The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking public comment during a 30-day period beginning May 23, 2008 for one draft Total Maximum Daily Load. The TMDL addresses bacteria in the Lower San Antonio River watershed in DeWitt, Goliad, Karnes, Refugio, Galveston, Wilson and Victoria counties. The goal of this project is to reduce bacteria concentrations in the Lower San Antonio River to within the acceptable risk level for contact recreation.

The TCEQ will conduct a meeting to receive oral and written comments on the TMDL on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Hall of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 207 N. Commercial, Goliad.

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

More information on the project and the draft TMDL is available online: www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/water/tmdl/34-lowersanantoniobac.html#tmdls, or to receive a copy call 512/239-6682.

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, one TMDL was developed for bacteria. A final TMDL will be adopted by the commission, and subsequently approved by the EPA, as an update to the State Water Quality Management Plan.

Written comments should be submitted to Kerry Niemann, TCEQ, Water Programs Division, MC 203, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX, 78711-3087 or faxed to (512) 239-1414. All comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 21, 2008 and should reference, One Total Maximum Daily Load for Bacteria in the Lower San Antonio River.