Sam Rayburn Reservoir: A Project to Evaluate the Aquatic Life Use
Counties: Angelina, Cherokee, Jasper, Newton, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Smith
Parameters: Aluminum, pH, dissolved oxygen, Impaired Fish Community
Basin: Neches River
Segments: 0610, 0615
- Project Overview (PDF)
- Background and Goals
- Project Status
- Public Participation
- Project Documents
- For More Information
Background and Goals
Sam Rayburn Reservoir consists of two classified segments: Sam Rayburn Reservoir (0610) and Angelina River / Sam Rayburn Reservoir (0615). Located in East Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir was created in 1965 to control floods, generate hydroelectric power, and conserve water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses. The lake is a very popular destination for fishing and boating.
In 2000, data indicated that conditions were not optimal for aquatic life in six areas of the reservoir because of low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. One area of the reservoir had aluminum concentrations that were sometimes too high to provide healthy conditions for aquatic life. And, in one area of the reservoir, the pH was occasionally too high or too low.
The TCEQ conducted a project to evaluate the extent of impairments in the Sam Rayburn Reservoir and to determine whether TMDLs should be developed for the parameters affecting the lake. The project was conducted under the direction of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program, and was completed in May 2003.
Return to topProject Status
Based on evaluation of historical data, and on assessment data collected through February 2001, there are no impairments that currently require a TMDL.
Public Participation
The TCEQ held a meeting on May 15, 2003, to inform the public of the project’s status and to solicit public opinion. A summary of the meeting and the materials presented are available below.
The following documents are available in PDF.
Project Documents
For More Information
Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Sam Rayburn Reservoir project in the subject line. Or call Ron Stein at 512/239-4507.
