BACKGROUND AND GOALS

In several streams in Texas, water quality testing found elevated levels of chloride, sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS). High concentrations of these salts are indicators of general water quality that are not tied to evaluation of a specific beneficial use such as the support of aquatic life.

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the extent of the problem in the project water bodies to determine if TMDLs were necessary. Project staff determined that TMDLs were needed for the Colorado River Below E.V. Spence Reservoir (Segment 1426) and Petronila Creek (Segment 2204). Data collected from the San Gabriel River (Segment 1214) and Brushy Creek (Segment 1244) indicate that these segments are meeting the applicable criteria; consequently, they were removed from the state's list of impaired waters in 2002.

TEXAS STREAM TEAM ACTIVITIES IN PETRONILA CREEK

Texas Stream Team staff and volunteers will provide significant resources to implement water quality monitoring, track program accomplishments, and conduct public education and outreach activities. Using the expertise of staff and volunteers, Texas Stream Team will play a substantive role in helping to make this project successful.

To read an interesting article about Petronila Creek please click here >

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Stakeholder groups have been established to advise the TCEQ on the development of TMDLs for Petronila Creek and the Colorado River Below E.V. Spence Reservoir.

• Colorado River Dissolved Solids TMDL Stakeholder Group
• Petronila Creek Dissolved Solids TMDL Stakeholder Group

TMDLS AND I-PLAN

The commission adopted three TMDLs for Petronila Creek on January 10, 2007. The EPA approved the TMDLs on March 14, 2007, at which time they became part of the state's Water Quality Management Plan.

• Three Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chloride, Sulfate, and Total Dissolved Solids, Petronila Creek Above Tidal, Segment 2204 (PDF. Help with PDF.)
• Response to Public Comment on the TMDLs (PDF. Help with PDF.)

I-Plan

The commission approved the I-Plan on October 10, 2007.

• Implementation Plan for Three Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chloride, Sulfate, and Total Dissolved Solids, Petronila Creek Above Tidal, Segment 2204 (PDF. Help with PDF.)
• Response to Public Comment on the I-Plan

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information regarding stakeholder committees, please contact Earlene Lambeth at 512/239-3129. For technical information about this project, contact Kerry Niemann at 512/239-0483. Or e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.state.tx.us, and reference the Colorado and Petronila TMDL project in the subject line.

To read Kerry Niemann's of TCEQ informative article on Petronila Creek TMDL, please click here