Environmental
ion Agency - Region 6
LLI
0
r
r
r;
_rformance
Summary
Report
rotection
Region 6
Protecting and preserving
the aquatic ecosystems and
water resources of Arkansas,
ouisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas, and Tribal
lands within Region 6
-------
Region 6 WE CARE Values
EPA Region 6 has a diverse workforce dedicated to these collective values, and we base
our practices and decisions on them.
Workforce Diversity
We value a diverse workforce in which each person strengthens our ability to achieve our goals.
We strive to hire, develop, and maintain a workforce that represents diverse backgrounds.
We utilize cross-cultural skills in communication and problem-solving, and promote open dialogue and education to perform
successfully in our diverse environment.
We interact with the constituencies we serve in a way that demonstrates an understanding of their cultural values.
Environmental Stewardship
We carry out the public trust in protecting human health and the environment.
We work as a team to clean the air, restore and protect water, recycle and renew polluted land, and help protect the
security of America.
We work in partnership with States, Tribes, local communities, and vulnerable populations to carry out our mission.
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint.
Character
We have integrity and exhibit ethical behavior in all that we do.
We are committed to making good decisions, even if it is not easy, expedient, or popular.
We walk the talk and set a good example.
We are honest and trustworthy - we don't betray trust and confidentiality.
Accountability
We accept responsibility for all we do, both positive and negative.
We hold each other accountable, and give feedback to each other.
We take initiative to do what needs to be done, and step forward to lead when
needed.
We learn from mistakes, problems, and other situations.
We communicate openly, invite feedback, and listen.
Respect
We treat each other with consideration and dignity.
We act without prejudice or favoritism.
We show respect regardless of level, title, position or agency.
We do not tolerate discrimination or demeaning remarks by others.
Excellence
We strive to be the best we can be, and are committed to continuous improvement through innovation and sound science.
We lead by thinking strategically, communicating openly, and working collaboratively both internally and with States, Tribes, local
communities, and other partners.
We provide high-quality service to our internal and external customers.
We make the best of difficult situations, and avoid complaining and making excuses.
We support and are open to new ideas or concepts.
Ackknowledgements
The FYIO Performance Summary Report was produced by the Planning and Analysis Branch under the direction of
James R. Brown - Associate Director, Planning and Analysis Branch
Technical Advisor....Olivia R. Balandran - Deputy Associate Director, Planning and Analysis Branch
Editor Terry L. Branch - Planning and Analysis Branch
Graphic Design John Stadelman - Planning and Analysis Branch
Special Thanks To Branch Contributors:
Matt Hubner - Ecosystems Protection Branch Angela Restivo - Source Water Protection Branch
Virginia Vietti - Assitance Programs Branch Joshua Waldmeier - NPDES Permits & TMDLs Branch
Cover Photo by Eric Vance, EPA
-------
A Message from the Director
Dear Colleagues, Friends and Partners:
It gives me great pleasure to share with you our Water Quality
Protection Division (WQPD) FY2010 Performance Summary Report.
I want to thank the WQPD staff and all of our partners in Arkansas,
Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tribal lands for their
contributions in assisting Region 6 EPA with another successful year
in meeting our water quality protection and restoration goals. Our
collaborative efforts with other federal agencies, local government,
private sector, and academia also contributed significantly to making
our 2010 accomplishments a success.
FY20IO, Region 6 again turned in one of the top regional
performances under the National Water Program guidance measures,
meeting 41 of 44 commitments. In particular, Region 6 again led the
nation in the issuance rate of current, nontribal NPDES permits,
irs in the Underground Injection Control program.
Without clean water, no part of a community, its ecology, economy or health can thrive. Clean water is at the
core of our communities and is crucial to the vitality of our rural areas. The call to action has never been more
urgent, especially in light of national trends in water quality and recent environmental disasters. We cannot
build sustainable communities and restore and protect the quality of our nation's water for future generations
without the help of all of our state, tribal and community partners.
We have a lot of work ahead of us, and coming together with all of our partners will strengthen our mission and
guide our work in 201 I and the years ahead. An electronic copy of this report is available for downloading
at www.epa.gov/region6/water/index.htm.
Miguel I. Flores, Director
Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6
Contents
Mission and Vision 2.
About the Water Quality Protection Division J
Summary of Water Program Accomplishments T1
Financing Environmental Improvements J
Watershed Restoration and Ecosystem Protection O
Protecting Surface Water I
Strategic Planning and Community Outreach I J
Drinking Water and Source Water Protection IO
Additional Division Highlights IO
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
£»«
Region 6
Water Quality Protection Division
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
The mission of EPA is to protect human health and to
safeguard the natural environment - air, water, and land
- upon which life depends. Working in partnership with
States, Tribes and other stakeholders, EPA implements
numerous statutory programs established by Congress
to protect and preserve our natural ecosystems and
the life they sustain. In particular, the Water Quality
Protection Division of EPA Region 6 focuses its resources
on protecting and preserving the aquatic ecosystems and
water resources of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as the Tribal lands located
within our Region.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide leadership and assistance to
support protection and restoration efforts so that all waters
in Region 6 meet all designated uses, and all citizens have
access to safe drinking water.
EPA Region 6 serves the states of
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
Texas and 65 Native American tribes.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
About the Water Quality Protection Division
Organization and Leadership
Miguel I. Flores, Director
William K. (Bill) Honker, Deputy Director
The Water Quality Protection Division (WQPD) is staffed bymorethan i6o employees.
The Division is managed by the Director, Deputy Director and five Associate Directors that provide oversight
of the water programs in Region 6. The WQPD communicates EPA's National and Regional operating guidance
to the States and Tribes and assists them in developing comprehensive water programs through Federal funding
and technical assistance. With these and other resources, States develop the capability to assume Federal
water programs through delegation agreements. Technical and financial assistance is also provided to local
agencies and Indian Tribes.
The regional water programs managed by the WQPD include water quality planning, public water supply,
groundwater protection, State revolving funds, wastewater infrastructure activities for the U.S.-Mexico
Border program and NPDES oversight, to name just a few. These and other programs are managed by the
following five branches:
Assistance Programs Branch
Troy Hill, Associate Director
Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund (SRF) Programs, State and Tribal Water
Quality Grant Programs, Wetland Program
Development Grants, U.S.-Mexico Border
Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) Program,
Performance Partnership Agreements and Grants
Ecosystems Protection Branch
Jane Watson, Associate Director
Water Quality Standards, Monitoring and
Assessment, Nonpoint Source Program, Marine &
Wetlands Programs, Coastal and National Estuary
Programs, Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Program
NPDES Permits & TMDLs Branch
Claudia Hosch, Associate Director
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Permits Program, Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program,
Stormwater Program, Green Infrastructure
Planning and Analysis Branch
James R. Brown, Associate Director
Strategic Planning, Tracking of National
Water Program's Program Activity Measures,
Partnerships and Communications, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), Climate Change, Water
Conservation Initiatives, Surface Water Center
Source Water Protection Branch
Stacey Dwyer, Associate Director
Public Water Supply Program, Underground Injection Control
(UIC) Program, Sole Source Aquifers, Tribal Drinking Water
and UIC Programs, Ground Water Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Summary Of Water
Program Accomplishments
Performance Measurement Summary
In FY20IO, Region 6 again turned in one of the top regional performances under the National Water Program
guidance measures, meeting 41 of 44 commitments, for a 93.2% success rate. Notably, Region 6 led the nation in
the issuance rate of current, nontribal NPDES permits at 98%, and was among the top performers in permitting,
operating, and enforcing permits issued in the Underground Injection Control program.
Percent of Commitments Achieved by Region: FY06-10
Region FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
97,0%
81.3%
85.0%
94.4%
82.9%
77.1%
79.4%
82.4%
78.8%
80.0%
84.6%
97.7%
86.4%
95.2%
90.4%
90.2%
76.3%
87.5%
85.7%
81.0%
95.3%
93.9%
81.8%
89.8%
98.0%
93.5%
86.8%
84.6%
81 .3%
80.4%
92.6%
93.8%
82.2%
84.1%
88.0%
91.1%
59.3%
77.5%
91.8%
87.5%
94.6%
95.7%
88.9%
91.3%
82.0%
93.2%
75.0%
79.0%
95.2%
85.1%
345678
REGION
IFY06 BFY07 FY08 FY09 FY10
10
Only three measures were not met during FY20IO and two were beyond the control of Region 6. Measure SP-20,
which monitors ocean dredging dumping sites was not met due to complications related to the BP Oil Spill, and
SP-25, which counts the number of hook-ups to centralized wastewater treatment services along the U.S.-Mexico
Border was not met due to a construction accident resulting in the death of two workers that led to the suspension
of the project for several months. The final measure, SDW-la, the completion of sanitary surveys at community
water systems, was not met due to a lag in the reporting of completed sanitary surveys in Texas.
Measures Not Met by Region 6
Measures Not
Met
CWS undergoing a sanitary survey in last 3 years
Ocean Dredging Dump Sites: Not met because of
BP spill
Border Homes with Wastewater Sanitation: Not
met because of unforseen construction problems
4
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Financing Environmental
Improvements
Assistance Programs Branch
Introduction
The Assistance Programs Branch annually
awards and manages over 80% of all the grant
dollars awarded by the Region to States,
Tribes, local governments, non-profits and
other partners to achieve environmental
goals. During this year, the Branch was
responsible for managing over $2 billion in
478 assistance agreements. This includes
over $402 million in new funding for FYIO.
There were 98 new assistance agreements
awarded; I 18 were closed out, and 207
amendments were processed.
Tribes Increasing Capacity to
Administer Water Quality Programs
Two applications for "Treatment as a State,"
submitted by the Choctaw Nation and the
Pueblo of San Felipe for the Clean Water Act
(CWA) Section 106 Water Quality Program,
were approved on September 2, 2010. This
approval gives the tribes authority to receive
Federal funding for activities supporting the
establishment and maintenance of their overall
water quality program. Key areas that funds
can support include monitoring, permitting,
enforcement, planning, and implementation.
Currently, there are 46 Region 6 tribes
eligible for CWA 106 funding.
Division Grant Action in FYIO - Monthly Totals
350
New
Awards I
All Grant i
Actions'
Closeouts I
Oct
Dec
Feb
Jun
Aug
Region 6 Tribes Selected in
National Competition
The Pueblo of Taos and the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
received FY 20! I CWA Section 3I9 Nonpoint Source Tribal
Program funds in a national competition. EPA conducts the
competition annually for the Nonpoint Source Tribal Program,
inviting eligible tribes to submit project proposals to compete
for up to $150,000 in grant awards. The Peoria Tribe received
$65,278 to decrease streambank erosion and to increase the
number of native plants and habitat for fish and other aquatic
species. The Pueblo of Taos received $97,879 to focus on
implementation of sediment control in the Encebado Burn area
and the coordination of riparian restoration efforts on the lower
Rio Pueblo. The tribes were selected for funding from among 60
competing tribes across the nation.
**
"A" 'A* "A1 fltCD
Unprecedented Funding for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Projects Benefit Over 230 Region 6 Communities
The signing of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, provided a
significant increase in financial resources to address water and wastewater infrastructure needs through the Clean Water
and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). Although the implementation of the ARRA brought challenges for
the states to commit funds by the deadline of February 17, 2009, Region 6 SRF management and staff led unprecedented
collaborations with the state partners in successfully achieving the goal. ARRA funding was provided to 103 communities
throughout the Region to install new drinking water plants, and/or upgrade existing infrastructure, supplying safe drinking
water to more than 100,000 residents. The stimulus bill also provided funding to 131 communities throughout the Region
to upgrade their deteriorating wastewater facilities, resulting in a substantial decrease in raw waste entering U.S. waters.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
ARRA Project Highlights
Arkansas: City of Batesville
The city of Batesville is using $10 million of Recovery Act funds to replace the existing wastewater mains to
their treatment facility with a 3,100 linear foot gravity sewer. The project will provide effective wastewater
treatment and will yield a 62 percent energy savings or about 700,000 kW hours/year, over the minimum
40 year life of the tunnel. Meanwhile, the project has also
created over 40 jobs. This two-phase project which began
in February 2010 continues on schedule.
On September 17, 2010, Vice President Biden released a
report entitled " 100 Recovery Act Projects that are Changing
America". The report highlights some of the most innovative
and effective Recovery Act projects across the country that are
not only putting people back to work, but helping transform
our economy for years to come. EPA had eight projects that
were highlighted in the report, one being the wastewater
improvement project located in Batesville, Arkansas.
ARRA funding at work in Batesville, Arkansas
Louisiana: City of West Monroe
Thanks in part to a $4,750,000 ARRA loan with 100 percent principal forgiveness, West Monroe is seeing the
full-scale installation of their tested treatment process into an existing 7.5 MGD wastewater treatment plant.
This water efficiency project is part of the Green Project Reserve, and the new treatment plant will virtually
eliminate the current pollution discharged in the Ouachita River by the existing treatment facility.
Mexico: City of Carlsbad
Carlsbad received $ 1,428,661, of which $ 1,369,949 was principal forgiveness, to replace approximately 18,000
feet of 8" and 4" waterlines along Canal Street from Pompa Street to East Pierce Street for the city's drinking
water infrastructure needs.
Oklahoma: City of Duncan
The Duncan Public Utilities Authority in Oklahoma received $340,000 for an upgrade of their wastewater
treatment works, which was completed on April 7, 2010. These funds financed the replacement of existing
aerators with improved energy efficient aerators in the activated sludge nitrification basin. The energy footprint
of aeration is, traditionally, a large proportion of the energy demand of wastewater treatment; therefore, EPA
anticipates that this project will significantly reduce Duncan Public Utilities' energy-related expenditures. New
motors and variable frequency drives are also included as part of this project, which will enhance system-wide
hydraulic efficiency. The project is intended to reduce the system's energy demand by approximately 600,000
kilowatt hours each year.
ARRA-funded infrastructure upgrades in Amarillo, Texas
Texas: City of Amarillo
Amarillo received a $2,575,016 ARRA loan
for "green" infrastructure improvements.
The city proposes to replace an existing pump
station with a new combined high service
and transfer pump station. The existing high
service pump station (HSPS) is over 40 years
old and has an overall low efficiency rating.
The proposed new combined high service
and transfer pump station is a functional
replacement of equipment including an
upgrade of existing facilities on the same site. The proposed project is expected to increase by at least
20 percent the electrical efficiency by using new pumps and motors.
6
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
ARRA Project Highlights
continued
Tribes: Nambe Indian Reservation, New Mexico
The Nambe Indian Reservation in New Mexico received $1,010,580 to provide a water reclamation facility with
discharge back into the existing lagoon cells for evaporation/percolation, serving 38 homes on the Nambe Indian
Reservation. Most of Nambe was being served by separate collection systems each with an unlined facultative sewage
treatment lagoon. The existing lagoon systems were in need of repair/replacement since they were undersized and
were unlined, causing untreated or under-treated wastewater to percolate into the ground resulting in degradation
of groundwater quality. The Albuquerque Indian Heath Service area office recently upgraded Nambe Indian
Reservation's Lagoon systems and completed this Clean Water Indian Set-Aside ARRA project.
ARRA Progress in the SRF Program
Over 230 SRF ARRA projects have initiated construction that will bring safe drinking water to many people across
the Region, as well as finance infrastructure improvements for public wastewater systems and other water quality
projects. Both the CWSRF and DWSRF had all funds under contract by the December 31, 2010, deadline. All
states contracted 20% of their funds to green projects (i.e., green infrastructure, energy or water efficiency, and
environmentally innovative activities) with many surpassing the 20% minimum and the average amount of green
reserve totaling close to $138 million or 24% of all funds. As construction continues, Region 6 staff is focusing on
ARRA outlays. R6 states have expended 57% of their ARRA funds as of December 31, 2010.
The Recovery Act will create or retain jobs through its implementation over the next several years, and many of
these positions will be green jobs created through EPA Recovery Act funds. Region 6 has reported a total of 6,165
jobs created as of December 31, 2010. To view EPA recipient reported data for each state, visit EPA Recipient
Reporting on www.recovery.gov.
604(b) ARRA Accomplishments
All R6 States met the deadline to have all projects under contract by February 17,2010, for their Section 604(b) ARRA
grants. The States have been very conscientious in meeting the requirements of the ARRA Section 1512 quarterly
reporting through the national reporting web site, FederalReporting.gov, for the Section 604(b) ARRA Program.
Border Infrastructure Program
The US/Mexico Border Infrastructure Program, through EPA's Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF),
awarded $22.1 million to border area water and wastewater projects this year. Through these projects, the work
of the US/Mexico Border Program provided safe drinking water to 19,751 homes in the border area that previously
did not have access to safe drinking water. The program also provided 71,296 homes with new connections to
wastewater treatment facilities. As of December 2010, BEIF funded wastewater
projects have eliminated the discharge of nearly 400 million gallons per day of
untreated or improperly treated sewage.
Reynosa, Mexico
Replaced an inoperable lagoon watewater treatmant
plant that discharges into a canal and eventually into
the Rio Grande. The treatment capacity is 22.8 MGD
(million gallons per day).
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Construction of the Nuevo Laredo wastewater
treatment plant with a capacity of 4.6 MGD. The
project was completed in FYIO.
Ojinaga, Mexico
The Ojinaga Wastewater Treatmant Plant
and Collections System project was a stalled
project. While the wastewater treatment plant
was complete a few years ago, it was damaged
during flooding in September 2008. The project
was completed in 2010 and now provides
wastewater treatment and collection to most of
the community of Ojinaga, Chihuahua.
7
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Watershed Restoration
and Ecosystem Protection
Ecosystems Protection Branch
Continuing High Performance in Wetland Enforcement Actions
The Region 6 Wetlands Enforcement Program has continued to excel in
enforcement actions against violators of the CWA section 404. In FY 2010, 28
formal enforcement actions were issued, which is the second highest total in
the history of the program. In addition to this total, the Enforcement Program
continued work on a successful elevation of a civil referral to the Department
of Justice. Also, a total of $168,530 was collected in penalties and violators
spent an estimated $512,000 in compliance costs, primarily the cost of wetland
and stream restoration. In addition, 44 inspections were conducted, resulting
in the preservation of over 178 wetland acres and 9,745 linear feet of stream.
As always, the deterrence effect, as reported to EPA by the COE and other
partners, protects many times these amounts or natural resources.
Wetlands Enforcement Actions
2007 2008
Protecting, Planning, and Restoring Coastal Wetlands
EPA Region 6 partnered with Louisiana's Office of Coastal Protection
and Restoration (OCPR) on the implementation of four projects. Of
those projects, two were completed (Whiskey Back Barrier Marsh
Creation and Mississippi River Sediment Delivery, Bayou Dupont), one
is currently under construction (East Marsh Island Marsh Creation), and
one Demonstration 5-year project was implemented (Enhancement of
Barrier Island Vegetation). The Whiskey Back Barrier Marsh Creation
restored 316 acres of marsh and 13,000 linear feet of dune habitat
on Whiskey Island in south Louisiana.
Included was a pilot project to test
the feasibility of pre-constructing tidal
creeks and ponds in order to expedite
The vegetative planting included approximately 98,000 plants
The construction contract for the
Aerial View of mid-construction of Marsh Creation/
Marsh Nourishment Project Area
the habitat functionality.
strategically placed on the newly created habitat.
sediment placement was $23,255,778.20, and the fully funded cost for the entire 20-year
life of the project is approximately $30.4 million. The Bayou Dupont Mississippi River
Sediment Delivery Project completed construction of 580 acres of marsh using renewable
sediment from the Mississippi River. The project included creation of approximately
100 acres of additional marsh using $3 million of stimulus funding provided by National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plus some the contingency funds for
the project. The fully funded cost for the 20 year project is $31.8 million.
The East Marsh Island Marsh Creation Project has implemented the restoration of 165 acres of marsh and 197 acres of
marsh nourishment on Marsh Island. Furthermore, because the project bids and site conditions were more favorable
than anticipated, the sponsors were able to expand the scope of the project without increasing the budget. The exact
acreage of the project expansion has yet to be determined. Lastly, in April 2010, Region 6 began implementation of a
5-year long experiment to develop methodologies to enhance successful vegetation planting to existing barrier island
restoration projects. The experiment implementation was delayed due to impacts from the BP oil spill, however, it is
not anticipated that it will adversely affect the outcome.
Plantings and sand fencing along
Whiskey Back Barrier Marsh
Creation Project
8
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Louisiana: Bayou Plaquemine Brule Waterbody Improved
Agencies and Farmers Coordinate to Reduce Bacteria
The Bayou Plaquemine Brule watershed in
southwestern Louisiana
Runoff from agricultural lands and leaking home sewage tanks
transported fecal coliform, suspended solids and turbidity to the
Bayou Plaquemine Brule, impairing contact recreational uses. As a
result, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ)
added the Bayou Plaquemine Brule to the CWA section 303(d) list of
impaired waters in 1998. From 2004 to 2008, farmers implemented
agricultural best management practices (BMPs) on more than 70,000
acres within the watershed. In addition, the Louisiana Department of
Health and Hospitals worked with homeowners to install more than
3,300 aerobic treatment systems with effluent-reduction systems to
reduce the problems associated with home sewage systems. As a
result, LDEQ determined that Bayou Plaquemine Brule had attained
bacteria standards and removed it from the CWA section 303(d) list
for fecal coliform in 2008.
The waters of the slow-moving Bayou
Plaquemine Brule are often turbid.
Stakeholders completed a watershed plan in 2000 and launched a series of
projects to help local landowners implement BMPs to reduce nonpoint source
pollutant loads. The St. Landry and Acadia Soil and Water Conservation
Districts (SWCDs) estimate that the Bayou Plaquemine Brule watershed
supports approximately 330 farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
implemented more than 70,656 acres of BMPs in the Bayou Plaquemine Brule
watershed between 2004 and 2008.
In addition to USDA's efforts, LDEQ directed CWA section 3I9 funds to St.
Landry and Acadia SWCDs to implement BMPs in Cole Gully and Bayou Wikoff.
The most common BMPs implemented include irrigation water management
and drill planting of rice, rotational grazing and fencing for pasture lands. The
water management practices for rice allow the sediment and bacteria to remain
on the rice fields rather than be discharged to the bayous. Rotational grazing
allows grasses to revegetate and reduces overgrazing by livestock. The major objective of this cost-share
project was to demonstrate that agricultural nonpoint source loads in Bayou Plaquemine Brule could be
reduced to prescribed levels by implementing BMPs. The Bayou Wikoff and Cole Gully watersheds were
monitored at the edge-of-field level and at the in-stream/watershed level.
Monitoring data show a significant decline
in bacteria levels from 1998 to 2007, with
annual average fecal coliform counts of I 64
cells per 100 mL sample. Bayou Plaquemine
Brule meets both the primary and secondary
contactrecreation designated uses, prompting
LDEQ to remove the entire 55-mile
segment from the CWA section 303(d) list
of impaired waters in 2008. Approximately
$234,979 in CWA section 319 funds in the
cost-share program to help farmers pay to
install agricultural BMPs. Section 319 funds
were also used to pay a portion (60 percent)
of the salary of one staff member who wrote
the watershed implementation plan and
managed the projects implemented within
the watershed. EQIP provided an additional
$235,815 for cost-share of BMPs.
Average Concentration of Fecal
Coliform in Bayou Plaquemine Brule
100000
5
£
I
a
10000
1000
100
1988 - 2007
Monitoring data in the Bayou Plaquemines Brule watershed
from 1998 to 2007 shows a significant decline in bacteria
counts. Graph based on LDEQ results.
9
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Responding to Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Region 6 EPA WQPD responded in a number of ways to
assist in the cleanup and monitoring of the effects of the oil
spill on Gulf ecosystems. The WQPD provided technical
assistance on developing monitoring plans for the collection
of water and sediment data as well as assisting in the review
and interpretation of the results. Throughout the spill, the
Division coordinated with multiple agencies involved in
the spill response, including EPA Region 4, NOAA, Coast
Guard, and EPA headquarters. WQPD staff also assisted in
the collection and processing of water samples in the field.
On June 3, 20IO, the NOAA vessel, Thomas Jefferson,
departed New
Orleans as part of
the federal response
effort. The mission
objectives of this
eight day cruise were
to develop methods
to detect dispersed
submerged oil and
study the movement
and structure of
submerged oil near the
deep water horizon
wellhead. Staff from
the EPA Region
6 Monitoring and
Assessment Section
was asked to assist in the collection and processing of
water samples onboard. Over 700 samples were
collected at various depths and sent to laboratories for
analysis of compounds normally associated with fugitive
oil. Results of these analyses were to be used by NOAA
and other federal agencies for Natural Resource Damage
Assessments (NRDA) related to the spill.
All crew members aboard the Thomas
Jefferson were required to demonstrate
the ability to suit up in survival gear in
less than one minute.
The Thomas Jefferson
Success in the Nonpoint Source Program
The Region 6 Nonpoint Source Program succeeded in
coordinating efforts with federal and state agencies to
implement BMPs to improve water quality in Oklahoma
and Louisiana. In Oklahoma Wolf Creek, Little Wewoka
Creek, California Creek, and Little Elk Creek had been
listed as impaired for various parameters. Through
Oklahoma's locally-led cost-share program and local
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
programs, installation of BMPs to improve water quality,
such as but not limited to; improving grazing land
through cross-fencing, alternative water supplies, brush
and weed management, diversion terraces, alternative
water sources, pasture planting, weed control,
establishment of riparian buffers, conservation tillage,
and nutrient management planning were employed
as necessary. Turbidity in Wolf Creek has declined
and the stream is now in full attainment of its Fish and
Wildlife Propagation designated use. Likewise, turbidity
decreased in Little Wewoka Creek, allowing it to be
delisted for turbidity impairment. California Creek
had no samples exceed turbidity criteria in 2008, while
Little Elk Creek was delisted for low dissolved oxygen
and E. coli impairments in 2008. In Louisiana, Bayou
Plaquemine Brule was listed for fecal coliform in the
1998 303(d) list. Stakeholders completed a watershed
plan in 2000 and launched a series of projects to help
local landowners implement BMPs to reduce nonpoint
source pollutant loads, which included irrigation water
management and drill planting of rice, rotational grazing
and fencing for pasture lands. Bayou Plaquemine Brule
now meets both the primary and secondary contact
recreation designated uses, and the entire 55-mile
segment has been removed from the state's 303(d) list
of impaired waters.
Wolf Creek Watershed
Little Elk Creek Watershed
California Creek Watershed
Little Wewoka Creek Watershed
10
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Protecting Surface Water
NPDES Permits and TMDLs Branch
Continued Leadership in Current Permits
In FYIO, R6 continued to be a leader in the number of current discharge permits, achieving a permit issuance rate of 98%,
exceeding the Regional commitment of 94%. The Region also regulates the largest permitting universe with approximately 40,000
industrial and municipal wastewater discharges, representing 25% of the universe in the United States.
Vessel General Permit Outreach
Two years ago, the NPDES Program began
regulating certain discharges from non-recreational
vessels ending a long standing exemption from
NPDES regulation. The Vessel General Permit
(VGP), considered the best mechanism for
regulating vessel discharges, was issued in 2008. In
FYIO, the Branch continued successful outreach
efforts with the maritime community speaking at
six events, and soliciting preliminary comments on
the next version of VGP.
Region 6 is home to nine of the top twenty-five
ports in the U.S., responsible for nearly 50% of the
trade volume. With such a large vessel community
consisting of domestic and foreign flagged vessels,
the Region is recognized by EPA Headquarters for
its outreach efforts and national expertise to vessel
owners and operators of many classes of vessels.
Vessel discharges include ballast water, bilgewater,
graywater (e.g., water from sinks, showers), and
anti-foulant paints (and their leachate). These
discharges may result in negative environmental
impacts via the addition of traditional pollutants
or, in some cases, by contributing to the spread of
Aquatic Invasive Species.
Green Infrastructure Workshops
Region 6 continued efforts to bring green infrastructure
into the mainstream of stormwater management, as
well as integration in other programs through increased
outreach and education. In FYIO, to promote the use of
green infrastructure, disseminate data, tools, guidance and
Green infrastructure
practices offer
water quality,
water quantity, and
socio-economic
benefits.
Ships docked in the Houston Ship Channel
other useful information throughout the region, five Green
Infrastructure Workshops were conducted in Albuquerque,
New Mexico; Dallas, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Fayetteville,
Arkansas; and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Through these
workshops, approximately 1000 developers, contractors,
consultants, engineers, planners, stormwater managers and
staff were informed of the multitude of water quality and
quantity benefits, as well as socio-economic benefits, projects
of all scales (site, neighborhood, and region/watershed)
may achieve with incorporation of green infrastructure. In
addition, the NPDES Branch proposed the Albuquerque Phase I
MS4 draft permit which incorporates conditions promoting
the implementation of green infrastructure methods.
The NPDES Branch is working with the Office of Sustainable
Communities and the City of Las Cruces on the Smart Growth
Implementation Assistance grant awarded for the El Paso
Corridor to identify and incorporate green infrastructure
in strategic policies/regulatory tools to support new/revised
street standards and land uses.
11
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Region VI
PRETREATMENT
ASSOCIATION
The Pretreatment Program
EPA Region 6 in
partnership with
the Regi on VI
Pretreatment
Association hosted
the 26th Annual
Pretreatment
Wo r ks h o p in
Irving, Texas, August
2-5, 2010. Over 300 persons attended the
workshop, including professionals at the local
and state level of government as well as regional
and national EPA officials and many exhibitors.
This workshop is viewed by many in the field
as one of the premier industrial pretreatment
workshops. There are I45 approved
Pretreatment Programs regulating 28! Publicly
Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). In total,
these POTWs have the capacity to treat over
4.1 billion gallons of water a day. There are
currently more than 2,000 regulated industries
contributing over 200 million gallons of
industrial wastewater a day to POTWs located
throughout the Region.
Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations (CAFOs)
DuringSeptember20IO,
the Region authorized
coverage to a CAFO
under the New Mexico
CAFO general permit.
In 2010, the NPDES
program reviewed 21
nutrient management
plans (NMPs)
developed for CAFOs
seeking coverage
under the general
permit for CAFOs
in New Mexico, and
established procedures
to implement the
requirements of the 2008 CAFO Rule, including public
review of NMPs and the establishment of site specific permit
terms and conditions. The general permit is designed to
prevent nutrients and bacteria originating from CAFOs
from entering and impairing nearby streams.
The Branch is currently working with the Fish and Wildlife
Service to complete its Endangered Species Act consultation
on the CAFO general permit for Oklahoma and final issuance
of the permit is anticipated in the spring of 201 I.
In FYIO the NPDES program continued to assist the states
with the implementation of the 2008 CAFO Rule through
state regulation updates and the development of CAFO
permits. The Branch also participated in a State outreach
workshop in Hopkins County, Texas to educate dairy
operators on the federal CAFO regulations.
FY2006-2010TMDU
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Performance Activity Measure
Region 6 approved or established a total of 230 TMDLs in
FYIO, exceeding the Region 6 commitments of 222.
TMDLs calculate the maximum amount of a pollutant that a
waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards,
and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources.
The TMDLs were established as follows:
EPA Region 6/Arkansas - I TMDL, EPA Region 6/Louisiana - 7
TMDLs, Oklahoma - I44 TMDLs, Louisiana - 0 TMDLs,
Texas - 38 TMDLs and New Mexico - 39 TMDLs. ADEQ,
NMED, ODEQ and TCEQ wrote a total of 222 TMDLs to
surpass their FYIO target number of 198.
I FYIO
I FY06-09
1A MM OK IX
12
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Strategic Planning and
Community Outreach
Planning and Analysis Branch
Introduction
In line with EPA's goal of promoting an ethic of improving water use practices to increase efficiency, eliminate waste and
conserve water resources, the Planning and Analysis Branch continues to provide leadership and innovation in several
regional and national initiatives by building partnerships and promoting stewardship opportunities. The three areas that
the branch focuses on are: I) establishing partnerships; 2) providing support to permitting programs; and 3) analyzing
water information utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities, to develop reports for the programs.
The Surface Water Center
In 2010, the Surface Water Center completed over 200 projects,
while continuing to expand its role in supporting regional watershed
protection efforts and achieving the goals, priorities, and objectives
for the regional water programs.
The primary focus of the Surface Water Center during the year was
to provide training, analysis and technical expertise on GIS and data
related issues. In January, the Center completed its analysis of data,
which was the basis of a New Mexico Environment Department
(NMED) study of sediment benchmarks, and received positive reviews
from the EPA's Office of Research and Development. The Center
also continued to provide support to the Enforcement Division and
Permits Branch by mapping CAFO and AFO operations in Region 6
and the surrounding states. Other notable accomplishments included
the development of a mapping application allowing for the exchange
of information on climate change mitigation and adaptation projects,
data support for the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill Response,
development of an oil and gas well salinity impairment tool, and a
tool to show water quality improvements from the 2002 baseline
assessment. The Center was also responsible for Environmental
Justice (EJ) analysis of specific areas using the Region 6 EJ Tool.
Irma Rangel Young
Women's Leadership School
As part of the EPA Region 6 school
partnership with Irma Rangel Young
Women's Leadership School in Dallas,
Texas, EPA participated in the school's
Career Day Event. This event was an
opportunity to share information about
careers in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics. Region 6 also provided
environmental water education to the
Advanced Placement Environmental Class
and encouraged students of Irma Rangel
School to apply for summer internship
programs offered by EPA.
Outreach To Science Educators
The Partnerships and Communications Team led development, coordination and
on-site operation of the Texas Partnership for Water Education (TPWE) exhibit
booth at 2010 Conference for the Advancement of Science in Texas (CAST). EPA
spearheaded the creation of TPWE, a collaboration with the Texas Section American
Water Works Association (TAWWA) and Water Environment Association of
Texas (WEAT) to take advantage of an extraordinary event (CAST) that effectively
maximizes our capacity to establish communication and promote EPA water education
information, materials & classroom resources to the gathering of 8,000 K-I2 science
educators from across the state.
13
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Energy Management
EPA Region 6, in partnership with the Border
Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC),
jointly hosted an Energy Management Workshop
in McAllen, Texas, on November 4, 2010. One
hundred people attended the workshop;
75 on-site and 25 remote participants,
professionals working in the water and
wastewater utilities along the U.S.-Mexico
border. The workshop emphasized the
"Plan-Do-Check-Act" framework in developing
an energy management plan, highlighting case
studies of utilities implementing an energy
management plan, and State agencies sharing
energy management activities related to water
and wastewater utilities.
The U.S.-Mexico border workshop was
designed in similar format as a previous
energy management workshop held in Dallas,
Texas for EPA Headquarters and the Regional
Offices earlier in 2010. Seventy people
attended this workshop.
Webinars and Distance Collaboration
The Water Information and Analysis Team has
implemented the use of e-learning technologies within
the Division. These technologies add long-term value,
are affordable and convenient technologies for internal
and external audiences and reduce carbon emissions.
As part of this effort, the Division Webinar Team
was formed and has made huge strides in producing,
hosting and originating successful webinars. The
first broadcast webinar topic presented was the
"FY 20! I National Water Program Guidance", on
July I, 2010, enabling 19 state employees to attend
without traveling to the regional office. Eliminating
travel for this virtual event resulted in an estimated
and conservative monetary savings of $6,000 and
prevented approximately 8,500 pounds of CO2
emissions. Additional savings not quantified include
increased productivity by eliminating travel time.
The WDPD continues to expand the use of this new
collaborative mechanism to share information while
saving time, money, and carbon emissions.
National Drug Disposal Day
Appropriate disposal of unused or outdated (unwanted) medications
is one effective way to decrease the volume of Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products (PPCPs) entering community waterways. The
Partnerships and Communications Team has partnered with Federal
and state government, local law enforcement, poison control centers,
universities, schools, health facilities and other organizations to assist
in drug take back events.
In FYIO, the Team collaborated with the Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) and participated in the first National Drug Take
Back Event on September 25. In North Texas, 33 law enforcement
agencies participated and collected approximately 3,000 pounds
of pharmaceuticals. According to the DEA, 4,000 collection sites
across the country participated in this event and 242 million
pounds of pharmaceuticals were collected. The number of sites
reported in Region 6 is as follows: Arkansas-10; Louisiana-72;
New Mexico-42; and Texas-1 27.
EPA teams-up with the Duncanville Police Department
at the DEA National Take-Back Event on Sept. 25, 2010
"No Drugs Down The Drain" Message is Spreading
The Partnerships and Communications Team was very active through various collaborative partnerships providing education
and participation in medicine take back events. EPA Region 6 hosted Operation Rx Round-up: A Prescription for a Clean and
Safe Environment, the first employee drug back event as a part of Earth Day activities. The Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ), University of North Texas, North Texas Poison Center Choices: Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
and local law enforcement provided presentations. The Region collected 4-10 gallon containers provided by Sharps Compliance,
Inc. which also hauled and disposed at no-cost to the Agency.
In addition the Team, along with many diverse stakeholders, participated on the TCEQ Pharmaceutical Disposal Advisory Group
(SB 1757) to discuss current methods and alternatives for the disposal of unused pharmaceuticals and to develop options the
Legislature can consider for dealing with this issue. A report containing Advisory Group recommendations was completed.
14
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
WQPD staff presenting WaterSense
information at a public event
WaterSense Partnerships, Products Continue to Grow
The Partnerships and Communications Team has developed a
successful marketing strategy promoting EPA's WaterSense Program.
In FYIO, Region 6 enlisted 41 new WaterSense Partners. As of 2010,
over 600 toilets and 2,100 faucets and accessories, more than 200
labeled showerheads and 41 urinals have been approved and received
the WaterSense label. Region 6 highlights for the WaterSense Program
include promoting water efficiency utilizing social marketing principles,
promoting stewardships with WaterSense Partners and a successful
Fix A Leak Week and "We're For Water" Campaigns.
Fix A Leak Week
EPA's WaterSense Program hosted the second annual Fix A Leak
Week on March I 5-21, 2010. The Region 6 WaterSense Promotional
Partner, the City of Dallas, won the National WaterSense Media
Event Contest to publicize Fix A Leak Week by proposing a
week-long effort to erase their low-income households leak
repairs. The City of Dallas partnered with area local organizations
to sponsor the "Great Dallas Fix A Leak Roundup." During the Roundup, the City ramped up its plumbing
repair program for qualified low-income residents and completed all the projects that were on the waiting
list. The City estimated that these repairs will save over 2 million gallons of water a year. City of Dallas and
EPA Region 6 representatives made presentations at the event and were interviewed by the local media at
City Hall and at homes enrolled in the program.
We're for Water
In the summer of 2010, The WaterSense Program launched a new
consumer outreach campaign-"We're for Water." EPA created the
We're for Water campaign as a way to help people feel good about
using WaterSense labeled products and water-efficient behaviors. Flo,
the We're for Water "spokesgallon", traveled across the country for
two weeks educating the public on water efficiency. As part of the
national road trip, Region 6 partnered with a regional WaterSense
Partner, College Station, Texas, in a media event to promote the kickoff
campaign. We're for Water campaign also offers WaterSense partners
access to a suite of materials and artwork to promote the campaign and
simple ways to save water in their communities.
We're for Water kickoff event, College Station, Texas
WQPD recognized at
Waters To The Sea: Trinity River Premiere
The Partnerships and Communications Team received a Special Award in
recognition of outstanding leadership, guidance and unrelenting support
of the Waters to the Sea: Trinity River (WTTS), an interactive water
education program specifically designed for use in Texas classrooms but
also appropriate as an engaging instructional resource for the general
public. The award was presented at the Premiere Celebration and CD
Release Party which was held on October 20, 2010, at the Colonial
Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
WTTS was developed by the Center for Global Environmental Education
(CGEE) of Hamline University's School of Education in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Trinity River edition was made possible via an unprecedented
collaboration of 18 independent partnering organizations.
Project producers and an actor portraying Sam Houston in
the Waters to the Sea: Trinity River interactive CD join WQPD
project contributors at the premiere celebration.
15
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Drinking Water and
Source Water Protection
Source Water Protection Branch
Tribal Team Improves Water Quality Through
Sanitary Surveys and Follow-Up Actions
Sanitary surveys are required under both the Surface Water
Treatment and Groundwater Rules. The sanitary survey inspections
conducted in Indian Country have led to noticeable improvements
at Tribal public water systems that are regulated by Region 6.
Recent surveys have shown that the Tribes have addressed or are
addressing significant deficiencies found in sanitary surveys. Our
sanitary survey efforts allow us to identify significant deficiencies
and notify the Tribe of our findings. The Tribe can then work
on correction of these deficiencies with assistance from Region
6 Drinking Water staff and the Technical Assistance provider. In
a recent sanitary survey, the Tribal Drinking Water Team found
significant deficiencies at three water systems which posed an
imminent and substantial threat to public health. As a result of
the collaborative efforts between the Tribe, the Water Quality
Protection Division (WQPD), and the Enforcement Division, the
Tribe has taken important steps to comply with the emergency
order issued by EPA, including cleaning and super-chlorinating the
contaminated spring boxes, leading to improved drinking water
quality to consumers.
Carbon (CO2) Geosequestration
Region 6 is recognized nationally
as a leader in the developing
area of carbon geosequestration
using deep well injection. In
FYI0, Region 6 was active in the
development of the final UIC
geosequestration regulations,
signed November 22, 2010.
Because of the Source Water
Protection Branch's expertise
with deep well injection
technologies, EPA HQ requested the Region's input on several
areas of the rule. The Region will continue to play a key role in this
promising approach to mitigating greenhouse gas effects on climate
change by working with Region 6 states and EPA headquarters to
authorize state implementation of these rules.
CO2 Geosequestration Wells
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
Regional Ground Water Summit
Looks at Increasing Alternative
Water Supplies Through Emerging
Technologies
The Ground Water Center held a three-day
meeting in San Antonio, Texas in February, that
focused on expanding water supplies through
the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)
wells and desalination of brackish ground water.
Participants included representatives from
several federal and state agencies and researchers
from universities in the region. These topics
are increasingly important methods of climate
adaptation in the arid Southwest, as populations
increase and stress the existing water supplies.
Outreach to Vietnamese
Fishermen Affected by the BP Oil
Spill in the Gulf
During May through August 2010, a
representative of the WQPD stationed at the
Incident Command Post in Houma, Louisiana,
played a prominent role in assisting the
Vietnamese community impacted by the BP
spill. The representative translated documents
on dispersants, waste management, monitoring
of air, water, and sediments, and seafood
contamination for U.S. Coast Guard, BP, and
other federal, state, and local agencies reaching
out to Vietnamese fishermen in the area. Critical
translation assistance on BP's Health, Safety,
and Environmental training was also provided.
This information was printed as a booklet for
distribution to fishermen and others participating
in the cleanup. In addition, the Agency participated
in many BP community open houses to answer
questions related to the potential effects of the
oil spill on their livelihood.
16
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Mossville, Louisiana Public Water System and
Port Arthur, Texas Water Purification Plant Evaluations
In response to requests by local citizen groups and public meeting
testimony, the WQPD conducted comprehensive performance
evaluations of two water systems in communities expressing
environmental justice concerns. Region 6 Drinking Water Section
staff communicated their findings to city officials and members of the
community for these two plants, which showed drinking water samples
were in full compliance with all health based standards established
under the Safe Drinking Water; however, the Agency discovered that
maintenance activities and design factors needed to be improved at the
public water systems to ensure adequate water quality in the future.
L:
Region 6 National Experts Provide
Injection Well Technical Training
Region 6 national experts provided training on deep injection well
reservoir analysis, mechanical integrity testing, and permitting issues
at the Region 9 office, per their request. Region 9 staff, state officials
and Tribal staff were in attendance. This training is designed to
strengthen the attendees' capacity to evaluate and safely regulate
deep injection wells, including Class VI geosequestration wells.
Additionally, Region 6 staff assisted in providing mandatory UIC
Inspector Training at the Region 8 office to EPA staff, state, and
Tribal UIC staff and inspectors, which illustrates the proper well
construction, operation and plugging of the various well classes.
Capacity Building for Our Tribal Partners
In FYI0, Region 6 provided $60,000 to New Mexico State University
(NMSU) to develop and deliver a series of training sessions
specifically targeting members of tribes and pueblos in the Region.
NMSU presented four separate two-day training sessions on various
topics relating to wastewater systems. The sessions focused on
the principles of handling waste streams generated by facilities and
sources likely to be found on tribal lands. The 143 attendees were
primarily Native American government officials, regulators, and
utility operators from 14 of the Pueblos and Tribes located within
New Mexico. The Navajo Nation, located within Region 9, sent
attendees from three of their chapters. NMSU visited three of the
New Mexico facilities and provided advice on how to best improve
their operations.
EPA Regional Science Workshop
on Using Treated Graywater as an
Environmental Solution Workshop
The workshop was a collaborative effort between
EPA Regions 6 and 4, and the Office of Research
and Development that took place from May
18-20, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia. It provided a
forum to exchange information ongraywaterwith
a focus on water quality characteristics relevant
to protecting public health and ecosystems,
treatment technologies, performance standards,
and approaches to management and regulations.
The workshop highlighted research advances,
case studies, challenges, and regulatory issues.
The role of graywater reuse in water scarce
regions and expanding urban settings was also
examined as a means of improving water use
efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of
water systems, and improving water availability.
Barriers to implementing graywater reuse were
discussed and participant input was solicited
on needs for standardization of requirements.
Water scarcity, increased water demands, and
the carbon footprint of water reuse necessitate
a national coordination of water strategies and
policies. These strategies include conservation
measures coupled with water reclamation,
recycling, and reuse.
Hydrofracking
The WQPD's unique experience in oil and gas operations, and Barnett Shale issues
provided the basis for the Region's prominent role in the Agency's Hydrofrac Steering
Committee. Specifically, the Division was influential in determining the scope of the
study, developing the field study strategy, and educating other committee members on
the technical aspects of hydrofracing. Region 6 held the first listening session in the
nation on the hydrofracing study, with 600 people in attendance. As public interest in
hydrofrac technology and its possible impacts increases, the Region 6 has ramped up
collaboration with other EPA offices.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
Hydraulic
Fracturing
Overview
17
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
U.S.-MEXICO BORDER 2012
FOUR-STATE REGIONAL WORKGROUP
Texas
Tamaulipas
Nuevo Leon
C oah u i I a
2010 Accomplishments
The U.S.-Mexico Border Environment Program continues to be a model of cooperation and collaboration between
neighboring nations, and has achieved tangible, on-the-ground, environmental and public health results for communities
in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Through this program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mexico's
Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), and local and state partners are working to address
the most significant environmental and public health risks, and addressing disproportionate environmental impacts in
border communities.
This year, the Four-State Regional Workgroup made significant progress in the waste, water, environmental health, and
in the emergency response areas. Some examples include:
Exceeded EPA targets for drinking water and wastewater connections along the four-state region and is on target
to meet wastewater connections.
Total scrap tires collected: 685,417 among the various United States and Mexico communities.
Total electronic waste collected: 1,361,447 pounds among the various United States and Mexico communities.
Total household hazardous waste collected: 453 tons, 30,172.5 liters, among the various United States and
Mexico communities.
City of Laredo-EPA children's health effort reached 5,416 students & parents. Fifty-one outreach workers and
medical participants received formal training on emerging environmental health issues affecting children.
EPA - NORTHCOM Partnership to train and equip emergency responders is one of the best examples of local,
state and federal collaboration. As a result, partners hosted a series of knowledge exchange workshops, and have
facilitated equipment exchanges within the region.
Dfa Del Rfo Celebration
One of the most notable achievements this year was the Dfa Del Rfo Celebration. On October 6, 2010, the Dfa
Del Rfo kicked off with hundreds of events that attracted thousands of educators, environmentalists, citizens,
elected officials, Native American pueblos, state and federal agencies, NGO's and the media. Community
celebrations were held in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, as well as the Mexican states of Durango, Coahuila,
Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. Activities included river cleanups, tree plantings, talks, art exhibits, kayaking races
and festivals. The organizers formalized a vision and mission statement for creating a watershed network called
the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Watershed Alliance. The Alliance will serve as a catalyst to promote events fostering
conservation and sustainable use of the river.
Dia Del Rio Project Highlights
The Dfa Del Rfo attracted 175 schools participating schools, clubs,
foundations, governmental organizations both in the United States
and Mexico (an estimated 25,000 participants).
The event hosted a Rfo Research Roundup, where 42 United States
and Mexican teams used water testing kits provided by the Gulf of
Mexico Foundation to test their section of the river's watershed.
A Rfo Relay was initiated in Creed, Colorado, ending 1,250 miles
downstream at Boca Chica, Texas. Relay participants collected water
samples at schools and international bridges before conducting a
ceremonial "pouring of the waters" into the Gulf of Mexico.
Students taking part in Dfa Del Rfo.
18
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Through the Beyond Translation effort, EPA has taken an important step toward engaging the Hispanic community,
a significant component of the U.S. population, in a meaningful, productive dialogue to help identify and address
environmental and health problems of priority concern to Spanish-speaking communities, and to include Hispanics
in developing solutions to those challenges. During 2010 EPA Region 6, under the guidance of Miguel I. Flores, has
surpassed expectations and is leading the nation in partnerships and collaborations to expand the environmental
conversation in underserved communities.
As follow-up to last year's Beyond Translation Forum in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a series of Permitting IOI
Workshops, initiated by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), were implemented. The workshops
are designed to reach the most underserved and rural communities in the state of New Mexico.
On July 12-17, 2010, EPA joined the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, to discuss some of the most pressing environmental issues affecting Hispanics. At a gathering of more than
20,000 participants, EPA served as partner and key presenter. EPA sponsored events included a forum involving
the Hispanic community, job fair activities and a session where environmental resources and opportunities were
shared.
Region 6 also took advantage of the National Organization for Mexican American Rights' (NOMAR) National Convention
to continue the conversation with community leaders about environmental priorities requiring involvement and action.
One of the key agenda topics was the discussion on pesticide risks to farm workers and their families.
Increasing Pesticide Awareness in Farmworker Communities
On Saturday,
migrant and
October 23, 2010,
seasonal farmworker
students from the Children in the
Fields Campaign's UT-Pan American
Texas Youth Council performed the
play "El Moscas" y Los Pesticides to over
700 community members at the Basilica
of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, in
San Juan, Texas. "El Moscas" y Los
Pesticides is an interactive play created
by EPA that aims to increase safety
awareness for families and individuals
who work in areas treated with
pesticides, broadening the audience's
understanding of pesticide exposure
and the take-home risks related to
it. Early this year, EPA Region 6 led a
day-long workshop at the Association
of Farmworker Opportunity Programs
(AFOP) National Conference on how
to design and implement atheater-based
outreach effort in farmworking
communities. Plans are underway with
Region 10 to expand this concept to
the western states.
19
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
A large part of EPA's response to the BP oil spill was sampling for
background environmental conditions in the Gulf.
Deepwater Horizon Response ^^^^m
On April 20, 2010, the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU)
Deepwater Horizon experienced an explosion and subsequently sank
to the floor of the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles south of Venice, Louisiana,
resulting in a release of crude oil from the Macondo well lasting
eighty-five days. In addition to the Region 6 Regional Emergency
Operations Center (REOC) effort, WQPD staff contributed over
2,500 hours to the BP oil spill response, providing technical support
for decisions associated with berm and barrier island construction,
water and sediment quality monitoring, review and interpretation of
laboratory analytical results, and NPDES permitting requirements for
various cleanup activities.
Representatives from the Monitoring and Assessment and the Water
Quality Standards Sections assisted REOC and Environmental Unit
in multiple technical support activities, by providing information on
dispersant application risks and benefits, toxicity testing, developing multiple monitoring plans, and reviewing water
sampling data collected at the surface of the actual wellhead site. Staff was also involved in the review, interpretation and
decision making of EPA near shore water and sediment sampling results.
Staff collected and processed over 700 water samples onboard the NOAA vessel Thomas Jefferson, at various depths
that were later sent to laboratories for analysis of compounds normally associated with fugitive oil. Results of
these analyses were to be used by NOAA and other federal agencies for Natural Resource Damage Assessments
(NRDA) related to the spill.
The NPDES Branch provided early regulatory guidance on the role of
NPDES permits and discharges authorized by the Federal On-Scene
Coordinator using authority granted under the CWAand Oil Pollution
Act of 1990. The Branch mapped critical infrastructure such as power
plant and refinery cooling water intake structures and aquaculture
locations that may have been affected by the encroachment of the
expanding oil plume. Staff also provided technical review of response
and management plans including the Liquid Waste and Materials
Management Plan.
The Drinking Water Section along with the Louisiana Department
of Health and Hospitals provided technical assistance on the risk of
oil from the spill contaminating sources of drinking water through
surface water intakes and ground water wells. Staff also provided
maps showing all public water supply intakes and public water supply
ground water wells, reviewed and commented on drinking water documents that included frequently asked questions, as
well as an assessment of all scenarios involving the oil spill and the affect on drinking water.
The Division's Coastal and Wetland programs collaborated with the Office of Water on the Ecological Impact Analysis of
the Gulf Coast, which included coordinating with NOAA on restoration projects that were impacted by the spill.
The Planning and Analysis Branch provided support to the EPA's Emergency Response Team to the BP Oil Spill. The
Partnerships and Communications Team provided technical and logistical support to EPA Headquarters and Region 4, and
the Information & Analysis Team provided GIS mapping support.
Collecting water for testing at Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana
Water Sampling in the Gulf.
20
Evaluating efforts to protect marshes.
EPA at work along the Gulf coast.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
Water Quality Protection Division
FY10 Performance Summary Report
Illinois River Watershed Project
Water quality in the Illinois River watershed declined throughout the 1990s. Excessive amounts of phosphorus,
primarily from fertilized agricultural field runoff, may have caused excessive aquatic vegetation to become a problem
in Lake Tenkiller. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that Oklahoma could establish its own standards for
phosphorus in the Illinois River. Since the Illinois River starts in Arkansas and flows into Oklahoma, this would
require Arkansas to lower the phosphorus amounts sent downstream into Oklahoma.
On November 20, 2009, EPA launched the Illinois River Watershed modeling project, a collaborative effort
that includes multiple branches throughout the WQPD. In addition to EPA, the group consists of technical
representatives from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tribal Nations in the Illinois River watershed. This initiative is to
develop a comprehensive multi-jurisdictional watershed strategy for addressing nutrients impairment in the Illinois
River watershed from Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma upstream to the headwaters in Arkansas.
Since the inception of the project, the NPDES Permitting and TMDL Branch hosted two public meetings with over
100 attendees to work with both agriculture producers and cities to ensure they are engaged throughout the entire
project. A critical component of this strategy is comprehensive watershed modeling to determine phosphorus
load reductions needed to meet water quality standards in both States. The Standards, Monitoring and Non-point
source groups have been actively involved in reviewing the Oklahoma and Arkansas watershed based plans and
providing comments, based on national guidelines, ensuring consistency between the plans. A representative from
the Standards group is a member of a Technical Advisory Group sponsored by Oklahoma to evaluate the total
phosphorous criteria. The Groundwater Center provided technical support regarding the location of karst features
in the watershed area. The modeling project, once completed, will be used to develop nutrient TMDL(s) for the
Illinois River watershed, and include Lake Tenkiller.
ILLINOIS RIVER WATERSHED
) ^rx
-;, Pea Ridge, AR
mmfqggx i r
FayettevilleSpringdale, AR
LandCovflr-attH
1 11 - Open water
_] 21 - Developed, Open Space
~^\ 41 - Deciduous Forest
Q 42 - Evergreen Forest
| | 71 -Grawland'Herbaceous
1 | 81 - Pasfcirfr'Hay
^m 32 - Cultivated Crop
:
*^«%.:- f >
Hydological Unit Code - 11110103
^^H Miles Hydol
^
21
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
-------
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
Water Quality Protection Division (6WQ)
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202
For an electronic copy of this report, please visit
www.epa.gov/region6/water/index.htm
------- |