Optional Enhanced Measures: Water Quality Protections for the Edwards Aquifer

Applicants who properly employ optional water quality measures may receive TCEQ approval letters stating that the measures were met. These optional measures, voluntary under the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, will protect certain federally listed species from potential water quality impacts that may have otherwise resulted from development over the Edwards Aquifer region.

Some situations still warrant direct consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), including projects:

• located near springs;
• requiring a federal permit;
• that are unrelated to water quality and affect listed species; and
• affecting other listed species not covered by the measures.

Letters of Concurrence

The USFWS issued letters on September 4, 2007, to Governor Rick Perry and the TCEQ about the following TCEQ guidance documents:

• Optional Enhanced Measures for the Protection of Water Quality in the Edwards Aquifer (Revised) ( TCEQ RG-348a ) 
• Optional Enhanced Measures for the Protection of Water Quality in the Edwards Aquifer and Related Karst Features that May Be Habitat for Karst Dwelling Invertebrates ( TCEQ RG-348b ) 

  
  The letters concur that under the TCEQ Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, non-federal landowners and other non-federal managers would have the support of the Service that no "take" under the Endangered Species Act would occur if they implement the optional measures.

  • Concurrence to Governor Rick Perry for Revisions to Appendix A
  • Concurrence to Governor Rick Perry of Appendix B
  • Concurrence to TCEQ for Revisions to Appendix A
  • Concurrence to TCEQ of Appendix B

  
  The original concurrence letter was issued to Governor Rick Perry on February 14, 2005 .