Background

Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) of the Coastal Management Act requires states and territories with federally approved Coastal Zone Management Programs to develop and implement a coastal nonpoint source (NPS) control program. The program is unique in that it establishes a set of management measures for states to use in addressing polluted runoff.

On-site sewage facilities (OSSFs), such as septic systems, can contribute contaminants to coastal watersheds. Proper operation of these systems is critical to limiting the transport of contaminated wastewater to nearby waterways. These systems must be evaluated at a specified frequency to determine their operational status and limit the risk of contamination from OSSFs.

In 2008, the TCEQ adopted a total maximum daily load for bacteria in waters of the upper Texas coast. The TMDL report indicated that OSSFs are a source of NPS pollution in the Galveston Bay system.

Return to top

Project Description

Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service will implement activities to reduce overall loading of contaminants from OSSFs in Galveston County and other coastal counties in the coastal zone (Section 6217 jurisdictional areas). Project personnel will identify areas of chronic OSSF failure and develop a list of targeted sites for removing septage from anaerobic OSSFs. If necessary, malfunctioning OSSFs may be replaced.

Guidance will be developed for conducting visual evaluations of anaerobic OSSFs, and the project's staff will teach local health-department personnel how to conduct visual inspections.

Homeowners will get free instruction on the proper operation and maintenance of an OSSF.

Return to top

Documents

• Project Fact Sheet (updated semi-annually)

Return to top

For More Information

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

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

Background

In a portion of the Upper Guadalupe River (Segment 1806) in Kerrville, since 2002 high concentrations of bacteria 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.

In 2007, the commission adopted a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for the impaired reach of the river, which includes two small areas within the city of Kerrville. In 2011, the commission approved a TMDL Implementation Plan developed by stakeholders in the watershed.

Return to top

Project Description

The Upper Guadalupe River Authority will coordinate with personnel from the City of Kerrville, Kerr County, and the Texas Department of Transportation to install structures that deter birds on bridges, manage waterfowl along the river, and develop a "Homeowners Septic System Guide." The River Authority will also collect routine water samples to measure the impact of these measures on bacteria levels in the river.

Return to top

Documents

• Fact Sheet
• TMDL
• TMDL Implementation Plan

For More Information

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

Return to top