texaswatershedprotectionplans-tceq.docVIP

Texas Watershed Protection Plans In Texas, watershed protection plans are locally-developed, holistic plans that coordinate activities and resources to manage water quality. They facilitate the restoration of impaired water bodies and/or the protection of threatened waters before they become impaired. These stakeholder-driven plans give the decision-making power to the local groups most vested in the goals specified in the plans. Bringing groups of people together through watershed planning efforts combines scientific and regulatory water quality factors with social and economic considerations. While watershed protection plans can take many forms, the development of plans funded by Clean Water Act §319(h) grants must follow guidelines issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. These guidelines can be found at: Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories These guidelines describe nine elements fundamental to a successful plan: 1. Identification of Causes and Sources of Impairment 2. Expected Load Reductions from Management Measures 3. Proposed Management Measures 4. Technical and Financial Assistance Needs 5. Information, Education, and Public Participation Component 6. Schedule for Implementing Management Measures 7. Interim Milestones for Progress in Implementation 8. Criteria for Determining Pollutant Load Reductions and Water Quality Improvement 9. Load Reduction and Water Quality Monitoring Component The Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board are facilitating the development of watershed protection plans in watersheds around the state by providing technical assistance and funding through grants to local stakeholder groups. There are also watershed protection plans that are being developed or have been developed in Texas independently of the above listed organizations. Therefore, the following list is not intended to be c