Manager's Welcome
This is the September issue of the Houston-Galveston Area Council's (H-GAC's) Community and Environmental Planning (C&E) E-newsletter. We hope this monthly newsletter will keep you up to date on the wide variety of community planning, economic development and environmental planning programs going on at H-GAC. We want this information to be useful and are very interested in your feedback! If you have any questions about any of our programs, please feel free to contact me at 713-993-4560 or Jeff.Taebel@h-gac.com. To unsubscribe, add another subscriber or offer any comments on the e-newsletter, please e-mail cep_news@h-gac.com. To view the current and past editions of the e-newsletter, please visit:
www.h-gac.com/CEeNewsletter Please click on the links below to view information regarding each topic. IN THIS ISSUE
Bastrop Bayou Watershed Protection Study
2005 Water Quality Management Plan Update
On-Site Sewer Facilities (OSSF) Report Available Online
RW Beck completed Regional Solid Waste Characterization Study
Evaluate the new Montrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan
The Galveston Bay Drive and Discover Guide Now Available
World Water Monitoring Day
H-GAC MEETING NOTICES
Trash Bash Steering Committee
Gulfton District Pedestrian and Bicyclist Conceptual Plan
FY06-07 Solid Waste Management Funding Plan
Recycling 101 Workshop
Regional Monitoring Workgroup Meeting
Storm Debris Workshop: Contracting for Services and Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding
OTHER MEETING NOTICES
Citizens' State of the Bay Conference
IN THIS ISSUE
Bastrop Bayou Watershed Protection Study
Bastrop Bayou is part of the Texas Coastal Preserve, which is the home to Christmas Bay and some of the last remaining seagrass beds along the Upper Texas Coast. During the spring of 2004, residents in the Bastrop Bayou watershed began voicing concerns about threats to water quality that could be posed by the land spreading of sludge, failing septic systems, illegal dumping, and stormwater discharge. Specific concerns included potential bacteria, turbidity, pesticide, and nutrient loading of Bastrop Bayou and Christmas Bay – and how these loadings may adversely affect public health, natural resources, and local economies. To help address these concerns, H-GAC secured a grant from the Galveston Bay Estuary Program to conduct a risk assessment of Bastrop Bayou and produce a watershed management plan for the area. H-GAC launched a series of public meetings during October 2004 and initiated water quality monitoring along the Bayou and its tributaries during November 2004. Preliminary data indicate Bastrop Bayou contains elevated concentrations of bacteria and exceeds State of Texas screening levels for contact recreation. While several potential sources of bacteria are present within the watershed (cattle grazing, migratory bird flyways, wildlife, and failing septic systems), local residents believe failing septic systems associated with residential development along Bastrop Bayou and its tributaries may be a significant source of bacteria. H-GAC is developing an on-site septic system density map that will illustrate the location of septic systems along Bastrop Bayou and its tributaries and, when compared to water quality monitoring data, may help identify reaches of the bayou where the risk of bacteria contamination is greatest. The next public meeting will be held in Angleton during mid-September. For more information, or to be added to the project mailing list, please contact Chuck Wemple at 713-993-4514 or cwemple@h-gac.com.
Back to Top 2005 Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Update
The 2005 WQMP Update, including a white paper report on on-site sewer facilities issues and a draft watershed conservation and management plan template, was submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on August 19, 2005 following approval by H-GAC's Natural Resources Advisory Committee and Board of Directors. The report can be found on the H-GAC website under Programs/Water Resources. It is also available on CD. To get a copy of the CD or for additional information, contact Carl Masterson (carl.masterson@h-gac.com) or Kathy Ramsey (kathleen.ramsey@h-gac.com).
Back to Top On-Site Sewer Facilities (OSSF) Report Available Online
H-GAC recently completed a project to assess problems of failing On-Site Sewer Facilities, look at solutions, and compile information resources. Entitled "On-Site Sewer Facilities: Considerations, Solutions, and Resources" the report is now available on the H-GAC website and in CD format. The report includes sections on general considerations, assessing the problem using GIS mapping of complaints and violations in selected counties; potential human health affects and risks; solutions to correct failing systems; education; regulations; and enforcement. Technical and resource information is available on the CD including website links to information for homeowners, small communities and realtors; detailed technical information; and resource information. Some of the reference material is also available in Spanish. The report is available online at / under Programs/Water Resources/What's New. For more.information or to receive a copy of the report on CD contact Kathy Ramsey at 713-499-6653 or kathleen.ramsey@h-gac.com.
Back to Top RW Beck Completed Regional Solid Waste Characterization Study
RW Beck has completed a Regional Solid Waste Characterization Study (Study) for the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). By analyzing the source of the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream and how the population and employment will change in this region over the next 20 years, the Study will serve as a valuable tool in assessing solid waste disposal capacity for the region and planning for future needs. A key finding of the study indicates that, if all currently proposed expansions occur, the region will have sufficient landfill capacity until approximately 2036. However, an increase in waste transport distances and greater usage of transfer stations will be necessary. The Study recommends that options for the diversion of construction and demolition materials be explored, and that cost-effective recycling and diversion options for other materials be implemented throughout the region. For more information, contact Cheryl Mergo at 713-993-4520 or cmergo@h-gac.com. Or you can view and download a copy of the Study from our website at www.h-gac.com.
Back to Top Evaluate the New Montrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan
From June through August, Montrose residents have shared ideas for how to make our area more pedestrian and bike-friendly. More than 50 neighbors turned out for a July meeting to work in small groups, discuss challenges, and mark suggested infrastructure improvements on huge maps of our neighborhood. If you have not yet submitted suggestions, it's not too late. Please visit http://www.livablemontrose.org/ to complete the survey and learn more. Consultants are working through the summer to turn our ideas into a new Montrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, and create a "priority list" of improvements. Neighbors are invited to come see and evaluate the new plan at a public meeting on Thursday, September 15, from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Crooker Hall on the University of St. Thomas campus. The project is funded by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and will help target up to $3 million in local and federal funds to improve mobility in Montrose. The study area is bounded by Bissonnet, Shepherd, West Gray, and Main/Louisiana.
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Place: Crooker Hall on the University of St. Thomas campus
Back to Top The Galveston Bay Drive and Discover Guide Now Available
The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) is pleased to announce the availability of The Galveston Bay Drive & Discover Guide. This free publication describes more than 70 sites around Galveston Bay that are important for cultural, historical, or ecological reasons. GBF and the Galveston Bay Estuary Program worked together to develop the Drive & Discover Guide to increase the public's awareness and appreciation of the bay and its resources. To celebrate the release of the Drive & Discover Guide, GBF will host a media launch at Bay Area Park on Wednesday, August 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Bay Area Park is located at 7500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena. The event will include food and drink, as well as a Drive & Discover Guide trivia contest. Please see the attached press release for more information. The Galveston Bay Drive & Discover Guide is available at dozens of sites around Galveston Bay. You may also request one by visiting the GBF website or by calling GBF directly at 281.332.3381, ext. 207.
Back to Top World Water Monitoring Day
Scouts encouraged to participate in World Water Monitoring Day on October 18 America's Clean Water Foundation (ACWF) is partnering with EPA, the Girls Scouts of the USA, and the Boy Scouts of America to encourage broader participation in World Water Monitoring Day on October 18. ACWF provided a WWMD banner and fact sheets for EPA's exhibit along the Conservation Trail at this year's Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, VA. ACWF also developed a flyer with information and tips for Girl Scout Councils and troops interested in participating in WWMD. This information is available on the Linking Girls to the Land Web site at http://www.epa.gov/linkinggirls/. The Linking Girls to the Land Web site includes information about other environmental activities for Girl Scouts, including the Get with the Land and Water Drop Patchprojects, along with programs sponsored by other federal agencies.
Back to Top H-GAC MEETING NOTICES
Trash Bash Steering Committee
September 8, 2005
H-GAC Conference Room C
3555 Timmons, Houston, TX 77027
10:00 am to noon
For more information, please contact Chuck Wemple at 713-993-4514 or cwemple@h-gac.com..
Back to Top Gulfton District Pedestrian and Bicyclist Conceptual Plan
September 12, 2005
Bayland Community Center, 6440 Bissonnet Street (at Hillcroft)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Please join us at a workshop of public agencies being held to review the draft conceptual plan for the Gulfton District Pedestrian and Bicyclist project.
A workshop for the community will take place on September 12, 2005 from 6pm until 8pm, also at the Bayland Community Center. For more information, please contact Dan Raine at 832-681-2525 or dan.raine@h-gac.com.
Back to Top FY06-07 Solid Waste Management Funding Plan
September 13, 2005
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, Houston, TX 77027
10:00 am to noon
Public Meeting Notice: FY06-07 Solid Waste Management Funding Plan The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) invites interested individuals to attend a public meeting to discuss H-GAC's FY2006/07 solid waste management activities and grants programs. For FY2006, approximately $1.5 million are available to local political subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, school districts) to implement local and regional solid waste management projects. The public meeting will be held on September 13, 2004, at 10:00 AM in Conference Room A. The meeting room is located at the H-GAC office, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Houston, Texas, 77027. Questions or comments regarding the meeting may be directed to Cheryl Mergo, at 713.993.4520 or cmergo@h-gac.com. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, H-GAC will provide reasonable accommodation for persons attending H-GAC functions. Requests should be received by H-GAC 24 hours prior to the function.
Back to Top Recycling 101 Workshop
September 16, 2005
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, Houston, TX 77027
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
This workshop is for city and county staff, as well as community members who want to revitalize and existing recycling program or start a new one in their community. Topics include:
The Recycling Basics - Refresh your memory about recycling definitions, current rates and trends, as well as myths and recycling facts.
Evaluation Recycling Needs and Programs - You will learn how to evaluate customer needs, different types of recycling programs, contracting tips and valuable case studies.
Marketing Recyclables and Expanding Programs - Learn about Marketing 101, emerging trends, performance measures, public outreach and keeping momentum going in your community.
Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by September 12 to reserve your place and meal. For more information, please contact Kelly Doyle at 713-993-4566 or kelly.doyle@h-gac.com.
Back to Top Regional Monitoring Workgroup Meeting
September 27, 2005
H-GAC Conference Room C
3555 Timmons, Houston, TX 77027
10:00 am to noon
For more information, please contact Jean Wright at jean.wright@h-gac.com.
Back to Top Storm Debris Workshop: Contracting for Services and Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding
October 25, 2005
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, Houston, TX 77027
9:00 am to noon
This workshop will focus on contracting for storm debris management services and developing memorandums of agreement/understanding in preparation for a debris generating storm event. For more information, please contact Kelly Doyle at 713-993-4566 or kelly.doyle@h-gac.com.
Back to Top
OTHER MEETING NOTICE
Citizens' State of the Bay Conference
The Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association (GBCPA) invites you to attend the Citizens' State of the Bay Conference on September 10, 2005 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the University of Houston – Clear Lake. GBPCA, the Houston Audubon Society, and the Sierra Club Houston Regional Group are convening the one-day conference with a sharp focus on the challenges facing Galveston Bay. They encourage everyone who cares about the bay to attend. Please join them for a frank airing of facts and views about issues of concern on Galveston Bay. If you have any questions, please call 281-326-3343 or email gbcpa@ev1.net.
Back to Top To unsubscribe, add another subscriber or offer any comments on the e-newsletter, please e-mail cep_news@h-gac.com.
H-GAC Community and Environmental Update September2005
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