The project spans a massive 52 acres, is made up of a million cubic yards of dirt and boasts nearly 13,000 native trees and shrubs.

This vegetated berm will provide enhanced mitigation of sound near the Bayport Container Terminal for both El Jardin and Seabrook communities, while also helping beautify the area.

Port Houston contracted the required berm services with Yellowstone Landscape through the Harris County Department of Education Choice Partners cooperative purchasing program. A small portion of the project was left for Port Houston employees to plant trees.

The project will vegetate the completed middle berm segment and provide 80 percent of survivability of the plants for one year.

“We are excited to be a part of this major project,” said Garret Berg, community relations manager for Port Houston. “The project provides an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of life in our local communities, highlight the new trail system and create a healthier and greener environment for everyone.”