LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY TEXAS POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (TPDES)

STORM WATER TASK FORCE

INTRODUCTIONS• Kim Jones, Ph.D., P.E.

Director, South Texas Environmental InstituteChairperson, Environmental Engineering DepartmentTexas A&M University – Kingsville

• Javier Guerrero, E.I.T., REM, M.S.Task Force Liaison, South Texas Environmental InstitutePh.D. Student, Texas A&M University – Kingsville

• Abel GarzaEnvironmental Liaison, South Texas Environmental InstituteTexas A&M University – Kingsville

LRGV TPDES STORM WATER TASK FORCE

Formed in 2002To assist LRGV Cities in complying with MS4 TPDES rules15 Cities comprise the Task ForceTask Force meets regularlyTAMUK administers meetings and programs (initial involvement)TAMUK and Task Force developed storm water management plans and obtained permits from TCEQ for 14 Cities to meet TPDES requirements (main mission)

Official Logo ofThe Rio GrandeValley TPDES Task Force

REPRESENTATIVESCity of Brownsville –Joe Hinojosa City of La Feria – Darla Jones

City of Donna – Oscar Cuellar City of San Juan – Tony Hernandez

City of Alton- Hernan Lugo City of McAllen – Yvette Barrera

City of San Benito – Omar Rios City of Palmhurst – Celina Perez

City of Pharr- Rene Saenz City of Weslaco – Roy Jimenez

City of Mission – Jo Ann Serna City of La Joya – Isidro Valencia

City of Harlingen – Paul Menzies City of Santa Rosa – Javier Mendez

City of Alamo – Jose Villarreal

Pending: Cameron County, City of La Villa, City of Edcouch

Main Mission – Assist in DevelopingTPDES Storm Water Plans

Storm Water Management Program

Post-Construction Storm Water Management Control

Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal

Operations

Construction Site Control Runoff

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Public Involvement and Participation

Public Education and OutreachPlans developed have 7 parts to address each minimum control measure (MCM) mandated by EPA and TCEQPlans include Best Management Practices (BMPs) to address each of the six (6) MCMs mandated by EPATAMUK developed a 7th MCM requirement by TCEQ – specific to cities – i.e. all construction owned by City regulated under 7th MCM

Formation of Task Force

Formed at the request of the member citiesCities did not understand the scope of the TPDES programRequested technical and training support from TAMUKRegional organization was developedInterlocal agreementsAnnual dues based on size of municipalityBy Laws developedBoard of Directors Selected from the membership

Task Force AdvantagesAllows Cities to discuss other environmental issues that may require research/technical/administrative support from TAMUKTAMUK will use the Task Force as a forum to obtain letters of support for select projectsTAMUK will spearhead grant efforts for the Task Force and/or individual CitiesSharing of resources, facilities and staff

Task Force AdvantagesTAMUK will network with other universities, institutes, and similar entities through the Task ForceMission is now to implement the SWMPsMany BMPs are regionalized, hence cost effectiveTAMUK invests in this organization because it allows us to promote science, engineering, and recruiting

Tips For Watershed OrganizationsPersonal touch – each member has a strong bond with each other, the cause and the organizationEmpower department heads and similar decision-makers, not elected officialsInvest in their communityHave an answer for “what is in it for us?”Keep Council informedMeet monthly, communicate weekly

LOWER RIO GRAND VALLEY TPDES STORMWATER TASK

FORCEDISCUSSION