Background

The Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed to address water quality impairments for depressed dissolved oxygen, as well as nutrient concerns. The Partnership developed a watershed protection plan (WPP) for the Arroyo Colorado in 2007. The TCEQ has funded (via grants) the salary of a watershed coordinator and management of implementation measures from that year forward.

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Project Description

This project extends funding to support the Partnership and its WPP implementation through 2014. With this support, the Partnership will launch the newly formed Arroyo Colorado Conservancy as a private nonprofit organization capable of developing the funds needed to continue and complete the implementation of the WPP.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• WPP on the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership website

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

The Arroyo Colorado flows through Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and into the Laguna Madre. Agriculture is the primary land use of the region, which has one of the fastest growing populations in the nation. As a result of low levels of dissolved oxygen, the tidal segment of the Arroyo Colorado (2201) does not currently meet water quality standards and has been on the 303(d) list since 1996. There have also been concerns about high nutrient levels. In response to low dissolved-oxygen levels, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed, and a WPP was completed in 2007.

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Project Description

This project was initiated to assist in funding implementation of the Arroyo Colorado WPP. The watershed coordinator facilitates the steering committee and work group meetings of the partnership. The coordinator also:

• Facilitates implementation of the WPP through education and outreach activities, as well as other activities designed to promote private and public support.
• Identifies organizations that have goals similar to the partnership’s in order to coordinate and integrate their efforts with its goals.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (Final)
• Final Report
• WPP on the Arroyo Partnership website

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

The Arroyo Colorado, which drains much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley region, has high bacteria and low dissolved oxygen levels in its tidal reach. Rapid growth is placing increased pressure on public lands to accommodate rainwater runoff from developing properties.

In response, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed. They published their WPP in January 2007, which calls for promoting low impact development. The TCEQ and EPA also supported a similar project, Arroyo Colorado: Implementing Low Impact Development (LID) Practices, Phase I, with a previous grant.

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Project Description

This project will put multiple high-visibility LID practices throughout the Valley and the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Texas A&M–Kingsville and local partners will also monitor the performance of the LID measures, and conduct tours and other public education activities.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semiannually)
• WPP on the on the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership website

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

The Arroyo Colorado, which drains much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley region, has high bacteria and low dissolved oxygen levels in its tidal reach. Rapid growth is placing increased pressure on public lands to accommodate rainwater runoff from developing properties.

In response, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed. They published their WPP in January 2007, which calls for promoting low impact development. The EPA and TCEQ supported a similar project, Arroyo Colorado: Implementing LID Practices, Phase I, with a previous grant.

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Project Description

This project will put multiple high-visibility LID practices throughout the Valley and the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Texas A&M–Kingsville and local partners will also monitor the performance of the LID measures, and conduct tours and other public education activities.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• WPP on the on the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership website

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

The Arroyo Colorado, which drains much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley region, has high bacteria and low dissolved oxygen levels in its tidal reach. Rapid growth is placing increased pressure on public lands to accommodate rainwater runoff from developing properties.

In response, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed. They published their WPP in January 2007, which calls for promoting low impact development.

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Project Description

This project will put multiple high-visibility LID practices throughout the Valley and the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Texas A&M–Kingsville and local partners will also:

• monitor the performance of the LID measures,
• evaluate possible modifications to city codes that encourage use of LID practices,
• conduct tours and activities to educate stakeholders about the advantages of low impact development.

The EPA and TCEQ supported two similar projects with previous grants — Arroyo Colorado: Implementing LID Practices, Phase I and Arroyo Colorado: Implementing LID Practices, Phase II.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• WPP on the on the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership website

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

The Arroyo Colorado flows through Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and into the Laguna Madre. The Valley region has one of the fastest growing populations in the nation. As a result of low levels of dissolved oxygen, the tidal segment of the Arroyo Colorado (2201) does not currently meet water quality standards for support of fish and other aquatic life. There have also been concerns about high nutrient levels in the arroyo. In response, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership was formed, and completed its WPP in 2007.

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Project Description

Texas A&M University–Kingsville is implementing part of the WPP by installing and monitoring several enhancement features—wetlands, biofilters, and a microscreen filter—at three RSDFs in McAllen. The TCEQ expects that the improvements to the facilities will result in better water quality in the Arroyo Colorado.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually_
• QAPP
• QAPP Annual Update
• WPP on the Arroyo Partnership website

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Since 2004, high bacteria concentrations in Plum Creek have indicated a possible health risk to people who swim or wade in the water body—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality. Bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans, livestock, wildlife, and pets. These bacteria in water may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms. Levels of nutrients have also been identified as a concern for water quality in the creek.

In 2005, the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership was formed to coordinate planning for the Plum Creek watershed, and pilot implementation efforts started soon afterwards. In 2008, the Partnership completed the development of the Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan (WPP).

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Project Description

In this project, the City of Kyle reduced nonpoint source (NPS) pollution by implementing activities in the Plum Creek WPP. These activities reduced bacteria and nutrient loads to the headwaters of the Plum Creek watershed, which are located in Kyle.

Project activities included mapping and evaluating the existing stormwater system, retrofitting detention facilities to improve the quality of discharged water, implementing education and increasing awareness about storm sewers, installing dog-waste stations, facilitating creek clean-up days, and implementing city street sweeping.

By being proactive and partnering with other stakeholders in the watershed, the City of Kyle has taken a lead role in working towards improving water quality in Plum Creek.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet
  (Project is complete; fact sheet is final.)
• WPP on the Plum Creek Partnership website

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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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.

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Project 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.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (final)
• WPP

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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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.

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Project Description

This project implemented 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 was raised through educational materials, meetings, and community events.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (final)
• QAPP
• WPP on the website of the Houston-Galveston Area Council
• Final Report

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Hickory Creek is a predominantly rural watershed. While it is currently meeting designated uses, it is under significant development pressures. Hickory Creek serves as a good example of conditions in the larger Lake Lewisville watershed, which is also under substantial development pressures.

More than one assessment of water quality has highlighted nutrient concerns throughout the lake’s watershed. Modeling at the sub-watershed level and associated research during development of the WPP indicated that future development could degrade water quality and threaten beneficial uses like fishing or water supply.

To address nutrient concerns and minimize adverse effects of development, the City of Denton prepared a watershed protection plan (WPP) for Hickory Creek.

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Project Description

This project will install four to six structural best management practices (BMPs). The number of sites and the BMPs themselves will selected based on the size, cost, estimated pollutant-load reductions, and the specific site conditions related to each BMP considered. The project will use a combination of natural treatment techniques along with proven nutrient- and sediment-removal structures. The city also plans code modifications and the initiation of partner collaborations that are intended to protect the watershed for years to come.

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Documents

• Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• WPP

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Extensive use of on-site sewage facilities for water-front residences on the man-made coves of Lake Granbury has resulted in elevated levels of bacteria, which affect the recreational use of the coves and threatening to affect the lake as well. The Brazos River Authority, after conducting extensive monitoring of water quality in these coves and canals for several years, led the development of a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) to reduce bacteria levels in the coves.

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Project Description

This project supports the salary of a Watershed Coordinator for Lake Granbury. The coordinator will serve as the primary contact for WPP implementation, facilitate stakeholder meetings, and seek funding to support ongoing implementation of the WPP.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• Quality Assurance Project Plan
• WPP on the BRA website.

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Plum Creek has sometimes had high concentrations of E. coli bacteria. The presence of these bacteria indicate there may be a risk for people who swim or wade in the creek—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.

Nutrient levels have also been a concern in Plum Creek. Excessive amounts of nutrients can cause extensive algae growth that can harm aquatic species.

The Plum Creek Watershed Partnership formed in 2005 to improve the quality of the creek, and completed a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) in 2008.

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Project Description

To implement the WPP, the City of Lockhart is mapping its stormwater system, identifying and prioritizing improvements in the system that will prevent pollution in the creek, and implementing several other activities.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated quarterly)

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For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Low impact development (LID) is a comprehensive approach to site planning, design, and pollution prevention strategies. The approach aims to restore predevelopment drainage patterns and reduce surface runoff volume and pollution. LID might be able to address many of the water quality problems in urban streams and lakes.

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Project Description

For this project, the Center for Research in Water Resources and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, both research units of the University of Texas, provided a series of intensive workshops and consultations in seven Texas urban areas that had impaired waterways: Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, the Lower Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Waco.

The project also documented local policies that help or hinder the use of LID, and generated six region-specific guides for selecting and designing the best LID features.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (Final)
• LID Guidance Manual: Arlington
• LID Guidance Manual: Corpus Christi
• LID Guidance Manual: Lower Rio Grande Valley
• LID Guidance Manual: Pflugerville
• LID Guidance Manual: San Antonio
• LID Guidance Manual: Waco
• LID Code Review: Arlington
• LID Code Review: Corpus Christi
• LID Code Review: Houston
• LID Code Review: McAllen
• LID Code Review: San Antonio
• LID Code Review: Waco

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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Background

Since 2000, portions of the Upper San Antonio River (Segment 1911) have had elevated concentrations of bacteria, indicating increased risk to swimmers and others engaged in contact recreation in the river. In 2006, the TCEQ accepted a watershed protection plan for the portion of this segment upstream of Loop 410 South in San Antonio. One component of this plan is to implement urban stormwater management measures that provide greater control of bacteria in runoff than conventional practices.

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Project Description

For this project, the City of San Antonio will design and install several LID features to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff in its redevelopment of the Mission Drive-In site on Roosevelt Avenue. These features will include bioretention facilities and rain water harvesting at the library, and permeable pavement parking spaces and a bioswale along the site's main ring road. Project staff will monitor the performance of the LID features and then analyze their cost-to-benefit ratio. Finally, project staff will examine the potential for incorporating these features as standard components in the city's development review standards.

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Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)
• WPP on the San Antonio River Authority's website library: see "Environmental Monitoring Projects and Studies"
• TMDL

For More Information

To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.

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