upper san antonio river watershed protection plan

UpperSanAntonioRiverWatershedProtectionPlanInventoryofImplementedBestManagementPracticesIdentifiedinthe2006WatershedProtectionPlan

Prepared in Cooperation with The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

San Antonio River Authority

Bexar Regional Watershed Management Partnership

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

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Table of Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................................... 2

2. Stormwater runoff point sources ............................................................... 3

a. Avian land deposition ............................................................................ 3

b. Pet Land Deposition .............................................................................. 4

3. San Antonio Zoo Point Source ................................................................... 5

a. San Antonio Zoo internal waterway ......................................................... 5

4. Direct Nonpoint Sources ........................................................................... 6

a. Human Origin (wastewater collection system) .......................................... 6

b. Human Origin (homeless/vagrant population) ........................................... 7

c. Human Origin (septic systems) ............................................................... 8

d. Bat Colony in Houston Street bridge ........................................................ 8

e. Low flows ............................................................................................ 8

f. Animal Pound Wash-down ..................................................................... 8

5. Existing Programs ................................................................................. 10

a. Street sweeping activities .................................................................... 10

b. Cleaning of sidewalks in the downtown area ........................................... 10

c. Zoo animal husbandry wastewater ........................................................ 10

d. Low flows .......................................................................................... 10

e. Maintenance and removal of debris from the San Antonio River Tunnel ...... 11

References ................................................................................................ 11

Table of Figures Figure 1: Map of Project Area ......................................................................... 2 Figure 2: RWWA Advertisement Examples ........................................................ 3 Figure 4: Dispenser and Signage Examples ...................................................... 4 Figure 5: Zoo Outfall ..................................................................................... 5 Figure 6: Map of area that has been smoke tested ............................................ 6 Figure 7: Power Washer to clean sidewalks in the downtown area ........................ 9 Figure 8: Reclaimed Water outfall in Brackenridge Park .................................... 10

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1. Introduction In 2006, a Watershed Protection Plan was completed for the Upper San Antonio River Watershed. A Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) is a study of pollutant sources and a plan of action consisting of control measures to control those sources. A WPP is voluntary; the activities designated in the document were not required to be completed by any rule or regulation. A major benefit of the WPP is that it is a stakeholder driven process. The stakeholders consisted of local entities and individuals that provided input during the development of the WPP.

The 2006 Upper San Antonio WPP is a voluntary strategy for reducing bacteria levels in the Upper San Antonio River above Loop 410 South (See Figure 1). These strategies are detailed in Section 2.0 of the 2006 Watershed Protection Plan. The following is a listing of the Best Manage Practices (BMP) identified in the 2006 WPP that have been implemented.

Figure 1: Map of Project Area

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2. Stormwater runoff point sources a. Avian land deposition

Estimated Load Reduction: 1.8E+14

i. Bird feeding ban at the River Walk and City Parks in riparian areas

A bird feeding ban has not been implemented for the River Walk or City Parks. A public information campaign that was conducted as a part of the River Walk Implementation Plan developed Best Management Practices for various segments of the River Walk community. The practices were developed in cooperation with the River Walk Watershed Alliance (RWWA) and are available on the internet (http://www.riverlifeloveit.org/). This group continues to conduct activities to educate the visitors to the River Walk as well as those who live and work in the area. Two video public service announcements were also developed as well as print ads that encourage residents and visitors to not feed the wildlife and to properly dispose of litter.

Figure 2: RWWA Advertisement Examples

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b. Pet Land Deposition Estimated Load Reduction: 2.6E+14

i. Expand Pooper Scooper programs

There are now five dog parks in the city. These facilities consist of numerous water fountains just above ground level. Some facilities include agility equipment. With the completion of hike and bike trails along the San Antonio River south of downtown San Antonio; trash receptacles are outfitted with dispensers for Pooper Scooper bags to encourage pet owners to pick up after their pets.

Figure 3: Dispenser and Signage Examples

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3. San Antonio Zoo Point Source a. San Antonio Zoo internal waterway

Estimated Load Reduction 6.21E+14

i. Sump and interceptor maintenance plan and implementation

It was recommended in the 2006 WPP, that the Zoo regularly inspect and perform maintenance of on‐site sumps and interceptors, which collect animal husbandry waters from various zoo pens. This maintenance is required per City Ordinance every 90 days to address system overflows during rain events. Pursuant to San Antonio City Code, Chapter 34, Article V, Division 4, Section 34‐518(1)(c); A generator of greasetrap waste or grit trap waste shall have traps serviced as frequently as necessary to prevent bypass or overflow, and to insure proper operation of the trap. Such generators shall, at a minimum, have grease traps and grit traps serviced quarterly or as approved by the director in accordance with all other provisions of this division. This will ensure that the Zoo’s connections to the sanitary sewer are functional and will prevent unintentional discharges.

Figure 4: Zoo Outfall

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4. Direct Nonpoint Sources a. Human Origin (wastewater collection system)


i. Institute ordinance/subsidize private lateral rehab of private sewer laterals This BMP is for CoSA to investigate the level to which private sewer laterals may be contributing to bacteria loadings. It is also understood that homeowner education is a secondary component. SAWS is willing to aid CoSA with the investigative efforts to which private sewer laterals may be contributing to bacteria loadings with in‐kind services to CoSA. SAWS wanted to provide some additional information that could be useful to comply with homeowner education component. Below is a brochure on insurance that can be purchased by a resident for sewer main repairs. This insurance policy is provided to Texas Homeowners by American Water Resources of Texas.

TCEQ Required Lateral Inspections:

As required by TCEQ regulations, SAWS recently performed a Smoke Testing Survey to investigate the condition of privately owned sewer laterals of customers located within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Approximately 52,000 laterals were tested.

SAWS is required to inspect that portion of the sewer system located over the EARZ every 5 years. If lateral damage is determined, repairs are required to be made within 12 months of detection to meet regulatory requirements. SAWS advises homeowner to notify SAWS after repairs have been completed and inspected. The map below shows the area that has been tested.

Figure 5: Map of area that has been smoke tested

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ii. Odor/corrosion control program The Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO4) injection program was initiated as an odor control program; however there is the additional benefit of corrosion reduction. The program currently has ten permanent sites and one temporary site. Ferrous Sulfate works as an odor inhibitor by binding the soluble sulfides preventing them from coming out of solution and becoming Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas. Ferrous Sulfate does not provide immediate results so it must be injected well upstream of the area that is having odor issues. Ferrous Sulfate has the ability to bind only a limited amount of sulfides. Once the point of saturation has been reached either more ferrous must be injected or an oxidizer must be added to regenerate the FeSO4 allowing it to bind more sulfides. Ferrous also has the side benefit of being an aide to coagulation, aiding in the settling of solids in the treatment plants. Experience has shown that this can also be a detriment if the FeSO4 is allowed to settle out in the collection system. It is because of this that SAWS no longer injects FeSO4 at lift stations or in low flow mains. The binding of soluble sulfides by ferrous sulfate and keeping it in solution, limits the formation of Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S).

iii. Wastewater main cleaning program SAWS has a program in place to clean large diameter and small diameter mains. In‐house crews have been equipped to clean small diameter mains, and contractors are assigned the cleaning of large diameter mains. There has been a significant increase of the miles of mains cleaned; 1,145 miles were cleaned in 2011 as compared to approximately 550 miles in 2008.

iv. Wastewater system capital improvement program New infrastructure must be continually designed and constructed. SAWS has developed and continues to improve its own design, construction, and material standards. To the extent possible, major infrastructure work is coordinated with street maintenance or construction projects.

b. Human Origin (homeless/vagrant population)

Estimated Load Reduction: 3.4E+12 The original management measure was to provide restroom facilities and maintenance in areas with significant vagrant populations. The implementation of restroom facilities is unlikely. Since the WPP was completed the City of San Antonio in cooperation with other agencies has constructed Haven for Hope. This is a non‐profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless men, women and children by addressing the root causes of homelessness through education, job training and behavioral health services.

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c. Human Origin (septic systems)


i. Connection of 117 homes in the Espada Community located on Southwest Bexar County The process of connecting homes in the Espada Community to sewer service was completed in 2007. These homes were previously on septic systems.

d. Bat Colony in Houston Street bridge

1. Bat exclusion/deterrent practices and devices for Houston Street Bridge Estimated load Reduction = 1.2E+14

A migratory colony of Mexican Free tail bats was found to be roosting under the Houston Street Bridge. The waste from these animals was deposited directly into the river or onto the sidewalk and subsequently washed into the river. Once the bats returned to Mexico for the winter the bridge was examined and work performed to keep the bats from roosting there in the future. The bridge is inspected annually to verify that the bats are not roosting under the bridges in the River Walk area.

e. Low flows

i. Introduce 0.65 MGD outfall at HB Gonzalez Convention Center

Effective reduction: 1.7E+12

The San Antonio Water System added a recycled water outfall in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention center area. This outfall introduces 0.65 MGD to the Upper San Antonio River.

f. Animal Pound Wash‐down

i. Relocation of Animal Control Facility

Estimated Load Reduction 2.5E+12

The City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services facility was moved to the Leon Creek Watershed. This facility is much larger than the previous facility and allows for more activities to be undertaken with the animals that the previous location did not allow.

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ii. Specially designed boat (Lady Eco)

Beginning in 2006 the ‘Lady Eco’ has been used to remove debris from the San Antonio River in the River Walk area. The amount of debris removed from the river is estimated to be approximately 30,000 pounds per year.

iii. Implement and Improve existing maintenance and cleaning operations for River

Loop area

The River Walk Implementation plan examined the maintenance practices that were being used in the River Walk area. It was discovered that the walkways were being power washed and the wastewater was being allowed to runoff into the river. A new power washer has been obtained, through the River Walk Implementation Plan, which recaptures the wastewater. The wastewater is then disposed of into a sanitary sewer where it can be properly treated. The Best Management Practices developed as part of the River Walk implementation plan are available on the River, Life, Love It website (http://www.riverlifeloveit.org/index.php). These BMPs were developed for several different segments of the River Walk community including residents and tourists, food service providers, general merchants, hotel and motel employees, and waste management providers.

Figure 6: Power Washer to clean sidewalks in the downtown area

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5. Existing Programs The following are existing programs that reduce bacteria but are not expected to result in new load reductions.

a. Street sweeping activities The City of San Antonio Public Works department is responsible for street sweeping activities; these activities are performed twice a year for residential streets and four times a year for major streets.

b. Cleaning of sidewalks in the downtown area

Sidewalks and walkways along the River Walk are cleaned on a rotating basis by the Downtown Alliance. This group cleans walkways in the River Walk area with a power washer that re‐captures the waste water. Some areas are washed on a nightly basis while other areas are washed on a rotating basis.

c. Zoo animal husbandry wastewater Well installation was completed to reroute zoo animal wastewater that had historically been released into the Upper San Antonio River. This flow has now been diverted to the San Antonio Water System sanitary sewer system. The hippopotami have been moved to an enclosure that is directed to the sanitary sewer system instead of being directly discharged into the San Antonio River. Several other pens have been diverted as well. Including pheasant, parrot‐raptor, and seal enclosures.

d. Low flows In order to supplement flow in the area of Brackenridge Park two reclaimed wastewater outfalls are now in operation.

Figure 7: Reclaimed Water outfall in Brackenridge Park

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e. Maintenance and removal of debris from the San Antonio River Tunnel

After storm events city staff removes debris from the screens on the flood control tunnels. This is estimated to be 150 tons of debris per year.

References James Miertschin & Associates, Inc. 2006. Upper San Antonio River Watershed Protection Plan. Prepared for SARA and Bexar Regional Watershed Management Partnership. Dec 2006.

James Miertschin & Associates, Inc. 2010. BMP Assessment Report Update. Prepared for SARA and Bexar Regional Watershed Management Partnership. Sep 2010.

upper san antonio river watershed protection plan

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