The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking public comment during a 30-day period beginning June 6, 2008 for the Total Maximum Daily Load addressing bacteria in Clear Creek and its tributaries located in Brazoria, Harris, Galveston and Fort Bend counties.

The TCEQ will conduct a meeting to receive public comments on draft TMDLs on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at City of League City Civic Center, 300 West Walker, League City from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The meeting provides the public an opportunity to comment on nine draft TMDLs. The commission requests comment on the TMDL document. After the public comment period, TCEQ staff may revise the TMDLs, if appropriate. The final plan will be considered for approval by the commission. Upon commission approval, the plan and a response to public comments will be made available on the TCEQ Web site.

The goal of a TMDL is to determine the amount (concentration or load) of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still support its beneficial uses. As required by §303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, the TMDLs were developed for bacteria in the creek and tributaries. The TMDL was adopted by the commission on May 21, 2008, and will be subsequently submitted to the EPA for approval as an update to the State Water Quality Management Plan.

More information on the project and the draft TMDL is available online: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/water/tmdl/68-clearcreekbacteria.html or to receive a copy call 512-239-6682.

Written comments should be submitted to Ronald Stein, TCEQ, Water Programs Division, MC 203, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, and TX, 78711-3087 or faxed to 512-239-1414. All comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., July 5, 2008 and should reference, Nine Total Maximum Daily Loads for Bacteria in Clear Creek and Tributaries.