| Counties: |
Angelina, Cherokee, Jasper, Newton, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Sabine,
San Augustine, Smith |
| Parameters: |
Aluminum, pH, dissolved oxygen, Impaired Fish Community |
| Basin: |
Neches River |
| Segments: |
0610, 0615 |
 |
|
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
|
Background and Goals
Sam Rayburn Reservoir consists of two classified segments: Sam
Rayburn Reservoir (0610) and Angelina River / Sam Rayburn
Reservoir (0615). Located in East Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir was
created in 1965 to control floods, generate hydroelectric power,
and conserve water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and
recreational uses. The lake is a very popular destination for
fishing and boating.
In 2000, data indicated that conditions were not optimal for
aquatic life in six areas of the reservoir because of low
concentrations of dissolved oxygen. One area of the reservoir had
aluminum concentrations that were sometimes too high to provide
healthy conditions for aquatic life. And, in one area of the
reservoir, the pH was occasionally too high or too low.
The TCEQ conducted a project to verify impairments in the Sam
Rayburn Reservoir and to determine whether TMDLs should be
developed for the parameters affecting the lake. The project was
conducted under the direction of the Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) Program. It was completed in May 2003.
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Project Status
Based on evaluation of historical data, and on assessment data
collected through February 2001, there are no impairments that
currently require a TMDL. The conditions that led to this project
will be addressed in the following ways.
- Aluminum: Data
indicate that the current aluminum standard for the reservoir may
be inappropriate. The Water Quality Standards Program is evaluating
whether the standard should be revised.
- Dissolved Oxygen: The
Regional Office will conduct additional 24-hour monitoring for
dissolved oxygen over a two-year period to assess conditions for
aquatic life.
- pH: The most current
five years of data indicate that the pH standard is being met.
At this time, there are no TMDLs planned for Sam Rayburn
Reservoir (0610) and Angelina River / Sam Rayburn Reservoir
(0615) segments. The TMDL Program will closely follow the progress
of additional monitoring and review of the standards. Based on the
results of those activities, TMDL projects for those segments will
be planned as necessary.
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Public
Participation
The TCEQ held a meeting on May 15, 2003, to inform the public of
the project’s status and to solicit public opinion. A summary
of the meeting and the materials presented are available below.
The following documents are available as PDF files. (Help with
PDF.)
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Project Documents
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For More Information
For more information regarding the project, please call Ron
Stein at 512/239-4507. Or e-mail us at tmdl@tceq.state.tx.us, and
reference the Sam Rayburn Reservoir project in the subject
line.
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