The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking public
comment during a 30-day period beginning June 6 for the Total
Maximum Daily Load. The goal of a TMDL is to determine the amount
(concentration or load) of a pollutant that a body of water can
receive and still support its beneficial uses. The TMDLs address
bacteria in White Oak and Buffalo Bayous and tributaries in Harris,
Fort Bend and Waller counties.
The TCEQ will conduct a meeting to receive comments on the TMDLs
on Monday, June 9, 2008, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at
Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons, Conference Room A in
Houston.
The meeting provides the public an opportunity to comment on 18
draft TMDLs. The commission requests comment on the TMDL document.
After the public comment period, TCEQ staff may revise the plan, if
appropriate. The final TMDLs will then be considered for approval
by the commission and subsequently submitted to the EPA as an
update to the State Water Quality Management Plan. Upon commission
approval, the plan and a response to public comments will be made
available on the TCEQ Web site.
As required by §303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act,
eighteen TMDLs were developed for bacteria. More information on the
project and the draft TMDL is available online:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/water/tmdl/22-buffalobayou.html
or to receive a copy call 512-239-6682.
Written comments should be submitted to Ronald Stein, TCEQ,
Water Programs Division, MC 203, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, and TX,
78711-3087 or faxed to 512-239-1414. All comments must be received
no later than 5:00 p.m., July 5, 2008 and should
reference, Eighteen Total Maximum Daily Loads for
Bacteria in Buffalo and White Oak Bayous and
Tributaries.
