TPWD 1964 F-6-R-11 #946: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 5-B: Job No. G-1l Pollution Studies, Project F-6-R-11

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project F-6-R-11 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS OF THE WATERS OF REGION 5-B Job No. G-1l Pollution Studies Project Leader: Charles T. Menn J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Program Planning January 6, 1964 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT During 1963 four pollution cases were investigated in Region 5-B. Two were on Lake Corpus Christi, one was on the Guadalupe River and one was on Chiltipin Creek. None were considered detrimental to the over- all fish populations. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. F-6-R-11 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 5-B Job No. C-1 Title: Pollution Studies Period Covered: January 1, 1963 through December 31, 1963 Objectives: To determine the source and nature of natural or man-made pollutants which affect fish populations in public waters of Region 5-B. Procedure: During the progress of other jobs of the project, polluted waters were watched for and investigated when found. Cases of water pollution reported by sportsmen or game wardens were investigated. Findings: Lake Corpus Christi Two fish kills were reported and investigated on Lake Corpus Christi during the year. In February a slough near the mid-portion of the lake was lined with numerous Rio Grande perch and a few crappie, channel catfish and freshwater drum, Since the kill was rather selective, the cause was attributed to cold weather. No specimens were brought to the laboratory because they were badly decomposed. The second fish kill occurred in the lower reaches of the lake near the dam in March. After an intensive study including water analyses and tempera- ture recordings, the cause was attributed to spring turnover. In addition to a sizable number of catfish, there were several longnose and spotted gars and one freshwater drum killed. In neither case was the kill thought to be detrimental to the over-all fish population. Guadalupe River In August a fish kill on the lower Guadalupe River was reported and investigated. Numerous blue and flathead catfish, carp, smallmouth buffalo and --- Page 4 --- longnose gars were killed, Two water analyses showed the fish died from a lack of dissolved oxygen, due to excessive amounts of organic material, coupled with the warm (90°F.) water. Chiltipin Creek One complaint was investigated on the upper reaches of Chiltipin Creek, a tributary of the Aransas River, in October. Oil field wastes were dumped into the creek, but no dead fish were found. Recommendations: This job should be continued so that future pollution cases may be investigated and corrective action taken to abate it, . —_ Prepared by Charles T. Menn Approved by 2_- Project Leader Coordinator Date_ January 6, 1964 Kenneth C, Jurgens Regional Supervisor