Elevated levels of bacteria in area waterways continues to be the number one water quality problem throughout the H-GAC region. Each year, through our Clean Rivers Program and Bacteria Implementation Group, H-GAC identifies ten waterways with the highest levels of bacteria in the area. For the last several years, we have worked with local partners to conduct targeted bacteria monitoring to find sources of bacteria (such as broken sewer lines, illegal discharges to storm drainage systems, and failing septic tanks) in those watersheds. When sources are found, they are reported to the jurisdiction responsible and fixed or scheduled for repair. Through these efforts, H-GAC has developed protocols and procedures for local professional and volunteer water quality monitors to detect these types of bacteria sources.

H-GAC has a contract with the Galveston Bay Estuary Program to continue this targeted monitoring work with assistance from Bayou Preservation Association staff and Student Conservation Association interns. The Galveston Bay Estuary Program would like increase the amount of the current contract from $80,000 to $120,000. With this increased funding, H-GAC will contract with the Bayou Preservation Association to carry out the additional targeted bacteria monitoring. Under this subcontract Bayou Preservation Association will be responsible for:

• Conducting walking surveys of three to six priority watersheds

• Documenting suspected sources of bacteria

• Conducting bacteria monitoring to locate and verify sources

• Reporting their findings

All monitoring will be done using Texas Stream Team Protocols and is covered under an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan. All bacteria sources will be reported to the responsible jurisdiction for repair.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Yes

Request authorization to increase current Galveston Bay Estuary Program contract by $40,000 with the total amount of $120,000; and to contract with the Bayou Preservation Association to conduct targeted bacteria monitoring in the amount of $67,500. (Staff Contact: Todd Running)