TPWD 1972 F-5-R-19 #1478: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies: Job No. 2 Pollution Studies, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-19

--- Page 1 --- te g. ca fa Ard a5 JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-19 REGION 1-B FISHERIES STUDIES Job No. 2 Pollution Studies Project Leader: Billy J2 Follis James U. Cross Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Fred G. Lowman Roy T. Huffman Branch Head, Inland Fisheries Director, Current Operations March 20, 1972 --- Page 3 --- Job Progress Report State of Texas Project No.: F-5-R-19 Name: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies Job No.3: 2 Title: Pollution Studies Period Covered: March 1, 1971 to February 29, 1972 P.S. Objectives: To determine the source and nature of pollution. Segment Objectives: General: To investigate instances of pollution affecting specific fish popula- tions and to report findings to the State Water Quality Board when remedial action is needed. Specific: 1, To determine extent of damage to fish populations, 2. To trace the source of pollution. 3. To attempt to determine the nature of the pollutant. 4, To report instances of violation and negligence to the State Water Quality Board and/or other proper authorities. Procedures: Field investigations were made when suspected pollution and pollution- caused fish kills were encountered, reported or suspected. Reports of the findings were related to appropriate authorities if remedial and preventive measures were deemed necessary. Findings: Instances of pollution and/or fish kills were very limited in Fish- eries Region 1-B during this segment. An oil leak from a pipeline in Runnels County on Valley Creek was brought to the attention of field personnel in mid-April. Subsequent investigations disclosed no signs of oil or affected fish. However, the area had received a 4-inch rain between the reported date of occurrence and the field investigation. --- Page 4 --- li Also reported and investigated in late April was an overflowing brine well in Coke County near the Colorado River. None of this waste was reach- ing the river on the surface. Both of these instances were reported to the Texas Railroad Commission. Lake Nasworthy, Tom Green County, experienced a light die-off of giz- zard shad over a 3-week period in September 1971. Visual observations found no other species affected. Water analysis disclosed low dissolved oxygen content, especially in the early morning hours. This has been an annual occurrence for the past few years. Recommendations: It is recommended that this job be continued in an effort to detect, investigate, and correct future pollution of public waters in Fisheries Region 1-B. a Prepared by Billy J. Follis Approved by Project Leader Branch Head, Inland Fisheries Date March 20, 1972 Leo D. Lewis Assistant for Inland Fisheries