Public Meeting for Ash, Dosier, and Derrett Creeks RUAA projects in the Trinity River Basin

Recreational Use Attainability Analysis (RUAA) Public Meeting for Ash, Dosier, and Derrett Creeks in the Trinity River Basin.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Community Room located at the Azle Memorial Library

333 W Main Street

Azle, Texas 76020

The overall purpose of this study is to help provide the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) with the information they need to assign an appropriate bacteria criterion. This meeting will be conducted by Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Science (TIAER), and you will have the opportunity to learn about the project and provide valuable information on the study areas.

A use-attainability analysis (UAA) evaluates designated or presumed uses if there is reason to believe the standards for a water body are inappropriate due to local conditions. A Recreational Use-Attainability Analysis (RUAA) is a specific type of UAA that is conducted to evaluate and determine what category of recreational use is appropriate for a particular water body.  RUAAs are typically site-specific studies that assess reasonably attainable recreational uses based on the physical and flow characteristics of a stream—such as water depth and persistence of flow. Supporting information, including surveys of individuals and organizations with firsthand knowledge of a water body, is also collected to assess historical and existing patterns of recreational use.

Ash, Dosier, and Derrett Creeks are currently listed on the Texas 303(d) List due to elevated levels of E. coli, an indicator bacteria found in warm-blooded animals. These indicator bacteria are used to assess the possible presence of pathogens that may increase the risk of illness when participating in contact recreation activities in the water body. The overall purpose of RUAAs is to make sure streams have the correct recreation use classification in order to set the appropriate bacteria criteria. In Texas, landowners have remarked that some streams in their area are classified as recreational use streams but are dry for most of the year or are not used by people for recreational purposes. In response to these and similar concerns, TIAER is helping the TCEQ conduct this important work on these streams. The goal is to evaluate the information and ensure each stream is being managed in the best interest of the public.

We recognize that local landowners and communities have valuable and personal knowledge of these water bodies. At this meeting, stakeholders will be asked to participate and provide guidance on site identification for recreational use field survey collection and to provide input on historical and current uses of the water body. Your participation is fundamental to the success of this project.  More information and a map of the watershed areas will be provided at the meeting.

If you have any questions before the meeting date, please contact Leah Taylor at 254-968-0513 or ltaylor@tarleton.edu.