Coastal Communities Water Quality Education and Outreach
A project to provide coordinated, comprehensive outreach campaigns in six communities in the coastal zone of Texas to reduce fecal bacteria pollution.
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Background
Nearly half of the waterbodies in the Houston-Galveston region are impaired (do not meet Water Quality Standards) due to high levels of fecal bacteria, including many along the coast. This coastal area has many small communities not covered by municipal stormwater permits. They generally lack the resources to mount separate public outreach campaigns. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved two watershed protection plans (WPPs) within this area, for Bastrop Bayou and for Double Bayou, to address their bacteria impairments and other water quality concerns.
Back to topProject Description
This project, led by Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), will help four coastal communities in the Bastrop Bayou watershed and two in the Double Bayou watershed to implement portions of these WPPs by developing coordinated outreach and education campaigns on what citizens can do to reduce fecal bacteria pollution. H-GAC will conduct a needs assessment, prepare an outreach plan, and support wider implementation of established regional outreach programs in these targeted communities. These programs address managing pet waste, keeping oils and grease out of the sewer system, and preventing litter among other issues.
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.