Meetings to address water quality in Sandy, Wolf creeks
The Texas Water Resources Institute, or TWRI, in collaboration with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, will host two free meetings on April 13 in Woodville and Jasper for anyone interested in joining a partnership to improve and protect water quality in Sandy and Wolf creeks.
TWRI is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
The first meeting will be from 1-2:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension office for Tyler County, 201 Veterans Way in Woodville. The second will be from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Jasper County Courthouse Annex, 271 E. Lamar St. in Jasper.
Coordinators said both meetings will have identical agendas, so individuals need only attend one. At the meetings, presenters will discuss the current water quality data and facilitate stakeholder workgroups to better identify management strategies for improving water quality.
The meetings are the second in a series with local stakeholders to address water quality impairments in Sandy Creek and Wolf Creek. Both water bodies, which are in Jasper and Tyler counties and feed into Lake B.A. Steinhagen, do not meet all state water quality standards.
“Both water bodies fail to meet the state water quality standards for contact recreation,” said Michael Schramm, TWRI research specialist, College Station. “Elevated levels of bacteria, such as E. coli found in human and animal waste, may indicate increased risk for people who swim or play in the stream.”
Schramm said through a project it manages, TWRI will work with local landowners, agricultural producers, residents and other stakeholders to develop strategies to reduce bacteria and other pollutants in the local waterways.
Brock Fry, AgriLife Extension agent for Jasper County, encouraged interested individuals to attend.
“Input from local residents is essential for developing and implementing a successful strategy to improve water quality,” Fry said. “This is an opportunity for residents to learn about water quality and have their concerns addressed.”
For more information, visit the project website or contact Schramm at michael.schramm@ag.tamu.edu.
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