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Houston-Galveston Regional Plan: Status and Activities

This page contains information on what's going on and what's been done by the Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) to reduce bacteria in Houston-area waterways, making them safer for recreation.

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Project Location and Parameters Houston-Galveston BIG Project Navigation TMDL Program Navigation
Parameter: Bacteria
River Basin: San Jacinto, San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal

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I-Plan and TMDLs

Reports and Other Documents

TMDL Projects

TMDL Home

Status

The commission approved the stakeholder-developed implementation plan on January 30, 2013. This I-Plan was developed by stakeholders in the Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) . 

Watch the BIG video on YouTube. The BIG is a diverse group of committed and concerned people, representing a cross-section of concerned citizens from many disciplines. The group works for better quality water in the area covered by their plan.

Annual Report of Implementation Progress

In mid 2020, the BIG published its most recent Annual Report of progress in reducing bacteria in Houston–Galveston area waterways.  Download the 2019 BIG Annual Report at the H-GAC's BIG website. See the Map-based Interactive Progress Report or see all BIG reports .

Activities

The I-Plan identifies eleven primary strategies for achieving environmental goals. These strategies relate to:

  • wastewater treatment facilities
  • on-site sewage facilities
  • sanitary sewer systems
  • stormwater and land development
  • construction
  • illicit discharges and dumping
  • agriculture and animals
  • residential areas
  • monitoring progress and updating the plan
  • research
  • a geographic priority framework

The I-Plan outlines numerous activities under each of these strategies.  Read the I-Plan.

Contact the TMDL Program

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

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