TPWD 1974 F-5-R-21 #1618: Region I-B Fisheries Studies: Pollution Studies, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-21

--- Page 1 --- PERFORMANCE REPORT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-21 REGION I-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 Lonnie J. Peters Robert J. Kemp, Director Chief, Inland Fisheries Fish and Wildlife Division March 115 1974 --- Page 2 --- PERFORMANCE REPORT State: Texas Project Number: F-5-R-21 Project Title; Region I-B Fisheries Studies Project Section: Inventory Study Title: Pollution Studies Contract Period: From March 1, 1973 To February 28, 1974 Program Narrative Objective No.: 2 Objective: To determine the source and nature of pollution. iG 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. rl, Summary of Progress; Three minor instances of pollution and/or fish kills were detected and investigated in Fisheries Region I-B during this segment. A small fish kill was reported on the North Concho River in Tom Green County in May) 1973. Only a few dead gizzard shad and river carpsucker were found along about one-quarter mile of the river. Many individuals of these two species and other native fish present were not affected. This small die-off appeared to have been caused by natural low water conditions and oxygen depletion. A minor fish kill occurred in May on the Colorado River in northwestern Coke County. All species present were affected for about 8 miles of this shallow portion of the river. High chlorides and low dissolved oxygen were the only lethal agents detected. A few dead fish were reported by fishermen in the Colorado River just above Lake Spence in July. Species mentioned included carpsucker, carp, largemouth bass, and catfish. Investigation found only a few fish of the above species in a decomposing state. It was concluded that these fish died in stagnant pools of the river and then were washed down-river by run-off from a localized rain, --- Page 3 --- IIl. IV. In July, 1973 an oil pipeline belonging to Mobil Oil Company broke, causing a major oil spill into the Colorado River in Mitchell County. About 3 miles of the river were affected, totally destroying the fish population. However, in this area the river supports an insignificant sport fish population. Fishes here were mainly shad, carpsuckers and minnows. The concerned authorities notified included The Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Water Quality Board, Railroad Commission, Colorado River Municipal Water District, and responsible personnel of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Mobil Oil Company constructed 3 temporary earthen dams and used "oil fences" and hay to contain the crude oil. Southerly winds and slack flow of the river aided containment and recovery efforts of oil. Within 3 days most of the crude oil (4,500 barrels) had been recovered and the residue burned off. Charges were not filed by any agency. Significant Deviation: Population sampling with nets and seines was not necessary in estab- lishing the damage to fish populations during investigations of fish kills in Region I-B this segment. The affected waters were very shallow and clear and supported no important fisheries or endangered species; therefore, only visual observations were made. Conclusions, Evaluations and Recommendations: All but one pollution report to this project was considered minor since no important fisheries or endangered species were affected. A major oil spill into the Colorado River in Mitchell County occurred, but most of the oil was recovered within three days. No major damage to sport fish populations was found because the fish populations in this area were comprised mainly of rough fishes. Prepared by: Billy J. Follis _ Project Leader Date: March 11, 1974 Leo Lewis Regional Director, Inland Fisheries Region I Approved by: A Lath J CA | Dingell -Johnson