Harris Co. (Texas) Soil
and Water Conservation District - About Us |
HOW
IS THE WATER IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
Public Meetings are now being held to address that very
question -
Houston Metro: A TMDL Project for Bacteria
Did you know only a certain level of bacteria is allowed in our
waterways? This level is called Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
It is a bit like a "budget" for pollution. Within the
Houston Metropolitan Area are several waterbodies that exceed
this amount. These include Brays, Halls, Greens, Sims and Hunting
Bayous, as well as some of their tributaries.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is studying
the bacteria in these waterways and looking for ways to make waterbodies
safer.
The Houston Metro TMDL Project will identify:
- sources of bacteria and
- reductions needed to meet state standards.
For more information, contact Rachel Powers at 713-993-4559 rachel.powers@h-gac.com
or visit the website at www.h-gac.com/tmdl
HISTORY
The Harris County Soil and Water Conservation
District (HCSWCD) was organized in 1948 as a recognized unit of
state government of Texas. Elected by the landowners in Harris
County, a 5-member Board of Directors representing five zones
covering the 1.1 million acres in the county provide leadership
and focus for voluntary conservation programs
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the District took a leadership
role in improving agriculture. It was one of the first locally led
conservation districts.
The early 1970’s in Harris County brought urbanization and
more emphasis was placed on potential flooding problems and urban
encroachment on to flood plains. In 1972, the District was the primary
organization responsible for identification of county flood-prone
areas, together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Throughout the 1980’s, the District has encouraged the use
of a multi-disciplined approach to flood control - utilizing flood-prone
areas for recreation and agriculture, floodwater detention basins,
undeveloped natural areas, and appropriate channeling of waterways
to reduce the impact of flooding within the county.
During the 1990's, the District has been a leader in informing
residents about watershed management and presenting ideas to assist
in flood reduction. For example, the District worked closely with
the Harris County Flood Control District to rebuild after Tropical
Storm Francis.
As the 2000's unfold, by means of new information and education
programs, it continues to focus on developing public awareness of
urban conservation problems and solutions by means of information
and education programs
CONSERVATION DISTRICT ROLE
Conservation districts have a lead role in:
1. Developing annual and long range plans
2. Conducting information and education programs
3. Providing technical assistance when appropriate
4. Approving conservation plans
5. Coordinating local input in program development and implementation,
including:
Reaching out to the public and bringing stakeholders together
Using a conservation needs assessment to analyze local needs
Setting local priorities based on public input and needs assessment
Recommending BMPs, cost share rates and incentive levels for programs
Reviewing and evaluating needs and accomplishments
Convening the USDA local work group for EQIP
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