The Texas Clean Rivers Program is a partnership between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, regional agencies, and local governments, with the aim of improving the quality of surface water that flows through our landscapes, cities and towns. Since 1992, H-GAC has been the lead agency responsible for implementing the Texas Clean Rivers Program in four major basins that cover over 66% of the H-GAC region. The work that H-GAC conducts under contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality includes water quality monitoring, analysis, stakeholder involvement and public awareness.

H-GAC has worked with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and local partners to develop a two-year work plan, under which H-GAC is:

• Conducting water quality assessments that address specific concerns of local governments and other stakeholders.

• Continuing to serve as a water quality data clearinghouse for environmental agencies, local governments and the public.

• Coordinating multiple state and local agencies in the planning and implementation of water quality monitoring programs.

• Providing data to support the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in evaluating permits for wastewater treatment and conducting Total Maximum Daily Load studies.

• Continuing to produce and distribute high quality publications to raise public awareness of water quality issues.

New tasks under this amendment include conducting targeted bacteria monitoring in up to ten highly polluted watersheds and the purchase of new water quality monitoring equipment for H-GAC and its local partners, to replace aging equipment that is no longer supported by maintenance providers.

This work will be added through an amendment to the existing Clean Rivers Program contract. The contract will increase by $300,000. There is no change in the timeframe of the contract.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

No

Request authorization to amend existing contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for regional water quality monitoring in a total amount of $2,231,230 with an increase of $300,000. (Staff Contact: Todd Running)