News from the Texas TMDL Program
The TMDL Program sets targets for improved quality in surface waters and develops implementation plans (I-Plans) to achieve them.
See the Calendar for the TMDL Program for scheduled stakeholder meetings.
- Calendar for the TMDL Program
Drafts for Public Comment- Incentives and Grants
- 2014 Request for Grant Applications from TCEQ Nonpoint Source Program
- Incentive Payments Available for Watersheds Upstream of Lake O' the Pines
- Other Grant Opportunities
- TMDL Watershed Events
- Houston-Galveston Area: June 13
- Carters Creek: June 16
- Water News
- Contact Us
- Join the TMDL News E-Mail List
TMDLs for Public Comment
The commission requests comments from the public on draft TMDLs for the Lower West Fork Trinity River. Comments must be received at TCEQ by midnight on July 12, 2013.
I-Plan for Public Comment
The commission requests comments from the public on the draft Implementation Plan for the Greater Trinity River Region. The plan aims to protect recreational uses by reducing bacteria levels in segments of the Upper Trinity River, the Lower West Fork Trinity River, and the Cottonwood Branch and Grapevine Creek watersheds.
Comments must be received at TCEQ by midnight on August 2, 2013. See any of the watershed Web pages for a copy of the draft and information about how to provide comments.
Return to top2014 Request for Grant Applications
The TCEQ Nonpoint Source Program has released its 2014 Clean Water Act Section 319 request for grant applications (RFGA) on the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily website. Grant applications will be accepted through July 31.
Incentive Payments Available for Watersheds Upstream of Lake O' the Pines
A total of $704,000 will be awarded to farmers, ranchers, and owners of forested lands for conservation practices in the Lake O’ the Pines–Big Cypress region in East Texas. Eligible lands are in five watersheds upstream of Lake O’ the Pines, which are located in four counties — Upshur, Camp, Titus, and Morris. Find out more.
Other Grant Opportunities
Initial deadlines for all of these opportunities are in early to mid June, except for the urban forestry grant, which is in July.
- Coastal and Marine Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants,
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - Bring Back the Natives/More Fish, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- TogetherGreen Innovation Grants Program, Toyota & National Audubon Society
- Cooperative Watershed Management Program, Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART
- 2014 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant, USDA Forest Service
TMDL Watershed Events
June 13. Clean Waters Initiative Workshops: Good Housekeeping for Water Quality in the Houston–Galveston Area.
June 16. Training for Carters Creek Clean Stream Team.
Water News
Updated EPA Guidelines
EPA recently released its latest Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories for implementing the Clean Water Act Section 319 grant program. These guidelines will be effective for the 2014 grant awards and afterward; they replace the previous guidelines from 2004.
EPA has released its new “Quick Guide to Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters” that provides a streamlined summary of the 2008 Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect our Waters. EPA also released a companion product, the online module “An Introduction to Watershed Planning .” Both of these new products provide information about how to develop more effective watershed plans.
Conferences and Workshops
- July 30-August 1. The EPA will hold its annual Community Involvement Training Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn about best practices for getting people involved in improving the environment. Registration opened in May.
- August 27, 2013. Free Riparian workshop and BBQ lunch sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) at Brackenridge Recreation Complex in Edna. The public is very welcome. More information
about agenda, location, and registration.
Contact Us
Send us an e-mail at tmdl@tceq.texas.gov or call 512-239-6682.
