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County: Harris
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal
Segments: 1113, 1113A, 1113B, 1113C, 1113D , 1113E

• Project Overview
  (PDF)
• Background and Goals
• Get Involved
• For More Information

Background and Goals

Armand Bayou is a tributary of Clear Lake, located in the San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal Basin. High concentrations of bacteria, which are found in both human and animal waste, have sometimes been observed in the bayou. The presence of these bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the bayou—activities referred to as “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.

The goal of this project is to improve water quality in order to protect people who swim in the bayou. Toward that goal, the TCEQ is developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and an implementation plan (I-Plan) to reduce bacteria in Armand Bayou and several of its tributaries. Before beginning TMDL development, the TCEQ evaluated recreational uses and standards for Armand Bayou Above Tidal, Segment 1113A.

Learn more about water quality standards and management by reading the TCEQ’s publication Preserving and Improving Water Quality.

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Get Involved

In all our projects, we seek opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed.

Throughout this project, all stakeholders and communities that use or affect these streams are invited to work on developing the strategy to improve water quality.

The Houston–Galveston Area Council is coordinating public involvement for this project. Meeting records are posted on their website.

Everyone is welcome to attend meetings about this project.

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Armand Bayou Bacteria project in the subject line. Or call Jason Leifester (TMDL) or Lauren Oertel (I-Plan) at 512-239-6682.

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County: Travis
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Colorado
Segments: 1403J, 1403K, 1428B, 1429C

• Project Overview
• Background and Goals
• Get Involved
• Reports
• For More Information

Background and Goals

High concentrations of bacteria are often found in four streams in the Austin metropolitan area — Walnut Creek, Waller Creek, the Spicewood Tributary to Shoal Creek, and Taylor Slough South. High concentrations of bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creeks—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.

The goal of the project is to reduce bacteria levels to protect people who swim or wade in the creeks. The City of Austin provides summary information about the watersheds on its website.

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Get Involved

In all our projects, we seek opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed.

Throughout this project, all stakeholders and communities that use or affect these streams will be engaged in developing the strategy to improve water quality.

The UT School of Law Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolutionand the City of Austin will coordinate public involvement in this project. 

Meetings

Notice of all general meetings will be posted here. Stay tuned to UT's Improving Austin Streams Web page for dates and information about subcommittee meetings.

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Reports

Documents created by the member organizations of the Coordination Committee are posted on UT's Improving Austin Streams Web page.

For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Austin Area Bacteria TMDL project. Or call Chip Morris or Lauren Oertel, Project Managers, at 512-239-6682.

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County: Brazos
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Brazos
Segment: 1209C, 1209D, 1209L

• Project Overview 
• Background and Goals
• TMDLs and Implementation Plan
• Get Involved
• Reports
• For More Information

Background and Goals

High concentrations of bacteria such as E. coli and fecal coliform, which are naturally found in both human and animal waste, may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creek—activities called “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. Water quality testing has indicated that concentrations of bacteria in Carters, Burton, and Country Club creeks are sometimes higher than the criteria in the Standards.

The watershed of Carters creek is in Brazos County, and covers about 57 square miles. Land use in the watershed is heavily urbanized in the upper reach where Carters Creek originates in Bryan/College Station, and becomes more rural in the lower reach. Country Club Branch flows into Burton Creek, which in turn flows into Carters Creek. These tributary watersheds are almost entirely urbanized.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable levels for contact recreation through development of total maximum daily loads and a plan to implement them. A TMDL is like a budget for pollutants. It determines the amount of a pollutant (or load) that a water body can receive and still support its designated uses.

The total load is then allocated among the categories of pollution sources within the watershed, and stakeholders develop a plan with measures to reduce pollutant loads. I-Plans are carried out by stakeholders over a period of several years.

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TMDLs and Implementation Plan

On August 22, 2012, the commission adopted the TMDLs for Carters Creek watershed and approved the stakeholders’ Implementation Plan.

• Three Total Maximum Daily Loads  for the Carters Creek Watershed
• Implementation Plan  for Three Total Maximum Daily Loads for Bacteria in the Carters Creek Watershed

On September 27, 2012, the EPA approved the TMDLs, at which time they became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.

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Get Involved

In all its projects, the TCEQ seeks opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed. The TCEQ solicits advice from the public at meetings and through notices in print and electronic media.

The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) coordinated stakeholder involvement and the drafting of the I-Plan. Records of stakeholder meetings  held during development of the TMDLs and I-Plan are available on their website.

Meeting Records

• August 28, 2012: Review of Implementation Progress
• Presentation 

Reports

• Technical Support Document  for Bacteria TMDLs for the Carters Creek Watershed

For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Carters Creek Watersheds TMDLs in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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Counties: Coke, Runnels, Nolan, Taylor
Parameters: Chloride, Sulfate, TDS
River Basin: Colorado River
Segment: 1426

• Project Overview 
• About the Project
• Get Involved
• TMDLs and I-Plan
• Reports
• For More Information

About the Project

The Colorado River Below E.V. Spence Reservoir, Segment 1426, is a 66-mile freshwater stream located within the larger Colorado River Basin. Segment 1426 receives the majority of its flow from E.V. Spence Reservoir.

In 2000, water quality testing found elevated levels of chloride, sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the creek. High concentrations of these salts are indicators of general water quality that are not tied to a specific use, but may affect several uses.

For example, too much chloride can cause a bad taste in drinking water, harm plumbing, and increase the risk of hypertension in humans. Large quantities of sulfate can cause drinking water to smell or taste bad. High concentrations of dissolved solids can be toxic to species that live in fresh water.

The goal of this project is to improve water quality in the river by implementing total maximum daily loads.

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Get Involved

People who live or work in the watershed are encouraged to attend any or all meetings about this project and work on activities to improve the creek. Help keep the creek clean and safe for humans and aquatic life forms.

Implementation Phase

The Upper Colorado River Authority (UCRA) is working with stakeholders on a new effort to evaluate the I-Plan and revise it as appropriate.

Next Meeting

The purpose of this meeting is to begin forming a stakeholder group that will evaluate progress on the original I-Plan approved in 2007 to reduce salts in this segment of the river.

Staff members from the UCRA and the TCEQ will give an overview about progress made so far in improving conditions in the river. Stakeholders and project staff will then discuss the progress and the next steps forward.

Stakeholders who participated in developing the plan for this river segment are invited and encouraged to attend, along with anyone interested in joining this effort.

May 22, 2013
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Ballinger City Hall
700 Railroad Avenue
Ballinger 76821

Agenda

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TMDL Development Phase

A named-member stakeholder group was established to advise the TCEQ on the development of TMDLs. The group disbanded after completion of the TMDLs.

Meeting Records, TMDL Development

The documents below are provided in PDF.

• Ground Rules for the Steering Committee
• Members

• October 2005
  
  • Meeting Summary
  • Modeling Allocation Presentation
• June 2005
  
  • Meeting Summary
  • Electromagnetic Conductivity Survey Presentation (13 Mb)
  • Model Allocation / TMDL Summary Presentation
• November 2004
  
  • Meeting Summary
  • Preliminary Geophysical Assessment
• April 2004
  
  • Meeting Summary
  • Data Results
  • TMDL Development
• December 2003
  
  • Meeting Summary
  • TCEQ’s Stakeholder Process for TMDLs
  • Presentation by EA Engineering
  • Presentation by the Louis Berger Company
  • Data Results
• September 2002
  • Initial Public Meeting

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TMDLs and I-Plan

The commission adopted two TMDLs for the Colorado River on February 7, 2007.

• Two Total Maximum Daily Loads  for Chloride and Total Dissolved Solids, Colorado River Below E. V. Spence Reservoir, Segment 1426
• Response to Public Comment  on the TMDLs

The EPA approved the TMDLs on April 9, 2007, at which time they became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan.

The commission approved the I-Plan on October 10, 2007.

• Implementation Plan  for Two Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chloride and Total Dissolved Solids, Colorado River Below E. V. Spence Reservoir, Segment 1426
• Response to Public Comment  on the I-Plan

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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.

• July 2009,  Appendix II, pages 8-9
• January 2010,  Appendix I, pages 10-11

Learn more about  WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.

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Reports

• Electromagnetic Conductivity Surveys:  Final Technical Report (17 MB)

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For More Information

Please e-mail tmdl@tceq.texas.gov and mention the Colorado River Below Spence TMDL project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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County: Nueces
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Bays and Estuaries, Nueces River
Segment: 2481CB_03 and 2481CB_04

• Project Overview (PDF)
• Background and Goals
• Get Involved
• Reports
• For More Information
  

Background and Goals

Corpus Christi bays and estuaries are nursery grounds for fish and shellfish, and supply essential food and habitat for birds, fish, and other plants and animals. They are also home to ports, marinas, and commercial shipping activities. Corpus Christi beaches and estuaries are popular destinations for fishing, boating, swimming, sand-castle building, and birdwatching.

The goal of the project is to reduce bacteria levels in order to protect people who swim at the beaches. Swimming and other types of water recreation are referred to as "contact recreation" in the state's standards for water quality.

High concentrations of bacteria may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in a water body—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.

Several public beach parks along Corpus Christi Bay are monitored as part of the Texas Beach Watch Program . Data assessed from this program indicated bacteria concentrations were higher than the criteria for protecting the contact recreation use at Cole Park and Ropes Park beaches. These beaches correspond to Segments 2481CB_03 and 2481CB_04 of the Texas bays and estuaries basin. When bacteria counts are greater than the criteria, Texas Beach Watch recommends that people be advised not swim in the area.

The TCEQ and its partners collected a more comprehensive data set that represents all conditions at the beaches and identifies all possible sources of bacteria, which confirmed the need to develop TMDLs.

Project personnel will collect additonal water-quality data over two to three years throughout the environment of the beaches, including beach sands and water. Data will be collected under ambient conditions and after rain events.

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Get Involved

In all its projects, the TCEQ seeks to gather opinions and information from people who represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental, and community and private interests in the watershed.

Throughout the project, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces River Authority, the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, and all other stakeholders and communities that use and affect these public beaches will be engaged in developing a strategy to improve water quality.

The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation is coordinating participation in this project.

Next Meetings

Meetings are open to everyone. Stay tuned to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation website for notices of subcommittee meetings.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss progress to date on development of a plan to improve water quality at the beaches. Anyone interested in the project is welcome to attend. There will be time set aside for public comments towards the end of the meeting.

Coordination Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
noon – 2:00 p.m.
Choke Canyon Conference Room
Water Utilities Office
2726 Holly Road
Corpus Christi

Full Public Notice
More information: 361-882-3439

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Reports

Documents are provided in PDF.

• Interim Monitoring Report, 2012
  Summarizes the data collected from February through July, 2012. All data was collected and analyzed by the Center for Coastal Studies at TAMU-CC.
• Interim Monitoring Report, 2011
  Summarizes the data collected from May through August, 2011. All data was collected and analyzed by the Center for Coastal Studies at TAMU-CC.
• Historical Data Review and Site Assessment
  
  August 2011, Center for Coastal Studies
  Characterizes the Corpus Christi Bay watershed and summarizes data collected in the past. Describes the monitoring plan for collecting current data to support development of TMDLs for Cole Park and Ropes Park beaches.

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Corpus Christi Beaches project in the subject. Or call Roger Miranda, Project Manager, at 512-239-6682.

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County: Dallas and Tarrant
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Trinity
Segment: 0822A, 0822B

• Project Overview
• Background and Goals
• Adopted TMDLs
• Implementation Plan for Commission Consideration
• Public Participation
• Project Documents
• For More Information

Background and Goals

High concentrations of bacteria have been observed in Grapevine Creek (Segment 0822B) and Cottonwood Branch (Segment 0822A). High concentrations of bacteria may pose a health risk to people who swim or wade in them—activities called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.

Grapevine Creek and Cottonwood Branch are tributaries to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River (Segment 0822). To varying degrees, these segments are affected by storm water runoff from agricultural, industrial, and urban areas.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation, through development of total maximum daily loads. A TMDL is like a budget for pollutants. It determines the amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still support its designated uses.

The TMDL Program has two closely related projects under way for segments of the upper Trinity River watershed. The Lower West Fork Trinity River and the Upper Trinity River projects are being coordinated with this one to ensure the most effective use of the state's funds in developing TMDLs and determining how to implement them.

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Adopted TMDLs

On September 21, 2011, the commission adopted the TMDLs for Cottonwood Branch and Grapevine Creek. The EPA approved them on May 30, 2012.

• Two TMDLs for Indicator Bacteria in Cottonwood Branch and Grapevine Creek
• Response to Public Comment on the TMDLs

On approval by the EPA, the TMDLs became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan. Learn more about the Water Quality Management Plan.

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Implementation Plan for Commission Consideration

The North Central Texas Council of Governments has worked with stakeholders to develop a plan that implements the TMDLs and improves surface water quality throughout their region.

At their June 5 Agenda meeting, the commission is scheduled to consider whether to publish and solicit comments on the draft Implementation Plan for the Greater Trinity River Region.

• I-Plan Agenda Package
  (Docket request, executive summary, and draft Implementation Plan)

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Public Participation

Project personnel are informing people about these TMDLs through public meetings and notices in print and electronic media. The meetings are open to everyone.

Meeting Records: TMDL Development

Documents are available in PDF.

• April 22, 2010 Meeting
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Meeting Presentation
• September 24, 2009 Meeting
  • Meeting Minutes
• June 10, 2008 Meeting
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Project Watershed Map

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Project Documents

Documents are available in PDF.

• Technical Support Document for Bacteria TMDLs

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Cottonwood Branch TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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County: Galveston
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal
Segments: 1103, 1103A, 1103B, 1103C, 1104

• Project Overview (PDF)
• Background and Goals
• Adopted TMDLs
• Reports
• Public Participation
• For More Information

Background and Goals

High concentrations of bacteria measured in Dickinson Bayou Tidal, Segment 1103, and four of its tributaries might pose a health risk for people who swim or wade in the bayou. Bacteria from human and animal waste may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms that may cause illness. Swimming and other forms of recreation in which people come into direct contact with the water are referred to as contact recreation in the state's standards for the quality of streams, lakes, and bays.

The TMDL project will characterize the sources of bacteria in the watershed of the bayou and develop a plan to improve water quality. The goal of the TMDL is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.

The TCEQ will also conduct a recreational use survey and attainability analysis for part of the bayou. Recreational use-attainability analyses (RUAAs) are conducted to determine which of the four recreational use categories is appropriate for a particular water body. During an RUAA project, staff usually collect:

1. Information on a water body, such as the presence or absence of water recreation activities, stream flow type, stream depth
2. Information about the frequency and types of recreation for which the water body is currently used
3. Data on physical conditions in a water body

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Adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads

On February 8, 2012, the commission adopted:

• Eight Total Maximum Daily Loads for Indicator Bacteria in Dickinson Bayou and Three Tidal Tributaries (PDF)

On June 6, 2012, the EPA approved the TMDLs, at which time they became part of the state’s Water Quality Management Plan. Learn more about the Water Quality Management Plan.

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Reports

• Final Technical Support Document

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Public Participation

Stakeholders in the watershed have formed the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership to implement activities that improve water quality in Dickinson Bayou. Information about the Partnership’s meetings is available on their Web site. The TCEQ is working with this existing forum to participate with the public in developing and implementing the TMDL project. Other partners include the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and the Texas Cooperative Extension.

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Meeting Records, TCEQ-Led Meetings

• August 24, 2011
• Meeting Summary
• TMDL Progress Presentation
• I-Plan Fact Sheet
• August 16, 2010
• Meeting Summary
• Agenda
• TMDL Presentation
• RUAA Presentation
• March 25, 2010
• Meeting Summary
• TCEQ Presentation
• January 29, 2010
• Meeting Agenda
• TCEQ Presentation
• EIH Presentation
• Meeting Summary

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Dickinson Bayou Bacteria TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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Counties: Coke, Mitchell, Nolan
Parameters: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Sulfate
River Basin: Colorado River
Segment: 1411
 

• Project Overview 
• Background and Goals
• Adopted TMDLs
• Implementation Plan
• For More Information

Background and Goals

The E.V. Spence Reservoir is located in Coke County. With a surface area of 15,893 acres, it is an important source of water for more than 300,000 people in surrounding cities, including Big Spring, Odessa, Midland, and San Angelo. Additionally, the reservoir serves mining and industrial uses, and it is a popular destination for recreational fishermen. Water quality testing found that excessive levels of sulfate and total dissolved solids (salinity) are affecting the lake and its use for drinking water. The goal of this project is to reduce point and nonpoint sources of these pollutants to restore and maintain water quality standards for the reservoir.

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Adopted TMDLs

Plugging a well in the
E.V. Spence Watershed

The commission adopted these TMDLs on June 14, 2002.

• Two Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Dissolved Solids and Sulfate in the E.V. Spence Reservoir
• Response to public comment on the E.V. Spence TMDLs

The EPA approved these TMDLs on May 9, 2003, at which time they 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.

• July 2009, Appendix III, page 10

Learn more about  WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.

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Implementation Plan

The commission approved the Plan on August 10, 2001. 

• Implementation Plan for Sulfate and Total Dissolved Solids TMDLs in the E.V. Spence Reservoir
• Response to public comment on the E.V. Spence Implementation Plan

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov and put “E.V. Spence Reservoir” in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682. 

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Click map to see monitoring stations,
permitted discharges, flood control project sites,
and educational inititatives

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Watershed County: Travis
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Colorado
Segment: 1428C

• Overview
  Water quality and the project for Gilleland Creek
•  Get Involved
• Partners
• Status and Activities
• Videos, News, Maps, and Photo Galleries
• Reports and other Documents
• Adopted TMDL & Approved I-Plan
• Contact Us
    

Overview

Water quality testing found that bacteria concentrations are elevated in Gilleland Creek, located in northeastern Travis county. High bacteria concentrations might pose a risk to people who swim or wade in the creek. Swimming and wading are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality; the term refers to all recreation in which people are likely to swallow natural waters.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.

• Printable Project Overview

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Get Involved

The TCEQ worked with a stakeholder group coordinated by the Lower Colorado River Authority to develop the TMDL and I-Plan. Find out more about what it means to participate in TMDL projects.

Meetings

All general stakeholder meetings will be announced here. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Partners

The organizations listed below are partners in improving the water quality in Gilleland Creek.
All of the links in this section exit the TCEQ website .

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Contact Us

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Gilleland Creek bacteria project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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Click map for information about monitoring stations,
project sites, and educational initiatives

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County: Kerr
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: Guadalupe
Segments: 1806
 

• Overview
• Get Involved
• Partners
• Status and Activities
• News, Maps, and Photos
• Reports and Other Documents
• TMDLs and I-Plan
  The road maps for restoring water quality
• Contact Us
  
  

Overview

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations to protect the safety of recreational uses. High concentrations of fecal bacteria, which are naturally found in both human and animal waste, may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creek—activities called “contact recreation” in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.

Water quality testing conducted prior to 2006 indicated that concentrations of bacteria are sometimes too high in Segment 1806 of the Guadalupe River, the Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake.

The areas of concern are specifically confined to two small assessment areas within the city of Kerrville: (1) 1 mile upstream of Flat Rock Dam to a confluence with Camp Meeting Creek, and (2) from RR 394 to one mile downstream.

• Print a Project Overview

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Get Involved

Project staff are working with the Steering Committee of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority to keep the public informed of project status. The Steering Committee is a forum established under the Texas Clean Rivers Program, and includes representatives from state and federal agencies, cities, industries, citizen groups, local governments, universities, water districts, agricultural producers, and other water user groups.

Find out more about what it means to participate in TMDL projects.

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Partners

The organizations listed below are partners in improving water quality in the Guadalupe River Above Canyon Lake. Most of the links in this section exit the TCEQ website .

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Contact Us

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Guadalupe River bacteria project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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Counties: Galveston, Harris
Parameter: Dioxin
Basins: Bays & Estuaries, San Jacinto River, Trinity-San Jacinto Coastal Basin
Segments: 0901, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 2421, 2426, 2427, 2428, 2429, 2430, 2436, 2438

• Project Overview (PDF)
• Background and Goals
• Public Participation
• Project Documents
• For More Information

Background and Goals

The Houston Ship Channel System consists of 14 designated segments, which together comprise the "enclosed" portion of the Houston Ship Channel proper with its major tributaries and side bays. The dioxin TMDL project includes ten of the designated Houston Ship Channel System segments. The Houston Ship Channel has long been one of the three or four busiest ports in the United States.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) advises that consumers restrict their consumption of catfish and blue crab caught in the Houston Ship Channel because dioxin concentrations found in them pose a risk to consumers. Dioxin is a generic term for a suite of toxic and environmentally persistent compounds.

The goal of this TMDL project is the reduction of contaminant concentrations in fish tissue to levels that constitute an acceptable risk to consumers.

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Public Participation

The Houston-Galveston Area Council  is coordinating public participation in this project. A stakeholder group is working on this project and those for PCBs and dioxin in the Ship Channel and Upper Galveston Bay. Stakeholder group meetings are open to all.

See more about the HSC PCBs Project and the Survey of Dioxin and PCBs in Galveston Bay.

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Project Documents

The following documents are available in PDF.

Data Report

The main Data Report file contains, summarizes, and discusses the data collected to support the TMDL project. The Appendixes file has data in electronic format (Excel spreadsheets or Access databases), in folders corresponding to appendixes described in the Data Report. Most of the stream data for water, sediment, and tissue are also in the TCEQ SWQMIS database; air and runoff and effluent data are not.

• Dioxin: Data Report (PDF; 14.1 MB)
• Dioxin: Appendixes (zip file; 7.4 MB)

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Technical Support Documents

The following files document how the modeling was done and how the load allocation was derived from model output. These documents provide much more detail than the TMDL document.

• Modeling Report (5.1 MB)
• Load Allocation Report (1.4 MB)

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Annual Summaries of Findings and Progress

These documents compile quarterly reports from the project. Each summarizes activities during a fiscal year (September - August). Appendices are not included with these links, but may be requested from the project manager. Summaries and information from years prior to FY2005 may also be requested.

• Summary of September 2004 - August 2005 (31.9 MB)
• Summary of September 2005 - August 2006. Appendix A of this document is the data summary compilation linked separately above. (3.1 MB)
• Summary of September 2006 - May 2007, pending completion of annual summary through August 2007. (2.7 MB)

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Presentations from Public Meetings

These slide shows were used at several public meetings during 2005 through 2007. They summarize project findings and progress, in a less dense and detailed format than the progress reports. Any target values or load allocations shown in these slides were preliminary results subject to change as analyses were refined.

• February 2005 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (1.4 MB)
• September 2006 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (0.9 MB)
• April 2007 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (1.4 MB)
• June 2007 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (0.2 MB) 

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1905 Map of Galveston Bay:

This 1905 map of Galveston Bay (9.9 MB) was originally produced by the Corps of Engineers. An old paper copy was scanned to produce digital images; that was the only known copy of this map. The file posted here was made by combining two overlapping partial images, merging to a single image, adjusting color to reduce yellowed effect of original, trimmed, and reduced to 4000 x 4000 pixel density to make a smaller but readable image. Larger format (6848 x 9584 pixels) files are available in TIF and JPG format, but require additional work to merge pieces or color correct the image. Contact the TCEQ TMDL program if the original files are desired.

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For More Information

Please send an e-mail to tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Houston Ship Channel Dioxin project in the subject line. Or call Jim Neece at 512-239-1524.

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• Project Overview (PDF)
• Background and Goals
• Public Participation
• Project Reports
• For More Information

Background and Goals

Both dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are extremely persistent in the environment. In July 2008, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued consumption advisory ADV-35 for all catfish species and spotted sea trout in the Galveston Bay including Chocolate Bay, East Bay, West Bay, Trinity Bay, and contiguous waters. The consumption risk was due to dioxin and PCBs in fish tissue. The Houston Ship Channel portions of the area have also been under consumption advisories since 1990 because of dioxin in catfish and blue crabs. More information about consumption advisories is available on the DSHS web site. 

A TMDL determines 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 the sources of pollution in the watershed, and measures to reduce pollutant loads are developed as necessary.

Learn more about water quality standards and monitoring by reading Preserving and Improving Water Quality.

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Public Participation

The Houston-Galveston Area Council  is coordinating public participation activities for this project as well as two related projects for dioxin and PCBs in their area. A stakeholder group is working on all three of those projects.

The H-GAC is also coordinating participation, as needed, with the Texas Clean Rivers Program Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the San Jacinto River Basin and associated coastal basins.

See more about the HSC Dioxin Project and the Survey of Dioxin and PCBs in Galveston Bay.

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Project Reports

Documents are provided in PDF.

• Quality Assurance Project Plans
  • Modeling QAPP
  • Project QAPP (2009)
  • Project QAPP (2008)
  • Project QAPP (2007)
• Quarterly Project Reports from Contractor

1905 Map of Galveston Bay:

This 1905 map of Galveston Bay (9.9 MB) was originally produced by the Corps of Engineers. An old paper copy was scanned to produce digital images; that was the only known copy of this map. The file posted here was made by combining two overlapping partial images, merging to a single image, adjusting color to reduce yellowed effect of original, trimmed, and reduced to 4000 x 4000 pixel density to make a smaller but readable image. Larger format (6848 x 9584 pixels) files are available in TIF and JPG format, but require additional work to merge pieces or color correct the image. Contact the TCEQ TMDL program if the original files are desired.

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Galveston Bay System dioxin and PCBs project in the subject line. Or call Jim Neece at 512-239-1524.

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• Overview
• Get Involved
• Partners
• Status and Activities
• I-Plan and TMDLs
  The road map for restoring water quality
• Reports and Other Documents
• Contact Us

Overview

Water quality testing found that bacteria concentrations are elevated in numerous waterways in the Houston–Galveston region. High bacteria concentrations might pose a risk to people who swim or wade in the creek. Swimming and wading are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality; the term refers to all recreation in which people are likely to swallow natural waters.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations and protect recreational safety. This project includes 72 TMDLs for 60 waterway segments in 10 counties. The project area is 2,204 square miles including all or part of 56 cities and a population of about four million people.

Watershed Counties: Brazoria, Harris, Fort Bend, Grimes, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, and Waller

Parameter: Bacteria

River Basin: San Jacinto

Segments: 1004E, 1006D, 1006I, 1006F, 1006H, 1006J, 1007B, 1007C, 1007D, 1007E, 1007F, 1007G, 1007H, 1007I, 1007K, 1007L, 1007M, 1007N, 1007O, 1007R, 1008, 1008H, 1009, 1009C, 1009D, 1009E, 1010, 1011, 1013, 1013A, 1013C, 1014, 1014A, 1014B, 1014E, 1014H, 1014K, 1014L, 1014M, 1014N, 1014O, 1016, 1016A, 1016B, 1016C, 1016D, 1017, 1017A, 1017B, 1017D, 1017E, 1101, 1101B, 1101D, 1102, 1102A, 1102B, 1102C, 1102D, and 1102E

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Get Involved

The Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) is a regional governing body whose creation was facilitated by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). The BIG was formed to develop and implement a regional plan to reduce bacteria concentrations in impaired lakes, bayous, and streams in the Houston metropolitan area.

The BIG is coordinating public participation in improving Houston-area waterways. Meetings of the BIG are open to everyone. Meeting records are available on the BIG’s website .

Business Meetings

Business meetings are held twice annually, at the H-GAC offices . See the BIG’s website for more information about work groups and steering committee meetings.

Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
H-GAC Conference Room A, Second Floor
3555 Timmons Lane
Houston, TX 77027
Map
Instructions for teleconference and webcast are available upon request. 

At this meeting, stakeholders will assess and discuss progress toward meeting the goals of the I-Plan.

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Partners

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Contact Us

For information regarding this project, please contact Todd Running at the H-GAC by phone at 713-993-4549 or by e-mail at todd.running@h-gac.com. Or e-mail the TCEQ’s TMDL Program at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Houston-Galveston bacteria project in the subject line. Reach the TMDL Program by phone at 512-239-6682.

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Watershed Counties: Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Upshur
Parameter: Dissolved oxygen
River Basin: Cypress Creek
Segment: 0403

• Overview
  Goals, water quality, and project summary
• Get Involved
• Partners
• Status and Activities
• Video, News, Maps, and Photos
• TMDLs and I-Plan
  The road maps for restoring water quality
• Contact Us

Overview of the Project

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 also 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 less than 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 adopted a total maximum daily load (TMDL) in 2006 that shows by how much we must reduce pollutants that use up oxygen. Stakeholders developed an Implementation Plan (I-Plan), through which they are working to improve conditions in the lake.

Learn more about the state’s program for managing water quality by reading Preserving and Improving Water Quality.

• Print a Project Overview 

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Get Involved

The TCEQ is working to implement the I-Plan with the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and its steering committee for the Clean Rivers Program. 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.

The steering committee also advised the TCEQ on development of the TMDL, and then built the I-Plan.

Texas Water Resources Institue (TWRI) is coordinating stakeholder involvement in a review of the I-Plan and its progress.

Find out more about what it means to participate in TMDL projects.

Meeting Records

Meeting records are provided in PDF.

October 18, 2012: Status Review Meeting

• TCEQ presentation: Working Together for Clean Water
• TWRI presentation: Coordination and Leadership for Evaluation of the I-Plan

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Partners

The organizations listed below are members of the Coordination Committee for improving the water quality in Lake O’ the Pines. All of the links in this section exit the TCEQ website .

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Contact Us

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and mention the Lake O’ the Pines TMDL project in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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Watershed Counties: DeWitt, Goliad, Karnes, Refugio, Victoria
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: San Antonio River
Segment: 1901

• Project Overview
• Background
• Adopted TMDL
• Public Participation
• For More Information

Background

In the Lower San Antonio River, Segment 1901, water quality testing found concentrations of bacteria that may pose a health risk for swimmers. Swimming and other forms of recreation in which people come into direct contact with the water are called “contact recreation” in the state’s standards for water quality.

The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations in the Lower San Antonio River to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is a partner in this TMDL project.

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Adopted TMDL

The commission adopted the TMDL on August 20, 2008.

• One Total Maximum Daily Load for Bacteria in the Lower San Antonio River, Segment 1901
• Response to Public Comment on the TMDL

The EPA approved the TMDL on October 20, 2008, 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 2012, Appendix IV, page 17
• April 2009, page 20

Learn more about  WQMP updates and about opportunities to comment on revisions to them.

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Public Participation

Project staff are informing the public about this project through meetings and notices in print and electronic media. The meetings are open to everyone.

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA)  is coordinating implementation of the TMDLs.

Meeting Summaries and Presentations

The following documents are provided in PDF .

• May 28, 2008: Goliad Public Comment Meeting
• Project Overview Presentation
• March 5, 2008: Karnes City Meeting
• Meeting Summary
• An audio recording of this meeting is available, but is not posted here due to its size. Obtain a CD recording by contacting Earlene Lambeth (512/239-3129; elambeth@tceq.texas.gov) or Diana Washington (512/239-1506; dwashing@tceq.texas.gov).
• Project Update
• San Antonio River Authority Presentation
• March 3, 2008: Goliad Meeting
• Meeting Summary
• An audio recording of this meeting is available, but is not posted here due to its size. A CD of this recording may be obtained by contacting Earlene Lambeth (512/239-3129; elambeth@tceq.texas.gov) or Diana Washington (512/239-1506; dwashing@tceq.texas.gov).
• Project Update
• San Antonio River Authority Presentation
• June 2006 Meeting
• Meeting Summary
• Stakeholder Involvement in the Project
• Overview of the TMDL Program
• Overview of the Project for the Lower San Antonio River
• April 2006 Meeting
• Meeting Summary
• Stakeholder Involvement in the Project
• Overview of the TMDL Program
• Overview of the Project for the Lower San Antonio River

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For More Information

Please e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov, and reference the Lower San Antonio River Bacteria TMDL in the subject line. Or call us at 512-239-6682.

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