Improving Austin Streams
This presentation by Chris Herrington, PE, highlights the potential for fecal contamination in Austin's water bodies, particularly through E. coli as an indicator. Various sources, including domestic animals, leaking wastewater infrastructure, wildlife, and human activities, contribute to this issue. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards guide the assessment and management efforts. A collaborative five-year plan focused on education, infrastructure maintenance, stormwater treatment, and riparian restoration aims to reduce this contamination and improve the health of Austin's waterways.
Improving Austin Streams
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Presentation Transcript
Improving Austin Streams Presented to the North University NA December 2, 2013 Chris Herrington, PE
Potential presence of fecal contamination measured with indicator bacteria E. coli
E. coli as a fecal indicator • Contact Recreation Standard set by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Measure potential for fecal contamination, not actual presence of pathogens • Long-term measure of conditions, not an assessment of human risk
Taylor Slough South Spicewood Trib to Shoal Waller Creek (upstream of 15th) Walnut Creek
Sources of Fecal Contamination • Domestic animals (dogs, cats, chickens) • Leaking wastewater infrastructure • Wildlife (deer, bird, racoon, etc.) • Humans defecating in creeks • Failing homeowner septic tanks
How to reduce fecal bacteria Working with TCEQ, diverse group of stakeholders to develop a 5-year plan that addresses: • Domestic pet waste via public education • Wastewater infrastructure maintenance • Stormwater treatment • Riparian zone restoration
Public Education Works Does pet waste pollute water?
Preserve and Restore Riparian Zones austintexas.gov/blog/grow-zones
Resources for Individuals growgreen.org
More Information Web austintexas.gov/department/watershed-protection Twitter twitter.com/austinwatershed Facebook facebook.com/AustinWatershed
More Information Chris Herrington • Direct: (512) 974-2840 • Email: Chris.Herrington@austintexas.gov 24-hour Environmental Hotline (512) 974-2550 austintexas.gov/department/watershed-protection