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TRANSCRIPT
Manual for Conducting a
Watershed Land Use Survey
Texas Natural Resource Conservation CommissionGI-232 3/97
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The TNRCC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The agency does not allow discrimination on thebasis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status. In compliancewith the Americans with Disabilities Act, this document may be requested in alternate formats by contacting theTNRCC at (512)239-0010, Fax 239-0055, or 1-800-RELAY-TX (TDD), or by writing P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX78711-3087.
Barry R. McBee, Chairman
R. B. “Ralph” Marquez, CommissionerJohn M. Baker, Commissioner
Dan Pearson, Executive Director
Authorization for use or reproduction of any original material contained in thispublication, i.e., not obtained from other sources, is freely granted. TheCommission would appreciate acknowledgement.
Published and distributedby the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation CommissionPost Office Box 13087
Austin, Texas 78711-3087
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ContentsContentsContentsContentsContentsIntroduction .......................................................................................................... 1What is a Watershed? ................................................................................................................... 3Nonpoint Source Pollution .......................................................................................................... 3Why a Survey? .............................................................................................................................. 5
Land and Water Use Activities ............................................................................. 7Agriculture and Grazing .............................................................................................................. 9Failing Septic Systems .................................................................................................................. 9Point Source Discharges ............................................................................................................... 9Landfills and Dumps ................................................................................................................. 10Construction Sites ...................................................................................................................... 10Logging...................................................................................................................................... 10Chemical Spills .......................................................................................................................... 11Air Pollution/Transportation ...................................................................................................... 11Lawn and Garden Care .............................................................................................................. 11
The Background Investigation........................................................................... 13Getting Started .......................................................................................................................... 15Map Your Watershed.................................................................................................................. 16Identify Land and Water Uses ................................................................................................... 18You�ve Completed Your Background Investigation. What�s Next? ............................................ 19
The Visual Assessment ....................................................................................... 21Safety First ................................................................................................................................. 23Determine the Area to be Assessed ............................................................................................ 23Determine When to Survey........................................................................................................ 23Gather the Necessary Equipment .............................................................................................. 23Explore the Watershed .............................................................................................................. 24Explore the Stream .................................................................................................................... 25Using the Field Data Sheets ....................................................................................................... 25Review Your Maps and Field Data Sheets .................................................................................. 26
Appendix ............................................................................................................. 27Impact of NPS Pollution ............................................................................................................ 28Information Resources ............................................................................................................... 29Helpful Addresses and Phone Numbers.................................................................................... 30Web Sites of Interest .................................................................................................................. 31Glossary...................................................................................................................................... 32
Watershed Survey Field Data Sheets ................................................................. 35
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Introductionphotographs, and potential land uses basedon current zoning.
In conducting a survey, you will learn toread a topographic map, mark a watershed�sboundaries, and observe and evaluate theeffects of land development. You will alsogain an understanding of city planning,zoning, municipal waste treatment, andenvironmental practices that lessen the impactof urban growth and development. The impor-tant thing to remember is to have fun. Deter-mine your group�s objectives, and tailor your
exploration accordingly using theinformation provided here.
This booklet will equip your group tosurvey your stream or watershed and make arecord of its history and geography, landand water uses, and potential and actualpollution sources. The information gatheredcan be tailored to your group�s goals. Forexample, the survey could help teachersexplain how land uses affect water qualityand instill in students a sense of ownershipof the watershed. The survey could also be amore in-depth community project of ascience club or scout troop, with the prepa-ration of detailed maps, thor-ough land use documentation,historical and current aerial
To waste, to destroy our naturalresources, to skin and exhaust the landinstead of using it so as to increase itsusefulness, will result in undermining inthe days of our children the veryprosperity which we ought by right tohand down to them amplified anddeveloped.
� Theodore Roosevelt
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Texas River BasinsTexas River BasinsTexas River BasinsTexas River BasinsTexas River BasinsThe state of Texas consists of 23 major watersheds, or basins, and has approximately191,228 miles of streams and rivers. All of these Texas streams drain into the Gulf ofMexico. Of the total stream mileage, 144,603 miles (76 percent) have intermittentflow during some part of the year, which means these streams have portions that arecompletely dry some of the time. Texas also has approximately 5,700 reservoirs witha surface area of 10 acres or larger, for a total coverage estimated at 3,065,600 acres.
13 - Brazos-Colorado Coastal Basin14 - Colorado River Basin15 - Colorado-Lavaca Coastal Basin16 - Lavaca River Basin17 - Lavaca-Guadalupe Coastal Basin18 - Guadalupe River Basin19 - San Antonio River Basin20 - San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin21 - Nueces River Basin22 - Nueces-Rio Grande Coastal Basin23 - Rio Grande River Basin
1 - Canadian River Basin2 - Red River Basin3 - Sulphur River Basin4 - Cypress Creek Basin5 - Sabine River Basin6 - Neches River Basin7 - Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin8 - Trinity River Basin9 - Trinity-San Jacinto Coastal Basin10 - San Jacinto River Basin11 - San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin12 - Brazos River Basin
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Small headwater streams, also called first order streams,flow into larger streams. The network of streams in asingle watershed is known as the river system. (Drawingby Christine Kolbe, TNRCC)
When at least two second order streamscombine, the result is a third order stream.This continues until all the streams mergeinto the largest river, which ultimately drainsinto a lake or ocean.
Nonpoint Source PNonpoint Source PNonpoint Source PNonpoint Source PNonpoint Source PollutionollutionollutionollutionollutionAn important reason to survey your watershedWhen rain falls onto a watershed and
flows into a stream, the stream acts as awater collection area for the entire water-shed. The activities and land uses in thewatershed can directly affect the water qual-ity and quantity in the stream. For example,in highly developed areas a much larger
What is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a WWhat is a Watershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?atershed?The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) defines a watershed as �a geo-graphic area in which water, sediments, anddissolved materials drain into a commonoutlet.� This outlet could be a stream, lake,playa, estuary, aquifer, or ocean. Watershedsare also commonly called drainage basins ordrainage areas.
A watershed can be as large or as small asyou want to define it. The gutters that runalong the curb on your street are the drain-age outlets for your street�s watershed. Thegutters, which drain a small watershed,would flow into the storm drain system andempty into a nearby stream,which drains several streetsin a larger watershed. Thatstream, in turn, flows into alarger stream or river. An-other example is the water-shed of the Mississippi,which is the largest water-shed in the United States,and contains thousands ofsmaller watersheds. All ofthese smaller watersheds andtheir corresponding streamsflow downhill and convergewith each other, forming atree-like network with theMississippi as the trunk. Allof the streams, from thesmallest branches down tothe largest river, constitutethe river system for theMississippi watershed.
Water quality profession-als have developed a simplemethod to categorize thestreams of a river system.Streams that have no tribu-taries flowing into them arecalled first order streams.Streams receiving the flowfrom only first order streamsare second order streams.
Stream OrderStream OrderStream OrderStream OrderStream Order
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Lakes8.1 Million Acres
Agriculture
Hydromodification
Urban Runoff
Other
Land Disposal
ConstructionResource Extraction 1%Silviculture 1%
57%
12%7%
5%
4%
13%
Rivers165,000 Miles
Agriculture
OtherResource Extraction
Silviculture
Urban Runoff
Hydromodification
Construction 2%Land Disposal 1%
64%
9% 9%6%
5%
4%
percentage of the rain becomes runoff. Thisis due to the large amount of imperviouscover found in urban areas, such as parkinglots, roads, sidewalks, and rooftops. Wherethere is impervious cover, the water flowsquickly into streams or other receiving areasinstead of soaking into the ground, causingan increase in flooding due to urbanization.In natural areas, such as forests, roughly halfof the rainfall is absorbed into the ground,becoming groundwater, while in urban areasless than a third usually becomes groundwa-ter, depending on the amount of imperviouscover.
The pollutants that are washed off theseimpervious surfaces contribute to what iscalled nonpoint source pollution. Nonpointsource (NPS) pollutants are sporadic, diffi-cult to control, hard to detect using tradi-tional water chemistry techniques, andharmful to aquatic life. NPS pollution occurswhen rainfall or snowmelt runs over andthrough the ground, picking up pollutantsand depositing them into lakes, streams,wetlands, and underground water supplies.NPS pollutants include:
excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insec-ticides from residential areas and agri-cultural land; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals fromrunoff and energy production; sediment from improperly managedconstruction sites, crop and forestlands, and eroding stream banks; motor oil, car batteries, and homechemical containers that have beenimproperly disposed of; and bacteria and nutrients from livestock,pet wastes, and faulty septic systems.
Controlling NPS Pollution withBest Management Practices
The term best management practice (BMP)is used to describe the most effective prac-tice or combination of practices to controlnonpoint source pollution. BMPs are gener-ally grouped into structural and nonstruc-tural measures. Structural BMPs are designedto capture surface runoff and remove pollut-ants through settling or other processes.Structural BMPs can include water diver-sions, retention devices, detention basins, orfilter systems. Nonstructural controls rely on
Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Relative Portion of Assessed Waters in the U.S. Affected by Various Categories of NPS Pollution
Source: Aquatic Resources and Nonpoint Source Pollution. Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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planning, design, maintenance, education,economic incentives, and regulation toprevent runoff contamination. Nonstructuralcontrols include local ordinances, publicawareness campaigns, and waste-oil recy-cling centers. Individuals can implementnonstructural BMPs in their own day-to-dayactivities to reduce nonpoint source pollu-tion. BMPs for individuals include washingcars where the detergent will not run off intoa storm drain, recycling motor oil, eliminat-ing fertilizer and pesticide runoff fromlawns, composting yard waste, using lesstoxic alternatives for home maintenanceproducts, and properly disposing of hazard-ous chemicals.
Why a SurWhy a SurWhy a SurWhy a SurWhy a Survey?vey?vey?vey?vey?The first critical
step in improvingwater quality andreducing NPS pollu-tion is to get peopleinvolved with theirstreams and water-sheds. Many peoplemay not even beaware that there is astream nearby, muchless what type of land practices may beinfluencing the water quality. To do a surveyyou must get out and look around with onequestion in mind: What are we doing andhow is it affecting the stream?
The main purpose of the survey is toeducate citizens about all the activities affect-ing water quality within a watershed. Whateach person or group chooses to do withthat knowledge is limited only by the imagi-nation. Your discoveries may be of interest toother groups and spur on activities likestream cleanups, backyard composting, andstorm drain stenciling projects, in whichsigns are placed on storm drains, warningpotential dumpers that the drain flows into acreek. One thing is certain�as our popula-tion continues to grow, so will the effects on
the quality and quantity of our water. Volun-teers with a strong interest and a willingnessto learn can play an important role in defin-ing and solving the environmental chal-lenges we all face.
Conducting a watershed survey is one ofthe most useful and cost-effective projectsyour group can undertake to contribute toenvironmental understanding. Your surveywill be a comprehensive investigation, orinventory, of the activities in your watershed.You will examine the history and geography,land and water uses, and potential andactual pollution sources in your stream andits watershed. This information can be used
by water qualityprofessionals,elected officials,and concernedcitizens to plan forthe protection andconservation of thewater, our essentialnatural resource.
A thoroughsurvey requireslittle training orequipment. All youneed is a desire to
explore your watershed and a willingness totake notes of what you see. The primary usesof the survey include:
screening for pollution problems; identifying potential sources of pollu-tion; helping interpret biological and chemi-cal information; providing a blueprint for possiblecommunity restoration efforts such ascleanups and tree plantings; educating volunteers and the localcommunity about potential pollutionsources affecting your stream and itswatershed; giving volunteers and local residents asense of the value of your stream andwatershed; and
Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?
The Texas population as of 1995 was18,723,991.
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providing an educational framework inwhich students and teachers may ex-plore a variety of topics and issuesabout water, its properties, and theenvironment.
The watershed survey may be dividedinto two distinct parts:
The Background InvestigationThe background investigation is a history ofthe stream and its watershed. It is accom-plished through research of town and countyrecords, maps, photos, news stories, indus-trial discharge records, and oral histories.
The Visual AssessmentThe visual assessment is a periodic (sea-sonal) look at a stream and its watershed.
This is achieved by walking along the streamand by exploring the entire watershed (in acar, on a bike, or on foot), noting key fea-tures and how they may change over time.
Before you begin your survey, you maywant to become familiar, if you aren�t al-ready, with some of the things we do in ourdaily lives that affect the quality and quantityof the water. The next section explainscommon land uses that contribute to non-point source pollution and some of thethings that can be done to prevent it. If youare already familiar with these issues, feelfree to move on to the explanation of theBackground Investigation. You may want torefer to the land use section, though, whenyou get ready to begin work on your back-ground investigation.
Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?
Each year, more than 240 million gallons�nearly 60 percent�of the used motor oilgenerated by do-it-yourself oil changers isdumped in ways that damage the environ-ment. That represents 20 times the amountof oil spilled by the 1989 Exxon Valdezaccident in Alaska.
One quart of used motor oil dumped near alake can create an oil slick nearly two acresin size.
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Land and Water Use Activities
In nature there is neither praisenor blame; but there areconsequences.
� Anonymous
Land uses and practices in a watersheddirectly influence water quality. While landuse activities are different across the state,this section discusses the following commonland uses that can affect water quality:
Agriculture and Grazing Failing Septic Systems Point Source Discharges Landfills and Dumps Construction Sites Logging Chemical Spills Air Pollution/Transportation Lawn and Garden Care
Those everyday activities that go on inyour watershed, including things you doaround the house, have a direct impact onthe quality of water in the watershed. Gov-ernment regulation seeks to preserve andprotect the water for all its many purposes.However, regulation alone is not enough.According to the EPA, about 80 percent ofthe pollution in our water today comes fromnonpoint source pollution, which is difficultto regulate. By learning how our activitiesaffect the water and how we can change ourhabits to protect the water, each of us canmake an important contribution to protect-ing this valuable resource.
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Tune Up Your Car HabitsTune Up Your Car HabitsTune Up Your Car HabitsTune Up Your Car HabitsTune Up Your Car HabitsPollution prevention efforts have
focused on cars and air pollution foryears but have rarely mentioned cars andwater pollution. The cumulative effect ofthousands of cars driving down a roadleaving tire particles,brake dust, and dropsof oil or other chemi-cals on the road canaffect water qualityjust as easily as itcan air quality.Here�s how youcan help:
Cut down on your driving; instead,carpool or use public transport.
Don�t dump used oil, gasoline, orother automotive products in the toilet,sink, curbside storm drain, street gutter,or on the ground.
Pump gas and change fluids care-fully to avoid spills on the ground. Placea drip pan under your work area. Pourkitty litter, sawdust, or cornmeal on spills.Allow these absorbents to remain on thespill spot for several hours. For a smallspill, place the used absorbents in astrong plastic bag in the trash. For a largespill (over one gallon of absorbent), takethe material to a household hazardouswaste disposal center or event. Be espe-cially careful with antifreeze�sweet butdeadly to wayward pets.
Recycle used motor oil and anti-freeze by placing them in strong plasticcontainers and taking them to a gasstation or collection center.
Don�t mix waste oil with gasoline,solvents, or other liquids before recy-cling.
Recycle car batteries. Texas lawrequires a retailer to accept your oldbattery when you buy a new one.
Check for leaks under the carafter an overnight stop. Taking your carin for regular service helps preventleaks and reduce emissions.
Store car wax and unused auto-motive fluids in airtight containers in acool, dry, dark place. These items havea long shelf life, and are better usedthan discarded or recycled.
Wash your car with as little soap aspossible. Get a pistol grip hose nozzleto conserve water. Dump the bucket ofsoapy water in the toilet or sink, not thestreet or storm drain. Rinse soap sudsonto grass or gravel, where they canfilter through vegetation and soil be-fore entering storm drains, from whichwater flows unfiltered into our water-ways. Better yet, park your car on grassor gravel before washing. Avoid wash-ing on paved driveways or the street. Ifyou use car washes, patronize those thatrecycle water.
Read product labels and choosethose with the least toxic ingredients.Some toxic substances to avoid includeammonia, ethanol, and muriatic acid.
Substitute nontoxic productswhenever possible. Baking soda pasteworks well on battery heads, cableclamps, and chrome; mix the soda witha mild, biodegradable dishwashingsoap to clean wheels and tires. Forwindows, try white vinegar or lemonjuice mixed with water.
Maintain your air conditioning toprevent freon leaks. Run your airconditioning once every two weeks tokeep seals from cracking. Freon, achlorofluorocarbon (CFC), contributesto the thinning of Earth�s ozone layer.
Adapted with permission from �estuarywise,� published
by the San Francisco Estuary Project.
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nearby streams. This waste carries nutrientsthat can cause an overgrowth in aquaticplants and algae, often called an algaebloom. These nutrients can also cause anexplosion in the number of sewage-lovingaquatic insects, such as blackflies.
Septic tanks must be maintained in orderfunction properly. If the sludge is not re-moved from the tank regularly (usually everytwo to five years) the tank fills with solidsand can pollute the nearby stream orgroundwater. Septic systems rely on micro-
scopic organismsto break down theorganic wastes.Dumping hazard-ous chemicals intoa septic system cankill these micro-scopic organismsand cause a systemfailure.
Solving theseproblems throughregulation andenforcement isdifficult and costly.
Educating septic system users about theimpact of sewage on streams and aquatic lifecan help prevent this problem. Often,people may not be aware that their actions(or inactions) could cause such problems.
PPPPPoint Source Dischargesoint Source Dischargesoint Source Dischargesoint Source Dischargesoint Source DischargesPoint source refers to water pollution
which comes from an easily identifiablesource, such as the end of a pipe that leadsfrom a treatment plant. In order to controlthe quality of point source discharges, thestate wastewater permitting program and theNational Pollutant Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES) require point source dis-chargers to obtain a permit before releasingwastewater into surface waters. NPDESpermits require identification of pollutantsin wastewater and set limits on them in
Agriculture and GrazingAgriculture and GrazingAgriculture and GrazingAgriculture and GrazingAgriculture and GrazingIn the United States, 60 percent of all
nonpoint source pollution comes fromagricultural runoff. Poor management oflivestock and crop production practicescontribute significant amounts of nutrientsand sediment runoff. Crop production alsodischarges pesticides into the water, whichcan be harmful to aquatic life depending onthe concentration of the chemicals.
Best management practices for livestockpasturelandsinclude maintain-ing a fenced bufferzone to keep live-stock from tram-pling riparian(streamside) veg-etation, streambanks, and streamhabitat. OtherBMPs includerotating livestockon different pas-tureland to preventovergrazing, pro-viding alternatewatering sources to the stream, and con-structing settling basins that allow sedimentand nutrients to settle out of the water. ABMP that should be practiced in urban aswell as agricultural areas is the preservationor planting of a 50-foot area of trees andshrubs along each side of the stream. Thisbuffer zone helps reduce sediments andagricultural or lawn care chemicals enteringthe stream.
For information on agricultural BMPs,contact the Texas State Soil and Water Con-servation Board (TSSWCB) or the NaturalResources Conservation Service.
FFFFFailing Septic Systemsailing Septic Systemsailing Septic Systemsailing Septic Systemsailing Septic SystemsTwenty-four percent of American rural
and suburban homes rely on septic systemsto handle household wastes. When septicsystems fail, raw human waste can enter
Health NoticeHealth NoticeHealth NoticeHealth NoticeHealth NoticeIf you suspect untreatedsewage is causing problemsin your stream, be careful around the water.Sewage contains many disease-causing organ-isms that can be very harmful. Always wearprotective gloves and boots when around rawsewage. Notify your regional TNRCC officeof the problem.
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order to maintain a certain standard of waterquality in the receiving stream.
If you have a concern about a pointsource discharger in your stream, contactyour regional TNRCC office. Wastewatertreatment plants add chlorine to their efflu-ent to kill pathogenic (disease-causing)bacteria. The chlorine, however, can behighly toxic to aquatic life, and some treat-ment plants are not required to removechlorine before discharge.
LLLLLandfills and Dumpsandfills and Dumpsandfills and Dumpsandfills and Dumpsandfills and DumpsIf you can throw it away, it�s probably in
the sanitary landfill. Sanitary landfills aredumps that havea clay and/orplastic linerunderneath andare covered by alayer of eartheach day. Butlandfills candegrade, andolder landfillsdid not have tofollow the strictrules establishedfor landfillstoday. The age ofthe landfill andthe thickness andtype of liner isimportant in understanding the relationshipbetween landfills and water quality.
You could expect to find anything frompaint thinners, old batteries, and pesticidesto bleach, oil filters, and other potentiallydamaging waste products in an ordinarylandfill. With the many different chemicalsat these sites it is difficult to identify specificpollutants responsible for environmentaldamage. To keep these products from con-taminating groundwater:
buy only what you need and use it forthe intended purpose;
if you can�t use it, give it to a neighboror relative who can; or for unusable household hazardouswaste (HHW), participate in a HHWcollection event.
Organic waste such as yard trimmings andclean wood waste can be diverted fromlandfills to produce beneficial materials suchas compost and mulch. When compost andmulch are applied to home gardens andagricultural land, the need for pesticidesand fertilizers is reduced.
Construction SiteConstruction SiteConstruction SiteConstruction SiteConstruction SitesssssConstruction sites often cause sedimenta-
tion in streamsthat can destroystream habitatand impairwater quality.Erosion andsediment controlstructures, suchas silt fences andsedimentationponds, are veryeffective atkeeping sedi-ments fromenteringstreams.
Examples ofBMPs for con-
struction sites include regrading and reveg-etating the land, leaving forested buffersalong the stream, using silt fences and checkdams to prevent disturbed soil from leavingconstruction sites, and creating sedimentbasins to trap muddy water. Once the controlsturctures are in place, it�s important thatthey are properly maintained.
LLLLLogogogogoggingginggingginggingErosion from logging roads and heavy
machinery crossing streams, the harvestingof riparian trees (trees growing along the
Obvious Symptoms of Water PollutionObvious Symptoms of Water PollutionObvious Symptoms of Water PollutionObvious Symptoms of Water PollutionObvious Symptoms of Water Pollution Scum and algal mats floating near lake shores Excessive plant growth choking waters Sediment-clogged drainage ditches and sewers Decreasing depth of a body of water Fewer fish and wildlife Contaminated water supply for drinking,recreation, and industry Fish kills Fish advisories caused by bacteria or toxicsubstances Extreme flooding or streambank erosion
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storage facilities, testing of undergroundtanks, and use of corrosion-resistant tankmaterials. Gas stations should be equippedwith absorbent materials to use to clean upspills rather than wash the spill down stormdrains and into the nearest creek. Citizensmay also want to get permission and supportfrom the public works department to stencilstorm drains with messages such as �Don�tdump�drains to stream.� For informationon storm drain stenciling, contact the CLEAN
TEXAS 2000 team of the TNRCC.
Air PAir PAir PAir PAir Pollution/Tollution/Tollution/Tollution/Tollution/TransportationransportationransportationransportationransportationEmissions of chemicals into Earth�s
atmosphere from coal-burning electricpower plants, industry smokestacks, andautomobiles are the cause of acid rain.Normal rainfall is naturally acidic, with a pHof 6.5 (7.0 is neutral). When rainfall reactswith airborne pollutants such as sulfur diox-ides and nitrogen oxides, the result is amuch lower pH (more acidic). Acid rain withpH values as low as 2 and 3�similar to theacidity of vinegar�has been reported insome parts of the country.
Putting filtering devices on smokestacks,practicing energy conservation, using natu-ral gas automobiles, properly maintaininggasoline-powered cars, riding the bus, ortaking mass transit when possible are ways tohelp reduce emissions.
LLLLLawn and awn and awn and awn and awn and Garden CareGarden CareGarden CareGarden CareGarden CareIn some suburban neighborhoods there
is a war raging�the war for the greenest,most weed-free yard. Unlike the majorityof farmers, the urban weekend gardeneroften thinks �if a little is good, a little morewill be better.� Texas homeowners pourabout four million pounds of pesticides ontheir lawns and gardens each year. Morepesticides per square inch are applied to atypical yard than to the most intenselysprayed farmland.
It is also common for people living closeto a stream or storm drain to dump lawn
stream bank), and other improper practicesmake logging one of the industries thatcommonly affects water quality. Many ofthese effects can be avoided by using forestryBMPs, such as proper design and layout oflogging roads and trails and protection of atleast 50 feet of natural vegetative bufferalong each side of the stream. After an areais harvested, BMPs can be used to regradethe site and replant native vegetation inunstable areas otherwise prone to erosion.
For more information about how topromote and encourage forestry BMPs,contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,the U.S. Forest Service, and the Texas ForestService.
ChemChemChemChemChemical Spillsical Spillsical Spillsical Spillsical SpillsOil contaminants reach water on the
surface and underground through spills,storage tankleakage, andillegal dump-ing of waste oil.One quart ofoil can con-taminate 2million gallonsof water andform a slickthat covers twoacres. It isestimated that some 28 percent of the oil inthe sea originates from river runoff.
The state of Texas and participatingautomobile service stations sponsor used oilrecycling programs. Many service stationsalso accept antifreeze and other auto wastesfree of charge. Many municipalities, withsupport from the TNRCC, have hazardouswaste pickup days and provide collectioncenters where citizens can safely dispose ofharmful household chemicals, such as usedoil and pesticides.
Citizens can encourage the use ofaboveground storage tanks and support regu-lations that require monitoring around
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clippings, leaves, and branches into thestream. When this yard waste rots, it robs thestream of oxygen needed by aquatic organ-isms.
There are numerous ways to prevent yourlawn and garden from becoming a burdenon your local stream or landfill.
Choose native plants that do not re-quire as much water, fertilizer, or pesti-cides to decrease the amount of runofffrom your yard. Position sprinklers so that only plantsare watered, not sidewalks, streets,and patios. Look for natural alternatives to chemi-cal pesticides or fertilizers. If you do use chemical fertilizers orpesticides, follow the directions care-fully and use only the amount youneed. Never apply these products rightbefore it rains; most of the product willwash into the storm drain, harming
nearby streams and wasting yourmoney and efforts. Let your grass clippings fall to the turfas you mow. The clippings will act as amulch and will reduce the water andfertilizer needs of your yard. Use compost to protect soils fromerosion and compaction, and reducethe need for chemical fertilizers andpesticides. Add organic matter to the soil to in-crease its ability to retain water, makingit more drought resistant. Goodmulches, including wood chips, leaves,grass clippings, and compost, canbenefit your lawn and garden by pre-venting erosion, suppressing weeds,retaining soil moisture, moderating soiltemperature, and adding nutrients.
Easy, no-cost compost recipeEasy, no-cost compost recipeEasy, no-cost compost recipeEasy, no-cost compost recipeEasy, no-cost compost recipe1. Pick a 4-foot by 8-foot area, preferably shaded, where water does not
collect when it rains.2. Cover half the area with a 6-inch layer of leaves. Water thoroughly.3. Add a 2-inch layer of grass clippings and/or fruit and vegetable scraps, and
add a dash of soil.4. Mix this layer lightly with the layer below it using a hoe or cultivator.
Water thoroughly.5. Top with a 2-inch layer of leaves.6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 as ingredients are available.
Note: The top layer of the completed pile should beat least 4 inches of leaves and should cover all foodmaterials. Build the pile to 3 feet high as soon asyou can.
7. Turn the whole pile over with a hay fork or shovelevery 2 to 3 weeks, adding water as needed tomake the whole pile moist like a wrung-out sponge.
8. Compost is well done when most of the originalingredients have broken down and when it smellslike rich soil.
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The Background InvestigationThe Background InvestigationThe Background InvestigationThe Background InvestigationThe Background Investigation
In the background investigation you willidentify and map the watershed you plan tosurvey. You will also look at the history ofyour watershed from many different per-spectives. The history of your stream mayshed light on things you discover when yougo out to the stream to conduct your visualassessment.
This section will provide you with tips onhow to obtain maps of your area and how todraw the borders of your particular water-shed using a topographic map. It also directsyou to resources available for obtainingbackground information for your watershed.A sample background investigation report isincluded to spark some ideas for your group.
We do not see nature with our owneyes, but with our understandingand our hearts.
�William Hazlitt
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✶✶✶✶✶Excerpt from �Blunn Creek Nature Preserve,� a brochure prepared by theYouth Rangers, a City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department YouthOpportunities Program. Reprinted with permission of Blunn Creek NaturePreserve.
A Look at Blunn Creek in Austin, Texas✶✶✶✶✶
Here is a brief example of a natural history back-ground survey. You may want to go into more detail insome of the areas of your survey and leave some otherareas out completely. Choose what you want toemphasize.What�s in a Name?
Joseph Blunn, a carriage trimmer who had lived inAustin since the 1860�s, met with a tragic fate onerainy October night on his way home to his wife andsix children. When he came to the creek he found itroaring five feet deep. The next morning his buggywas found smashed and his horse dead. A half miledown the creek Blunn was found drowned, and eversince then, the creek in which he lost his life isreferred to as Blunn Creek.Natural History
During the late Cretaceous period (83-79 millionyears ago) central Texas was covered by a vast shallowsea. Over millions of years, marine clams, oysters, andother shelled animals died, sank to the bottom of theocean, and turned into many layers of limestone andcaliche. Some layers are especially full of fossils. TheAustin chalk layer is the predominant formationvisible along the creek bed near the East Creek Trail.One of the most intriguing features of Blunn Creek isthe volcanic tuff, which is rock composed of com-pacted volcanic ash, formed when molten rock flowedout of the volcano and covered the limestone. Thisigneous rock, which has a green color, is still visiblealong the creek bed. The remnant of the volcanocrater which deposited the volcanic ash 80 millionyears ago is found nearby at St. Edward�s University.The exposed ash beds mixed with limestone depositsare present near Travis High School. During this timeperiod, there were 12 active volcanoes east of the HillCountry.
During the Pleistocene era (2-13 million years ago),the oceans receded and the Colorado River floodedparts of Blunn Creek. The results of this flooding areevident in the alluvial deposits of gravel, sand, siltand clay. Most of the volcanic tuff is covered by thesilty clay Altoga soils. The wooded slopes are sup-ported by Eddy soil, which is prone to erosion. Ferrissoil which shrinks and swells to extremes is also foundin the watershed. This soil, also known as Houston-Black, can leave cracks that may reach a width of fourinches and result in severe erosion when dry.
VegetationJust as geology determines soil type and character-
istics, climate determines vegetation. There are threevegetation zones in the watershed, each with adifferent type of soil that best supports native plantlife that is uniquely adapted to its environment. Eachzone is dynamic and has changed over time.
Upland Large live oaks and Texas Persimmontrees are scattered along the higher elevations.Cedar, mesquite, Mexican buckeye, agarito, andhackberry are common.
Rolling Prairie The second vegetation zone ischaracterized by Hackberry, prickly ash, Texasredbud, and prickly pear. This vegetation zoneis in ecological transition, possibly becomingoak/elm woodland. Bluebonnet and IndianPaintbrush dominate during the spring time,and little bluestem grass is being reestablished,replacing the invasive Johnson grass.
Riparian The third vegetative zone is a narrowstrip of woodland known for its beauty andabundance of species. This habitat trapsexcessive water runoff in its soil. The absorbedwater filters into the ground, enters the ground-water, and is released into the creek at a latertime and at a slower rate, thus maintainingBlunn�s base flow. This habitat is occupied bywater-loving native black willows, cottonwood,rough-leaf dogwood, pecan, and sycamore.Several bald cypresses have been planted alongthe creek edge. American beauty berry, greenash, elderberry, Southern shield fern, andmustang grape are found in the under story ofthis habitat.
WildlifeMammals, such as fox squirrels, raccoons, opos-
sums, and armadillos can be found throughout thelength of the creek.High densities of these occur,along with additional species, including several nativerodents and more wary forms such as the gray fox. Anelaborate network of animal trails exists throughoutthe watershed. These small paths are made by ani-mals in their nocturnal trek throughout the woods. Inthe evening the gray fox can be seen crossing St.Edward�s drive to forage for food and water.
The Blunn Creek watershed has a diverse popula-tion of birds. The red-bellied woodpecker, cardinal,cedar waxwing, mockingbird, warblers, flycatchers,and mourning dove all reside in the watershed. Thecommon species, such as house sparrows, blue jays,starlings and grackles are found as well.
Blunn�s aquatic wildlife hosts a wide variety ofaquatic insects and fish. The largest reptiles that maybe seen in the creek are the red-ear slider turtle andthe snapping turtle. Other reptiles include theredstripe ribbon snake and the Texas spiny lizard.
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Ordering USGS Topographic MapsOrdering USGS Topographic MapsOrdering USGS Topographic MapsOrdering USGS Topographic MapsOrdering USGS Topographic Maps
The U.S. Geological Survey�s EarthScience Information Center (ESIC) canprovide a catalog of available USGS topo-graphic maps, a brochure on how to usetopographic maps, and general informa-tion on ESIC services. Contact the mainESIC office at:
USGS Earth Science Information Center507 National Center12201 Sunrise Valley DriveReston, VA 220921-800-USA-MAPS
If you know the coordinates of the mapyou need, you can order it directly from:
USGSMap DistributionBox 25286Denver CO 80225
Place your order in writing and includea check for $2.50 per map (for ordersunder $10.00, add $1.00 shipping andhandling). The ESIC can also refer youto commercial map distributors that canget the maps sooner but for a higher fee.(USGS maps are also available throughthe Texas Natural Resource InformationService. See appendix page 30 for addressand phone number.)
How is the land in the watershed zoned(residential, commercial, industrial)? Where are the stream�s headwaters,where does it flow, where does it empty,and how long is it? What are the watershed�s name andboundaries, what is its population, andthrough which communities does thestream flow? What are the roles of various jurisdic-tions in managing the stream andwatershed?
Getting StartedGetting StartedGetting StartedGetting StartedGetting StartedResearch on the watershed is generally
conducted just once, with occasional updatesor additions if needed. The backgroundinformation should yield valuable informa-tion about the cultural and natural history ofyour stream and the uses of the land sur-rounding it. Most of the information can begathered by research, using maps and stateand local records, and by investigating someof the more prominent historical events inthe watershed, such as flooding and dam-ming.
The investigation may emphasize theissues that are most important to your groupor issues that are unique to your watershed.It can be as brief or as complete as you wishto make it. Your group may be interested inthe history and geology of the stream, or youmay want to limit your investigation todetermining and mapping your area ofinvestigation, letting the field work guidewhat other background information you maywish to collect. Remember, this is supposedto be fun.
Here are some of the things you maywant to include in your investigation, de-pending on the interests of your group.
Essential: Determine the area you wish to investi-gate, and map it. Determine how you will gain access toyour chosen stream, and obtain permis-sion from landowners if you must crosstheir property to gain access.
Information that you will need to effectivelyassess your watershed:
How much area is developed orundeveloped? What are the current land uses? Are there any quarries/mines/wells, andif so, where are they? Is there ranching in the watershed? Are there industries or treatment plantsthat discharge into the stream or itswatershed?
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TopographicTopographicTopographicTopographicTopographicMap withMap withMap withMap withMap withDelineatedDelineatedDelineatedDelineatedDelineatedWatershedWatershedWatershedWatershedWatershedThis is an exampleof a topographicalmap with a delin-eated watershed.Note the dam onthe left side; it is thefarthest downstreamborder of the water-shed. The dark areasrepresent lakes andreservoirs in thewatershed.
What are the stream�s current uses(such as fishing, swimming, drinkingwater supply, irrigation)?
Fun/Historical/Cultural Information How did the stream get its name? What types of vegetation are common? What types of soil are found? What is the geological structure of thearea? What wildlife is common? Are there any Native American storiesabout the area? What are the historical land uses? What is the percentage of the water-shed land area in each town or jurisdic-tion?
This information will make up the back-bone of the survey while also bringing thestory of the watershed to life. The different
areas of investigation can be assigned todifferent members or groups of membersto end up with a complete picture of thestream.
Map YMap YMap YMap YMap Your Wour Wour Wour Wour WatershedatershedatershedatershedatershedStream headwaters, length, tributaries,
final destination, and watershed boundariesare best determined with U.S. GeologicalSurvey 7½-minute topographic maps (on a1:24,000 scale where 1 inch = 2,000 feet).These maps depict land forms, major roads,developments, streams, lakes, and other landfeatures. Sporting goods stores and bookstores often carry them, usually for less than$4.00. These maps can also be orderedthrough the U.S. Geological Survey.
Once you�ve obtained topographic mapsof your area, follow these steps to draw yourwatershed boundaries:
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1. Locate and mark the downstreamoutlet of the watershed. For rivers andstreams, this is the farthest downstreampoint in which you are interested.
2. Locate all the water features such asstreams, wetlands, lakes, and reservoirsthat eventually flow into the outlet.Start with major tributaries, then in-clude smaller creeks and drainagechannels. To determine whether astream is flowing to or from a lake orriver, compare the elevation of the landfeatures to that of the water body. Alake will occupy only one elevation. If a
stream crosses a contour or elevationline that is higher than the lake, thenthat stream is flowing towards the lake.
3. Use arrows to mark the direction ofthe stream or wetland flow. By seeingthe direction of the flow you can beginto visualize the topography of thestreambed and the watershed.
4. Find and mark the high points (hills,ridges, saddles) on the map. Thenconnect these points, following ridgesand crossing slopes at right angles tocontour lines. This line forms thewatershed boundaries.
The Six Cardinal Laws of Contours The Six Cardinal Laws of Contours The Six Cardinal Laws of Contours The Six Cardinal Laws of Contours The Six Cardinal Laws of Contours Contours always occur in pairs. Contours that indicate aridge will always close; therefore, on a map if youcrossed a 50 ft. contour moving uphill, youmust cross another 50 ft. contour whenmoving in a downhill direction.
Contours never cross. Contour lines willnever cross unless an overhanging ledge isindicated.
Contours have equal vertical separation. The verti-cal measure that is indicated between two con-tour lines is the same for any two lines on amap.
All contour lines close on themselves. All contour lineswill close someplace on the earth, even thoughthey may appear to be a single line on a map.
Contour lines do not merge or split. Since contoursmust always be continuous and close on themselves, theycannot merge or split.
The steepest slope is perpendicularto the contour. This principle isillustrated by streams thatalways flow along the steepestslope and always cross contourlines perpendicularly.
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Identify LIdentify LIdentify LIdentify LIdentify Land and Wand and Wand and Wand and Wand and Water Usesater Usesater Usesater Usesater UsesSome land uses, such as railroads, and
urban developments in the watershed will bedepicted on your topo maps and should beconsidered more closely during the secondpart of the watershed survey. It will be usefulto develop broad statements about the landuse in the watershed (for example, thewatershed is 60 percent residential, 20percent park land/recreational, and 20percent light industrial). Determining theland use in the watershed is helpful in pin-pointing areas for closer investigation dur-ing your visual assessment of the watershed.Other sources of information about land useinclude:
Local planning offices, which maintaininformation about current land usesand about potential land uses for whichthe area is zoned.
Conservation district offices, the Agri-culture Extension Service, or the Natu-ral Resources Conservation Service(formerly the Soil Conservation Ser-vice) should be able to provide infor-mation about agricultural developmentin rural areas such as crop yields, typesof crops, and irrigation and pest con-trol practices. Local offices of the U.S. GeologicalSurvey might provide a variety ofpublications, special studies, maps, andphotos on land uses and land forms inthe area. Aerial photographs, which providecurrent and historical views of landuses. See highlight box for more infor-mation.
Obtaining Aerial PhotographsObtaining Aerial PhotographsObtaining Aerial PhotographsObtaining Aerial PhotographsObtaining Aerial PhotographsHistoric and current aerial photographs can be obtained from local, state, and
federal governments, as well as private firms. Try planning offices, highway depart-ments, soil and water conservation districts, state departments of transportation,and universities.
Federal sources of aerial photographs include:
USDA Agricultural Stabilization andConservation ServiceAerial Photography Field Office222 West 2300 SouthP.O. Box 30010Salt Lake City, UT 84103-0010(801) 524-5856
Cartographic and Architectural BranchNational Archives and Records Administration8601 Adelphi RoadCollege Park, MD 20740-6001(301) 713-7040
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ment of Transportation and local transporta-tion agencies should have records on whenhighways and bridges were built.
Longtime residents who remember thestream from their youth can provide invaluableand interesting information about the stream.Perhaps they fished or swam in the streamwhen they were children, and they may be ableto recount some of the major changes such aschannelization or damming. These oral histo-ries can add an interesting local color to yourhistoric investigation, such as where the nameof your stream or river came from. If it isnamed after a person, who was this personand why did the stream get his or her name?
YYYYYou�ve Completed You�ve Completed You�ve Completed You�ve Completed You�ve Completed Your Backgroundour Backgroundour Backgroundour Backgroundour BackgroundInvestigation. What�s Next?Investigation. What�s Next?Investigation. What�s Next?Investigation. What�s Next?Investigation. What�s Next?
Once the investigation has been com-pleted, one person from your group shouldcompile the information into a report andpresent it to the others in the group. At aminimum, key information on land uses,water uses, watershed boundaries, anddischarges should be maintained in writtenform for your group�s use, and to be avail-able as a reference for future activities andprojects. Maps and photographs will proveto be useful, especially for comparisons overtime and to spark interest in people new tothe project.
Industries and wastewater treatmentplants that discharge into the stream are onrecord at city or county environmental officesor at your regional TNRCC office. At theseoffices, records are kept of industries withpermits to discharge treated effluent intostreams. These permits, through the statewastewater permitting program and theNational Pollutant Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES), specify where, when, andwhat industries and treatment facilities areallowed to discharge.
In areas where there has been heavydevelopment, a comparison of earlier mapsand photographs can be an interestingproject. You may be able to access old mapsand photos; infrared photos are particularlyhelpful in showing the distinction betweenurban development and vegetation.
Current uses of the stream are establishedin state water quality standards, which specifywhat the uses of all state waters should be.These uses can include fisheries, swimming,and irrigation. The state standards alsoestablish limits on pollutants in the waters inorder to maintain sufficient water quality tosupport those uses, and they contain a narra-tive statement that prohibits degradation ofwaters below their designated uses.Thecomplete standards are contained in TexasSurface Water Quality Standards, Texas Adminis-trative Code, Title 30, Chapter 307. For addi-tional information on urban water qualitystandards, refer to Chapter 216.
Historical Land UsesHistorical land uses and the history of the
stream might take a little legwork to uncover.Good starting places include local historicalsocieties, libraries, and newspaper archives.Look for photos and stories about fishingcontests, spills, floods, and other majorevents affecting the stream and its watershed.Contact county or town planning offices toobtain information on when residential areaswere developed and when streams werechannelized or diverted. The Texas Depart-
Take a LookTake a LookTake a LookTake a LookTake a Lookat the State of Texas WaterQuality Inventory (also called the305(b) report). This publication (TNRCCpublication number SFR-50) describes thestatus of the state�s surface and ground-water resources and discusses all of theTNRCC water quality managementprograms. Call (512) 239-0028 for thisand other TNRCC publications.
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The Visual AssessmentThe Visual AssessmentThe Visual AssessmentThe Visual AssessmentThe Visual AssessmentIn the visual assessment portion of the
watershed survey, you take a firsthand lookat your watershed and keep a list of yourobservations on maps, field notes, and onthe watershed survey data sheets. You mayfind you draw insight from what you learnedin the background investigation when yousurvey conditions in the field.
The steps involved in completing thevisual assessment include:
determining the area to be assessed, determining when to survey, gathering the necessary equipment, exploring the watershed and stream,and completing the field data sheets.
Never a day passes but that I domyself the honor to commune withsome of nature�s varied forms.
� George Washington Carver
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Safety FirstSafety FirstSafety FirstSafety FirstSafety FirstAs with all outdoor activities, be careful
and use common sense. Always work with atleast one other person. Park your car safelyoff roads and out of the way of traffic. Makesure to obtain the landowner�s permissionbefore entering private property. Texasstreams can have many hazards�always beon the lookout for snakes, fire ants, wasps,poison ivy, and wild animals.
Determine the Area to Be AssessedDetermine the Area to Be AssessedDetermine the Area to Be AssessedDetermine the Area to Be AssessedDetermine the Area to Be AssessedThe visual assessment will be most valu-
able when the same area is observed eachtime. Your watershed may be too large foryour group to visually assess in its entirety.Larger watersheds can be divided into sec-tions by using easily definable boundariessuch as roads, tributaries, power lines, andgas lines. These watershed sections can thenbe assessed by different groups of observers.The boundaries of your watershed sectionshould be marked on your topographicalmap to help future volunteers continue thevisual assessment and help professionalslocate any problems that have been identi-fied.
Once the area has been chosen for theassessment, define the area clearly in words;for example, �the Walnut Creek watershedfrom I-35 upstream to Loop 1.� After thearea for the survey has been chosen, drawthe outline and significant features of thestream and its surroundings on a blank sheetof paper or obtain a more detailed map ofthe area, such as a neighborhood map or adetailed set of county maps. This will beyour field map, which you will use to markstream obstructions, pollution sources, landuse, litter, spills, or other problems younotice during the visual assessment. You mayadd to this field map each time you visit thestream, as land uses change. You might wantto make a copy of your map each time youupdate it, in case it is lost or damaged.
Determine When to SurDetermine When to SurDetermine When to SurDetermine When to SurDetermine When to SurveyveyveyveyveyBecause streams can vary significantly
from season to season, it is best to visuallyassess the stream and the watershed at leastonce every season. There may be areas thatrequire additional spot checks such as a newhousing development or road construction.It�s a good idea to look at some areas duringor just after a heavy rain. This could identifysome erosion problems as well as failingseptic systems. A septic drainage field shouldnever be heavily saturated with water. If yourstream is used for irrigation it is importantto keep an eye on the flow levels during thesummer months to see how this use mayaffect the stream. Here is a guide for whento survey:
March to April, before trees and shrubsare in full leaf and when water levelsare generally high. June to July, when trees and shrubs arein full leaf and when water levels aregenerally low. September to October, when trees andshrubs may be beginning to changecolor and water levels are low. December to January, when trees andshrubs have lost their leaves and waterlevels are variable.
Gather the NecessarGather the NecessarGather the NecessarGather the NecessarGather the Necessary Equipmenty Equipmenty Equipmenty Equipmenty EquipmentBefore beginning the visual assessment
the following materials should be gathered: Reference maps such as your topo-graphic map or neighborhood map, tolocate the stream and the area to beassessed. Map on which to record the land uses,land characteristics, sources of pollu-tion, constructionsites, stream ob-structions, andlandmarks. Watershed fielddata sheet.
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Additional blank paper or notebook todraw maps and make notes as needed. Relevant information from the back-ground investigation, such as location ofindustrial or treatment plant discharges,farms, abandoned mines, or areas ofrecreational uses.
Explore the WExplore the WExplore the WExplore the WExplore the WatershedatershedatershedatershedatershedThe purpose of exploring your water-
shed is to get an overall view of the land thatdrains into your stream and record observa-tions on the field data sheet. Even if youhave lived in the watershed for years, youmay be surprised by some of the new thingsyou will notice with your freshly trained eyes.
Always work with at least one otherperson. If you are driving through thewatershed, one of you should navigate with aroad map while the other partner drives.Keep a field sheet handy for recordingrelevant discoveries. It may be a good ideato pull over and make detailed observations,especially at road crossings. As you exploreyour watershed look for the following:
Terrain. Become aware of the topogra-phy of the area by observing hills,valleys, and ridges and see how theyrelate to a topographic map. Does anyof this area periodically flood? Arethere areas where the land seems un-stable?
Channel modifications. Look forevidence indicating how the communityhas dealt with the stream and its floodpotential. Are there areas where thebanks have been covered with concreteand/or the stream has been straight-ened? Is it dammed, diverted, or cul-verted? Note any evidence of erosion orpollution beneath railroad, street,power line, and pipe crossings. Isstreamflow obstructed by debris hungup beneath the bridges? Land uses. Look for construction sites,parking lots, manicured lawns, golfcourses, farming, cattle crossings,mining, industrial and sewage treat-ment plant discharges, open dumps,and landfills. Look for the areas ofinterest you identified in the back-ground investigation. Look for forestedland, healthy riparian zones, undis-turbed wetlands, wildlife, and thepresence of recreational users of thestream, like swimmers and fishers. Isthis recreational usage intense, moder-ate, or light? Vacant lots. Make note of the numberof vacant lots and which ones would begood candidates for community gar-dens or playground projects. Be opento goals of enhancing community life inthe watershed.
The fate of precipitation in a natural watershed and a developed watershed. Developed areas greatly reducethe amount of precipitation that becomes groundwater. Evaporation and transpiration (water loss fromplants) are also reduced in urbanized areas. (EPA, 1995)
The Fate of PrecipitationThe Fate of PrecipitationThe Fate of PrecipitationThe Fate of PrecipitationThe Fate of Precipitation
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Components of the Stream SystemComponents of the Stream SystemComponents of the Stream SystemComponents of the Stream SystemComponents of the Stream SystemSurrounding land use affects stream habitat. Illustration by David P. Terry, TNRCC.
Streamside Cover
Channel
Submerged VegetationEmergent Vegetation
Substrate(Stream Bottom)
Riparian Zone Riparian Zone
AdjacentWatershed Adjacent Watershed
It is important to take note of the posi-tive conditions and activities you seethroughout the watershed as well as thenegative. Make note of construction sitesthat are using erosion control practices suchas erosion control fences, temporary grasscover, and storm drain covers. Look forthings such as stable, naturally vegetatedbanks, fish and waterfowl, or other signs thatthe stream is healthy.
Using the Field Data SheetsUsing the Field Data SheetsUsing the Field Data SheetsUsing the Field Data SheetsUsing the Field Data SheetsThe field data sheets found at the end of
this section are designed to help you answerquestions about the land uses in your water-shed. Sometimes it is difficult to put num-bers and percentages down describing landuses, but percentages, rather than simpleverbal statements about the activities, helpmake the survey more objective.
When the opportunity arises to comparetwo watersheds, the major differences in
Explore the StreamExplore the StreamExplore the StreamExplore the StreamExplore the StreamLocate public areas of the stream that are
easily accessible and go down to the water�sedge. Using all your senses, describe the area.Does the creek smell? If so, what does itsmell like? Is the water covered with debris,an oil sheen, or foam? Is the water clear orturbid? Make note of the type and abun-dance of riparian vegetation (grasses,shrubs, trees, etc.). Is there any sign oferosion? Make note of all the pipes anddrainage ditches discharging into the creek(an inventory sheet will be filled out for eachpipe and drainage ditch).
While conducting the survey in thestreambed, remember to note your locationas specifically as possible. Draw new maps ortake pictures to help record your locationand your observations. Don�t be afraid totake too many notes or draw too manypictures. There will be time to sort throughyour observations later.
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pollution, geography, urban develop-ment, and planning; a historical project, looking at thewatershed development using historicaldocuments, aerial photos, and maps; the focus of a plant or animal survey;and a guide for developing a nature trail.
Whether you choose to identify fishcommunities and their location in thestream, learn to identify bird calls and get anestimate of the number of species in thewatershed, or do a vegetation analysis, theinformation could be important to theAudubon Society, area biologists, educators, orlocal civic and environmental groups.
So take a look around, explore, keeptrack of what you see, and share what youlearn. There are many new things to see,from the small to the large, the beautiful tothe disturbing. You may even find places younever knew existed before. Perhaps BabaDioum sums it up best:
In the end, we will conserve only whatwe love. We will love only what we under-stand. We will understand only what weare taught.
land uses will be described and will be easyto locate on the data sheets. If biologicaland/or chemical water quality informationwas accessible, comparisons could be drawnbetween the land uses and the water quality.This could help pinpoint areas in the water-shed where restoration projects would bemost useful.
Review YReview YReview YReview YReview Your Maps andour Maps andour Maps andour Maps andour Maps andField Data SheetsField Data SheetsField Data SheetsField Data SheetsField Data Sheets
The final step of the watershed survey isto review your maps, field notes, drawings,photos, and field data sheets for your water-shed segment. Take time to rewrite and orga-nize the information you have gathered into aclear picture or inventory of your watershed.What is the information telling you aboutproblem areas, overall condition of the stream,good and bad land management practices, andthe need for more community involvementand action? By answering these questions andproviding an overall view of the watershed,your group could promote additional monitor-ing or community activity. With that in mind,what areas on the stream would be the bestplaces for water quality monitoring to takeplace? Are there places that could benefitfrom a community cleanup project? Arethere signs that area residents have dumpedyard wastes such as lawn clippings, leaves,branches, or other trash into the creek? Aneighborhood education campaign by yourgroup might be the answer.
Once you have completed your survey,you may find it has many other potentialuses such as:
a good resource for targeting areas forcleanups and tree plantings; a guide for groups that are interested inconducting water quality tests; a planning tool for the community todesign some long-term goals for im-proving the watershed; a science project encompassing landuse and water quality, nonpoint source
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AppendixAppendixAppendixAppendixAppendix
When I arise in the morning,I am torn by the twin desiresto reform the worldandenjoy the world.This makes it hard to plan the day.
� E.B. White
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Impact of NPS PImpact of NPS PImpact of NPS PImpact of NPS PImpact of NPS PollutionollutionollutionollutionollutionSome of the effects of nonpoint source pollution are summarized in the following chart.
Adverse Impact of NPS PAdverse Impact of NPS PAdverse Impact of NPS PAdverse Impact of NPS PAdverse Impact of NPS PollutionollutionollutionollutionollutionIn-Stream Effects Off-Stream Effects
Biological: Flood damage: Loss of species Loss of human and animal life Destruction of species habitat Deposition of sediment on cropland, Alteration of food web roads, etc. Interruption of ecosystem functions Loss of productivity
Recreational: Water Conveyance Facilities: Loss of recreational fishing Deposition and removal of sediment in Loss of boating and swimming drainage ditches, canals, etc.opportunities Increased pumping requirements
Loss of waterfowl hunting opportunities
Water Storage Facilities: Water treatment facilities and water users: Need to construct larger sediment pools Additional treatment required Need to dredge and excavate sediments Increased maintenance of equipment Early replacement of storage capacity Loss of productivity Additional water quality treatment required
Navigation: Drinking Water Supplies: Delays and accidents in shipping, boating Increased health risks, illnesses Damage to marine engines from contaminated surface water Need for dredging and disposal of spoils and groundwater
Supplemental drinking water required
Other: Loss of fisheries Reduced property values and aesthetics
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Information ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation ResourcesInformation ResourcesTTTTType of Information Neededype of Information Neededype of Information Neededype of Information Neededype of Information Needed SourcesSourcesSourcesSourcesSources
Natural Water Qualitv U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental ProtectionResource Data Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish andAssessment, Wildlife Service, state water quality agencies, state fishInventories, and game departments, state departments of health, andand Other tribal environmental officesData
Land Use Data U.S. Department of Agriculture�s Natural Resources Conserva-tion Service and Agricultural Stabilization and ConservationService, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs,U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Man-agement, state cooperative extension services, state landoffice, tribal environmental or agricultural offices, localgovernment offices such as city planners andcounty commissioners
Economic Data County Extension Service, Councils of Governments,Economic Research Service, chambers of commerce, statedepartments of commerce, tribal councils, real estateagents, private consultants
Demographic Councils of Governments, census reports, chambers ofData commerce, state statistics bureaus, almanacs
Pollution Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture�s Natural Resources Conserva-Control tion Service and Agricultural Stabilization and ConservationMethods or Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CountyBest Extension Service, Agricultural Research Stations, stateManagement soil and water conservation commissions, state depart-Practices ments of agriculture, state water quality agencies
Urban U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Councils of Gov-ernments, state water quality agencies, city planners,private engineers
Mining & U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Bureau of Land Manage-Other ment, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Minerals ManagementResource Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Tennes-Extraction see Valley Authority, state departments of mining andProcesses minerals, statewater quality agencies
Roads U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture�s SoilConservation Service, U.S. Forestry Service, Bureau of LandManagement, state highway departments, state water qualityagencies, private engineers, county commissioners, parishpolice juries (LA), county extension services
Forestry U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, statedepartments of forestry, private consultants,timber companies
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Helpful Addresses and Phone NumbersHelpful Addresses and Phone NumbersHelpful Addresses and Phone NumbersHelpful Addresses and Phone NumbersHelpful Addresses and Phone Numbers
Texas State Soil and Water ConservationBoard
P.O. Box 658Temple, TX 76503(817) 773-2250
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)1700 North Congress AvenueAustin, TX 78711(512) 463-7847
United States Department of Agriculture(USDA)
14th and Independence Avenue SW, Room103AWashington, D.C. 20250(202) 720-2791
United States Geological Survey (USGS)12201 Sunrise Valley DriveReston, VA 22092
United States Government Printing Office(GPO)
710 North Capitol Street NWWashington, D.C. 20401(202) 512-1800
United States Forest ServicePublic AffairsP.O. Box 96090Washington, D.C. 20090-6690(202) 205-1760
United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceEndangered Species Division1849 C Street NWWashington, D.C. 20240(703) 358-2171
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)401 M Street SWWashington, D.C. 20460(202) 260-2080
National Archives and Records Administration(NARA)
7th Pennsylvania Avenue NWWashington, D.C. 20408(202) 501-5400
Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS)
P.O. Box 2890Washington, D.C. 20013(202) 720-3210
Texas Agricultural Extension Service (TAEX)Texas A & M UniversityAdministration Building, Room 112College Station, TX 77843-7101(409) 845-7800
Texas Council of Governments (COGs)1711 San JacintoAustin, TX 78711(512) 463-7792
Texas General Land Office (GLO)1700 North Congress AvenueAustin, TX 78711(512) 463-5256
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Comm-ission (TNRCC)
P.O. Box 13087Austin, TX 78711-3087(512) 239-1000
Texas Natural Resource Information Service(TNRIS)
1700 North Congress AvenueAustin, TX 78711(512) 463-8791
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WWWWWeb Sites of Interesteb Sites of Interesteb Sites of Interesteb Sites of Interesteb Sites of InterestHere are some information resources available if you have access to the World Wide Web.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at http://www.epa.gov/surf/index2.htmlThis site allows you to search for a map of your local watershed using a map or a word search.
Kentucky Water Watch Volunteer Program at http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/conf/wkswater.htmlThrough this home page, find links to other interesting water sites on the Web. This site also
contains a tutorial on Web browsing and writing.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) at http://www.nara.gov/Click on Government Information Locator Service for a searchable database of NARA infor-
mation resources with links to other sources of government information.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/Contains general natural resource information and the NRCS Data Clearinghouse.
Texas Agricultural Extension Service (TAEX) at http://leviathan.tamu.edu/A Gopher site. Also contains information about the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station
(TAES). Both of these groups are part of the Texas A&M University System.
Texas Councils of Governments (COGs) at http://www.texas.gov.cog.htmlGeographic map of the locations of Texas Councils of Governments (COGs), with general
information on each COG. Links are provided to some COG web sites, such as the one for theNorth Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), which provides local area maps.
Texas General Land Office (GLO) at http://www.glo.state.tx.usThis agency is responsible for managing the state�s land resources. Of interest here are histori-
cal documents and Adopt-a-Beach program information.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) at http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/This is the Texas agency charged with protection of the state�s air and water resources. Some
pages of interest are Geographic Information System (GIS) maps; Pollution Prevention and Recy-cling; Water Resource Management; Environmental Education; and Publications.
Texas Natural Resource Information System at (TNRIS) http://www.tnris.state.tx.usTNRIS is the data clearinghouse of the TWDB, and is a source for maps, aerial photos, soil
surveys, and more.
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/This agency is responsible for planning and development for the state�s water resources. Some
areas of interest at this site are Population and Water Use Statistics and Hydrographic Surveys.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at http://www.usda.gov/Contains general information about USDA�s mission and programs and a search engine.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) at http://www_nmd.usgs.gov/This site contains information on maps and product ordering, map dealers, and online data.
There is a search engine for finding specific information at the site. The site also provides accessto the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and the Global Land Information System(GLIS).
United State Government Printing Office at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/gils/gils.htmlThis page gives you access to government information products, and to the Government
Information Locator Service.
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GlossarGlossarGlossarGlossarGlossaryyyyy
Acid rainrainfall that has reacted with airborne pollutants such as sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides,thereby reducing the pH (or increasing the acidity) of the rain.
Algae blooman overgrowth in aquatic plants and algae caused by an increase in nutrients.
Alluvial depositdeposits of clay, silt, sand, gravel or similar detrital material deposited by running water.
Aquiferstratum of the earth comprised of water and layered between permeable rock, sand,or gravel.
Best management practice (BMP)the most effective practice or combinations of practices to control nonpoint source pollution.See also Structural BMP and Nonstructural BMP.
Boulderrock greater than 10 inches in diameter.
Buffer zonean area along the streamside whose vegetative integrity is maintained in order to preventerosion, trampling by livestock, and to reduce the amount of chemicals entering the creek.
Clayfeels slick, sticks together.
Cobblerock between 2-10 inches in diameter.
Drainage basinanother term commonly used to describe a watershed.
Dredgingthe utilization of machinery to widen or deepen a channel, or to remove debris.
Effluentwastewater (treated or untreated) that flows out of a treatment plant or industrial outfall(point source) prior to entering a water body.
Estuaryregions of interaction between rivers and nearshore ocean waters where tidal action and riverflow create a mixing of fresh and salt water.
First order streama stream that does not receive the flow of a tributary.
Food chainthe dependence of organisms upon others in series for food. The chain begins with produc-ers (plants) and ends with the largest of the consumers (carnivores).
Food weban interlocking pattern of several to many food chains.
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Gravelrock between 0.1-2.0 inches in diameter.
Groundwaterwater which remains below the land surface and travels below ground, such as an aquifer.
Habitatarea and conditions in which an organism lives.
Herbicidean agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth.
Impervious coverareas of ground cover, typically in urban areas, which limit the amount of water that soaksinto the ground, such as parking lots, roads and sidewalks.
Insecticidean agent that destroys insects.
Nonpoint source (NPS)pollution sources without a specific point of origin, usually due to rainwater runoff fromurban areas or agriculture/rangeland.
Nonstructural BMPbest management practice that takes advantage of the land�s natural features to removepollutants; such controls include wetlands, grassed waterways, and buffer zones.
Playasmall, shallow, circular lakes found scattered on the southern High Plains of Texas; an outletfor a watershed.
Point sourcea source of pollution that involves discharge of wastes from an identifiable source, such as asewage treatment plant.
Reservoirany natural or artificial holding area used to store, regulate, or control water.
Riparianan area, adjacent to and along a stream, that is often vegetated and constitutes a buffer zonebetween nearby lands and the stream. Considered to be important in controlling sedimentand nutrient delivery into the channel.
River systemthe network of streams in a single watershed.
Runoffthe part of precipitation or irrigation water that runs off land into streams and other surfacewater.
Saddlelow-lying area between two ridges.
Sandparticles less than 0.1 inches � feels gritty.
Second order streama stream that receives the flow of two or more first order streams.
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Settling basinstructures that allow sediments and nutrients to settle out of water, or fall to the bottom ofthe structure, prior to their entrance into the stream.
Siltparticles less than 0.05 inches in diameter.
Silviculturea branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests.
Storm drain stencilingmessages that are stenciled onto storm drains indicating that water flows directly into aspecific creek.
Structural BMPbest management practice designed to capture surface runoff and remove pollutants throughsettling or other processes including, but not limited to, water diversions, retention devices,detentions basins, or filter systems.
Surface waterwater which remains on the land surface and contributes to lakes, streams, and reservoirs.
Third order streama stream that receives the flow of two or more second order streams.
Tributarya stream that merges into another, thereby creating a larger stream.
Watershedgeographic area in which water, sediments, and dissolved materials drain into a commonoutlet.
Wetlandan area that is regularly saturated by surface water or groundwater and subsequently ischaracterized by a prevalence of vegetation that is adapted for life in saturated soil condi-tions.
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WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Field Data Sheetsvey Field Data Sheetsvey Field Data Sheetsvey Field Data Sheetsvey Field Data Sheets
We come and go but the land is alwayshere and the people who love andunderstand it are the people to whom itbelongs for a little while.
� Willa Cather
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Stream Name:
Furthest Downstream Point on Survey:
Size of Survey Area:
Size of Watershed:
County(s):
Investigators:
Date: Time:
Stream CrossingsStream CrossingsStream CrossingsStream CrossingsStream Crossings Type Number Type Number
One-Lane Road Power Line
Two-Lane Road Pipeline
Three (+)-Lane Road Railroad
Tributaries
(two-lane road = two lanes in one direction and two in the other)
Specific WSpecific WSpecific WSpecific WSpecific Water Usesater Usesater Usesater Usesater Uses Domestic Drinking Supply Recreational
Industrial Supply Other
Agriculture Supply
LLLLLand Uses and Uses and Uses and Uses and Uses (Total for the Area Surveyed)Place the total number of the following activities in the num-ber column. If the activity is present in the watershed but can�tbe counted (for example, cropland, unless counting acreage),place a check indicating its presence.
Type Number Type Number
Strip Mall Park
Office Complex Construction Site
Landfill Illegal Dump
Oil Well Water Well
Feed Lot Chicken Farm
Wastewater Drinking Water Treatment Plant Treatment Plant
Cropland Refinery
Rangeland Settling Basin/ Types of livestock: Detention Structure
Gas Station Logging/Silviculture
Mining Storm Drain
Other�Describe
WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessment
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Category Location
Streamside Within Elsewhere in1/4 mile Watershed
Junkyard ________ ________ ________Bus or taxi depot ________ ________ ________Airport ________ ________ ________Other ________ ________ ________
Agricultural/RuralGrazing land ________ ________ ________Cropland ________ ________ ________Animal feedlot ________ ________ ________Abandoned/ undeveloped field ________ ________ ________Fish hatchery ________ ________ ________Tree farm ________ ________ ________
Forest/ParklandRecreation park ________ ________ ________National/state park ________ ________ ________Woods/greenbelt ________ ________ ________Other ________ ________ ________
SummarSummarSummarSummarSummary of Major Ly of Major Ly of Major Ly of Major Ly of Major Land Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the WatershedatershedatershedatershedatershedResidential %
Commercial %
Industrial %
Parkland/forest %
Agricultural/rural %
Specific LSpecific LSpecific LSpecific LSpecific Land Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the Wand Uses in the WatersheatersheatersheatersheatershedddddWhen appropriate, indicate the number of areas devoted to aparticular land use category. For example, there may be be 2gas stations streamside, 4 within 1/4 mile (not including the 2streamside) and 3 elsewhere in the watershed (not includingany of the previous). In some cases, it may be difficult to place anumber on a land use. In this case place a check in theappropriate location column. There could be more thanone check for each land use.
Category Location
Streamside Within Within1/4 mile Watershed
ResidentialSingle family housing ________ ________ ________Apartment complex ________ ________ ________Lawns ________ ________ _______Playground ________ ________ ________Parking lot ________ ________ _______Other ________ ________ ________
Commercial/IndustrialCommercial�stores, restaurants, malls ________ ________ ________Office complex/building ________ ________ ________Auto repair/gas station ________ ________ ________Factory/mill ________ ________ ________Power plant ________ ________ ________Sewage treatment plant ________ ________ ________Water treatment plant ________ ________ ________School ________ ________ ________Landfill ________ ________ ________
WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessment
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Activities ObserActivities ObserActivities ObserActivities ObserActivities Observed in Wved in Wved in Wved in Wved in WatershedatershedatershedatershedatershedCategory Location
Streamside Within Within1/4 mile watershed
LoggingSelective logging ________ ________ ________Intensive logging ________ ________ ________Control burning ________ ________ ________Lumber treatment area ________ ________ ________Other�specify ________ ________ ________
MiningStrip mining ________ ________ ________Pit mining ________ ________ ________Abandoned mine ________ ________ ________Quarry ________ ________ ________Other�specify ________ ________ ________
ConstructionOffice/institution construction ________ ________ ________Roadway construction ________ ________ ________Bridge construction ________ ________ ________Residential construction ________ ________ ________Other�specify ________ ________ ________
RecreationalBiking/off-road (vehicle trail) ________ ________ ________Horseback trail ________ ________ ________Boat ramp ________ ________ ________Jogging/hiking trail ________ ________ ________Swimming area ________ ________ ________
Category Location
Streamside Within Within1/4 mile watershed
Fishing area ________ ________ ________Picnic area ________ ________ ________Golf course ________ ________ ________Campground ________ ________ ________Trailer park ________ ________ ________Power boating/ water skiing ________ ________ ________Other�specify ________ ________ ________
Comments on LComments on LComments on LComments on LComments on Land Usesand Usesand Usesand Usesand UsesExpand on the land uses described above. You might want toidentify particular buildings, specify the location and activitiesof construction sites, note the presence of cattle in or nearthe streams, and other positive and negative influences onthe steam.
WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessment
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General Stream/WGeneral Stream/WGeneral Stream/WGeneral Stream/WGeneral Stream/WatershedatershedatershedatershedatershedCharacteristicsCharacteristicsCharacteristicsCharacteristicsCharacteristics
Note the number of structures that alter the natural flow ofthe stream.
Type Number
Dams
Bridges
Waterfalls
Stream fords
Beaver dams
Log jams
Note the approximate length the stream is affected by:
Stream diversion _________feet or_________milesStream straightening _________feet or_________milesConcrete banks/bottom _________feet or_________milesDredging _________feet or_________miles
Check the categories that best describe the general appear-ance of the stream:
Litter_____No litter visible_____Small litter occasionally (cans, paper)
Litter (continued)_____Small litter common_____Large litter occasionally (tires, carts)_____Large litter common
Erosion_____No streambank erosion or eroded areas are very rare_____Occasional areas of streambank erosion_____Areas of streambank erosion common_____Erosion heavy/artificial bank stabilization present
Other_____Chemical spills, oil, etc._____Fish kills_____Wildlife, waterfowl kills_____Flooding_____Periods of no flow
Substrate percentages_____Bedrock %_____Boulder % > 10 inches_____Cobble % 2 -10 inches_____Gravel % 0.1 - 2 inches_____Sand % < 0.1 inch (gritty)_____Silt % < 0.05 inch_____Clay % (slick)
WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessment
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Describe the discharge flow:
Rate of flow:_____None _____Intermittent_____Trickle _____Steady _____Heavy
Appearance:_____Clear _____Foamy _____Turbid_____Oily _____Colored�specify _______________
Odor:_____None _____Sewage _____Chemical_____Chlorine _____Other�specify _________________
Describe the streambank and stream where the pipe orditch enters
_____No problem evident _____Eroded_____Sewage litter (toilet paper, etc.) _____Lots of algae_____Litter (Styrofoam, cans, etc.)_____Other�specify ______________________________________
Comments on the pipe or ditchYou may want to discuss certain facilities, or discuss thecondition of the stream in more detail.
PPPPPipe and Drainage Ditch Inventoripe and Drainage Ditch Inventoripe and Drainage Ditch Inventoripe and Drainage Ditch Inventoripe and Drainage Ditch InventoryyyyyIn this section provide information on pipes and drainageditches found on the banks of the stream. Fill in this sheet foreach pipe or ditch on the bank whether it is active or inactive.Keep a master copy of this sheet so copies can be made ifnecessary.
This information applies to a:
Pipe _____ Drainage ditch _____ Other�specify ___________
Location of pipe/ditch
In stream _____ In bank _____ Near stream _____
Describe location: ________________________________________
Assign pipe/ditch an ID# to be placed on map ________
Identify type of pipe (check one)
Industrial outfall ____
Sewage treatment plant outfall ____Storm drain ____Agriculture field drainage ____Paddock or feedlot drainage ____Settling basin/pond drainage ____Parking lot drainage ____Unknown ____Other�specify: ____Diameter of pipe: ______inches or _____feet
WWWWWatershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Suratershed Survey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessmentvey Visual Assessment
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Related TNRCC PRelated TNRCC PRelated TNRCC PRelated TNRCC PRelated TNRCC Publicationsublicationsublicationsublicationsublications
If you enjoyed this manual, you may wish to receive some of the publications listed below. To order, call 512-239-0028 or write to: TNRCC Publications, MC195, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Single copiesof these publications are available free of charge.
Publication Publication Title Price forNumber Multiple CopiesGI-034 Guide to Freshwater Ecology 5.00GI-036 Environmental Bulletin: Composting and Mulching 1.75GI-218 Watershed Owner’s Streamwalk Guide 1.75GI-162 NPS: TNRCC Answers Frequently Asked Questions 1.75GI-172 NPS Pollution Prevention (Directory of Volunteer Programs) 1.75GI-212 Storm Drain Stenciling 1.75GI-113 Environmental Education Materials 1.75GI-124 Clean Cities 2000 Program Guide 1.75GI-163 Household Hazardous Wastes 1.75GI-187 Texas Directory of Recycling Resources & Information 5.00GI-040 Workplace Recycling Guide 1.75GI-170 Recycle Your Used Oil and Filter (poster) 1.75GI-028 Green Guide to Yard Care 1.75GI-050 Containing Compost: Building Bins & Boxes for Your Compost 1.75GI-058 TNRCC Master Composter Training Manual 3.25GI-167 Feed Your Landscape...Not the Landfill 1.75GI-025 We’re All WET 1.75GI-026 WET Instruction Handbook 3.25GI-030 Texas School Recycling Guide 1.75GI-207 Environmental Teaching Guide 3.25
For other publications of interest, check the TNRCC Publications Catalog, PD-001. This catalog is also availableon TNRCC’s Web site at http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/catalog.
This guide is published under a grant provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,Region 6. Authorization for use or reproduction of any original material (unless obtained from other sources)is freely given. The TNRCC would appreciate acknowledgment. The TNRCC gratefully acknowledges theEPA�s Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual for some of the material used in this booklet. Foradditional information about this guide, please call the Research and Environmental Assessment Section ofthe TNRCC at 512-239-4720.
The TNRCC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The agency does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
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