Halls Bayou-Westfield Estates: Implementing a Watershed Protection Plan
Background
Westfield Estates is a small neighborhood in an unincorporated portion of Harris County that contributes drainage to the Halls Bayou watershed. The community is served solely by on-site sewage facilities (such as septic tanks), many of which are failing due to problems in design, maintenance, or operation. The failing OSSFs, combined with bacterial contamination from domestic animals and other wildlife, have led to elevated bacteria levels in the watershed that exceed the state’s criteria for protecting contact recreation.
To alleviate possible risks to recreationalists, the Westfield Estates Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) was developed by stakeholders and the state, led by an interdisciplinary stakeholders’ advisory froup. The goals of the WPP are to reduce bacteria levels, institute both structural and behavioral best management practices (BMPs) to maintain improved water quality and raise awareness of water quality issues in area residents.
Project Description
This project will implement the BMPs specified in the Westfield Estates WPP. Structural measures include installation of low-flow water devices to reduce pollution from OSSFs and an incentive program to reduce pollution from pet waste that includes waste-disposal facilities and waste recycling. Public awareness of pollution prevention will be raised through educational materials, meetings, and community events.
Documents
- Project Fact Sheet (updated quarterly)
- QAPP
- WPP
on the website of the Houston-Galveston Area Council
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.
