TEMPLE - The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) is announcing the release of the 2015 Annual Report. Managing Nonpoint Source Water Pollution in Texas – 2015 Annual Reportis a jointly published report by the TSSWCB and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is a culmination of the State’s efforts to ensure and improve the quality of water in Texas. The report highlights annual load reductions of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment and success stories achieved on waterbodies across the state.
Each year, Congress appropriates federal funds to States through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act §319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant Program. These funds are used to administer and implement the Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program, and in order to continue receiving these federal funds, the State of Texas must annually report on success in achieving the goals and objectives of the Program.
Efforts during fiscal year 2015 focused on collecting data, assessing water quality and implementing projects in order to prevent or reduce the effects of nonpoint source pollution as well as educating the public. Implementation of best management practices across the state resulted in load reductions of 1,654 tons of sediment, 2,809 pounds of phosphorus and 19,979 pounds of nitrogen.
When implementation efforts lead to restoration of water quality in impaired waterbodies, a success story is written. During fiscal year 2015, two success stories were written, one of those being on the Concho River and the Tenaha Creek Arm of Toledo Bend Reservoir. Many local, regional, state and federal agencies play an integral part in managing nonpoint source pollution, especially at the watershed level. By coordinating with these partners to share information and resources and to develop and implement strategies together, the State can more effectively focus its water quality protection and restoration efforts.
The report is available for download at http://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/reports#nps. Hard copies are available upon request.
For more information about the report, Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Texas – 2015 Annual Report, please contact Molly Dutton at 254-773-2250.