TPWD 1975 F-5-R-22 #1681: Region I-B Fisheries Studies: Pollution Studies, Performance Report, Federal Aid Project F-5-R-22

«TAM 4-5 PERFORMANCE REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-22 REGION l-B FISHERIES STUDIES Objective 2: Pollution Studies Project Leader: Billy J. Follis Assistant Project Leader: David J. Morris Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Robert J. Kemp, Director Lonnie J. Peters Fisheries Division Chief, Inland Fisheries November 14, 1974 PERFORMANCE REPORT State: Texas Project Number: F—5—R-22 Project Title: Region I-B Fisheries Studies Project Section: Inventory Study Title: Pollution Studies Contract Period: From A March 1, 1974 To December 312 1974 Program Narrative Objective Number: 2 Objective: To determine the source and nature of pollution. I. Segment Objective: A. To investigate instances of pollution affecting specific fish populations and to report findings to the Texas Water Quality Board when remedial action is needed. B. Specifically, to determine the extent of damage to fish popula— tions, to trace the source of pollution, to attempt to determine the nature of the pollutant, and to report instances of violation and negligence to prOper authorities. II. Summary of progress: Only one fish kill was encountered or reported during this segment. Beginning on May 27 and continuing for 10 day, a heavy fish die-off occurred along two miles of the North Concho River in downtown San Angelo. Species affected included longnose gar, gizzard and threadfin shad, carp, river carpsucker, smallmouth buffalo, channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, several species of sunfish, white crappie, walleye and several species of minnows. Over 95 percent of the estimated 50,000 fish killed were non-sport species. The kill was almost complete with only a few carp and longnose gar surviving. The die-off was attributed to a severe hailstorm on May 25th. The initial temperature shock placed heavy stress on the fish. Leaves a r - Clr‘ ctr-ca. D. CECE»; and small branches stripped from the trees over a “n-“ a huge organic load into the river. No oxygen levels above 3.0 parts per million could be found in the affected water between May 27 and June 7, 1974. City work crews picked up dead fish and flushed portions of the river with chlorinated water as clean—up measures. III. IV. VI. -2- Significant Deviation: This segment of work was shortenend by two months to facilitate the initiation of the new Statewide Fisheries Management Project, F-30-R. Conclusions, Evaluations and Recommendations: The City of San Angelo is presently initiating a program to improve the fishery habitat in portions of the Concho River which includes the area affected by the above reported fish kill. A game-fish stocking program will be recommended when the city completes such plans. Pollution investigations will be continued under the new Statewide Fisheries Management Project, F-30-R, beginning January 1, 1975. Estimated Cost: $850.00 Prepared by: Billy J. Follis Project Leader Date: November 14 1974 Leo Lewis Regional Fisheries Management Supervisor Approved by: .. "' I‘l. _H ‘- A.)