Title
Receive report from Mr. Philip Pearce, SWCA Environmental, regarding the Water Quality Monitoring of the Comal and San Marcos ecosystems conducted in 2016.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Research & Technology Committee to receive a report from Mr. Philip Pearce, SWCA Environmental, regarding Water Quality Sampling and Analysis Program for Comal and San Marcos Springs Ecosystems conducted in 2016 as specified by contract 13-656-HCP.
In the early stages of the HCP, water quality monitoring and storm water sampling were conducted by EAA staff. However, with increasing costs and increased sampling requirements of the program along with increasing program demands for staff time, it became more economically feasible for the EAA to contract with a private environmental firm to conduct the program. In January 2014, the EAA contracted with SWCA, Inc., to conduct the water quality program. SWCA has continued to perform the water quality monitoring program since then.
Mr. Philip Pearce, P.G., a project manager with SWCA Environmental, will provide a brief overview of the program and a summary of the results.
The 2016 Water Quality Report is attached to this summary.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal A. Sustain Federally Protected Aquifer-Dependent Species.
A Water Quality Monitoring Program is required of the Edwards Aquifer Authority to maintain compliance with the Incidental Take Permit issued by USFWS on March 18, 2013. Specifically, this item is related to the obligations of Section 5.7.2 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agenda item does not involve the procurement of goods or services by the EAA and, therefore, this section is not applicable.