TPWD 1970 F-6-R-17 #1337: Fisheries Investigations - Region 5-B: Job No. VI Pollution Studies, Federal Aid Project No. F-6-R-17

--- Page 1 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT E J v ge As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-6-R-17 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS - REGION 5-B Job No. VI Pollution Studies Project Leader: Roger L. McCabe J. R. Singleton Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Directer, Wildlife Services October 22, 1970 --- Page 2 --- SUMMARY Incidents of pollution and fish kills were investigated by project personnel to determine their nature and extent. During this segment, a fish kill at Petronilla Creek was investigated and attributed to an abnormally high salinity concentration due to a lack of incoming fresh water and low tides. The Three Rivers waste disposal plant and Three Rivers Refinery, located near Three Rivers in Live Oak County and adjacent to the Frio River, pose potential pollution hazards and are being monitored. --- Page 3 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT State Texas Project No. F-6-R-17 Project Title: Fisheries Investigations - Region 5-B Job No. VI Job Title: Pollution Studies Period Covered: January 1, 1969 to December 31, 1969 Objectives: To determine the source and nature of natural or man-made pollutants which affect fish populations. Procedures: Reports of pollution and fish kills, and any evidence encountered by project personnel in Region 5-B, were investigated to determine their nature and extent. Water analysis was conducted in conjunction with the other jobs on the project to detect any trace of possible pollution in its vestigial stages. Findings: On November 6, 1969, a fish kill, along a five-mile stretch of Petronilla Creek in Nueces County, was investigated and a large number of dead and dying black drum (Pogonias cromis) were observed. A water sample was taken to the Regional chemist and found to contain an abnormally high salinity concen- tration, 85 p.p.t. The area receives tidal influence, and the fish kill was attributed to an abnormally high salinity concentration due to a lack of incoming fresh water and low tides. The city of Three Rivers in Live Oak County empties effluents from its waste disposal plant into the Frio River below Tips Park. Project personnel monitored the water in the vicinity of the waste disposal on two occasions, May 23 and December 11, 1969, and no evidence of pollution was discovered. The Three Rivers Refinery, also located near Three Rivers adjacent to Tips Park, poses a potential hazard of oil pollution and is being monitored by project personnel. No other incidents of potential or actual pollution were investigated during this segment. Prepared by Roger L. McCabe Approved by VI Apo AA Project Leader Coordinator Date October 22, 1970 Elgin M. C. Dietz Inland Supervisor