Dickinson Bayou: A TMDL Project for Bacteria
Information about a project to improve water quality in Dickinson Bayou by reducing bacteria concentrations.
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Dickinson Bayou
at FM 517 |
County: Galveston
Parameter: Bacteria
Basin: San Jacinto–Brazos Coastal
Segments: 1103, 1103A, 1103B, 1103C, 1103D, 1104
Background
and Goals
High concentrations of bacteria measured in Dickinson Bayou Tidal, Segment 1103, and four of its tributaries might pose a health risk for people who swim or wade in the bayou. Bacteria from human and animal waste may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms that may cause illness. Swimming and other forms of recreation in which people come into direct contact with the water are referred to as contact recreation in the state's standards for the quality of streams, lakes, and bays.
The TMDL project will characterize the sources of bacteria in the watershed of the bayou and develop a plan to improve water quality. The goal of the TMDL is to reduce bacteria concentrations to within acceptable risk levels for contact recreation.
The TCEQ will also conduct a recreational use survey and attainability analysis for part of the bayou. Recreational use-attainability analyses (RUAAs) are conducted to determine which of the four recreational use categories is appropriate for a particular water body. During an RUAA project, staff usually collect:
- information on a water body, such as the presence or absence of water recreation activities, stream flow type, stream depth
- information about the frequency and types of recreation for which the water body is currently used
- data on physical conditions in a water body
Public Participation
Stakeholders in the watershed have formed the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership
to implement activities that improve water quality in Dickinson Bayou. Information about the Partnership’s meetings is available on their Web site. The TCEQ is working with this existing forum to participate with the public in developing and implementing the TMDL project. Other partners include the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and the Texas Cooperative Extension.
Meeting Information
- August 16, 2010
Agenda
TMDL Presentation
RUAA Presentation - March 25, 2010
Meeting Summary
TCEQ Presentation
- January 29, 2010
Meeting Agenda
TCEQ Presentation
EIH Presentation
Meeting Summary
For More Information
For information about the project, please contact Roger Miranda at 512/239-6278. Or e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.state.tx.us, and reference the Dickinson Bayou Bacteria TMDL in the subject line.
