HGAC to discuss bacteria reduction

Residents who live in the Clear Creek watershed will have an opportunity to review a plan that aims to reduce bacteria in local waterways.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Bacteria Implementation Group developed the Implementation Plan, or I-Plan, which offers activities for municipalities, industry and landowners to prevent water contamination.

Testing by professional water quality monitors showed most rivers, bayous, creeks and streams in the Houston-Galveston area have bacteria levels higher than the state-accepted level.

The state standard for freshwater is 126 organisms of E. coli per 100 milliliters, said Rachel Powers, senior environmental planner with the council. For salt water, the standard is 35 organisms of E. coli per 100 milliliters.

Average bacteria levels for Clear Creek’s watershed are below the state standard, but its waterways experience frequent spikes in bacteria, Powers said.

Parts of the proposed plan detail ways to identify failing septic systems, use better landscaping and provide public education on proper disposal of contaminants and pet waste.

The plan recommends that the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, when issuing permits for wastewater treatment facilities, require municipalities to test for bacteria and maintain facilities on a regular basis, Powers said.

Some suggestions are as simple as cleaning up after pets and not using too much fertilizer for landscaping, she said.

“If the dog does its business outside, rain washes dog waste into storm sewer systems that eventually flush into bayous, Clear Creek then Galveston Bay,” Powers said. “Anything that washes into storm drains will end up in waterways.”

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At A Glance

WHAT: Houston-Galveston Area Council meeting on proposed Implementation Plan to reduce bacteria in local waterways

WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St., in League City

MORE: The draft plan is available for public comment through Feb. 15 at www.h-gac.com/big. Click on the “BIG Implementation Plan” link.