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QPR TSSWCB 11-08 January 10, 2014

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Geotechnology Research Institute (GTRI)

Development of a Watershed Protection Plan for Double Bayou Quarterly Progress Report

FY 11 CWA 319(h) TSSWCB Project No. 11-08

Quarter No. 5 (October 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013) I. Abstract

During this seventh quarter of the project, the team focused on the first workgroup meetings, developing the answers to water quality questions, gathering data and initial sampling efforts. The Double Bayou quarterly meeting was held via phone conference on Thursday, October 10 2013; TSSWCB, GTRI, USGS and Shead Conservation Solutions were in attendance. The first stakeholder workgroup meetings were held. The Recreation/Hunting workgroup meeting focusing on potential sources was held at the ChaRT office in Anahauc on November 12, 2013. The Septic/Wastewater Treatment Plant workgroup meeting focusing on potential sources was held at the ChaRT office in Anahauc on November 18, 2013. The Ag/Wildlife/Feral Hogs workgroup meeting focusing on potential sources was held at Tony’s Barbecue in Anahauc on November 19, 2013. A stakeholder meeting discussing the results of the workgroup meetings and water quality was held on December 10, 2013 at the Double Bayou Community Building.

II. Overall Progress and Results by Task

Task 1: Project Administration

Subtask 1.1 GTRI will prepare electronic quarterly progress reports (QPRs) for submission to the TSSWCB. QPRs shall document all activities performed within a quarter and shall be submitted by the 15th of January, April, July and October. QPRs shall be distributed to all Project Partners and posted on the project website. Months 1-36. (Quarterly progress reports in electronic format)

• July QPR submitted July 12, 2012. • July QPR posted on the website in September 2012. • October QPR will be submitted October 12, 2012. • October QPR submitted October 12, 2012. • October QPR posted on the website in December 2012. • January QPR submitted on January 14, 2013. • January QPR posted on the website in March 2013. • April QPR submitted on April 12, 2013. • April QPR posted on the website in May 2013. • July QPR submitted on July 12, 2013.


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• July QPR posted on the website in September 2013. • October QPR submitted on October 10, 2013. • October QPR posted on the website in December 2013.

50% Complete

Subtask 1.2 GTRI will perform accounting functions for project funds and will submit appropriate Reimbursement Forms to TSSWCB at least quarterly. Months 1-36. (Reimbursement forms and necessary documentation in hard copy format)

• April 2012 invoice submitted June 11, 2012 • May 2012 invoice submitted June 11, 2012 • June 2012 invoice submitted August 10, 2012 • July 2012 invoice submitted August 10, 2012 • August 2012 invoice submitted September 12, 2012 • September2012 invoice submitted October 11, 2012 • October 2012 invoice submitted November 13, 2012 • November 2012 invoice submitted December 11, 2012 • December 2012 invoice submitted February 26, 2013 • January 2013 invoice submitted February 26, 2013 • February 2013 invoice submitted March 20, 2013 • March 2013 invoice submitted April 24, 2014 • April 2013 invoice submitted May 14, 2013 • May 2013 invoice submitted June 17, 2013 • June 2013 invoice submitted July 19, 2013 • July 2013 invoice submitted August 14, 2013 • August 2013 invoice submitted September 11, 2013 • September 2013 invoice submitted October 15, 2013 • October 2013 invoice submitted November 14, 2013 • November 2013 invoice submitted December 13, 2013

50% Complete Subtask 1.3 GTRI will host coordination meetings or conference calls, at least quarterly, with Project Partners to discuss project activities, project schedule, communication needs, deliverables, and other requirements. GTRI will develop lists of action items needed following each project coordination meeting and distribute to project personnel. Months 1-36 (list of action items from project coordination meetings)

• Double Bayou Project Kickoff meeting held at GTRI on May 10, 2012. • First quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for July 12, 2012. • First quarterly coordination meeting held on July 12, 2012. In attendance

were Stephanie Glenn from GTRI, Mike Lee from USGS, Linda Shead from


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Shead Conservation Solutions and Brian Koch, Ashley Alexander and Aaron Wendt from TSSWCB. The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on July 12, 2012.

• Second quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for October 11, 2012. • Second quarterly coordination meeting held on October 11, 2012. In

attendance were Stephanie Glenn from GTRI, Mike Lee from USGS, Linda Shead from Shead Conservation Solutions and Brian Koch, Ashley Alexander and Mitch Conine from TSSWCB. The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on October 11, 2012.

• Third quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for January 16, 2013. • Third quarterly coordination meeting held on January 16, 2013. In attendance

were Stephanie Glenn from GTRI, Mike Lee from USGS, Linda Shead from Shead Conservation Solutions and Ashley Alexander and TJ Helton from TSSWCB. The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on January 16, 2013.

• Fourth quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for April 19, 2013. • Fourth quarterly coordination meeting held on April 19, 2013. In attendance

were Stephanie Glenn from GTRI, Mike Lee from USGS, Linda Shead from Shead Conservation Solutions, Kristi Alexander from Shead Conservation Solutions, Ashley Alexander from TSSWCB and Mitch Conine from TSSWCB. The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on April 19, 2013.

• Fifth quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for Tuesday July 9th, 2013. • Fifth quarterly coordination meeting held on Tuesday, July 9th, 2013. In

attendance were Stephanie Glenn from GTRI, Mike Lee from USGS, Linda Shead from Shead Conservation Solutions, Kristi Alexander from Shead Conservation Solutions, and Brian Koch and TJ Helton from TSSWCB. The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on July 11, 2013.

• Sixth quarterly coordination meeting held on Thursday, October 10th 2013. In attendance were Stephanie Glenn, GTRI; Linda Shead, Shead Conservation Solutions; Kristi Alexander, Shead Conservation Solutions; Brian Koch, TSSWCB and TJ Helton, TSSWCB (Note that Mike Lee, USGS, could not participate due to government shutdown). The list of action items from the meeting were e-mailed to project partners on October 10, 2013.

• Seventh quarterly coordination meeting scheduled for Thursday January 9, 2013.

50% Complete

Subtask 1.4 GTRI will develop (Months 1-3), host and maintain (Months 4-36) a website to serve as a public clearinghouse for all project- and watershed-related information. All presentations, documents and results will be posted to this website. The website will serve as a means to disseminate information to stakeholders and the general


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public. GTRI will solicit content matter for the website from Project Partners. Months 1-36. (Project website)

• Double Bayou Project website framework developed, out to partners for review.

• GTRI and Shead Conservation Solutions met on September 11, 2012 to discuss the website. Using feedback from this meeting, the website framework was updated.

• GTRI populated the updated framework. o Posted useful figures and reports from past analysis o Posted watershed photos o Updated calendar and discussion functions to reflect

stakeholder needs • Upon approval from TSSWCB (after their review is complete), the website will

be made live to the public. • TSSWCB sent a list of website edits on October 11, 2012. GTRI, TSSWCB

and Shead Conservation Solutions worked through the changes and GTRI implemented the edits. TSSWCB approved the website and the website was made public on November 14, 2012.

• Continued maintenance of website • Continued maintenance of website. GTRI posted all documents including

agenda items, flyers, announcements and power points from kick-off stakeholder meeting and Texas Watershed Steward Training. GTRI posted announcements and flyer for second stakeholder meeting in July.

• Continued maintenance of website. GTRI posted all documents including agenda, flyers and announcements for the second stakeholder meeting. GTRI posted all Texas Watershed Steward Training Power Points. GTRI posted all documents, including presentation and meeting notes from the July 18 stakeholder meeting.

• Continued maintenance of website. GTRI posted all documents including agenda, flyers and announcements for the three workgroup meetings and the stakeholder meeting that occurred during this quarter.

50% Complete Subtask 1.5 GTRI will contract with Shead Conservation Solutions (SCS) who will serve as the Double Bayou Watershed Coordinator. The Watershed Coordinator will serve as the primary conduit for interaction with landowners, citizens, and entities to facilitate the development of the WPP. The Watershed Coordinator shall successfully complete (or have already completed) the Texas Watershed Planning Short Course. The Watershed Coordinator shall participate in Texas Watershed Coordinator Roundtables and the TSSWCB Southeast and South Central Texas Regional Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meetings. Months 1-36.


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• SCS has successfully completed the Texas Watershed Planning Short Course in May 2010 and the Texas Watershed Steward Program in August 2011.

• Stephanie Glenn from GTRI has successfully completed the Texas Watershed Planning Short Course in October 2009.

• SCS attended the South Central Texas Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting on June 7, 2012.

• SCS attended the Watershed Coordinator Roundtable in College Station on July 26, 2012

• SCS attended the South Central Texas Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting on September 6, 2012

• GTRI attended the South Central Texas Watershed Steering Committee on behalf of SCS on December 13, 2012 in Columbus, Texas

• SCS attended the Watershed Coordinator Round Table in Temple on January 22, 2013

• SCS attended local coordinators discussion meeting on February 12, 2013 • SCS attended the Regional Coordinators meeting in Columbus on March 7,

2013 • SCS attended local coordinators discussion meeting. May 13, 2013 • SCS attended local coordinators discussion meeting. June 18, 2013 • SCS attended the Watershed Coordinator Round Table in Dallas on July 20,

2013. • SCS attended the TSSWCB Southeast and South Central Texas Regional

Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting in Columbus on September 5, 2013.

• SCS attended local coordinators discussion group meeting on August 14, 2013.

• SCS attended local coordinators discussion group meeting on November 21, 2013.

• SCS attended TSSWCB Southeast and South Central Texas Regional Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting in Columbus on December 12, 2013.

62% Complete

Task 2: Quality Assurance

Subtask 2.1 GTRI will develop a QAPP for water quality monitoring activities in Task 4 and a QAPP for watershed modeling activities in Task 5 consistent with the most recent versions of EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (QA/R-5) and the TSSWCB Environmental Data Quality Management Plan. All monitoring procedures and methods prescribed in the QAPP shall be consistent with the guidelines detailed in the TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, Volume 1: Physical and Chemical


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Monitoring Methods for Water, Sediment, and Tissue (RG-415) and Volume 2: Methods for Collecting and Analyzing Biological Assemblage and Habitat Data (RG-416). Consistency with Title 30, Chapter 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, Environmental Testing Laboratory Accreditation and Certification, which describes Texas’ approach to implementing the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) standards, shall be required. Months 1-3. (Monitoring QAPP approved by TSSWCB and EPA in both electronic and hard copy formats; Modeling QAPP approved by TSSWCB and EPA in both electronic and hard copy formats)

• Double Bayou SWQM QAPP turned into TSSWCB for review on May 31, 2012. • Began development of Double Bayou Modeling QAPP. • Double Bayou Modeling QAPP turned into TSSWCB for review on July 16, 2012. • GTRI waiting on initial QAPP approval • GTRI received from TSSWCB the revised/edited version of the QAPP with

revisions/edits by TSSWCB on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. GTRI and USGS worked on incorporating the revisions/edits and sent TSSWCB the revised version of the QAPP on March 12, 2013.

• TSSWCB sent the revised version of the QAPP to EPA. • GTRI received comments from the EPA on the monitoring QAPP on July 2, 2013.

GTRI revised the monitoring QAPP according to the comments received and re-submitted to TSSWCB on July 18, 2013. EPA approved the monitoring QAPP on August 8, 2013 and sent 5 sets of signature pages out for routing. The signature pages were mailed to TSSWCB on August 12, 2013.

• GTRI and USGS worked together on an amendment to the monitoring QAPP. Due to the time required for the approval process, the sampling plan outlined in the original QAPP was outside of the scope of the project (e.g., length of sampling plan longer than end of project). GTRI and USGS proposed doubling up on sampling in the beginning, allowing for more data samples in the beginning. The amended QAPP was submitted to TSSWCB on September 12, 2013.

• GTRI received comments from the EPA on the modeling QAPP on September 4, 2013. GTRI submitted a written response to the comments on September 17, 2013.

• GTRI received approval on the modeling QAPP on October 1, 2013. • GTRI received approval on the amendment to the monitoring QAPP on December

12, 2013.

100% Complete Subtask 2.2 GTRI will implement the approved QAPPs. GTRI will submit revisions and necessary amendments to the QAPPs as needed. Months 4-36 (approved revisions and amendments to QAPPs, as needed; Data of known and acceptable quality as reported through Tasks 4 and 5)

• GTRI implemented the monitoring QAPP. Discussions began with USGS on

beginning monitoring dates.


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• GTRI implemented the modeling QAPP. • GTRI implemented the amended monitoring QAPP

50% Complete

Task 3: Public Participation and Stakeholder Coordination

Subtask 3.1 Shead Conservation Solutions will develop a Public Participation Plan (PPP) which details the strategy for engaging the public and stakeholders in the watershed planning process for Double Bayou. The PPP shall, at a minimum, include 1) stakeholder group ground rules, 2) stakeholder group structure (i.e., steering committee, work groups) and membership, 3) stakeholder meetings topic/purpose and tentative schedule, and 4) a targeted outreach plan to increase public participation in the process. The PPP shall be designed to guide the stakeholders through the watershed planning process as described in the EPA Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters. Months 1-3. (public participation plan)

• Double Bayou PPP in development; SCS will have the fully developed PPP designed before the end of July 2012.

• SCS prepared draft ground rules and began editing the previous draft plan for submission for this project.

• SCS is continuing to review resources and awaiting a copy of a sample TSSWCB plan, to develop the Public Participation Plan for this watershed protection planning project.

• TSSWCB sent SCS a copy of the Cedar Bayou Public Participation Plan as an example; SCS is adapting the sample TSSWCB plan (for Cedar Bayou) to the Double Bayou project.

• SCS completed an initial draft of the Public Participation Plan – the draft PPP was sent out to TSSWCB and GTRI on March 25, 2013 and TSSWCB and GTRI met via phone conference on March 26, 2013 to discuss the draft and possible edits and changes. SCS is incorporating these changes.

• SCS sent TSSWCB final draft of the Public Participation Plan on April 29, 2013, and is awaiting final approval.

• TSSWCB approved the Public Participation Plan

100% Complete

Subtask 3.2 Shead Conservation Solutions, with input from Project Partners, will compile (Months 1-3) and maintain (Months 4-36) a database on watershed stakeholders and affected parties for use in engaging the public in the watershed planning process. Special care will be taken to engage a diverse group of stakeholders from throughout the watershed which includes, citizens, agricultural interests, local businesses, local and regional governmental entities and elected officials, state and federal agencies, and environmental and special interest groups. Months 1-36 (stakeholder database, update as needed)


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• Double Bayou Project Partner database list (excel) has been compiled.

Maintenance will occur on the database throughout the project. • SCS updated a database list (Excel) of watershed stakeholders and affected

parties, adding watershed users from a channel maintenance workshop conducted under a different project.

• SCS continues to update a database list (Excel) of watershed stakeholders and affected parties

• SCS continues to update a database list (Excel) of watershed stakeholders and affected parties, and is incorporating updates to local, state and federal contacts from the TSSWCB. SCS sent the updated stakeholder list to TSSWCB and GTRI for review on February 3, 2013; TSSWCB sent a revised version back to SCS and GTRI on March 18, 2013.

• SCS continues to maintain a database list (Excel) of watershed stakeholders and affected parties.

• SCS is researching additional contacts through the county appraisal district and the 911 directory.

• SCS is sending emails to landowner attendees to date, requesting additional contact names.

• SCS continues to maintain a database list (Excel) of watershed stakeholders and affected parties

58% Complete

Subtask 3.3 Shead Conservation Solutions will facilitate public participation and stakeholder involvement in the watershed planning process, specifically project meetings and activities. Shead Conservation Solutions will coordinate meetings, secure meeting locations, prepare and disseminate meeting notices and agendas. Meeting summaries will be prepared and posted to the project website. It is anticipated that at a minimum, quarterly public meetings will be sufficient; however, if more meetings are deemed necessary, they will be scheduled accordingly. Meeting frequency may be adjusted throughout the course of the project to accomplish project goals. TSSWCB will review and approve all meeting notices, agendas, and meeting summaries prior to public dissemination. Months 1-36 (meeting notices, materials, agendas, attendance lists, and summaries)

• SCS began planning a draft timeline for stakeholder meetings for 2013 • SCS prepared a draft stakeholder meeting schedule, with topics, for

stakeholder meetings throughout the life of the project. SCS sent the draft stakeholder meeting schedule to GTRI and TSSWCB on March 25, 2013. GTRI, TSSWCB and SCS discussed possible revisions and edits on March 26, 2013 and a revised schedule was sent to GTRI by SCS on March 27, 2013. GTRI will send comments to SCS, and after incorporating changes into the draft stakeholder meeting schedule SCS will then send it out to TSSWCB for review next quarter.


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• SCS scheduled the stakeholder Kick-Off meeting for May 21, 2013, at the White’s Park Community Bldg., in Hankamer, and has begun drafting stakeholder invitations.

• SCS completed a schedule, with topics, for stakeholder meetings throughout the life of the project.

• SCS developed a template task list for preparations for stakeholder meetings. • In cooperation with all the project partners, SCS conducted the stakeholder

Kick-Off meeting on May 21, 2013, at the White’s Park Community Bldg., in Hankamer. Included in preparations were: securing the meeting location; preparing and sending invitation letters and reminder emails to stakeholders; preparing and posting a meeting flyer; developing and distributing a press release; maintaining an RSVP list; developing public and detailed agendas; preparing and reviewing PowerPoint presentations; enlisting refreshment sponsors; planning the meeting space and enlisting exhibits; preparing meeting handouts; preparing meeting notes; sending thank you notes to sponsors; and preparing a follow-up email to attendees.

• SCS established a date and secured a location for stakeholder Meeting 2: July 18 at the Double Bayou Community Building. Initial planning has included preparation of an invitation letter, a flyer, an email invitation, a draft agenda, and recruitment of a sponsor for refreshments.

• In cooperation with all the project partners, SCS conducted Meeting 2 for the stakeholders on July 18, 2013, at the Double Bayou Community Bldg., in the community of Double Bayou. Included in preparations during this quarter (others tasks were completed in the previous quarter) were: preparing and sending reminder emails to stakeholders; developing and distributing a press release; maintaining an RSVP list; developing public and detailed agendas; preparing and reviewing PowerPoint presentations; planning the meeting space; preparing meeting handouts; setting up the meeting space; facilitating and presenting at the meeting; preparing meeting notes; and sending thank you notes to sponsors. All meeting documents – for sending by email or U.S. mail, or posting on the website, or for handouts – were approved by the TSSWCB prior to public dissemination.

• In cooperation with all the project partners, SCS conducted Meeting 3 for the public / stakeholders on September 17, 2013, at the Double Bayou Community Bldg., in the community of Double Bayou. Included in preparations were: preparing schedule of the specific tasks for this meeting; securing the meeting location, P.A. system, and screen, from the County; preparing and sending invitation letters and reminder emails to stakeholders; preparing and posting a meeting flyer; developing and distributing a press release; maintaining an RSVP list; developing public and detailed agendas; recruiting and coordinating with the invited speaker; preparing and reviewing PowerPoint presentations; enlisting refreshment sponsors; planning the meeting space; preparing meeting handouts; setting up the meeting space; facilitating the meeting; preparing draft meeting notes; and sending thank you notes to sponsors. All meeting documents – for sending by email or U.S. mail, or


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posting on the website, or for handouts – were approved by the TSSWCB prior to public dissemination.

• SCS established a date and is in the process of securing the location, P.A. system, and screen for stakeholder Meeting 4, to be held on November 19 at the Double Bayou Community Building. Recruitment of a sponsor for refreshments has occurred.

• SCS is investigating resources for land and water-based tours of the watershed for stakeholders.

• SCS is beginning development of a plan for workgroup meetings, to be held beginning in October 2013.

• In cooperation with all the project partners, SCS conducted Meeting 4 for the public / stakeholders on November 18, 2013, at the Double Bayou Community Bldg., in the community of Double Bayou. Included in preparations were: preparing schedule of the specific tasks for this meeting; securing the meeting location, P.A. system, and screen, from the County; preparing and sending email invitations and reminder emails to stakeholders; preparing and sending a meeting flyer by U.S. mail flyers to those requested such; developing and distributing a press release; maintaining an RSVP list; developing public and detailed agendas; recruiting and coordinating with the invited speaker; preparing and reviewing PowerPoint presentations; confirming refreshment sponsor; planning the meeting space; preparing meeting handouts; setting up the meeting space; facilitating the meeting; preparing draft meeting notes; and sending thank you notes to sponsors. All meeting documents – for sending by email or U.S. mail, or posting on the website, or for handouts – were approved by the TSSWCB prior to public dissemination.

• In cooperation with all the project partners, SCS coordinated the first set of workgroup meetings: Recreation/Hunting on 11/12/2013, Wastewater/Septic on 11/18/2013, and Agriculture/Wildlife/Feral Hogs on 11/19/2013. Included in preparations were: securing the meeting locations; preparing and sending email invitations and reminder emails to stakeholders; maintaining an RSVP list; preparing public and detailed agendas; preparing and reviewing the PowerPoint presentation; preparing meeting handouts; setting up the meeting space; facilitating the meeting; and preparing draft meeting notes. All meeting documents – for sending by email or U.S. mail, or posting on the website, or for handouts – were approved by the TSSWCB prior to public dissemination.

• SCS began development of a plan for the next set of workgroup meetings, to be held in February 2014.

• SCS established a date and secured a speaker for stakeholder Meeting 5, and is in the process of securing the location, P.A. system, and screen, to be held on March 18 at the Double Bayou Community Building.

26% Complete


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Subtask 3.4 Shead Conservation Solutions, and other Project Partners as appropriate, will attend and participate in other public meetings as appropriate in order to communicate project goals, activities and accomplishments to affected parties. Such meetings may include, but are not limited to, city councils, county commissioners’ courts, Clean Rivers Program Basin Steering Committee and Coordinated Monitoring, local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), and other appropriate meetings of critical watershed stakeholder groups. Months 1-36 (list of other meetings attended and dates with brief summary of topics discussed and action needed included in QPRs)

• SCS attended a public meeting of the Cedar Bayou Watershed Protection Plan

on April 5, 2012. • SCS attended a board meeting on April 26, 2012 of the Chambers-Liberty

Counties Navigation District and informed them that the Double Bayou watershed project would be starting up again.

• Stephanie Glenn of GTRI presented on the Double Bayou Watershed Characterization project at the American Water Resources Association Conference in Denver, Colorado on June 28, 2012 in a brown bag session on Tidal Riparian Zones.

• SCS participated in a landowner workshop hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hankamer on July 31, 2012, providing a table of background information on the Double Bayou Characterization project and announcing the beginning of the Double Bayou Watershed Protection Plan project.

• SCS attended the NRCS / SWCD Local Work Group meeting in Winnie on August 8, 2012 on setting priorities of natural resource concerns for upcoming conservation funding opportunities.

• SCS attended the meeting of the Trinity Bay Soil and Water Conservation District (#434 ) on September 12, 2012 to introduce the Double Bayou Watershed Protection Plan Project.

• Stephanie Glenn of GTRI attended the Galveston Bay Estuary Program’s Water and Sediment Quality Subcommittee Meeting and briefed the group on the progress of the Double Bayou WPP project.

• SCS attended the meeting of the Lower Trinity Soil and Water Conservation District (#435) October 17, 2012 to introduce the Double Bayou Watershed Protection Plan Project.

• SCS participated in a paddling trip on November 10, 2012 on the lower East Fork of Double Bayou, and provided a brief overview of the project to the four other recreational users of the Bayou who were on the trip.

• SCS initiated contact with the Mayor of Anahuac regarding introduction of the project to Anahuac staff and Council in 2013.

• Stephanie Glenn of GTRI and Linda Shead of SCS attended the Galveston Bay Estuary Program’s Water and Sediment Quality Subcommittee Meeting on February 19, 2013 and briefed the group on the progress of the Double Bayou WPP project and the continued need for state funding.

• SCS met with the Mayor of Anahuac to introduce the project, and enlist cooperation on monitoring associated with the wastewater treatment plan on


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February 21, 2013. • SCS attended the Agriculture Workshop hosted through H-GAC’s Cedar

Bayou WPP project on April 16, 2013. • SCS attended the Steering Committee meeting of the Clean Rivers Program on

April 22, 2013. • At the invitation of NRCS, SCS and GTRI attended the board meeting of the

Trinity Bay Soil & Water Conservation District (#434), to discuss the project goals, project partners, and stakeholder involvement on June 12, 2013.

• SCS attended the Local Workgroup Meeting held by Chambers County NRCS and Trinity Bay SWCD #434 on August 14, 2103.

• SCS attended the Steering Committee meeting of the Cedar Bayou Watershed Protection Plan project on August 15, 2013.

• GTRI attended the Galveston Bayou Estuary Program’s Sediment and Water Quality Committee meeting on September 17, 2013 and updated the group on the progress of the Double Bayou WPP.

• SCS observed the Steering Committee meeting of the Cedar Bayou Watershed Protection Plan project on December 11, 2013.

• GTRI attended the Galveston Bayou Estuary Program’s Sediment and Water Quality Committee meeting on December 17, 2013 and updated the group on the progress of the Double Bayou WPP.

• Stephanie Glenn of GTRI presented on the Double Bayou Watershed Protection Plan project at the Coastal Estuarine Research Foundation Conference in San Diego, California on November 5, 2013.

58% Complete

Subtask 3.5 Shead Conservation Solutions will facilitate communication with stakeholders in order to engage the public and affected entities in the watershed planning process. Shead Conservation Solutions will utilize all appropriate communication mechanisms including direct mail, e-mail, the project website, and mass media (print, radio, television, as funds allow). Shead Conservation Solutions will develop, publish, and distribute 5 semi-annual newsletters (1 in year 1 and 2 in years 2 and 3) that highlight Double Bayou watershed activities; the newsletter shall be distributed as most appropriate to individual landowners and entities in the watershed. Shead Conservation Solutions will develop and disseminate general project informational materials, including, but not limited to, flyers, brochures, letters, factsheets, news releases, and other appropriate promotional publications. In conjunction with GTRI, Shead Conservation Solutions will develop and utilize a listserv (e.g., http://listserv.tamu.edu/) to facilitate direct discussion between stakeholders. Shead Conservation Solutions will solicit content matter for educational materials from Project Partners as appropriate. TSSWCB must approve all project-related content in any educational materials and publications prior to distribution. Months 1-36 (educational and promotional materials, as developed and disseminated; 5 semi-annual Newsletters, as developed and distributed)


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• Double Bayou listserv has been developed; under partner review along with the website.

• SCS began review of the previous factsheet (for the characterization project) for needed modifications

• SCS continued review and editing of previous factsheet (for the characterization project) for needed modifications for this watershed protection planning project.

• SCS reviewed other WPP websites and began discussions with GTRI on structure of the Double Bayou project website.

• SCS continued to revise the factsheet • SCS provided feedback to GTRI on Double Bayou Website • SCS enlisted graphic design services for a logo, factsheet template, event flyer

template and other design elements for the project. • SCS enlisted outreach services for development of the new project factsheet

with the new graphic template. • SCS completed an initial draft of the text for the project factsheet and sent it

out the template to TSSWCB and GTRI on March 25, 2013. • GTRI worked with SCS to develop a simple, clean map that could be viewed

easily at ¼ the page size for the fact sheet. GTRI sent SCS the initial “strawman” map on March 7, 2013. GTRI worked through various phone calls and revisions and the final version was sent to SCS on April 5, 2013.

• SCS completed development of the first round of a project factsheet and coordinated with GTRI on a map to use.

• SCS set up an email blast system for stakeholder notifications. • SCS coordinated with GTRI on the website contents and provided documents

for posting. GTRI posted the documents. • SCS began editing fact sheet content, for a second version to address

stakeholder concerns. • SCS edited the project factsheet, in light of stakeholder concerns. • SCS coordinated with GTRI on website contents and provided documents for

posting. • SCS began development of a water quality fact sheet to provide a reference

for newcomers to the WPP process. • SCS began working with GTRI on a Q&A fact sheet to address Double Bayou

water quality questions raised by participants at Meeting 2. • SCS worked with GTRI and TCEQ to prepare Part 1 of responses to

stakeholder questions regarding water quality. These answers then formed the basis for part of the program for Meeting 4.

• On October 29 and December 17, SCS met with two local stakeholders with extensive knowledge of land use/land cover in the watershed – the county engineer and the former general manager of the navigation district. They have volunteered to assist with updating this information for the GIS maps.

• On December 6, SCS met with representatives of Samson Energy about participating on behalf of oil and gas industry activity in the watershed.


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• On December 10, SCS met with the public works director for the City of Anahuac regarding the status of their wastewater collection system.

• SCS continued to coordinate with GTRI on website contents and provide documents for posting.

48% Complete

Subtask 3.6 Shead Conservation Solutions will coordinate with Texas AgriLife Extension Service to host a Texas Watershed Steward Program workshop focused on Double Bayou through TSSWCB project 11-05, Continued Statewide Delivery of the Texas Watershed Steward Program. Months 1-12

• No activity to report at this time • SCS began communication with AgriLife regarding a Watershed Steward

training for the Double Bayou watershed. • SCS re-contacted AgriLife regarding timing for a Watershed Steward training

for the Double Bayou watershed. • SCS continued communications with AgriLife regarding timing for a

Watershed Steward training for the Double Bayou watershed. • In consideration of the overall WPP meeting schedule, SCS worked with

AgriLife to select the date of June 25, 2013 for a Watershed Steward training for the Double Bayou watershed. SCS also secured the Oak Island Lodge on that date for the training and arranged for a light meal to be served.

• SCS assisted AgriLife with promotion of the training through: sharing of information on local media outlets, announcing at the Double Bayou Watershed Kickoff Meeting, posting on the Double Bayou website, sending an email announcement and an email reminder to the Double Bayou stakeholder email list, and posting flyers in local government offices and businesses in Anahuac.

• SCS and TSSWCB made short presentations about the Double Bayou WPP at the training.

• SCS, TSSWCB and GTRI attended the Texas Watershed Steward Training at Oak Island Lodge on June 25, 2013.

100% Complete

Task 4: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Subtask 4.1 USGS will conduct routine ambient monitoring at 4 mainstem sites twice monthly for the first six months and then monthly for the remainder of the 18 months, collecting field, conventional, flow, and bacteria parameter groups. The QAPP, as detailed in Task 2, will precisely identify sites. The sampling period extends over 18 months. The number of samples planned for collection through this subtask is 96.


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Currently, routine ambient monitoring is conducted once per quarter year at one station by TCEQ (10657; field, conventional, and bacteria parameters only) and at two stations by the Trinity River Authority (18361, 10658; field and conventional parameters only) through the Clean Rivers Program. Sampling through this subtask will complement existing routine ambient monitoring regimes. Field parameters are pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Conventional parameters are total suspended solids, turbidity, sulfate, chloride, nitrite+nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, total hardness (ANC), orthophosphorus, and total phosphorus. Bacteria parameters are E. coli and Enterococcus (for both tidal and above tidal sites). Flow parameters are quantitative flow collected by gage, electric, mechanical or Doppler, including severity. Months 7-30. (Station Location Request Forms (as needed) in electronic format)

• Upon approval of the QAPP, USGS and GTRI met to review the monitoring plan and discuss beginning dates. Sampling is currently scheduled to begin the first week of October.

• USGS conducted six routine ambient samples for the 4 mainstem sites; West Fork Double Bayou at FM 2936 (08042554), West Fork Double Bayou at Eagle Ferry Rd. (08042558), East Fork Double Bayou at FM 1663 (08042546) and East Fork Double Bayou at Carrington Rd. (08042548).

• The dates these samples were completed are as follows; 10/22, 10/29, 11/14, 11/25, 12/5 and 12/18.

11% Complete

Subtask 4.2 USGS will conduct biased-flow monitoring at 4 mainstem sites during 6 storm events over the total sampling period, collecting field, conventional, flow, and bacteria parameter groups. Specific parameters are defined in subtask 4.1. The QAPP, as detailed in Task 2, will precisely identify sites. The sampling period extends over 18 months. The number of samples planned for collection through this subtask is 24. Months 7-30.

• USGS conducted one biased-flow sample for the 4 mainstem sites; West Fork Double Bayou at FM 2936 (08042554), West Fork Double Bayou at Eagle Ferry Rd. (08042558), East Fork Double Bayou at FM 1663 (08042546) and East Fork Double Bayou at Carrington Rd. (08042548), as well as the WWTF outflow, Anahuac WWTP Outflow (294443094401100).

• The date this sample was completed is 10/31

11% Complete

Subtask 4.3 USGS will conduct effluent monitoring at 1 WWTF outfall twice monthly for the first 6 months, and then monthly for the remainder of the 18 months, collecting field, conventional, flow, bacteria, and effluent parameter groups. Specific parameters are defined in subtask 4.1; effluent parameters are BOD, CBOD, and COD. The QAPP, as


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detailed in Task 2, will precisely identify sites. The sampling period extends over 18 months. The number of samples planned for collection through this subtask is 24. Coordination between TPDES permittees and the TCEQ Regional Office will be required. Neither GTRI nor USGS nor TSSWCB shall submit WWTF data to TCEQ for use in permit compliance and enforcement; rather, WWTF data will only be used to estimate bacteria loadings from wastewater discharges and to assist TPDES permittees in improving management and operations. Months 7-30.

• SCS, TSSWCB and USGS toured the City of Anahuac’s wastewater treatment plant to observe operations of the plant and consider a potential sampling site at the Anahuac ditch (in the WWTP property).

• USGS has conducted six routine ambient samples for the WWTF outfall, Anahuac WWTP Outflow (294443094401100).

• The dates these samples were completed are as follows; 10/22, 10/29, 11/14, 11/25, 12/5 and 12/18.

11% Complete

Subtask 4.4 USGS will conduct 24-hour DO monitoring at 2 sites six times during the 18 month index period collecting field parameter groups. Specific parameters are defined in subtask 4.1. The QAPP, as detailed in Task 2, will precisely identify sites. The number of samples planned for collection through this subtask is 12.Months 7-30.

• No activity to report at this time

0% Complete Subtask 4.5 Through TSSWCB project 05-02 FY05 Statewide NPS Pollution Management Project, USGS will install and operate one Index Velocity Site Gage at an appropriate tidal location in the Double Bayou watershed; no other USGS gages are currently operating in this watershed. Through this project, and contingent upon TSSWCB project 05-02, USGS will provide operations and maintenance for this new Index Velocity Site Gage; continuous sampling extends over 36 months. USGS will provide flow data collected from this gage to Project Partners. Months 7-30.

• USGS providing continued operations and maintenance to the Index Velocity Site Gage

• Flow measurements used for the development of the index velocity rating curve at, West Fork Double Bayou at Eagle Ferry Rd. (08042558,) have been completed with each ambient and biased-flow sample. These flow measurements were performed on; 10/22, 10/29, 11/14, 11/25, 11/30, 12/5 and 12/18.

• In addition to the seven previously mentioned flow measurements, hourly flow measurements across an entire 24 hour tidal cycle were performed to aid in the development of the index velocity rating curve between 11/17 and 11/18.


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19% Complete Subtask 4.6 USGS will transfer monitoring data from activities in Subtasks 4.1-4.4 through GTRI to TSSWCB for inclusion in the TCEQ SWQMIS at least quarterly. Data will be transferred in the correct format using the TCEQ file structure, along with a completed Data Summary, as described in the most recent version of TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Data Management Reference Guide. USGS will submit Station Location Requests as needed to obtain TCEQ station numbers for new monitoring sites. bUSGS and GTRI will work with H-GAC to input monitoring regime, as detailed in the QAPP, into the TCEQ Coordinated Monitoring Schedule. Data Correction Request Forms will be submitted to TSSWCB whenever errors are discovered in data already reported. All monitoring data files, data summary reports, and data correction request forms will be provided to all Project Partners. GTRI will post monitoring data to the project website in a timely manner. USGS and GTRI will work with H-GAC to post monitoring data to the H-GAC Water Resources Information Map (WRIM) (http://webgis2.h-gac.com/CRPflex/) in a timely manner. Months 4-36 (data correction Request Forms (as needed) in electronic format; monitoring data updates posted to the project website; monitoring data files and data summary in electronic format)

• USGS received the data from the initial sampling in December and is currently performing QA/QC on the dataset. USGS will transfer the data after QA/QC is complete.

4% Complete

Subtask 4.7 GTRI will develop and publish a final Assessment Data Report summarizing water quality data collected through this Task. The Report shall, at a minimum, characterize trends and variability in collected water quality monitoring data. Months 31-36 (technical Report characterizing trends and variability in collected water quality monitoring data; GTRI to get in to TSSWCB with at least 4 weeks for review)


0% Complete

Task 5: Modeling and Data Analysis

Subtask 5.1 GTRI will conduct a statistical trend analysis of all historic and existing water quality data for the watershed. Using water quality data collected through Task 4 and assimilated data collected by other entities during the same period, GTRI will conduct statistical analysis of trends and spatial patterns in water quality in Double Bayou. Months 7-32


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• No activity to report at this time • Began updating baseline data from last collected date (August 2011) to fill

gap to present. Entities with baseline data include Trinity Bay Conservation District, Clean Rivers SWQM, Trinity River Authority, National Weather Service and others.

• Continued updating of baseline data set • At stakeholders request, began to work up data used in TCEQ Integrated

Report for assessments. Initiated contact with Christine Kolbe of TCEQ to help answer questions on the assessment data set.

• Working with Christine Kolbe of TCEQ, GTRI developed figures that represent the data analysis used for the 2012 303(d) assessment. GTRI developed temporal and spatial figures of both East and West Forks that represented the data TCEQ used for assessment for: DO, bacteria and nutrients/chlorophyll. These figures were presented during the July stakeholder meeting.

• Continued updating of baseline data set

22% Complete Subtask 5.2 GTRI will develop LDCs for the non-tidal portion of the watershed for at least one critical index site per assessment unit to determine load reductions needed to achieve water quality standards. LDCs will be developed using water quality data collected through Task 4 and assimilated data, if any, collected by other entities during the project period. LDCs shall be consistent with 1) EPA’s An Approach for Using Load Duration Curves in the Development of TMDLs, 2) EPA’s Options for Expressing Daily Loads in TMDLs, and 3) EPA’s Development of Duration-Curve Based Methods for Quantifying Variability and Change in Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality. Months 7-32

• No activity to report at this time • GTRI attended the Texas Watershed Planning Watershed Modeling using

Select and LDC training course at Texas A&M College Station on November 6-7, 2012.


2% Complete Subtask 5.3 GTRI will utilize SELECT to model pollutant loadings from across the watershed. Utilizing information from the ARRA-funded watershed characterization, SELECT will be developed for the entire watershed, tidal and non-tidal portions. Modeling will be used to estimate loadings from various sources and to identify critical loading areas within the watersheds. Months 7-32



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• GTRI attended the Texas Watershed Planning Watershed Modeling using Select and LDC training course at Texas A&M College Station on November 6-7, 2012.

• GTRI began gathering data layers to assist with running SELECT. Soils (SSURGO data set), population, land use (waiting on updated CCAP data for remote imagery) and census have been obtained. Discussions with TPWD have elicited contacts for colonial waterbird census, white-tailed deer surveys and possible Christmas Bird Counts. Excretion rates for livestock obtained from EPA. Agricultural census for Chambers and Liberty Counties obtained. Septic system (OHSS) obtained from HGAC. A stakeholder also submitted a GIS layer with septic locations. Septic failure rates obtained from EPA.

10% Complete

Subtask 5.4 GTRI will employ a model capable of quantifying pollutant loadings and needed load reductions in the tidal portion of the watershed (suitable model(s) will be determined as part of the ARRA-funded Double Bayou Watershed Characterization project). The model will be able to perform a quantitative analysis of the tidal mixing processes between Double Bayou and the Galveston Bay system. The model will be used to understand the exchange of pollutant loads each tidal cycle and the rate at which tidal mixing removes pollutants from the bayou. Months 7-32


0% Complete Subtask 5.5 Using the results from Subtasks 5.1 and 5.2, GTRI will develop a technical report that further defines water quality problems, assesses critical and possible source areas, and discusses loading estimates. Months 7-32 (technical report detailing the results of the trend, statistical and SELECT analyses, LDCs development, and watershed model analysis)


0% Complete

Task 6: Double Bayou Watershed Protection Plan Development

Subtask 6.1 GTRI, in collaboration with project partners, will develop a WPP for the Double Bayou watershed that is consistent with and satisfies the expectations of the nine elements fundamental to watershed-based plans as described in EPA’s 2004 Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories [68 Fed. Reg. 60653-60674 (October 23, 2003)]. The WPP shall be founded on decisions made by stakeholders through the watershed planning process and incorporate findings from


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project Technical Reports (Tasks 4-5) and the ARRA-funded watershed characterization. Shead Conservation Solutions will facilitate public review and stakeholder approval of the WPP. Months 1-36 (draft nine element Watershed Protection Plan to TSSWCB (Month 32), final stakeholder-approved nine element Watershed Protection Plan (Month 36))


0% Complete Subtask 6.2 GTRI will develop an “executive summary” style document, based on the WPP, which will serve as a public outreach tool to garner support for the implementation of the WPP and achieve long-term sustainability. Months 34-36 (“Executive Summary” style public outreach document based on WPP)


0% Complete Subtask 6.3 After EPA has completed a satisfactory nine element consistency review of the WPP, GTRI will publish, print, and distribute to stakeholders the WPP and “executive summary” style document. Months 34-36


0% Complete

III. Related Issues/Current Problems and Favorable or Unusual Developments

• Delay on GBEP matching funds for non-federal portion of funds. • From October 1 through 16, 2013, the federal government was shutdown,

which slightly delayed the beginning sampling schedule of USGS. IV. Projected Work for Next Quarter

• USGS to continue monitoring. • USGS to submit initial set of QA/QC’d lab results. • GTRI to continue updating existing baseline data set. • GTRI to include sampling data in current data set and commence analysis as

appropriate. • GTRI, SCS and TSSWCB to attend workgroup meetings as appropriate. • GTRI to continue gathering appropriate data layers for SELECT.


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• In coordination with project partners, SCS to plan and conduct fifth stakeholder meeting, and begin stakeholder communications regarding same, including letters, flyers, emails, and news releases.

• SCS to continue to update and maintain stakeholder list. • SCS to continue coordination with GTRI on project website. • SCS to attend TSSWCB Southeast and South Central Texas Regional

Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting. SCS continue to attend other coordinator and public meetings as appropriate.

• SCS to continue investigations for watershed tours and other stakeholder resources (such as feral hog workshop and riparian workshop).

• SCS to attend TSSWCB Southeast and South Central Texas Regional Watershed Coordination Steering Committee meeting.

• In coordination with project partners, SCS to plan and conduct the fifth public stakeholder meeting, including stakeholder communications regarding same – letters, flyers, emails, and news releases.

• In coordination with project partners, SCS to plan and conduct workgroup meetings, including stakeholder communications regarding same.

• With assistance from GTRI and TCEQ, SCS to coordinate development of Part II of responses to stakeholder questions on water quality.

• SCS to begin development of a stakeholder newsletter. • SCS to continue investigations for watershed tours and other stakeholder

resources (such as feral hog workshop and riparian workshop). • SCS to continue attendance at other coordinator and public meetings as

appropriate.

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