• AgriLIFE.org
• AgriLife Communications

Meeting to discuss bacterial pollution in Robertson County creeks

FRANKLIN -- Area landowners and residents interested in a water quality study examining bacterial pollution in five Robertson County creeks are invited to attend a public meeting on April 23 in Franklin.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Pridgeon Community Center, 351 Cooks Lane, organizers said. The Brazos River Authority, Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board are sponsoring the meeting.

The five tributaries — Walnut Creek, Spring Creek, Mud Creek, Pin Oak Creek and Campbells Creek — of the Little Brazos River are designated by the state as “impaired,” said Lucas Gregory, a project manager with the Texas Water Resources Institute. The creeks are closed to recreational use due to elevated E. coli bacteria concentrations that exceed state water quality standards.

The federal Clean Water Act mandates state intervention to protect public safety, Gregory said. Approximately 300 bodies of water statewide currently have this designation.

“Bacteria impairments occur statewide, but the impairments on these five creeks affect much of the western half of Robertson County,” said Ed Schneider, AgriLife Extension agent in Robertson County. “Because of this, landowners should make a concerted effort to attend this and future stakeholder meetings in order to participate in the decision-making process and to ensure that their concerns and desires are known. Their participation is fundamental to the success of this study.”

Attendees will learn about the study and progress to date and share comments and ask questions regarding water quality, Schneider said.

Although not all bacterial strains are harmful to people, elevated concentrations of E. coli in lakes and streams indicate fecal contamination and the possible presence of harmful pathogens, said Jay Bragg, regional environmental planner with the Brazos River Authority. Wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, livestock, pets, feral hogs, birds and other wildlife are possible sources of E. coli.

The purpose of the study is to more accurately determine the level of impairment, Bragg said. It will also help identify feasible best management practices that can be implemented voluntarily to reduce bacterial concentrations and prevent more stringent federal regulation.

More information about the study is available at http://www.brazos.org/Little_Brazos_Trib.asp .

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