Bacteria Implementation Group for the Houston Metropolitan Area
About the Group
The Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) is a steering committee created by the board of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). Concentrations of indicator bacteria are sometimes elevated in numerous segments in the Houston metropolitan area. The BIG is charged with developing a regional plan to reduce bacteria concentrations in impaired lakes and streams in the Houston metropolitan area.
The TMDL Program is working closely with the BIG to develop TMDLs that may serve as environmental improvement targets for bacteria impairments in the region. Stakeholders are being informed about progress of related TMDL development at BIG meetings, and through print and electronic media.
Public Participation
Meetings of the BIG are open to everyone. The H-GAC is coordinating public participation activities and watershed plan development with the group.
Meetings
Meetings are usually scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m., at the H-GAC offices 
in Conference Room A.
See the BIG page on H-GAC website for more meeting information.
Implementation Plan
On August 16, 2011, the BIG approved its final draft Implementation Plan for submittal to the TCEQ for commission approval.
The latest draft of the I-Plan is available on the H-GAC's BIG website, where you can also get information about membership, meetings, and other reports of the the BIG .
For More Information
For information regarding the BIG, please contact Rachel Powers at the H-GAC by phone at 713-993-4559 or by e-mail at rachel.powers@hgac.com. Or e-mail the TCEQ’s TMDL Program at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the BIG in the subject line.
