Dickinson Bayou: Implementing a Watershed Protection Plan
Background
Dickinson Bayou (Segments 1103 and 1104) has been impaired for bacteria and depressed dissolved oxygen since 1996. As a result, the bayou does not currently fulfill its aquatic-life or contact-recreation uses, creating environmental and public-health concerns. In 2004, the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership formally came together through a shared interest in preserving and enhancing the natural integrity of the watershed. The Partnership completed a watershed-protection plan (WPP) in the spring of 2009. The WPP is currently under revision to incorporate new information developed in conjunction with a recent total maximum daily load for bacteria.
Return to topProject Description
The primary goal of this project is to implement and demonstrate effective best management practices (BMPs) within the Dickinson Bayou watershed. Water-smart landscaping and low-impact development (LID) education were promoted through installation of two water-smart demonstration landscapes and two LID demonstration sites. Workshops about proper maintenance of on-site sewage facilities (such as septic tanks) were held, and a hazard map developed. The use of wetlands was promoted by working with local stormwater authorities and installing a stormwater-treatment wetland.
Documents
- Project Fact Sheet (final)
- WPP
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.
