Targeted Bacteria Monitoring Project
Purpose/Objectives
Texas Clean Rivers Program (CRP) routine monitoring data are analyzed each year as part of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Basin Highlights/Summary Reports process. In H-GAC CRP basins, bacteria is the most prevalent pollutant measured. The program uses a systematic watershed monitoring approach to evaluate areas of concern. The purpose of this study was to identify potential point and non-point sources of bacteria, and provide a reference for future monitoring to determine if there are any improvements after the source has been identified. Locations with elevated bacteria are referred to the appropriate responsible city, district, or entity to request further investigation to identify the actual source of loading into the waterway.
Study Area
9 assessment units throughout the Greater Houston-Galveston area
Project Period
2023
Description
In conjunction with the H-GAC and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EIH collected bacteria samples (E. coli) in nine assessment units in the greater Houston area in order to investigate potential bacteria loading sources during dry weather (72-hour antecedent dry period). Sites with elevated bacteria were identified, prioritized, and referred to H-GAC/TCEQ to further investigate the proper local authority for those respective areas.
Publications and Presentations
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1007T _01, Bintliff Ditch. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 29 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1007U_01, Mimosa Ditch. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 18 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1014O_01, Spring Branch (tributary of Buffalo Bayou). Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 29 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1017_03, White Oak Bayou above tidal. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 23 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1017A_01, Brickhouse Gully. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 33 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1017B_02, Cole Creek. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 27 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1017D_01, unnamed tributary of White Oak Bayou. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 19 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1017E_01, unnamed tributary of White Oak Bayou. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 17 pp.
Oakley, J.W., Chau, K., and McDaniel, S. 2023. Targeted bacteria monitoring project: field investigation final report, assessment unit 1101D_01, unnamed tributary of Robinson Bayou. Final report. Environmental Institute of Houston. 23 pp.
Project Sponsors
Related links
Contact
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Environmental Institute of Houston
Phone: 281-283-3950
Email: eih@uhcl.eduNorth Office Annex
2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 540
Houston, TX 77058-1002
