PRESS RELEASE

 

 

For Immediate Release                                             Contact:  Ann Galassi

January 3, 2005                                                        Sabine River Authority of Texas

                                                                                (409)  746-2192               

 

 

First Annual “Clean Bayous Fair 2005”

Showcases Adams and Cow Bayous

 

(Orange, TX)  The first annual “Clean Bayous Fair 2005” will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10th at the Lamar State College Orange Student Center Gymnasium located at 407 Green Avenue in Orange to provide information on protecting the watersheds of Adams and Cow Bayous.  The fair is the first of its kind in Orange County and will feature a new mascot “Tad the Tadpole,” who will encourage everyone to be a part of Cleaner Bayous in Orange County.  Tad says:  “Do your part… Toot Your Horn for Clean Bayous.”  Fun and educational activities at the fair include an interactive fish “touch tank,” informational booths, a treasure hunt, door prizes, free “give-aways” and refreshments.  There will also be an update on efforts to improve the water quality of Adams and Cow Bayous.     

 

The Clean Bayous Fair 2005 is sponsored by the Orange County Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Project initiated to determine the measures necessary to restore and maintain water quality in Adams and Cow Bayous.  These bayous have been placed on an impaired list by the State of Texas because they do not meet the standard conditions suitable for swimming, wading, fishing and a healthy aquatic environment.  To address these concerns, the Orange County TMDL project was initiated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in August of 2002.  The TMDL process provides the foundation for establishing an implementation plan to restore and maintain beneficial uses of the water body.  Every TMDL project must include a report that summarizes the sources of the pollutants and an implementation plan that summarizes management strategies to restore water quality.  The Sabine River Authority has been contracted by TCEQ to lead the public participation and data collection efforts of the project.  Parsons Engineering is contracted for all other aspects of

 

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project development, such as historical data review, sampling plans and model development. 

 

A watershed action plan will be developed with the assistance of a local Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG).  Members of this group, selected at a public meeting that was held in January of 2003, represent government, permitted facilities, agriculture, business, environmental and community interests in the Adams Bayou and Cow Bayou watersheds.  Current members of the Stakeholder Advisory Group include Joel Ardoin (Orange County Health and Sanitation Department), Chris Boone (City of West Orange), Shea Brown (Landowner), Clyde Chesson (Orange County Drainage District), Mayor Brown Claybar (City of Orange), Commissioner John Dubose (Orange County), Robert Dupree (Public Interest), Don Fields (City of Bridge City), Councilman Mike Harris (City of Vidor), Mike Hoke (Shangri La), Jeff Holland (Mauriceville SUD), Mayor Jerry Hussey (City of Pinehurst), Robert Lafleur (Orange County Drainage District), David Lejune (Orange County WCID #1),  Joe Murphy (Sierra Club), Mary Nixon (Orangefield WSC), Kenny Pigg (Construction Inspectors, Inc.), Walter Smith (Motiva), Mel Swoboda (DuPont), Ray Wallage (Lanxxess) and Hugh Windham (Orange County WCID#2).  A Technical Advisory Group was also formed to provide SAG members with technical assistance throughout the TMDL project.  Members of the Technical Advisory Group include representatives from the Sabine River Authority, Parsons Engineering, South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, Lower Sabine-Neches Soil & Water Conservation District #446, TCEQ, Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and Texas Department of Transportation.

 

The responsibility of the SAG members is to review historical and current data that will be used to prepare the TMDL report and to take an active role in providing input for an implementation plan that will identify possible solutions to the current problems.  The TMDL process will involve extensive sampling and modeling to develop a sound solution for improved water quality in the bayous.  Local stakeholder participation is essential in the overall success of the project.  The Clean Bayous Fair 2005 is part of an outreach program to encourage local participation and gather input.  An update of the TMDL Project will be provided at the Fair.  To find out more about the Fair contact Ann Galassi, Public Relations Manager for Sabine River Authority of Texas at (409) 746-2192 or agalassi@sra.dst.tx.us.

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