Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve an Interlocal Cooperation Contract between the EAA and the San Antonio River Authority for hydrologic modeling services, in an amount not to exceed $240,000.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 08-24-102 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Interlocal Cooperation Contract No. 24-011-AMS between the EAA and the San Antonio River Authority for hydrologic modeling services for a total amount of $240,000.00, for the period August 21, 2024, through December 31, 2026, and authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Research & Technology Committee recommendation to approve the annual hydrologic modeling agreement between the EAA and the San Antonio River Authority.
To better understand the impacts of development and land management and to quantify mitigation needs, the San Antonio River Authority will update its Hydrologic Simulation Program - Fortran (HSPF) models for the Cibolo Creek Watershed with the most current information. The EAA seeks to leverage the work needed to update the current model to include components that are pertinent to EAA’s efforts to quantify the effects of land management practices in the region and to understand the contributions of Cibolo Creek to the Aquifer system.
TASKS
The project is scheduled to be completed over a three (3) year period. The EAA will contribute funding and logistical support to aid in model development and share in the model function and results. The tasks will be planned and managed solely by the San Antonio River Authority.
Tasks 1 and 2: Collect and assess new data for input and develop a calibrated hydrologic model.
The San Antonio River Authority will assemble and assess any new data that are needed to update the HSPF model. These data will include additional geologic data that can be used to better inform the parameters used in the model. Once data are input, the model will be calibrated with respect to runoff and flow. Completion of the calibrated hydrologic model is anticipated in late 2024.
Task 3: Development of a water quality model.
Water quality model development and calibration will occur as Task 3. Available water quality data will be used for calibration purposes.
Tasks 4 and 5: Future land use assessment and quantification of pollutant load reduction.
The models developed and/or updated in tasks 1-3 will be used to assess impacts of future development by incorporating anticipated land use changes and will use previously developed water quality tools (https://www.brwm-tx.org/modeling-tools/ ) to quantify pollutant loads. This work will aid in the identification of areas of concern for water quality issues.
At the meeting on July 23, the Research & Technology Committee voted to recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Interlocal Cooperation Contract No. 24-011-AMS between the EAA and the San Antonio River Authority for hydrologic modeling services for a total amount of $240,000.00, for the period August 21, 2024, through December 31, 2026, and authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The San Antonio River Authority is a State of Texas entity, and as such, is not an M/WBE business.
STRATEGIC REFERENCE:
This agenda item relates to the goal of greater understanding and management through science found in the EAA’s 2021-2030 strategic plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total EAA cost associated with this Interlocal Cooperation Contract is $240,000.00 for the period August 21, 2024, through December 31, 2026. Funding is available for the 2024 portion of this contract and is budgeted for fiscal years 2025-2026.