Lake O' the Pines: A TMDL Project for Dissolved Oxygen
 |
|
Lake O’ the Pines
|
Counties: Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Upshur
Parameter: Dissolved oxygen
Basin: Cypress Creek
Segment: 0403
- Project Overview (PDF)
- Background
- Status
- Adopted TMDL
- Approved Implementation Plan
- Public Participation
- For More Information
Background
Lake O’ the Pines and Big Cypress Creek (its primary tributary) are located in the Cypress Creek Basin. Lake O’ the Pines provides water for eight cities and towns, numerous rural water districts, and several steel manufacturers and electricity generators. The lake is an important resource to the timber industry and to agricultural enterprises such as the poultry industry, dairies, and cattle operations, and for irrigation. Boating and fishing for trophy bass, catfish, and crappie lure large numbers of recreational users to the watershed each year.
In 2000, the TCEQ found that dissolved oxygen levels in Lake O’ the Pines were lower than the range optimal for supporting fish and other aquatic species. Oxygen, which dissolves in water, is essential for the survival of aquatic life. While the amount of dissolved oxygen in water fluctuates naturally, human activities can cause unusually or chronically low dissolved oxygen levels.
The TCEQ conducted a total maximum daily load project to determine the measures necessary to restore water quality in Lake O’ the Pines. The goal of a TMDL is to determine the amount (or load) of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still support its designated uses. The allowable load is then allocated among categories of sources within the watershed, and stakeholders work with the state to develop measures that reduce pollutant loads.
Learn more about the state’s program for managing water quality by reading Preserving and Improving Water Quality.
Status
Execution of the I-Plan is being led by the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District 
in partnership with stakeholders in the region. Assessment in 2010 indicates that dissolved oxygen concentrations remain below the criteria for support of aquatic life in upper 3700 acres of the lake. Find the latest reported assessment of the lake in the Cypress Creek Basin Highlights Report on the Water District’s website.
Return to topAdopted TMDL
On April 12, 2006, the commission adopted the TMDL for Lake O’ the Pines. It was approved on March 23, 2006 by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
- One Total Maximum Daily Load for Dissolved Oxygen in Lake O’ the Pines, Segment 0403 (PDF)
- Response to Public Comment on the TMDL (PDF)
The EPA approved the TMDL on June 7, 2006, at which time it became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.
Updates to TMDLs
From time to time, it is necessary to revise TMDLs to account for changing conditions in the watershed, such as new or amended permits, or urban growth, or to correct oversights in the original TMDL report. Revisions to the load allocations in TMDLs are made via the state’s WQMP, which is updated quarterly.
The WQMP provides projected effluent limits for use in planning and permitting activities under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES). The TCEQ reviews all applications for new and amended permits for conformance with applicable portions of the WQMP, including adopted TMDLs.
Revisions to the TMDL are documented in the approved WQMP updates listed below.
- January 2009, pages 10-12
- October 2009, page 14
Learn more about WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.
Approved Implementation Plan
On July 9, 2008, the commission approved the I-Plan for Lake O’ the Pines.
- Implementation Plan for One Total Maximum Daily Load for Dissolved Oxygen in Lake O’ the Pines, Segment 0403 (PDF)
- Response to Public Comment on the I-Plan (PDF)
Public Participation
An existing stakeholder forum was used to involve stakeholders in TMDL and I-Plan development. The steering committee of the watershed’s Clean Rivers Program partner, the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District meets regularly to discuss water management issues for the Cypress Creek Basin. The steering committee includes representatives from state and federal agencies, cities, industries, citizen groups, local governments, universities, water districts, agriculture groups, and other water user groups.
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.state.tx.us and reference the Lake O’ the Pines project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.
