Highland Bayou Watershed Characterization

Purpose/Objectives

EIH will collect and analyze samples of surface water from specified locations within the project area. Samples will be collected between September 2010 and July 2011. The analyses will be used by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to define water quality issues, their seasonal trends, and spatial patterns. Data from these analyses will be used by Extension for the preparation of a watershed characterization report to be delivered to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Study Area

Highland Bayou Coastal Basin

Project Period

2010 – 2011

Description

The Highland Bayou Coastal Basin in Galveston County stretches from Moses Lake north of Texas City to the southwest toward the Brazoria County line. The project area includes the following sub-watersheds: Moses Lake and bayou, Texas City Ship Channel, Marchand Bayou, Highland Bayou, and the estuarial basins of Basford and Carancahua Bayous. Both Highland Bayou and Marchand Bayou are currently listed on the list of impaired waters for low dissolved oxygen and high bacteria concentration. Both segments were originally listed in 2002 as requiring additional characterization for the impairment. Describing the scope, scale, and character of the impairment will be an essential component of a watershed characterization report, and its successor document, a US EPA-approved watershed protection plan for the project area to address the pollutants of concern.

Project Sponsors

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Related Links

Highland Bayou Watershed Protection Plan