2009 Basin Highlight Report

Transcription

1 Prepared by the San Antonio River Authority in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality The preparation of this report was financed through grants from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Basin Overview The San Antonio River Basin is located in south central Texas. While the San Antonio River Authority s political district is comprised of four counties (Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad), the actual basin is comprised of all or part of 14 counties (see map below). The basin extends north into the Texas Hill Country in the lower portion of Kerr County and continues southeast to the Guadalupe River about 10 miles from San Antonio Bay. Most of the basin is rural, except Bexar County, which is in the center of the basin and consists of the City of San Antonio and various smaller municipalities. Five major perennial streams flow into the San Antonio River: Cibolo Creek, Leon Creek, Medina River, Medio Creek and Salado Creek. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) divides the basin into 13 designated stream segments or sub-watersheds. 1

2 Why Monitor? Rivers and reservoirs are always moving and changing. Water quality can change in a minute due to weather, flow, storm water runoff, the quality or quantity of point source discharges or illegal dumping. TCEQ and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) are constantly collecting data; unfortunately, the instruments are expensive to operate, stationary, and only monitor a few field parameters. It is still necessary to send trained field staff out into the field to collect water quality samples and bring those samples back to a qualified laboratory for analysis. It is important to determine the current concentration of numerous pollutants throughout the basin to better manage our valuable water resources. Multiple agencies collect data in the basin. These agencies often have different missions and data needs requiring specific water quality sampling to satisfy their needs. Each year, the Clean Rivers Program holds a coordinated monitoring meeting where all the agencies that monitor in the basin can get together and discuss their sampling needs. This meeting helps eliminate duplicate monitoring efforts by hosting a discussion about where each agency will sample, what will be sampled for and how often samples will be collected. This saves resources that can then be re-directed to additional monitoring. SARA field biologist measuring flow Water quality models have been developed to predict how changes in weather, land use, flow, wastewater discharge or implementation of best management practices will affect water quality. These models need recent, valid water quality data to calibrate and validate the models, which in turn leads to better water quality predictions. Engineers, scientists and politicians can make better decisions to preserve and improve water quality with a larger quantity of recent, high quality data. Information on current TCEQ and SARA monitoring sites is available on the statewide coordinated monitoring schedule that is maintained by the Lower Colorado River Authority: SARA data can be found on SARA s web site, and both SARA s and TCEQ s data can be found at www8.tceq.state.tx.us/swqmisweb/public/index.faces The Texas Clean Rivers Program (CRP) In 1991, the 72nd Texas Legislature passed legislation creating the Texas Clean Rivers Program. This program is administered by the TCEQ and was very different from any other monitoring program at the time in Texas. The CRP created a partnership mainly with river authorities, but also local and special area agencies to create a network of monitoring stations that reported data to the TCEQ. Partnering with other agencies created an atmosphere of cooperation, and built bonds and communication between the agencies. Another unusual aspect of this program was the early use of stakeholders to guide the program. Currently, SARA uses an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) made up of stakeholders from various geographical areas within the basin who represent a variety of personal and professional interests. This group meets quarterly, and is routinely contacted through . The EAC provides input to the CRP and a variety of other SARA projects and programs that have an environmental component. 2

3 Perhaps the most unique aspect of the CRP is the early attention to quality assurance. Early on, the CRP provided quality control and data management training to its partners as part of its program. By 1996, all data submitted to the CRP had to be collected under an approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP). This QAPP described: 1. How the sample was collected 2. Which analytical methods were used 3. Where the samples were collected 4. Which quality objectives had to be met before a sample could be submitted to TCEQ 5. How the data was handled Currently, 32 sites are sampled through the CRP in the San Antonio River Basin by SARA (see basin map at center fold). Twenty-five sites are considered long term monitoring sites, placed to assess the long term health of the basin. These sites are occasionally changed due to necessity, changes in land use and financial constraints of the program. Seven sites are currently collected under systematic monitoring. Short term systematic monitoring is collected for one year, then moved to another area. Systematic sampling is usually conducted off the main stem of a river, on nondesignated stream segments. Routine parameters are collected six times a year and include ph, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water temperature, secchi depth, observations, flow, total suspended solids, sulfate, chloride, Escherichia coli (E. Coli) bacteria, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total organic carbon and total phosphorus. In addition, 18 sites have one diurnal (24 hour) dissolved oxygen collection. Diurnal dissolved oxygen samples are collected by deploying an instrument that collects dissolved oxygen every 15 minutes for 24 hours. This allows for dissolved oxygen to be measured as it decreases during the night and early morning and increases during daylight hours. This allows for dissolved oxygen to be measured as it changes during the night, early morning and daylight hours. Temperature, ph and conductivity are also measured during the 24 hour period. At 15 sites, habitat and fish communities are assessed annually to determine aquatic health of the basin. Benthic macro invertebrates are also assessed at one site on Salado Creek in Comanche Park; this assessment unit has been identified as impairment. SARA Monitoring While the CRP provides money and a framework for monitoring data, it is insufficient to fully assess the aquatic health of the San Antonio River Basin. When the CRP started in 1991, the state wide program received five million dollars; in 2009 the state wide program still receives only five million dollars, even though the cost of collecting, analyzing and providing data to the State has increased over the last 18 years. In response to this, SARA has developed and funds a companion monitoring program, SARA Stream Monitoring, to address the need for additional monitoring in the basin. SARA Stream Monitoring has 12 routine monitoring sites: 4 sites that support the River Recreation Web site; 3 sites that support a watershed protection plan developed for the upper 8 miles of the San Antonio River; and 9 sites that are in support of a nutrient study. This data is collected under the QAPP, and goes through the same quality control and data management checks as the CRP data. SARA s CRP QAPP can be viewed on SARA s web site, Routine Monitoring: Routine sites are usually sampled monthly for the same parameters collected under the CRP: ph, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water temperature, secchi depth, observations, flow, total suspended solids, sulfate, chloride, E. coli bacteria, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total organic carbon, and total phosphorus. SARA anticipates monitoring for metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, silver, zinc) in water, once the laboratory accreditation process is complete for these metals. 3

4 Support of the River Recreation web site: E. coli bacteria and flow are collected weekly in support of the River Recreation web site, The samples are collected so the results of the bacteria analysis can be placed on the web site each Friday morning. The web site presents bacteria, flow and other information about recreational opportunities throughout the basin. Although not placed on the web site, SARA routine monitoring parameters are also collected for these sample sites each month. Support of the Watershed Protection Plan: Two samples on the Upper San Antonio River (Woodlawn Ave near the Municipal Golf Course and in Brackenridge Park) are collected 6 times per year under CRP and 6 times per year under SARA Stream Monitoring in support of the Upper San Antonio Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) for bacteria. In addition, the watercourse which runs through the San Antonio Zoo and discharges directly into the San Antonio River is monitored monthly. Nutrient Study: Currently, SARA is involved in a basin-wide nutrient study. Nine sample sites are collected under the nutrient study for the same parameters collected under SARA routine monitoring. In addition, all SARA and CRP sites are analyzed for chlorophyll a, pheophytin and ortho phosphate to support this project. The goal of this study is to characterize the nutrient sources and loading and to provide this information to the TCEQ for use when the State looks at establishing nutrient standards in streams. Riffle and pool habitat on Leon Creek SARA s TMDL Implementation Monitoring of the Upper San Antonio River, Salado Creek and Walzem Creek (TMDL-IP) SARA s TMDL-IP monitoring is part of a larger project to reduce bacteria pollutant loading as required by the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies that were done on the San Antonio River and Salado Creek. This study is funded by an EPA 319 grant administered by the TCEQ. The 319 grant is a 60/40 match grant, where 40 percent of the money is required to come from local match. SARA provides the local funding for this program. This is a three year project with monitoring being conducted in the first two years (September, 2008 August, 2010). The goal of most monitoring within the basin is to assess the aquatic health of streams and reservoirs and determine trends. The goal of the TMDL-IP program is to determine the source and magnitude of E. coli bacteria contamination in the Upper San Antonio River, Salado Creek and Walzem Creek. This is done through two types of monitoring of bacteria (synoptic and intensive), flow and field parameters. Samples are collected under ambient flow conditions (not impacted by storm water runoff). Synoptic Monitoring: Synoptic monitoring is the collection of samples from many locations during a short period of time to give a snap shot of the water quality at one time. SARA staff collect 44 samples on the Upper San Antonio River and its tributaries, 23 samples on Salado Creek and its tributaries, and 3 samples on Walzem Creek every month. The results of the bacteria synoptic sampling are placed on a series of maps so the results can be viewed and evaluated for identifying the possible sources of bacteria. 4

5 Intensive Survey: On the intensive survey, all synoptic sample sites are collected, and samples are collected at least every mile between the sites on Salado Creek and the Upper San Antonio River from the headwaters to Loop 410 in South Bexar County. On the San Antonio River from Loop 410 to FM 791 near Falls City in Karnes County, samples are collected at synoptic sites and at least every three miles between each site. Also, all flowing tributaries, pipes, springs and seeps are sampled. The location of all non-synoptic sites is recorded using global positioning system (GPS) so the locations and bacteria levels can be placed on maps. SARA is sharing the water quality maps showing bacteria levels with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). SAWS is using this information to identify areas where renovation of sewer lines could improve water quality. SARA s Leon Creek TMDL for Dissolved Oxygen and Bacteria Impairments The TCEQ has contracted SARA to verify depressed dissolved oxygen (DO) and develop information necessary to support a bacterial (E. coli) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) in the Lower Leon Creek, Segment The TMDL is fully funded by the TCEQ. Segment 1906 is located in south-central Texas and starts just upstream of SH 16 in Bexar County and ends with its confluence with Medina River in South Bexar County. Some of the larger tributaries flowing directly to the Lower Leon Creek include: French Creek, Culebra Creek, Huebner Creek, Indian Creek, and Comanche Creek. The Leon Creek generally flows south and flows through an urbanized residential area (see basin map at center fold). A TMDL is required by the Clean Water Act for all streams listed on the TCEQ 303(d) List. The TMDL is a calculation to determine how much a pollutant must be reduced in order for a body of water to reach and maintain the water quality standards set by the state. The Leon Creek TMDL is a two year project running from September 1, 2008 to August 31, The objective of the TMDL is to use scientifically rigorous processes to collect and analyze 24 hour DO and E. coli data from various sites throughout Segment 1906 (see table below). Information generated will be used to determine the source(s) of impairment and overall organic load reduction needed to restore and protect Lower Leon Creek s water quality. In addition to routine DO and bacteria water sampling, two storm water events will also be collected and analyzed. Station ID & Description SH 16-4 miles W. of Mitchell Lake Quintana Road Downstream Kelly AFB Lower Leon Creek Segment TMDL Monitoring Sites 24 Hour Dissolved Oxygen Ambient E. coli Storm Water E. coli X X X X X X X The TMDL contract was established after a draft 2008 TCEQ 303(d) List, dated March 19, 2008, identified several areas within the Lower Leon Creek as being impaired based on the state s contact recreation (bacteria) and high aquatic life use (dissolved oxygen) standard. Upstream Rodriquez Park Old Hwy X X 5

6 Twenty-four Hour Dissolved Oxygen sampling will be spaced over the State index period representing warm-weather seasons of the year (March 15-October 15), with a two year project total of 25 samples. Instantaneous flow will be collected as a 24 hour dissolved oxygen companion activity. E. coli sampling will be conducted under ambient flow conditions throughout the year to prevent biasing the data and to account for seasonal wet/dry months. This results in a two year project total of 72 samples. Instantaneous flow and field measurements sampling will be collected as an ambient E. coli sampling companion activity. Storm water E. coli sampling will be conducted during 2 high flow events. For each of the 2 events, a series of 4 samples will be collected at 3 sites, for a project total of 24 samples. In addition to E. coli sampling, flow and field measurements will be collected. In an effort to continue to improve and protect water quality throughout the Lower Leon Creek,SARA and the TCEQ are in negotiations to develop and implement a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP). Continuous monitoring site on San Antonio River at The Witte Museum The WPP will compliment the Leon Creek TMDL effort by pro-actively verifying suspected pollution sources through an aggressive data collection plan. The WPP will also engage stakeholders in the process and pursue outreach efforts to get the public involved. The information developed in the WPP will serve as an aid to identify and select the types of Best Management Practices (BMP s) necessary to reduce non-point source pollution and determine locations where installation and/or implementation would be most effective, economical and complimentary to local interests. Texas Instream Flows Program (TIFP) The TIFP is administered jointly by the TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to determine how much water a river needs to maintain a sound ecological environment. This project will not only look at the quantity of water but also the quality and timing needed to maintain a healthy and sound ecological environment. SARA is working with the three State agencies and stakeholders to determine priorities and develop a study plan. SARA anticipates working with the State agencies in completing this study, once the study plan is completed and approved by the stakeholders. Additional information about the TIFP and how to become involved as a stakeholder can be found at www. twdb.state.tx.us/instreamflows. TCEQ Monitoring TCEQ s Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Network Program (CWQMN): This program was developed by the TCEQ to provide real time water quality information accessible through the internet at (Select Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Stations and Data). This continuous monitoring can be used to determine long term water quality trends. However, since data is collected hourly at most sites, the impact of short term events, such as rainfall or a spill, can also be monitored in almost real time from your computer. 6

7 In 2001 the TCEQ established its first real-time stations in the Brazos River Basin. Since then the program has expanded to include continuous ambient monitoring stations (CAMS) in 12 river or coastal basins, with a total of 60 stations. The TCEQ is partnering with private businesses, local governments and entities to provide funding for the continuous monitoring network. The table below identifies the stations and information available in the San Antonio River Basin. CAMS ID Location Sponsor Parameters Established 711 Medina River near Macdona Bexar Metropolitan Water District ( Temperature, Flow, Gage Height, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 10/20/ San Antonio River at The Witte Museum Witte Museum ( Temperature, Conductivity 6/24/ Leon Creek at IH 35 City of San Antonio ( San Antonio Metropolitan Health District ( Precipitation, Temperature, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 10/20/ Medina River at San Antonio (Highway 281 S) San Antonio River Authority (SARA) ( Temperature, Flow, Gage Height, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 10/20/ San Antonio River at Elmendorf CPS Energy ( San Antonio Water System (SAWS) ( Temperature, Flow, Gage Height, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 10/20/ Salado Creek at Los Patios Capital Aggregates LTD ( IPS Meteostar ( Temperature, Sample Depth, Conductivity, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 11/14/2007 Los Patios ( 769 Medina River at Applewhite Rd. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. ( Temperature, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 4/10/2008 ID # Pending Medio Creek at Pearsall Rd. Waste Management ( Temperature, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and ph 2/18/2009

8 8

9 Monitoring Sites in the Basin

10 On the web site you will find pictures of: Monitoring station Creek upstream of the stations Creek downstream of the stations Left bank (as you are looking downstream, the bank on your left side) Right bank (as you are looking downstream, the bank on your right side) Area Maps Wide Aerial Photo Overall Site View Close-up Aerial Photo Street Level Map USGS continuous monitoring site on San Antonio River in Karnes County This program is an example of TCEQ working with other government organizations, foundations and private industry to help improve water quality in the San Antonio River Basin. As additional sponsors come forward, other stations will be created. Upper Cibolo Creek at Nature Center in Boerne TCEQ s Routine Monitoring: All Statewide routine monitoring sites are identified on the coordinated monitoring schedule that is maintained by the Lower Colorado River Authority at lcra.org, and their data is available at www8.tceq.state.tx.us/swqmisweb/public/index.faces The TCEQ monitors 15 sites in the basin; this data is usually collected by their local field office staff in San Antonio. Field parameters (dissolved oxygen, conductivity, ph and water temperature), E. coli bacteria, flows and conventional parameters such as volatile suspended solids, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, sulfate, chloride, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen, total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus total organic carbon, fluoride and alkalinity and chlorophyll-a are monitored quarterly. 10 Two sites, Leon Creek at IH 35 and Leon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, will be sampled quarterly for metals in water, and twice per year for metals in sediment.

11 TCEQ TMDL for PCBs in Fish Tissue: In August of 2003 the Texas Department of Health, now the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), issued a fish consumption advisory for Leon Creek. The DSHS recommends that fish caught in the creek from the Highway 90 bridge to Military Drive in Bexar County should not be consumed due to high levels of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in fish tissue. DSHS is in the process of analyzing fish samples collected to confirm the impairment. If the impairment is confirmed, the TCEQ will develop a total maximum daily load (TMDL) project to address the consumption advisory. The goal of the project will be to reduce contaminant concentrations in fish tissue to levels which allow consumers to eat fish taken from Leon Creek. United States Geological Survey (USGS) Monitoring Continuous Monitoring: The USGS maintains 25 continuous monitoring sites within the basin; two of the sample sites are temporarily not transmitting due to construction associated with the San Antonio River Improvements Project. San Pedro Springs in San Antonio Most of the USGS sites monitor for gage height and flow. These parameters are of particular importance because water quality is often dependent on the amount of water flowing in the river. These monitoring sites are also critical for public safety in determining the magnitude of floods. Measurements are collected every 15 minutes and are available in real time from the USGS web site, water.usgs.gov. Water quality data such as temperature, conductivity, ph and dissolved oxygen are also available for 6 of the 25 sample sites within the basin in 15 minute intervals. The dissolved oxygen values, as they fluctuate throughout the day and night, are of particular importance to the aquatic health of the streams. In addition to the water quality and quantity, five of the sites collect precipitation data. This data is also available on the USGS web site. Four of the sites are also included in the TCEQ s continuous monitoring program. Characterization of Sediment Quality Study: The goal of this study is to determine the occurrence and distribution of organic and inorganic pollutants in stream sediment in Bexar County. Samples are collected in 7 watersheds within Bexar County Medio Creek, Leon Creek, Elm Creek, San Antonio River, Salado Creek, Calaveras Creek and Martinez Creek. The sediment samples are analyzed for a variety of pollutants, including: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) Insecticides Chlordane and Dichloro Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDTs) Herbicides - Dacthal and Triclosan Metals Once this study is complete a report will be available through the USGS web site at 11

12 Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Monitoring While the EAA is primarily concerned with groundwater, they also monitor water quality on numerous rivers that contribute significant groundwater recharge to the Edwards Aquifer. The EAA also monitors numerous springs that discharge from the Edwards Aquifer. In the San Antonio River Basin, the EAA monitors Medina River at Bandera, San Antonio Springs (the Blue Hole) and San Pedro Springs for field parameters, bacteria, metals, ions nutrients, pesticides, herbicides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). For a complete review of the EAA s monitoring program and data results see their latest Hydrogeologic Data Reports at their web site, Storm water samples are collected from 7 sites under this program. A wide variety of parameters are collected, including chemical oxygen demand, nutrients, solids, oil and grease, metals, bacteria and diazinon. SARA field biologists heading out to collect samples The EAA is also monitoring storm water runoff in Lorence Creek, just southwest of Loop 1604 and Highway 281 in North Bexar County, at the Hollywood Park Sinkhole. When storm water runoff sheets across land, it picks up contaminants on the land surface and carries these contaminants to our rivers or to recharge structures such as the Hollywood Park Sink Hole. This sink hole allows water to recharge rapidly into the Edwards Aquifer with little filtering of contaminants. A device has been installed that causes the first flush of storm water runoff which contains the highest concentrations of pollutants to bypass the sinkhole. This monitoring will determine the amount of pollutant loading that is prevented from entering the aquifer. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Monitoring The City of San Antonio, San Antonio Water System, and Texas Department of Transportation are copermittees for a MS4 permit. Unlike a sanitary sewer, which carries waste to a treatment plant that then treats the wastewater prior to discharging to streams or reservoirs, storm sewers collect storm water from rooftops, streets and impervious pavement and carries the runoff directly to our streams and reservoirs with little or no treatment. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Monitoring TPWD is collecting fish community and habitat data in the basin before the start of the Texas Instream Flows study. TPWD plans on monitoring several sites within the basin. In January, TPWD collected data on the San Antonio River just above the confluence with the Guadalupe River. SARA staff assisted TPWD with this monitoring effort. The Texas Instream flows program partners TPWD, TCEQ and TWDB with local agencies, like SARA and stakeholders to study the quantity, quality and timing of stream flow needed to maintain an ecologically sound environment. This includes both instream and riparian habitat and communities. 12

13 Assessment of the Basin Every five years, SARA publishes an assessment report as part of the CRP. The 2008 Basin Summary Report has a detailed review of water quality concerns, programs and activities in the basin. This report is available on SARA s web site at select Texas Clean Rivers Program and then select Assessment Report. Water quality data, habitat assessments and fish and macrobenthic communities are assessed every two years by TCEQ, and the results of the assessments are published as the Texas Water Quality Inventory. This very detailed report can be accessed through the TCEQ s web site at in the search cell type in Water Body Assessments by Basin and click Go. Parameters identified as impaired do not meet the state s Surface Water Quality Standards as identified in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307 and are placed on the 303(d) List. Parameters listed as concerns typically have no state standard, but are assessed according to screening criteria in TCEQ s 2008 Guidance for Assessing and Reporting Surface Water Quality in Texas (Guidance). Parameters listed as a concern for near non-attainment meet the state standard, but are close to being identified as impaired. Both the TAC and Guidance can be accessed through TCEQ s web site. Lower Cibolo Creek The segment (1902) extends from the confluence with the San Antonio River in Karnes County to a point 100 meters (110 yards) downstream of IH 10 in Bexar/ Guadalupe County. Bacteria Impairment Fish Communities Impairment Nutrients (nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern Medina River below Medina Diversion Lake The segment (1903) extends from the confluence with the San Antonio River in Bexar County to Medina Diversion Dam in Medina County. Nutrients (ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern Fish Communities Near non-attainment Medina Lake The segment (1904) extends from Medina Lake Dam in Medina County to a point immediately upstream of the confluence of Red Bluff Creek in Bandera County, up to the normal pool elevation of feet (impounds Medina River). No impairments, concerns or near nonattainments were found in Medina Lake. Salado Creek at Southton Rd. A summary of the impairments, concerns and concerns for near non-attainment (identified in the Texas Water Quality Inventory) are identified below for the San Antonio Basin. If a concern or impairment is listed below it means that either the entire segment, or just a portion of the segment, was identified as a concern or impairment. Lower San Antonio River The segment (1901) extends from the confluence with the Guadalupe River in Refugio/Victoria County to a point 600 meters (660 yards) downstream of FM 791 at Mays Crossing near Falls City in Karnes County. Bacteria Impairment Nutrients (nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern Fish Communities Near non-attainment 13

14 Medina River above Medina Lake The segment (1905) extends from a point immediately upstream of the confluence with Red Bluff Creek in Bandera County to the confluence of the North Prong Medina River and the West Prong Medina River in Bandera County. Fish Communities Impairment Lower Leon Creek The segment (1906) extends from the confluence with the Medina River in Bexar County to a point 100 meters (110 yards) upstream of SH 16 northwest of San Antonio in Bexar County. Bacteria Impairment Dissolved Oxygen Impairment PCB in fish tissue Impairment* Silver in sediment Concern Nutrients (ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen) Concern Fish Communities Near non-attainment * The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) ( has issued a fish consumption advisory due to PCBs in fish tissue. The TDSHS recommends not to consume any species of fish from Leon Creek starting at the Texas Highway 90 Bridge downstream to Military Drive. This is the only location in the basin with a fish consumption warning. Medio Creek at Hidden Valley Upper Leon Creek The segment (1907) extends from a point 100 meters (110 yards) upstream of SH 16 northwest of San Antonio in Bexar County to a point 9.0 kilometers (5.6 miles) upstream of Scenic Loop Road north of Helotes in Bexar County. No impairments, concerns or near non-attainments were found in the Upper Leon Creek segment; however, this segment is not commonly sampled, since most of the segment is dry except during very wet conditions. Upper Cibolo Creek The segment (1908) extends from the Missouri-Pacific Railroad Bridge west of Bracken in Comal County to a point 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) upstream of the confluence with Champee Springs in Kendall County. Fish Communities Impairment Nutrients (ammonia nitrogen, orth-phosphorus) Concern Habitat - Concern Medina Diversion Lake The segment (1909) extends from Medina Diversion Dam in Medina County to Medina Lake Dam in Medina County, up to the normal pool elevation of feet (impounds Medina River). No impairments, concerns or near nonattainments were found in Medina Diversion Lake. Salado Creek The segment (1910) extends from the confluence with the San Antonio River in Bexar County to Rocking Horse Lane west of Camp Bullis in Bexar County. Bacteria Impairment Dissolved Oxygen Impairment Fish Community Impairment Macrobenthic Community Impairment Habitat Concern 14

15 Upper San Antonio River The segment (1911) extends from a point 600 meters (660 yards) downstream of FM791 at Mays Crossing near Falls City in Karnes County to a point 100 meters (110 yards) upstream of Hildebrand Avenue at San Antonio in Bexar County. Bacteria Impairment Fish Community Impairment Nutrients (nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern SARA s state of the art testing facility Mid Cibolo Creek The segment (1901) extends from a point 100 meters (110 yards) downstream of IH 10 in Bexar/Guadalupe County to the Missouri-Pacific Railroad bridge west of Bracken in Comal County. Bacteria Impairment Dissolved Oxygen Impairment Nutrients (ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern By assessing the data and determining where there are impairments and concerns, the agencies are able to prioritize studies and projects to abate the pollutants. Public Outreach SARA s community relations staff is busy producing SARA s quarterly newspaper, the River Reach, and participating in numerous events promoting the environment and recreation within the basin. They are also active in organizing the quarterly meetings of the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), which acts as a standing stakeholder group for the CRP and other programs at SARA. SARA staff at the 2008 San Antonio Boat Show Medio Creek The segment (1912) extends from the confluence with the Medina River in Bexar County to a point 1.0 kilometer (0.6 mile) upstream of IH 35 at San Antonio in Bexar County. Nutrients (nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern Fish Community Near non-attainment Upper Medio Creek The segment 1.0 kilometer upstream of IH 35 at San Antonio in Bexar County is an unclassified stream segment (1912A). Nutrients (nitrate nitrogen, orth-phosphorus, total phosphorus) Concern Chlorophyll a Concern Bacteria Near non-attainment 15

16 Excessive duckweed growth on Cibolo due to abundant nutrients. A new effort at SARA is the publication of the San Antonio River Basin Creek Book. This book will promote environmental stewardship for people who reside and work in the watershed. The Creek Book will discuss green alternatives and best management practices to promote good water quality, healthy aquatic and riparian habitats and diverse aquatic and riverine communities. This book is scheduled for publication this summer. As a result of the WPP completed in 2006 for bacteria in the Upper San Antonio River, SARA obtained a 319 grant to implement measures to reduce bacteria in the River Walk Loop portion of the Upper San Antonio River. SARA is working closely with its partners (Bexar County, City of San Antonio and San Antonio Water System) and stakeholders to develop a program of education and public outreach to reduce behaviors that cause high bacteria levels in the River Walk Area. To find out more about how to participate in public outreach in the basin, or to receive the River Reach, visit SARA s web site and select Contact Us. The Environmental Sciences Department has been supporting community relations staff by participating in the annual Teachers workshop, presenting BasinQuest (SARA s basin-specific water education program for 6,7th and 8th grade students) to teachers, and participating in World Monitoring Day. Additional information on these programs and an Events Calendar can be viewed on SARA s web site, under Public Information. SARA s Pollution Investigations SARA has on staff an Environmental Investigations Coordinator who works with other agencies and the public to find sources of pollutants and help coordinate the clean-up of the pollutants. This includes sewage spills, illegal discharges, fish kills and illegal dumping. If you suspect any of these activities, please contact the San Antonio River Authority at (210) Duckweed (close up) 16