[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       Regional Monitoring Program
          .For The Galveston Bay Plan




                                                    I @ 1401,






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                                        Galveston Bay
                          National Estuary Program
                              0                 GBNEP-45
                                            November 1994


                                          1








                                             Regional Monitoring Program
                                                                                         for
                                                       The Galveston Bay Plan























                                        :7--


                                                                                printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink









                       Regional Monitoring Program
                                               for
                            The Galveston Bay Plan



                                           Compiled by:

                       The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program

                                         Willie G. Lane, Jr.
                                         Project Coordinator


                                        With Support from:


                                     Tetra Tech, Incorporated
                                 3646 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 300
                                         Lafayette, CA 94549

                             Espey, Huston & Associates, Incorporated
                                 916 Capital of Texas Highway South
                                            P.O. Box 519
                                          Austin, TX 78767







                           The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program

                                        Publication GBNEP-45
                                           November, 1994










































                                               This project has been funded in part by the United States
                                   Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement # CE-
                                                006550-01 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
                                          Commission. The contents of this document do not necessarily
                                      represent the views of the United States Environmental Protection
                                      Agency or the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission,
                                     nor do the contents of this document necessarily constitute the views
                                              or policy of the Galveston Bay National Estuary Program
                                     Management Conference. The information presented is intended to
                                          provide background information for Management Conference
                                        deliberations in drafting of official policy in the Comprehensive
                                    Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). The mention of trade
                                       names or commercial products does not in any way constitute an
                                                                endorsement or recommendation for use.



                                                           iv



















                                                 Policy Committee
                                         The Honorable Rodney Ellis, Chair
                                                    Texas Senate


                                        Mr. John Hall       Ms. Jane Saginaw
                        Chair, Texas Natural Resource       Regional Administrator,
                            Conservation Commission         EPA Region 6


                                Mr. James Blackburn         Ms. Terry Hershey
                            Galveston Bay Foundation        Commissioner,
                                                            Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission


                                   Mr. Charles Miller       Mr. Charles W. Jenness
              Past Chairman of the Board of Directors,      Chair,
                         Greater Houston Partnership        Texas Water Development Board

                                    Local Governments Advisory Committee
                                         The Honorable Ray Holbrook, Chair

                                             Management Committee
                        Mr. Myron 0. Knudson, Chair         Mr. Tom Remaley, Vice-Chair

                                    Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee
                         Dr. Robert McFarlane, Chair        Ms. Teresa Battenfield, Vice-Chair

                                     Citizen's Advisory Steering Committee
                          Ms. Sharron Stewart, Chair        Mr. Ron Embry, Vice-Chair

                                           Galveston Bay Public Forum
                                                 Dr. Don Bass, Chair.

                                                 Program Director
                                                 Dr. Frank S. Shipley








                                                          V







                 The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program


             Texans increasingly express their expectations for a clean environment in terms of
             entire ecosystems. Until recently, our tendency was to view environmental problems
             in isolated pieces we could understand-indeed this view was institutionalized in an
             elaborate mosaic of fragmented jurisdictions. The Galveston Bay National Estuary
             Program (GBNEP) is a forerunner in elevating hands-on management of coastal
             environments to the level of the ecosystem; and in doing so, is encouraging an
             integration of traditionally disparate institutions.

             The GBNEP was established under the authority of the Water Quality Act of 1987 to
             develop a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Galveston
             Bay. The CCMP for Galveston Bay is titled The Galveston Bay Plan. The purpose of
             The Galveston Bay Plan is to address threats to the Bay resulting from pollution,
             development, and overuse. To address these threats, five years of work commenced
             in 1990, consisting of three phases: (1) identification of the specific problems facing
             the Bay; (2) a Bay-wide effort to compile data and information to describe status,
             trends, and probable causes related to the identified problems; and (3) creation of the
             CCMP itself to enhance governance of the Bay at the ecosystem level. The GBNEP
             is accomplishing this work through a cooperative agreement between the U.S.
             Environmental Protection Agency (Region 6) and the State of Texas (administered by
             the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission).

             The structure of the GBNEP reflects a strong commitment to consensus-building
             among all Galveston Bay user groups, government agencies, and the public. The
             GBNEP "Management Conference" consists of six Governor-appointed committees
             with broad representation. Meetings of these committees are open to the public, and
             public participation in policy-setting and in bay management are considered
             strengths of the program. When submitted to the Governor of Texas in late 1994, the
             CCMP will reflect thousands of hours of involvement (much in the form of volunteer
             time) by those who use, enjoy, or help govern the vital resources of Galveston Bay.


















                                                        vii








                                                                   Table of Contents


                    Executive Summary                        .......................................................................................1

                    Chapter 1 Introduction
                              Galveston Bay National Estuary Program                            .............................................7
                              Commitment to Monitoring                 .........................................................................7
                              Monitoring Guidance              .....................................................................................8

                    Chapter 2 Framework For Developing The Regional
                                           Monitoring Program
                              Overview        ......................................................................................................... 11
                              Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 13
                              Environmental Monitoring                 .......................................................................... 14
                              Principles for Building a Regional Monitoring Program                             .......................... 15
                              Framework for Developing Components of the Regional Monitoring
                              .ProgTam      ........................................................................................................... 19
                              A Note on Organization              ................................................................................ 24

                    Chapter 3 Overview ofMonitoring in Galveston Bay
                              Federal Agencies
                                        U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                         ....................................... 27
                                        United States Geological Survey                    ................................................... 38
                                        United States Corps of Engineers                   ....................................* ............ 40
                                        United States Fish and Wildlife Service                      ....................................... 42
                                        National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration                                    ..... 43
                                        National Marine Fisheries Service                    ................................................ 43
                              State Agencies
                                        Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission                                ................. 43
                                        Texas Water Development Board                     .................................................. 45
                                        Texas Department of Health                  .......................................................... 47
                                        Texas Parks and Wildlife Department                       ........................................... 47
                              Local Agencies
                                        City of Houston         .................................................................................. 51
                                        Harris County Pollution Control Department                          ............................. 53
                                        Galveston County Health District                   ................................................. 53
                              Citizens Monitoring Programs                   .................................................................... 57
                              Monitoring Summary                ................................................................................... 57

                    Chapter 4 Habitat Protection
                              Priority Problem           ............................................................................................ 65
                              Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 65
                              Data Information Needs                .......................................; ...................................... 66
                              Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 69
                              Environmental Monitoring                 .......................................................................... 70
                                        Areal Extent, Distribution, and Classification                        ............................ 70
                                        Habitat Function and Value                  ........................................................... 71



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                     Chapter 5 Species Population Protection
                               Priority Problems            .......................................................................................... 75
                               Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 75
                               Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 76
                               Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 79
                               Environmental Monitoring
                                         Phytoplankton           ................................................................................... 80
                                         Fish and Shellfish Monitoring               .......................................................... 82
                                         Bird Populations           ................................................................................ 83
                                         Reptiles     ................................................................................................ 84
                                         By-catch      .............................................................................................. 84
                                         Impingement/Entrainment                    ............................................................. 85
                                         Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Species                             ....................... 85

                     Chapter 6 Public Health Protection
                               Priority Problem          ............................................................................................. 89
                               Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 90
                               Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 90
                               Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 91
                               Environmental Monitoring                 .......................................................................... 92

                     Chapter 7 Freshwater Inflow And Bay Circulation
                               Priority Problem          ............................................................................................ 97
                               Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 98
                               Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 98
                               Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 101
                               Environmental Monitoring
                                         Currents       .............................................................................................. 101
                                         Freshwater Inflow Quantity and Timing                        ...................................... 102
                                         Freshwater Quality             ........................................................................... 104
                                         Bay Monitoring           .................................................................................. 104

                     Chapter 8 SpillsIDumping
                               Priority Problem          ............................................................................................ 105
                               Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 105
                               Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 106
                               Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 107
                               Environmental Monitoring                 .......................................................................... 107

                     Chapter 9 Shoreline Management
                               Priority Problem          ............................................................................................. 109
                               Management Goals and Objectives                       ........................................................... 110
                               Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 110
                               Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 111
                               Environmental Monitoring                 ........................................................................... ill






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                    Chapter 10 Water and Sediment Quality
                              Priority Problems            .......................................................................................... 113
                              Management Goals and Objectives                      ........................................................... 113
                              Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 114
                              Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 115
                              Environmental Monitoring                 .......................................................................... 116
                                        Water Quality Sampling Program
                                                  Geographical Boundaries                ..................................................... 117
                                                  Water Quality Monitoring Objectives                       ............................... 117
                                                  Parameter Selection and Data Quality Objectives                              ........ 117
                                                  Spatial Design and Statistical Resolving Power                           ............. 121
                                                  Temporal Sampling Strategies                 ........................................... 124
                                                  Performance Criteria           ............................................................ 124
                                                  Water Column Sampling Methods                       ..................................... 126
                                                  Water Column Analytical Methods                       ................................... 128
                                                  Water Column Quality Assurance and Quality
                                                      Control      ................................................................................ 128
                                        Marine Sediment Quality                ................................................................. 132
                                                  Sediment Quality Monitoring Objectives                       .......................... 132
                                                  Parameter Selection and Data Quality Objectives                              ........ 132
                                                  Performance Criteria           ............................................................ 133
                                                  Temporal Sampling Strategy                   ............................................. 134
                                                  Toxic Chemicals of Concern                  ................................................ 134
                                                  Sediment Sampling and Analytical Methods                           ................... 134

                    Chapter 11 Non-Point Sources of Pollution
                              Priority Problems            .......................................................................................... 137
                              Management Goals and Objectives                      ........................................................... 137
                              Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 139
                              Programmatic Monitoring                  ............................................................................ 140
                              Environmental Monitoring                 .............................................i ............................ 142

                    Chapter 12 Point Sources of Pollution
                              Priority Problems            .......................................................................................... 147
                              Management Goals and Objectives                      ........................................................... 147
                              Data Information Needs                .............................................................................. 148
                              Programmatic Monitoring                  ........................................................................... 148
                              Enviror.Lmental Monitoring               .......................................................................... 149

                    Chapter 13 Communicating Results:
                                              Data and Information Management
                              Priority Problem           ............................................................................................ 151
                              DIMS Objectives             ........................................................................................... 151
                              State-wide Data Integration and Exchange Efforts                               .............................. 152
                              Design of Galveston Bay DIMS
                                        Overall System Design             ..................................................................... 154
                                        Local Network Design              ...................................................................... 155
                                        Network Architecture              .......... :*----,****-,**   .... ----****   ....  *,*****-**157
                                        DIMS Systems Administration                     ..................................................... 158


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                                         Database Server Managers                   ............................................................ 159
                                         Data Types         ......................................................................................... 159
                                         Standard File Structures and Formats                        ........................................ 160
                                         Database Queries/ Transfer                ...............................  ............................ 160
                                         Data Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)                              .................. 161
                               Communicating Monitoring Results                     .......................................................... 162
                               Sources of Financial Support               ...................................................................... 163

                    Literature Cited                  ................................................................................................ 165

                               Appendix A Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Protocols                                      ............ 173
                               Appendix B TPWD Land Cover Classification System                                          ................ 317
                               Appendix C Sample Locations for Galveston Bay Regional
                                                       Monitoring 1995-1998              . ................................................... 327
                               Appendix D Power Analysis Curves                          .................................................. 333
                                                            Ammonia- Bay-wide
                                                            TOC- Bay wide
                                                            Total Zinc- TNRCC Segment 2422
                               Appendix E Long and Morgan Sediment Criteria Values                                         ............. 347


























                                                                                  Idi







                                                                         List of Tables

                     Table 2-1.        Definitions Of Classes Of Indicators                    ..................................................  ............... 19
                     Table 2-2.        Selection Criteria For Monitoring Protocols                     ..................................................... 23
                     Table 4-1.        Candidate Indicators And Measurements For Habitat Protection                                        ............ 68
                     Table 4-2.        Land Cover Classification Scheme Used For Coastal Zone Habitat
                                       Mapping And Analysis                ......................................................................................... 81
                     Table 6-1.        Recommended Indicator Species For TDH Aquatic Life Survey
                                       Program        .................................................................................................................. 94
                     Table 6-2.        Proposed Contaminants Of Concern For TDH Aquatic Life Survey
                                       Program        .................................................................................................................. 95
                     Table 7-1.        Parameters Used As Indicators Of Freshwater Inflow Quantity
                                       And Quality        . ........................................................................................................... 100
                     Table 10-1.       Parameters And Performance Criteria For Water And Sediment
                                       . Quality   ..................................................................................................................... 119
                     Table 10-2. Contaminants Of Concern For The Galveston Bay Regional Water
                                       Quality Monitoring Program                 . .............................................................................. 120
                     Table 10-3        Historical Concentration Values For Dissolved Metals In
                                       Galveston Bay. All Values Are Given In ug/l                       . ................................................ 127
                     Table 10-4.       Comparable And Acceptable Analytical Methods For Those
                                       Parameters To Be Conducted By Laboratory Analyses                                   . ............................. 130
                     Table 10-5.       Required Quality Control Analysis For Galveston Bay Regional
                                       Monitoring Program             .............................................................................................. 131
                     Table 10-6.       Sediment Contaminants Of Concern For USEPA EMAP
                                       Louisianian Province Sampling                   .......................................................................... 136
                     Table 13-1.       Texas GIS Planning Council Membership                           ....................................................... 153
                     Table 13-2.       Advantages and Limitations of Distributed Data
                                       ManagementModel                ................................................................................................ 156

























                                                                                     3(iii







                                                                         List of Figures

                     Figure 2-1.          Monitoring Hierarchy in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
                                          Plan  . ................................................................................................................... 12
                     Figure 2-2.          Integration of plan actions, monitoring and ecosystem health                               . ............ 13
                     Figure 2-3.          Steps in the design of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
                                          Program (modified from USEPA, 1992a)                         . ................................................ 16
                     Figure 3-1.          U.S. EALkP sampling stations in Galveston Bay                          . ................................... 39
                     Figure 3-2.          USCE Galveston District Houston Ship Channel "core"monitoring
                                          stations   .....................................................................................i ...................... 41
                     Figure 3-3.          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sampling
                                          stations in Galveston Bay              . .......................................................................... 44
                     Figure 3-4.          Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission sampling
                                          stations in Galveston Bay              ........................................................................... 46
                     Figure 3-5.          Texas Water Development Board sampling stations in Galveston
                                          Bay   . ................................................................................................................... 48
                     Figure 3-6.          Texas Department of Health sampling stations in Galveston
                                          Bay   . .................................................................................................................. 49
                     Figure 3-7.          City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering
                                          sampling stations in tidal and near tidal portions of Galveston
                                          Bay   . .................................................................................................................. 52
                     Figure 3-8.          City of Houston Health and Human Services Department
                                          sampling stations in Galveston Bay                    . ........................................................ 54
                     Figure 3-9.          Harris County Pollution Control Department sampling stations in
                                          Galveston Bay         . .............................................................................................. 55
                     Figure 3-10.         Galveston County Health District Pollution Control sampling
                                          stations in Galveston Bay              . .......................................................................... 56
                     Figure 3-11.         Citizens monitoring sites within the Galveston Bay watershed                                 .......... 58
                     Figure 3-12.         Summary of physical and chemical information on Galveston
                                          Bay   . .................................................................................................................. 60
                     Figure 3-13.         Summary of biological and ecological information on Galveston
                                          Bay provided by monitoring programs                     ...................................................... 61
                     Figure 3-14.         Summary of physical/chemical and biological information
                                          supplied by monitoring programs                  ............................................................... 62
                     Figure 7-1.          USGS flow gauging stations for Galveston Bay inflows                             . ....................... 103
                     Figure 10-1.         Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program                            ......................................... 123
                     Figure 13-1.         Distributed Data Management Model                       ....................................................... 155
                     Figure 13-2.         Decision Chart for Selection of Network Media                          ...................................... 158
                     Figure 13-3.         Three Types of Data Processing Programs                          ............................................. 161











                                                                                     xiv






                              Glossary of Acronyms

          BMP                    Best Management Plan
          BOD                    Biological Oxygen Demand
          CBOD                   Carbonaceous Biological; Oxygen Demand
          C-CAP                  Coast Watch Change Analysis Program (NOAA)
          CCMIP                  Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
          CMP                    Coastal Management Plan
          COC                    Contaminant of Concern
          DIMS                   Data information Management System
          DO                     Dissolved Oxygen
          DPW&E                  City of Houston - Department of Public Works and
                                 Engineering
          EMAP-E                 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program -
                                 Estuaries
          FC                     Fecal Coliform
          GIS                    Geographic Information System
          GBNEP                  Galveston Bay National Estuary Program
          GBRMIP                 Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program
          G4CHD                  Galveston County Health District
          GLO                    Texas General Land Office
          HCPCD                  Harris County Pollution Control Department
          H.GAC                  Houston- Galveston Area Council
          HSC                    Houston Ship Channel
          NAWDEX
          NEP                    National Estuary Program
          NMFS                   National Marine Fisheries Service
          NOAA                   National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
                                 Administration
          NIPDES                 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
          NPS                    Non-point Source
          NSSP                   National Shellfish Sanitation Program
          PAH                    Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons
          PCB                    Poly chlorinated Biphenyl
          POTW                   Publicly Owned Treatment Works
          QA/QC                  Quality Assurance and Quality Control
          R-EAUP                 Regional- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
                                 Program
          SWCB                   Texas Soil & Water Conservation Board
          TCWC                   Texas Colonial Waterbird Census
          TDH                    Texas Department of Health
          TAWL                   Total Maximum Daily Load
          TNRCC                  Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
          TNRIS                  Texas Natural Resources Information Service
          TOC                    Total Organic Carbon
          TPWID                  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
          TSS                    Total Suspended Solids
          TWC                    Texas Water Commission (now the TNRCC)



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        TWDB                 Texas Water Development Board
        USCE                 United States Corps of Engineers
        USEPA                United States Environmental Protection Agency
        USFWS                United States Fish & Wildlife Service
        USGS                 United States Geological Survey
        WVA                  Wetland Value Assessment Methodology











































                                   xvi







                                      Executive Summary

            The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (GBNEP) was established under the
            Water Quality Act of 1987 to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management
            Plan (CCMP) for Galveston Bay. In 1990 work began to: (1) identify specific
            problems facing the Bay, (2) compile bay-wide data and information to describe the
            status, trends, and probable causes related to the identified problems, and (3) create
            a comprehensive plan to enhance governance of the bay at the ecosystem level.
            Based on five years of intensive work by the diverse members of an appointed
            "Management Conference", The Galveston Bay Plan was created in 1994 for
            submission to the Governor of Texas and Administrator of EPA.

            National Estuary Program guidance requires the development of a detailed
            Environmental Monitoring Plan, as a separate support document to be submitted as
            a supplement to The Galveston Bay Plan. The two major goals for monitoring work
            as defined in EPA guidance are: 1) to measure the effectiveness of the management
            plan's actions and objectives; and 2) to provide essential information that can be
            used to redirect and focus actions implemented under The Plan as they are actually
            carried out.

            To accomplish this task, a Monitoring Work Group of technical experts was created
            to develop and recommend to the Management Conference a detailed regional
            monitoring implementation plan. This work group built on work of a previous
            Monitoring/Data and Information Task Force convened during Galveston Bay Plan
            development, and began work under the following goal statement:

                The Regional Monitoring Program will be developed as a statistically sound,
                holistic monitoring effort designed to provide environmental data of known
                quality and confidence. It will be responsive to CCMP management goals
                and objectives, and will also have a larger goal of providing knowledge of
                bay-wide ecosystems, their variability,         and societal impacts both
                environmental and ecological. Understanding that no agency's mandate is
                broad enough for this undertaking, the Regional Monitoring Program is
                seeking to promote a cooperative effort by all agencies, organizations, and
                other stakeholders who participate in bay monitoring activities. The
                Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program attempts to integrate and
                expand the -disparate monitoring efforts currently active on the Bay into a
                comprehensive and unified monitoring plan. The regional monitoring
                program will integrate current monitoring efforts to the maximum extent
                possible, while acceding to the independent objectives of the groups
                involved. The plan will be developed with full participation of all
                interested agencies in order to encourage cooperation, communication and
                to maximize the potential for successful implementation.

            Based on this approach, the Monitoring Work Group began to flesh out the broad
            monitoring recommendations in the draft Galveston Bay Plan. Based on contracted
            work by Tetra Tech, Inc., and numerous strategy sessions, this report was drafted to
            meet  Galveston   Bay's  monitoring needs and comply with the requirements for








              CCMP approval by EPA. As the strategy was developed, The Galveston Bay Plan
              itself was also revised to reflect the progress of the Monitoring Work Group.

              This document is intended as a supplement to Chapter VI in The Galveston Bay
              Plan, providing a technical and practical rationale for future Galveston Bay
              monitoring activities. The report does not attempt to provide ultimate detail for the
              Monitoring Program, but serves as a framework from which a comprehensive
              monitoring program will be implemented. An appendix to the document, Protocols
              for Sample Collection and Analysis: Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program,
              contains the detailed information necessary to implement the program at the field
              level.

              The Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program is designed to address two types
              of monitoring efforts: programmatic and environmental. Programmatic monitoring
              provides information to address the questions: "Are the goals and objectives set
              forth in The Plan being met?" and "Are the regulatory agencies meeting their
              commitments to The Plan?" In contrast, environmental monitoring attempts to
              provide answers to the broader question "Is the health of the ecosystem improving?"
              The process and principles used in developing the monitoring program are discussed
              in Chapter 2: Framework for Developing the Regional Monitoring Program.
              Overall, regional monitoring seeks to:

                 ï¿½  Measure the status and effectiveness of Plan Actions,
                 ï¿½  Establish consistent performance criteria and develop effective quality
                    assurance and quality control programs to promote comparability between
                    data collection efforts,
                 ï¿½  Characterize the status and trends of conditions in the bay,
                 ï¿½  Integrate existing monitoring efforts to the greatest extent possible,
                 ï¿½  Make use of ecological indicators to assess status and trends in bay resources,
                 ï¿½  Be overseen and coordinated by a multi-agency committee which will advise
                    the Galveston Bay Program of the TNRCC, and
                 ï¿½  Develop a data management strategy to ensure access to monitoring
                    information.

              The various agency partners involved in Galveston Bay monitoring each have
              specific mandates to meet, regardless of monitoring actions tied to The Galveston
              Bay Plan. However, in m ost cases, the Monitoring Work Group found that ongoing
              agency activities were flexible enough to serve both specific agency purposes and the
              broader goals of The Plan. In support of a commitment to utilize these ongoing
              monitoring efforts wherever possible, the first task was to catalogue'the existing
              monitoring activities in the Galveston Bay System. A summary of these activities is
              given in Chapter 3. Subsequent chapters in this report address the monitoring
              program for each of four primary management topics:

              Habitat/Living Resources Conservation
                 Chapter 4 - Habitat Condition
                 Chapter 5 - Species Distribution and Condition




                                                          2










            Balanced Human Uses
               Chapter 6 - Public Health
               Chapter 7 - Freshwater Inflow
               Chapter 8 - Spills / Dumping
               Chapter 9 - Shoreline Management

            Water and Sediment Quality Improvement
               Chapter 10 - Water and Sediment Quality
               Chapter 11 - Non-Point Sources of Pollution
               Chapter 12 - Point Sources of Pollution

            Data Information Management System
               Chapter 13- Communicating Results: Data and Information Management


            HabitatlLiving Resources Conservation Chapters 4 and 5 address the
            monitoring requirements for providing maintenance and restoration of the critical
            habitats which make up the Galveston Bay Estuary ecosystem, and protection of the
            many species which make their home in the estuary or depend on the estuary for
            part of their life cycle. Chapter 4 discusses a monitoring program designed to
            assess the management goals and objectives for Habitat Condition. A program for
            assessment of the quality and quantity of vegetated wetlands is presented.
            Assessments of wetland status, areal extent, and distribution will be accomplished
            through use standardized computerized technology for classification of coastal
            habitats from satellite thematic mapper multi-spectral imagery. The recommended
            protocols are the NOAA Coast Watch Change Analysis Program. These protocols
            have been adopted and implemented in Texas by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
            Department, Resource Protection Division. Landcover inventories and change
            analysis information for Texas coastal areas, including Galveston Bay, will be
            available at 3-5 year intervals. This land cover classification data is available in
            GIS format and can be readily integrated into the proposed Galveston Bay Data
            Information System.

            The second element of habitat monitoring, habitat quality, will utilize information
            on wetland distribution to rank wetland quality assessments. Habitat quality may
            be defined through the functions and values that characterize a wetland.
            Functions, are the ecological benefits that a habitat provides. Wetland functions
            include fish and wildlife habitat, nursery habitat, and food web support. Wetland
            values are a measure of the human benefits provided by a habitat. These include
            flood control, groundwater recharge, and recreational opportunities. By defining a
            degraded wetland habitat as one that no longer performs one or more of its function
            or value roles, quality assessments can be defined in terms of ability to perform
            these roles. For assessing wetland, quality the monitoring program proposes the
            development of the USFWS Wetland Value Assessment technique. This technique
            is a community-oriented approach assessment tool which can be used to quantify
            changes in habitat quality. The WVA works under the premise that optimal
            conditions of habitat quality can be characterized and that an index of wetland
            quality can be developed against that optimal condition. This approach emphasizes
            the concept that species protection is inextricably linked to habitat protection.


                                                       3









              To address species management problems in the Bay, Chapter 5 develops a suite of
              monitoring programs directed at assessing the measurement of population trends of
              economically and ecologically important plant and animal species. This monitoring
              element relies heavily on the Coastal Fisheries sampling program conducted by the
              Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Specific monitoring elements address: fish
              and crustacean population levels; oyster populations; and the effects of pressures
              such as commercial by-catch, and impingement and entrainment on fish and
              crustacean populations. The plan also addresses the issues of monitoring for
              assessing reductions in populations of nuisance species and enhancing endangered
              and threatened species populations.

              Balanced Human Uses The second primary management topic, Balanced Human
              Uses, addresses many of the impacts to the Bay, direct and indirect, from the
              human population residing in close proximity to the Bay. This topic deals with
              maintaining a balance between public access to bay resources and the
              environmental requirements of a healthy ecosystem. Four categories of human uses
              of the bay were developed and are summarized in the ensuing discussions of
              Chapters 6-9.

              Chapter 6, Public Health Protection, addresses issues impacting human
              consumption of Bay products such as fish and shellfish and contact recreation
              opportunities provided by the Bay. Monitoring in this section provides information
              to improve assessments of the safety of oyster harvest areas, development of a risk-
              based seafood consumption program, and development of a Contact Recreation
              Advisory Program. In response to these concerns the Texas Department of Health
              will seek funds to expand its monitoring program for the harvest of shellfish and
              will develop a routine fish and crustacean tissue sampling program. This program
              will be designed to allow for development of risk-based program to safeguard the
              quality of seafood production in the Bay. These programs will be coordinated with
              the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program.

              Chapter 7 addresses the important issue of the continued flow of high quality fresh
              water into the estuary. A balanced salt/fresh water mix is critical for the survival of
              most estuarine species and is vitalto maintaining biodiversity within the system.
              The Texas Water Development Board with the Texas Parks and Wildlife
              Department is currently completing a freshwater inflow-biological resources
              optimization model which will be used to determine the quantities and timing of
              freshwater needed to maintain the current abundance of biological resources.
              Continued monitoring of freshwater inflow quantity and timing is critical to the
              success of Bay management. To accomplish this monitoring objective the program
              will work with the U.S. Geological Survey to strengthen and improve the stream
              flow monitoring network in the Galveston Bay system.

              Chapters 8 and 9 address the impacts of spills and dumping and of shoreline
              development on the Bay. The plan treats monitoring for these impacts as primarily
              programmatic, rather than environmental. Plans for assessing activities designed
              to reduce impacts to the system from spills include the tracking of. adoption of
              improved damage assessment procedures; bay-wide baseline data on pre-release


                                                          4








             conditions; and monitoring development of local measures to remove floating trash
             and debris from stormwater discharges. Tracking to assess progress in Shoreline
             Management actions plans will include: assessing local authorities for development
             of shoreline development regulations consistent with those outlined in the plan;
             monitoring for derelict structures and their removal; and actions directed at
             improving access to bay shoreline.

             Water and Sediment Quality Improvement This monitoring element addresses
             relationships between water and sediment quality and pollutant loadings to the
             bay. Action plans were developed to address general water and sediment quality
             issues, non-point source issues and point source issues.

             Monitoring of water and sediment quality emphasizes toxic substances and
             dissolved oxygen in certain tributaries and side bays. All monitoring activities will
             be made comparable through establishment of consistent performance criteria and
             development of effective quality assurance and quality control programs. An open-
             bay sampling program emphasizes the utilization of a probability-based, systematic
             sampling program to provide rigorous, unbiased estimates of environmental
             conditions in the open and tidal portions of the Bay. Monitoring in the bay
             watershed will be accomplished through the comparability element and
             coordination of efforts through local and state agencies and programs such as the
             Texas Clean Rivers Program.

             Non-point source (NPS) runoff has been targeted as the second-most important
             priority problem to the bay. Chapter 11 outlines the monitoring efforts for the non-
             point source action plan. Plan actions to address non-point sources call for the
             development and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPS) for
             reducing NPS loadings from existing urban development, new urban development,
             construction, agriculture, industry, and marinas. The major emphasis on
             monitoring progress toward attaining action plan objectives is reviewing the
             implementation and success of NPS BMPs and stormwater management plans.
             Most of the monitoring data to be utilized to monitor reductions in NPS loads will
             come from special pilot projects, NPDES stormwater permit reporting requirements
             (including wet weather sampling) and indirectly from other elements of the regional
             monitoring program.

             Over the last three decades, there has been a dramatic reduction in point source
             loads to the bay, however there are still some areas of concern. Many municipal
             systems continue to bypass and have overflow and collection system problems. The
             primary concern being the discharge of raw or partially treated sewage to the bay.
             A second identified problem are the continued localized impacts of produced water
             discharges to aquatic life in the tidal zones of the bay. Monitoring emphasis here
             again emphasizes programmatic issues, such as development of dry-weather illegal
             connection programs and elimination of bypass and overflow problems. The
             monitoring of fecal coliform bacteria under other elements of the regional
             monitoring program will provide information to document overall reductions in fecal
             coliform counts in the bay system. Proposed plan action on produced water
             dischargers calls for the issuance of an EPA general permit which would eliminate



                                                        5








             discharges from this source. Monitoring surveys will be developed to document
             environmental improvements resulting from this action.

             Data Information Management System An important element of the Galveston
             Bay Regional Monitoring Program will be the improved management of monitoring
             of data to enhance communication of bay trends and conditions to managers and the
             public. A Data Information Management System (DIMS)is to be used to house and
             distribute the data 'Collected through the monitoring activities of the program.

             The program recommends development of a centralized data storage system
             utilizing the power of Geographical Information Systems to manage and present the
             data in a format useful to resource managers. The plan addresses the need to
             ensure long-term integrity, quality, and accessibility of data. Beyond this the
             system addresses the need to facilitate the integration and analysis of the data and
             to provide statistical, graphical, spatial analysis and mapping capabilities.

             Critical to the development of a comprehensive Galveston Bay DIMS is the Texas
             Clean Rivers Program. The Clean Rivers program complements the Galveston Bay
             Program by providing a coordinated assessment of river basins, within the
             Galveston Bay estuary, utilizing a watershed management approach. Within the
             Galveston Bay watershed, the Clean Rivers Program is administered by the
             Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). Centralization of the data information
             resources of the Clean Rivers Program and the Galveston Bay Program within the
             H-GAC is the centerpiece of the Galveston Bay DIMS. Such an arrangement will
             simplify the tasks of storing, maintaining, locating, querying, and retrieving
             regional monitoring data.

             Utilizing the Geographic Information System (GIS) already in place within H-GAC,
             a direct electronic link will be established between the H-GAC and the Galveston
             Bay Program to allow access to all information within the centralized data base.
             Information from this system will be available from the Galveston Bay Program as
             raw data, technical reports for the scientific community, and non-technical
             summaries for the public. This data will be used to assess plan progress with
             environmental actions on an annual basis. Results will be distributed through the
             Galveston Bay Program Publications, the State of the Bay Symposium to be held
             every two years, and other public and scientific forums.















                                                         6






             Chapter 1

             Introduction




             The Clean Water Act as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987 establishes the
             National Estuary Program (NEP) to promote long term planning and management
             in nationally significant estuaries threatened by pollution, development, or overuse.
             Section 320 of the Clean Water Act describes the establishment of a management
             conference in each estuary to develop a Comprehensive Conservation and
             Management Plan (CCMP). It also establishes requirements to monitor the
             effectiveness of actions taken pursuant to the plan.

             Galveston Bay National Estuary Program

             The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (GBNEP) was established under the
             authority of the Water Quality Act of 1987 to develop a CCMP for Galveston Bay.
             In 1990 work commenced to (1) identify specific problems facing the Bay, (2) compile
             bay-wide data and information to describe the status, trends, and probable causes
             related to the identified problems, and (3) create the CCMP document to enhance
             governance of the Bay at the ecosystem level. GBNEP is accomplishing this work
             through cooperative agreement between the US Environmental Protection Agency
             (USEPA) Region 6 and the State of Texas administered by the Texas Natural
             Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). The structure of GBNEP reflects a
             strong commitment to consensus-building among all Galveston Bay user groups,
             government agencies, and the public. This regional effort reflects thousand of hours
             of involvement by individuals who use, enjoy, or help govern this vital coastal
             resource.


             Commitment to Monitoring

             One of the early commitments of the Galveston Bay National Estuary Program was
             to the development of a sound regional monitoring program. The need for such a
             program was formalized at the Galveston Bay National Estuary Program- Regional
             Monitoring Conference held in Galveston, Texas on July 8-9, 1992. The conference
             was widely attended by technical experts and managers of local, state and federal
             programs administering monitoring activities in Galveston Bay. From this
             conference come the conceptual framework for the development of a regional



                                                         7








             monitoring program. Recommendations from this conference included the following
             points (Tetra Tech, 1992).

                 ï¿½  A regional monitoring program is needed to improve our ability to effectively
                    manage resources in the estuary,
                 ï¿½  Establishment and management of a technically sound regional monitoring
                    program is feasible,
                 ï¿½  The details of the monitoring program should be designed by technical
                    experts working with managers and decision makers.

             With this guidance, the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Strategy (Tetra Tech,
             1994) document was created. This document centers around describing the Task
             Force findings for five central management topics. These topics were identified by
             the GBNEP program office and are further described in the Galveston Bay
             Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). They are:

                 ï¿½  Water and sediment quality
                 ï¿½  Species population protection
                 ï¿½  Habitat protection
                 ï¿½  Freshwater inflow
                 ï¿½  Public health protection

             A Task Force was established for each of the five management topics with meetings
             being held over a period of months. Each task force was charged with developing
             action plan items to address perceived threats and concerns. Once these action
             plans were incorporated into the CCMP monitoring objectives and information
             needs were developed. A detailed account of this process and the results of the Task
             Force findings are found in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Strategy (Tetra
             Tech, 1994). This document served as a guidance document for development of the
             monitoring program but did not fulfill the requirements for a monitoring plan as
             defined in the CCMP approval &dance (USEPA, 1992a).

             Monitoring Guidance

             The primary objectives and requirements of the implementation plan are
             established in the National Estuary Program Guidance: Comprehensive
             Conservation and Management Plans: Content and Approval Requirements
             document. The goals for the monitoring Plan are:

                 ï¿½ To measure the effectiveness of the management plan action and objectives
                 ï¿½ To provide essential information that can be used to redirect and focus the
                    CCMP during implementation.

             The specific requirements of the plan are:

                 ï¿½ To define program objectives and performance criteria (i.e. parameters to be
                    monitored,
                 ï¿½ To identify testable hypotheses,



                                                        8








                 ï¿½  To specify monitoring variables, including sampling locations, monitoring
                    frequency, field and laboratory methods and QA/QC procedures,
                 ï¿½  To specify data management system and statistical tests to analyze the
                    monitoring data,
                 ï¿½  To describe the expected performance of the initial sampling design, and
                 ï¿½  To provide a timetable for analyzing data and assessing program
                    performance.

             To accomplish this task the Monitoring Work Group         was created to develop a
             detailed implementation plan that builds on the task force recommendations and
             which meets the requirements for CCMP approval. This work group was
             constructed as an interagency assemblage of monitoring and monitoring technical
             experts. The following goal statement was developed to give guidance and direction
             to the work group.

                  The Regional Monitoring Program will be developed as a statistically
                  sound, holistic monitoring effort designed to provide environmental data
                  of known quality and confidence. It will be responsive to CCMP
                  management goals and objectives, but will also have a larger goal of
                  providing knowledge of bay-wide ecosystems, their variability, and
                  societal impacts both environmental and ecological. Understanding that
                  no agency's mandate is broad enough for this undertaking, the Regional
                  Monitoring Program is seeking to promote a cooperative effort by all
                  agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders who participate in bay
                  monitoring activities. The Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program
                  attempts to integrate and expand the disparate monitoring efforts
                  currently active on the Bay into a comprehensive and unified monitoring
                  plan. The regional. monitoring program will integrate current monitoring
                  efforts to the maximum extent possible, while acceding to the independent
                  objectives of the groups involved. The plan will be developed with full
                  participation of all interested agencies in order to encourage cooperation
                  and communication and to maximize the potential for successful
                  implementation.

             An attempt is made to provide detailed rationale, both technical and practical, for
             the selection of monitoring indicators. Much of the information presented is
             documented more completely in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Strategy
             (Tetra Tech, 1994a). The second of two Tetra Tech documents, Protocols for Sample
             Collection and Analysis: Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program (Tetra Tech,
             1994b), included as Appendix A of this document, is a monitoring protocol
             standardization document. Information from both documents, has been utilized in
             creating the final Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program document.

             Also critical in the creation of this document were the members of the GBNEP
             Regional Monitoring Work Group. Through their combined efforts this monitoring
             plan has evolved from a group of broad suggestions and guidelines to a functional
             and implementable plan. Special thanks are extended to Work Group members
             George Guillen (Texas Natural. Resources Conservation Commission), Kirk Wiles
             (Texas Department of Health), Lance Robinson (Texas Parks and Wildlife



                                                         9









             Department), Dr. Norris Tyer, Jr. (Harris County Pollution Control Department),
             Gary Fogarty (Galveston County Health District), Theo Glanton (City of Houston-
             Department of Public Works and Engineering), Terry Fisher (City of Houston-
             Environmental Health Division), Frederick Werner (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service),
             Dr. Fred Liscum (U.S. Geological Survey), Carl Masterson (Houston-Galveston Area
             Council), and the many others who participated in the many focus groups.










































                                                      10





              Chapter 2

              Framework For Developing The
              Regional Monitoring Program




              Overview

              Monitoring means different things to different people:

                  "The continued systematic time-series observation of predetermined
                  pollutants or pertinent components of the ecosystem over--a period of time
                  sufficient to determine 1) the existing levels, 2) trends, and 3) natural
                  variations of measured components.

                  (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1979)


                  "To watch, observe, or check, especially for a special purpose.

                  (Webster's)

              The Regional Monitoring Plan is designed to answer two different types of questions
              about Galveston Bay. The first type of question asks "are the goals and objectives
              set forth in The Galveston Bay Plan being met?" Are the regulatory agencies and
              the regulated community fulfilling their commitments to The Plan? Are actions in
              The Plan having the desired impact? Does The Plan need to be changed? If the
              monitoring results indicate that the plan objectives are not being met, then the
              actions can be modified or the objectives can be changed to reflect a better scientific
              understanding about the bay.

              The second type of question, which is much broader, asks "is the health of the
              ecosystem changing , either for the better or the worse?" To answer this type of
              question, information from the monitoring program may be used to:

                  ï¿½ Improve,our understanding of Bay systems,
                  ï¿½ Assist in setting environmental standards, and
                  ï¿½ Support the development of predictive tools










             Two distinct monitoring elements are needed to provide the information to answer
             these questions. These monitoring elements, programmatic and environmental,
             each provide information needed to evaluate The Plan at various levels. There are
             three identifiable levels at which we will use monitoring information to assess plan
             progress. These levels are administrative, symptomatic, and ecosystem (Figure 2-
             1). Administrative monitoring, essentially a tracking function, establishes
             accountability of designated lead agencies for carrying out specific actions outlined
             in the plan. It is often desirable to measure non-environmental outcomes such as
             changes in opinion, knowledge or behavior concerning a specific plan action. This
             we are defining as programmatic monitoring conducted at a symptomatic level. The
             term symptomatic monitoring is used to define the center of the monitoring
             spectrum which includes both programmatic monitoring which is beyond simple
             administrative action and monitoring of primary environmental stress indicators.
             An example of symptomatic level monitoring would be a survey to determine if an
             educational outreach program has had the desired effect on the target community.
             For example in The Plan, Action NPS-15 restricts the use of marine sanitary
             chemicals. A survey of boat owners could be undertaken to evaluate the level of
             compliance with this action.




                                     Programmatic              Environmental


                                                      '6 ti
                              F     minis rative.,  @,mpt avc,'..

                                Level 1  Level 2 Level 3  Level 4 Level 5  Level 6
                                tracking.                                     wide,
                                mplemen- Response by
                                 tation.  Regulated
                                of Plan  Community
                                Actions






                                NPDES Permit
                                              Total Oil &             Blue Crab
                                              Grease Lmdf           a
                                              Inventory




                                        j



                      Figure 2- 1. Monitoring Hierarchy in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
                                 Plan.



             Environmental monitoring can also be thought of in terms of levels of information.
             While it can be argued that environmental monitoring evaluates outcomes, there
             are two different levels at which we can conduct environmental monitoring. At one
                                                          Chan es in
                                                          Amb&
                                                            'en'
                                                          Conditions








                                                         Chl h 1


















             level we measure certain parameters, stress indicators, as a measure of whether
             plan actions are having an observable environmental impact. We are classifying


                                                        12








                this level of environmental monitoring as symptomatic in the monitoring continuum
                shown in Figure 2-1. Symptomatic environmental monitoring includes such things
                as reductions in point or non-point loadings, changes in ambient nutrient
                concentration trends, or changes in bird nesting habitat. While these indicators
                may be symptomatic of qualities we deem necessary for a healthy ecosystem, they
                do not directly measure ecosystem health. Such higher level indicators, often called
                response indicators, are measured as reduced human health risk from bay fish and
                shellfish consumption, changes in primary productivity, or increases in reproductive
                success in nesting bird populations. This hierarchy of indicators, shown in Figure 2-
                1 has been modified from the Chesapeake Bay program. To demonstrate how each
                component of The Plan fits into this hierarchy Figure 2-2 shows how, when we
                integrate the levels of monitoring with the implementation strategies, we can see
                that all Plan actions contribute to the common goal of restoring the ecosystem to
                optimal health.








                                                                        ENVIRONMENTAL
                                             Levels 5-6
                                                          Ecosystem
                                                            Health




                                     Levels 3-4
                                                    Symptomatic Monitoring



                                                                                            PROGRAMMATIC
                               Levels 1-2         Administrative Monitoring


                                       Habitat Living     Balanced     Water  Sedimen
                                          Resource       Human Uses        Quality
                                        Conservation



                                                    Non-Specific Action Plan
                                             Research, Public Participation, Education



                             Figure 2-2. Integration of plan actions, monitoring and ecosystem health.


                Programmatic Monitoring

                To effectively, and completely, measure the success of the program it is necessary to
                establish a monitoring program which measures the success of the program in
                programmatic as well as environmental measures. Plan actions are usually specific
                activities designed to achieve a broader environmental objective and as such lend


                                                                     13









             themselves to programmatic monitoring. As can be seen in Figure 2-2 it is the
             implementation of Plan actions which are the basis for anticipated changes in
             environmental health. Such monitoring will have two goals. First, is to monitor
             those activities or outcomes which are established in The Plan. This is intended to
             keep managers informed on the implementation status of various programs.
             Secondly, the monitoring program must help identify which programs are, or are
             not, achieving their intended outcomes.          Such monitoring improves the
             accountability of the program to the public and local governments. With this
             information, management can redirect resources or make necessary modifications to
             the actions to achieve the desired result.

             The Galveston Bay Program Office will have full-time staff responsible for
             monitoring action implementation and outcomes. The Galveston Bay Program
             Organization Plan will be structured to mirror the Plan initiatives. Every Plan
             Action will be managed by one of four organizational groups. These groups are
             Water/Sediment Quality, Natural Resources Uses, Monitoring and Research, and
             Public Participation. The Program will track implementation of Plan Actions,
             submit annual reports of these activities, implement any actions which The Plan
             delegates to the Program Office, and work with other lead agencies to develop
             assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of Plan actions.

             Some cases will be relatively straight forward because only a few agencies may be
             responsible for implementation of a Plan Action. In other cases this is more
             complex. For example, Action N`PS-1 of The Plan requires that local Galveston Bay
             watershed municipalities develop appropriate stormwater management plans.
             There will be numerous entities responsible for individually implementing this
             Action. Survey tools will be designed to track progress of such actions.

             Many actions in the plan require development of educational and public outreach
             programs. The Public Participation and Education Action Plan calls for an active
             and involved public participation/public outreach program. For these actions we
             will be concerned with monitoring for desired -outcome in addition to administrative
             tracking. Most public outreach actions and numerous other Plan actions such as
             water conservation education (FW-6), wetlands education (HP-1,2, and 4), anti-litter
             education (SD-5), and seafood safety risk communication (PH-1) may be evaluated
             by surveys designed to measure the effectiveness of the educational programs in
             addition to environmental monitoring. Where so delegated these survey tools will
             be developed by Program Office staff.

             The programmatic element of the monitoring process will include an annual review
             of agency and local government implementation efforts. The Program will prepare
             an annual report outlining the specific actions taken toward achieving
             implementation goals. Biennial progress reports will be submitted to the Governor,
             the Texas Legislature and the public.

             Environmental Monitoring

             Generally, environmental monitoring lends itself to assessment of plan goals and
             objectives rather than specific plan actions. The environmental monitoring element


                                                       14








              of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Plan has been developed to provide these
              higher level assessments of plan success. The Regional Monitoring'Plan is a
              statistically sound, holistic monitoring effort designed to provide environmental
              data of known quality and confidence. The Regional Monitoring Plan is designed to
              collect data that can be compared to the quantifiable goals and objectives in each
              action plan. It also has a larger goal of providing knowledge of bay-wide
              ecosystems, their variability, and societal impacts both environmental and
              ecological.

              A lack of fundamental, long-term ambient information was identified by
              characterization reports and Task Force members as a critical concern (Ward,
              1992). These concerns will be addressed by building on existing monitoring
              programs, coordinating them to eliminate duplication of effort, increasing their
              scope and resolution, analyzing the data, eliminating information of dubious value,
              and making the results available to a diverse set of users in a timely fashion.

              Understanding that no agency's mandate is broad enough for this undertaking, the.
              Regional Monitoring Program seeks to promote a cooperative effort by all agencies,
              organizations, and stakeholders who participate in bay monitoring activities. The
              Program attempts wherever possible to integrate and. expand current monitoring
              activities into a comprehensive and unified monitoring plan. The plan was
              developed with full participation of all interested agencies to encourage
              cooperation, communication, and to maximize the potential for successful
              implementation.


              Principles for Building a Regional Monitoring Program

              The primary purpose of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program is to
              assess whether progress towards achieving Galveston Bay Plan objectives is being
              made. To this end, the Galveston Bay Regional monitoring Program will provide
              fundamental, long-term information that will be used to characterize the status and
              long-term ambient conditions in the estuary.

              The Regional Monitoring Plan has been designed to incorporate existing programs
              as its foundation. Goals were to reduce duplication of effort, expand the scope of the
              monitoring, and leverage resources by judicious selection of monitoring parameters.
              This was accomplished through the formation of the Galveston Bay Regional
              Monitoring Work Group. The Work Group membership was comprised of senior
              monitoring technical experts representing all agencies with ongoing monitoring
              activities* in the bay area. The steps involved in the development of the monitoring
              program are shown in Figure 2-3.

              Several design principals determined the nature and scope of the proposed regional
              monitoring program. These principals are:





                                                         15














                                                                                                                   Step 1

                                                                                                                                    Define
                                                                                                                             M       ment Goals
                                                                                                                   Step 2             1
                                  Refine/Re  irect                                                                                 Specify
                               Management Program                                                                             Information Needs


                                                                                                                   Step 3
                                                                                                                            Deve op Monitoring
                                                                                        L                       bpi ObjectiveslPerformance Criteria

                                                                                                                   Step 4
                                                                                                                        Select Analytical Methods and
                                                                                                                        Alternative Sampling Designs
                                                                              Rethink Monitoring
                                                                                Study Approach                     Step 5
                                                                                                                        Evaluate Expected Monitoring
                                                                                                                            Program Performance




                                                        Refine Monitoring                                        No         Is Monitoring Program
                                                            Objectives                                                      Performance Adequate



                                                                                                                   Step 6               Yes
                                                                                                                   L
                                                                                                                            Design and Implement
                                                                                                                            Data Management Plan
                                                                                                                   Step 7             1
                                                                                                                        Periodically Evaluate/Assess
                                                                                                                            Program Performance



                                  Figure 2-3. Steps in the design of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
                                                            Program (modified from USEPA, 1992a).


                       The Regional Monitoring Program will measure the status and effectiveness
                       ofPlan Actions.

                       First and foremost, Galveston Bay's Regional Monitoring Program will provide
                       information to measure the progress and effectiveness of implemented Plan actions.
                       This will be accomplished through the two monitoring elements previously
                       discussed. These are programmatic and environmental monitoring. Programmatic
                       monitoring includes the tracking of Plan implementation. An important Galveston
                       Bay Program staff function will be to coordinate and communicate regularly with
                       agencies identified as lead agencies for specific initiatives.                                                             Symptomatic
                       monitoring, which may be either programmatic or environmental, assesses the
                       effectiveness of the plan actions in measuring stressors to the ecosystem. Most
                       actions will be assessed in a more general way through improvements in
                       environmental conditions relative to identified bay problems.
                                                                                                                   Step @6y



                                                                                                16








             The Regional Monitoring Program will characterize the status and trends
             of conditions in the bay.

             Galveston Bay's Regional Monitoring Program will provide information describing
             the status and long-term trends of specified biotic and abiotic resources to be
             managed. Monitoring will include the collection of fundamental, long-term,
             descriptive measurements of parameters that a*re definable and meaningful.
             Sampling efforts will be coordinated to facilitate testing for meaningful correlation
             among several parameters as well as trends in parameters measured over time.
             The Regional Monitoring Program will monitor parameters that will allow a direct
             comparison to the goals and objectives specified in The Plan. With this information,
             bay managers, stakeholders, and the public can easily track the progress of The
             Plan.

             Whenever possible, the Regional Monitoring Program will integrate existing
             monitoring efforts.

             Galveston Bay's Regional Monitoring Program will incorporate existing and planned
             monitoring efforts or elements from these programs to minimize duplication of
             effort, maximize the development of essential information, and reduce the cost of
             the monitoring effort. Where gaps exist in monitoring coverage, efforts have been
             made to work with the appropriate agencies to supplement.or develop the needed
             monitoring.

             One of the primary goals of the Regional Monitoring Work Group was the adoption
             of standard parameter sets and comparable protocols for field sampling, analytical,
             and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) methods. Performance-based
             standardized sampling, analytical, and QA/QC protocols will be employed to ensure
             that the data collected by different groups participating in the monitoring program
             are directly comparable. Standardization and coordination of existing sampling
             efforts among local, state, and federal agencies will allow long-term sharing and use
             of all data collected as part of the Regional Monitoring Program.

             An integral part of the Regional Monitoring Program is the development of a strong
             Quality Assurance program. This will be accomplished with the Galveston Bay
             Program office acting as a central figure in developing joint training programs and
             participation in laboratory quality assurance programs. An example of this is the
             Water Pollution Performance Evaluation Study available through the USEPA. All
             laboratories in the program will participate in this nationwide quality assurance
             program. The use of commercial suppliers of QA/QC samples will also be
             encouraged.

             Ecological indicators will be used to assess status and trends of the bay's
             resources.

             Measurement of all variables of all resources and all processes in the ecosystem is
             not feasible. The use of measurements that indicate the condition of valued
             habitats and resources, and the exposure to human stresses within habitats will




                                                        17








             significantly reduce the cost of the monitoring effort (Table 2-1). Galveston Bay's
             Regional Monitoring Program will measure indicators to characterize:

                ï¿½ Condition,
                ï¿½ Biological response,
                ï¿½ Stress exposure, and
                ï¿½ Sources of stress

             Analyses of these indicator variables will be used to assess the current status  and
             trends in the condition of key estuarine habitats and resources.

             A multi-agency committee will be established to oversee and coordinate the
             Regional Monitoring Program.

             Participants in the Regional Monitoring Workshop held in June 1992, unanimously
             called for the formation of a multi-agency committee to coordinate regional
             monitoring and research efforts. The Monitoring Work Group was formed in
             response to this call. The Monitoring Work Group is comprised of senior technical
             representatives from each of the agencies currently monitoring the Bay. In addition
             there is representation of agencies whose responsibilities for managing bay
             resources may be impacted by the Regional Monitoring Program. In the
             implementation phase the work of the Monitoring Work Group will be continued
             through formation of the Monitoring Steering Committee. It is highly recommended
             that the institutional membership of the current Work Group be included in this
             Committee.

             It is the responsibility of this Work Group to develop and recommend to the
             Management Committee a final comprehensive environmental monitoring plan.
             This has been accomplished wherever possible through coordination of current
             monitoring activities. To accomplish this task, focus groups were formed for each of
             the major monitoring components of The Plan. Actions included in this effort are
             adoption of spatial and temporal sampling schemes, development of monitoring
             objectives and performance criteria directed at obtaining monitoring information
             required to evaluate the action plans. This included development of standard
             suites of parameters, sampling protocols, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures
             that will become the core of the monitoring program.


             A data management strategy will be developed to ensure access to essential
             monitoring information.

             Monitoring data for the Galveston Bay estuary are often not readily available and
             essential quality assurance information necessary to evaluate the comparability of
             data sets is frequently not preserved. A centralized data and information
             management system will be developed to ensure access to monitoring data. Current
             monitoring programs will continue to manage data for their specific mandates and
             purposes and agencies will maintain their own database systems. The focus of the
             Galveston Bay DIMS will be to help make this data useful beyond these purposes.



                                                       18










                  TABLE 2- 1. DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES OF INDICATORS


                  Habitat indicators are physical attributes measured to characterize conditions necessary to support an organism,
                                       population, or community. Habitat indicators are used to describe conditions within habitats, as
                                       well as to interpret biological response and stress exposure information. For example,
                                       measures of sediment grain size describe the physical habitat and can assist in interpreting
                                       changes in benthic community structure.

                  Biological response indicators are characteristics of the environment measured to           provide evidence of the
                                       biological condition of an organism@ population, community, or ecosystem. They are used to
                                       assess the condition of valued habitats and biological resources.

                  Stress exposure indicators are characteristics of the environment measured to provide evidence of the occurrence
                                       or magnitude of contact with a physical, chemical, or biological stress. These measurements
                                       are used to identify and interpret detected changes in biological response indicators.

                  Stress source indicators are measurements that characterize human activities that can potentially affect changes in
                                       stress exposure and habitat condition. These measurements are used to characterize potential
                                       sources of stress and to assess the efficacy of specific management actions.



                  The system will have the following features:

                       ï¿½    Centralized storage of data and information
                       ï¿½    Standardized quality assurance reports, for each data set
                       ï¿½    Easy access and use
                       ï¿½    Long term availability and flexibility
                       ï¿½    System documentation and technical support

                  The data management system will be in place and operational prior to initiation of
                  the monitoring program, and will provide the primary source of information for
                  graphical and written summaries of the environmental data. These summaries will
                  serve as tools to communicate information on the effectiveness of The Plan
                  management actions and to build public awareness of monitoring program results.

                  Framework for Developing Components of the Regional Monitoring
                  Program

                  The Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Plan will delineate a program which is
                  dynamic and subject to periodic re-evaluation of design, procedures, and findings to
                  ensure its continued scientific credibility and its usefulness to policy makers and
                  the public. To carry out these functions the Regional Monitoring Steering
                  Committee was formed. It will be the responsibility of the Steering Committee to
                  ensure that this re-evaluation take place in a rigorous manner, and that changes
                  are made to the program as necessary. Guiding principles for the Regional
                  Monitoring Program Steering Committee include:

                            The Steering Committee will have responsibility for 1) review and
                            modifications to monitoring elements, 2) creating new monitoring                              . program
                            elements, as appropriate; 2) developing new protocols; and 3) managing,


                                                                             19









                    interpreting, and reporting regional monitoring data.

                 ï¿½  The Steering Committee will work to involve all parties (federal, state, and
                    local agencies, research institutes, academic institutions, and volunteer
                    organizations) engaged in monitoring and research in the estuary to
                    maximize the usefulness and efficiency of public moneys spent on monitoring,
                    but it will not dictate changes in ongoing agency monitoring programs.

                 ï¿½  The Steering Committee will not make policy recommendations on regulatory
                    or management issues. The Steering Committee will, however, seek to
                    provide relevant information to policyrnakers and bring identified problems to
                    the attention of policymakers and the public. It will establish policy on
                    monitoring and recommend research needs related to monitoring efforts.

                 ï¿½  The Steering Committee will be accountable to the Galveston Bay Council.

                 ï¿½  The Steering Committee will be responsible for effective translation          of
                    monitoring data (its own and that of others) in terms that policymakers and
                    the public can readily understand. A periodic report, the biennial State of the
                    Bay, on conditions in the estuary will be produced and distributed through
                    this committee..



             The structure of the Regional Monitoring Program Plan is centered around five
             primary environmental monitoring elements identified by the GBNEP program
             office and described in The Plan:


                ï¿½   Water and sediment quality,
                ï¿½   Species population protection,
                ï¿½   Habitat protection,
                ï¿½   Freshwater inflow, and
                ï¿½   Public health protection.

             The steps followed in the development are shown in Figure 2- 3. Products of each of
             these tasks are presented in the individual chapters addressing the primary
             management topics.

             Step 1. Definition of resource management goals and objectives

             Resource management goals and objectives describe the desired result of
             implemented Plan management actions. Statements of resource management goals
             provide a point of reference from which managers can assess whether conditions in
             Galveston Bay are improving, declining, or remaining the same. These statements
             specify the resource to be managed and an assessable or measurable end result.
             The resource management goals and objectives defined in Chapters 4-12 were
             developed by members of the Primary Topic Task Forces during development of the
             CCMP Action Plans.




                                                        20









             Step 2. Identification of Data Information Needs

             Identification of what data are needed came from GBNEP characterization reports,
             information needs identified by Primary Topics Task Force members, and
             discussions with GBNEP Task Force members. During April 1993, Task Force
             members held a series of technical workshops specifically to identify data
             information needs and to develop monitoring objectives for each of the five Primary
             Management Topics. The objective was to build upon the work described in
             GBNEP's characterization reports and to define data information needs and
             corresponding monitoring objectives. Key issues addressed during these meetings
             were:


                   What data are needed and why,
                   How data will be used as a diagnostic tool to assess progress toward
                   management goals,
                   Critical issues relating to the use of thedata,
                   Regional monitoring objectives, and
                   Recommended monitoring parameters.

             These meetings were successful in defining data information needs and broad
             monitoring objectives, but it was recommended that specific monitoring objectives
             be developed by members of the Regional Monitoring Work Group.



             Step 3. Selection of Monitoring Objectives and Parameters

             In June of 1994 the Regional Monitoring Work Group was formed. At this first
             meeting the group decided that five separate Focus Groups corresponding to the
             primary resource topics would be convened during these meetings. During the
             period &om June to August, 1994 three rounds of meetings were held. Their aim
             was to further refine the broad monitoring objectives defined in the Primary Topic
             Task Force meetings and to select appropriate monitoring parameters to address
             these objectives.

             Specific objectives were established for each of the environmental monitoring
             elements identified in the monitoring plan. These objectives are given within the
             chapters dealing with specific elements in the monitoring plan.

             Step 4. Selection of Monitoring Methods

             Once monitoring parameters were established work shifted to selection of
             appropriate monitoring methods. Tetra Tech, the contractor that developed the
             monitoring strategy document was contracted to develop a monitoring methods
             manual. The purpose of this project was to establish monitoring protocols to insure
             comparability of data collected by the monitoring effort and to assure an adequate


                                                      21








             level of data quality. Under this project, monitoring methods selection criteria
             (Table 2-2) were established to evaluate and select field sampling, analytical, and
             QA/QC methods for the Galveston Bay's regional monitoring program. As a result of
             this work Tetra Tech produced a document, Protocols for Sample Collection and
             Analysis: Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program which has been integrated
             into the monitoring plan. As part of this project a survey of ongoing monitoring
             programs. was conducted and the following field sampling, analytical, and quality
             assurance/quality control (QA/QC) methods documents were reviewed:

                ï¿½  Methods and field operation manuals for ongoing monitoring programs in the
                   Galveston Bay system,                                     -EPs),
                ï¿½  Method manuals for other National Estuary Programs (N
                ï¿½  Compendiums of monitoring methods for other regional and national
                   monitoring programs, and
                ï¿½  Published papers describing state of the art methods.

             A specific characteristic of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Plan is the
             incorporation of existing monitoring methods that are routinely performed by
             different local, state and federal agencies. This approach was adopted to maximize
             the use of existing data sets, existing equipment and available technical expertise.
             This approach also allows for the full incorporation of each agency's mandated
             resource monitoring and protection responsibilities into the program. Use of
             existing methods will:

                ï¿½  Facilitate the evaluation and selection process since these methods are likely
                   to have been previously tested and evaluated for accuracy, precision,
                   sensitivity, comparability, and cost,
                ï¿½  Ensure that data collected by the regional monitoring program will be
                   directly comparable to existing Bay data, and
                ï¿½  Reduces implementation costs since much of the equipment, skilled
                    personnel, and procedural documents will already exist.

             While existing methods have been given priority in the selection process state-of-
             the-art, inexpensive methods that provide data needed to assess management goals
             have been given considerable consideration especially when.historical data are
             sparse and ongoing monitoring is limited. A technical and cost assessment of
             possible candidate methods was conducted to ensure that selected methods will be
             cost-effective and provide data needed to assess management goals.

             Step 5 Selection and evaluation ofAlternative Monitoring Strategies

             In addition to selecting monitoring methods decisions must be made concerning
             spatial and temporal monitoring strategies. Specific monitoring strategies were





                                                       22











              TABLE 2-2. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR MONITORING PROTOCOLS


                    ï¿½  Comparability-the measure of whether data collected by the method is directly
                       comparable to existing data for the same parameter

                    ï¿½  Cost-the combination of implementation, equipment 'maintenance, and per sample
                       costs

                    ï¿½  Sensitivity-the measure of the ability to detect target parameters at low levels,
                       sufficient to distinguish between seasonal variability and long-term trends.

                    ï¿½  Accuracy-the measure of the agreement between the amount of a component
                       measured and the amount actually present

                    ï¿½  Precision-the measurement of the reproducibility of results when a method is
                       repeated using a homogeneous sample under controlled conditions, regardless of
                       systematic or constant errors that may affect the accuracy of the method.

                    ï¿½  Robustness-the measure of method adaptability to the range of seasonal
                       environmental conditions experienced across the estuary and to the range of expected
                       target contaminant concentrations and non-target interference matrices and
                       mechanisms.



              decided by the Regional Monitoring Work Group. Alternative sampling designs
              consist of determining:

                  ï¿½  Distribution of sampling effort: random, systematic, or stratified,
                  ï¿½  Allocation effort: sampling stations or replicates,
                  ï¿½  Duration of monitoring program,
                  ï¿½  Frequency of sampling, and
                  ï¿½  Compositing strategies.

              Management information needs were used to evaluate alternative sampling designs.
              Existing data and statistical power analyses were used to evaluate the performance
              of alternative sampling designs to provide identified information. Development of
              specific monitoring strategies are discussed in Chapters 4-12.

              Step 6. Design and Implement Data and Information Management

              One of the limitations of estuary monitoring systems across the country, including
              Galveston Bay, is that results from different monitoring programs are not easily
              compiled for ecosystem analyses. Agencies maintain different data bases and report
              formats, -acquisition of data can be time-consuming, and no centralized data
              management system is currently available to report on overall trends. To alleviate
              these problems, a Data and Information Management System (DIMS                for Galveston
              Bay has been developed as part of the Regional Monitoring Program.

              Questions addressed in the DIMS strategy include:


                                                             23










                ï¿½  Where will the data go?
                ï¿½  How will the data be stored?
                ï¿½  Who will maintain the data base?
                ï¿½  What QA checks will be performed on the data?
                ï¿½  How will access to the data base be made available and to whom will data be
                   available?

             Step 7. Evaluation and Assessment of Program Performance

             To assure that the monitoring program is implemented and assessed on a regular
             basis, the Galveston Bay Council will establish a Regional Monitoring Program
             Steering Committee. A continued function of the steering committee will be to 1)
             establish final design specifications for Galveston Bay's Regional Monitoring
             Program; 2) oversee implementation of the program; 3) ensure comparability of
             monitoring efforts; 4) direct and approve future monitoring design modifications;
             and 5) secure institutional support for the program.

             The Regional Monitoring Program Steering Committee will be a consortium of
             agencies, institutions, and organizations. It is highly recommended that the
             institutional membership of the Regional Monitoring Work Group be considered for
             inclusion in this body. The Regional Monitoring Steering Committee will be a
             governing body composed of representatives from

                ï¿½ Participating local, state, and federal agencies
                ï¿½ Environmental, private industry, and public interest groups
                ï¿½ Academic institutions

             A Note on Organization

             The first task was to catalogue the ongoing monitoring efforts in the Galveston Bay
             System. A summary of these activities is given in Chapter 3. The following
             chapters in the plan address the monitoring program for each of the primary
             management topics. The primary management topics are presented as:

             HabitatfLiving Resources Conservation
               Chapter 4 - Habitat Condition
               Chapter 5 - Species Distribution and Condition

             Balanced Human Uses
               Chapter 6 - Public Health
               Chapter 7 - Freshwater Inflow
               Chapter 8 - Spills / Dumping
               Chapter 9 - Shoreline Management

             Water and Sediment Quality Improvement
               Chapter 10 - Water and Sediment Quality
               Chapter 11 - Non-Point Sources of Pollution
               Chapter 12 - Point Sources of Pollution


                                                      24









               Chapter 13 - Communicating Results: Data and Information Management

            For each of the Primary Management Topic Chapters, a standard format described
            below has been developed.

            Priority Problem: A brief discussion of the primary management concerns to be
            addressed. Serves as a rationale for subsequent management goals and objectives.

            Management Goals and Objectives: A synopsis of Action Plan goals and
            objectives. Goals are broad, long-term solutions to the problem. Objectives are the
            environmental targets toward which future progress can be measured. These are
            usually more specific and shorter-term that goals.

            Data Information Needs: Description of general data requirements necessary to
            provide information in assessment of management resource objectives. Describes
            information provided by the monitoring effort and how the data will be used.

            Programmatic Monitoring: Detailing of those plan elements which do not lend.
            themselves to environmental assessment.

            Environmental Monitoring: A discussion of environmental monitoring
            techniques for which the Regional Monitoring Program will conduct data collection.
            This will include discussions outlining technical considerations in the design
            process (when appropriate). These include:

               9 Spatial and temporal design strategies,
               9 Monitoring parameters,
               * Sampling and analytical methods, and
               * Quality assurance and quality control.




















                                                      25






            Chapter. 3

            Overview Of Monitoring In.
            Galveston Bay

            This chapter summarizes existing monitoring efforts in the Galveston Bay Estuary
            upstream to the limit of tidal influence. A summary table and maps showing
            sampling locations for each monitoring program have been generated together with
            a description of that program.

            The following information was requested from each of the agencies contacted:

               ï¿½  Monitoring Program Objectives
               ï¿½  Measurements Collected
               ï¿½  Locations of Sampling Sites
               ï¿½  Sampling Schedule
               ï¿½  Monitoring Methods
               ï¿½  Quality Assurance
               ï¿½  Data Management
               ï¿½  Monitoring Program Costs

            Selected monitoring programs are summarized in Table 3-1, with more detail given
            in the following sections.


            Federal Agencies:

            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
            An ongoing assessment program of the USEPA is the Environmental Monitoring
            and Assessment Program (EMAP). USEPA EMAP goals (U.S. EPA, 1992,b) are to:

                  Estimate the current status, trends, and changes in selected existing and
                  newly-developed indicators of the condition of the Nation's ecological
                  resources
                  Estimate the distribution and extent of the Nation's ecological resources, and





                                                    27













                                  TABLE3-1. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY

                                                                                           Summary of data collection activities, monitoring parameters, analytical methods, and quality assurance/quality control methods
                                                                                                                                 by the various agencies/organizations monitoring in Galveston Bay Estuary.


                                       AGENCYIORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                  ANALYTICAL
                                                  (Source)                      No. OF STATIONS                     DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                            METHODS**             DETECTION LIMITS             QUALITY ASSURANCEIGUALI-rY CONTROL (QA1OC)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                TNRCC requires that a minimum of one water quality
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                monitoring program and one water quality sampling
                                  Texas Natural Resource                                                                                                                                                                                                                        program undergo a quality assurance review each fiscal
                                  Conservation Commission (TNRCC)             68 stations                   Water Column Chemistry: (see next column)                  All stations - Routine                             EPA Methods (1,2)                                     year.
                                                                                                            Sediment:                                                  Water:
                                                                              243 sampling                  Chemistry - Ekman dredge                                    Temperature, conductivity, pH
                                                                              activitiesiyear               Benthic macroinvertebrates:                                 dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity
                                             (Kirkpatrick, 1994)                                             Peterson or Ekrnan dredge
                                              (TNRCC, 1993)                                                                                                            Conventional pollutants:                                                                                 Projects:
                                                (TWC, iggi)                                                 Nekton:                                                    Biochemical oxygen demand (Boo)                             405.1                    1 mgA               water quality monitoring field data notebook
                                        (Twidwell, 1993 and 1994)                                           Collection techniques,                                     Total suspended solids (TSS)                                160.2                    10m9n               standard instrument calibration and notebook
                                        (U.S EPA, 1983 and 1986)                                             Hook and line, truffine                                   Oil and grease                                              413,1                    5 mgA               flow measurement records
                                                                                                             Throwline, handline                                       Fecal coliform (FC)                                                                                      fecal coliform bacteria analysis records
                                                                                                             2(Y minnow seine with 1/4' mesh                                                                                                                                    biological sample analysis records
                                                                                                             Gill nets                                                 Nutrients:                                                                                               proper data and sample collection procedures
                                                                                                             Fish traps                                                Orthophosphorus                                             365.2                    0.01 mgA            quality assurance review follow-up
                                                                                                             Trawl                                                     Nitrite - N                                                 354.1                    0.01 mgn
                                                                                                             Cast nets                                                 Nitrate - N                                                 352.1                    0.01 mo             Laboratory analysis will meet or exceed the
                                                                                                             Water intake screens                                      Ammonia - N                                                 350.1                    0.02 mgA            requirements set forth in the TNACC Quality
                                                                                                                                                                       Total phosphorus                                            365.1                    0.01 mg/1           Assurance program (3)
                                                                                                            Tissue - 4 preferred species                               Chlorophyll a
                                                                                                             Hardhead (sea) catfish                                    Pheophyfin a                                                                                             Data storage:
                                                                                                             Pinfish                                                                                                                                                            - side by side data comparisons
                                                                                                             Atlantic croaker                                          Total organic carbon (TOC)                                  415.1                    1 mgA               - computerized parameter value editing
                                                                                                             Redfish (red drum)                                        Alkalinity                                                  310.1                    1 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                       Chloride                                                    325.3                    1 mgA
                tND                                                                                         Plankton:                                                  Sulfate                                                     375.4
                00                                                                                           Kemmerer sampler                                          Total dissolved solids (TDS)                                160.1                    Iomgn
                                                                                                             Van Dom sampler                                           Volatile suspended solids (VSS)                             624                      10 mgA
                                                                                                             Net hauls
                                                                                                                                                                       Select stations:
                                                                                                                                                                       Water and Sediment:
                                                                                                                                                                        Organics - pesticides                                  608/8080                     variable
                                                                                                                                                                        Inorganics - alkalinity, hardness
                                                                                                                                                                                       major ions
                                                                                                                                                                        Metals                                                 ICP - 6010                   variable
                                                                                                                                                                        Toxicity
                                                                                                                                                                        Organisms:
                                                                                                                                                                         nekton - tissue
                                                                                                                                                                          plankton
                                                                                                                                                                          benthos

                                  Texas Water Development                     5 Stations                    Semi-permanent moored stations                             Water.                                                                                                   Instruments are checked and maintained on a
                                  Board (TWDB)                                                              using Data Sonde instrumentation                           Temperature, salinity, pH                                                                                regular basis.
                                                                                                                                                                       conductivity, DO
                                  (Brock, 1993 and 1994)                      supports TCOON

                                                                              8 Stations                    Tide monitoring stations within                            Tidal elevation                                                                                          NOAA /NOS OA procedures
                                                                                                            Galveston Bay                                              Some meteorological data                                                                                 Data Inspected daily










                                   TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                       AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                      ANALYTICAL
                                                 (source)                     No. OF STATIONS                 DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                            PARAMETERS MONITORED                        MMODS**              DETECTION LIMITS         QUALITY ASSURANCE/OUALrrY CONTROL (OA/OC)
                                   taxes Parks and Wildlife
                                   Department    (TPWD)

                                      1. Resource Monitoring                149 Stations                Bay Bag Seines: 20 per month                          Water.                                                                                          Guidelines follow TPWD Marine Resource
                                                                                                        Targets juvenile firdish and shellfish                Temperature, salinity, pH                                                                       Monitodng Operations Manual (4)
                                      (Bowling and Benefield, 1993)         Bay and Offshore            321 usable grids                                      turbidity, DO
                                             (Robinson, 1994)                                                                                                                                                                                                 Gill nets must be set within 1/2 hour of sunset
                                              (TPWD, 1993a)                 Randomly selected           Bay Trawls: 20 per month                              Weather conditions                                                                              and picked up no earlier than 112 hour
                                                                            from TPWD's grid            Targets juvenile and some adult finfish & shelffis      Wind direction                                                                                before sunrise. Work on the last net must
                                                                            system                      I 0-minute trawls                                       Air temperature                                                                               start before 11:00 a.m.
                                                                                                        369 usable grids
                                                                            The number of                                                                     Organisms:                                                                                      Field data sheets are edited prior to
                                                                            usable grids                ICWW (intercoastal Waterway)                          Species                                                                                         submission for computer keying
                                                                            varies for each             Trawls: 6 per month                                   Number
                                                                            gear type                   Targets juvenile and some adult finfish & shelifis    Weight (select individuals)                                                                     Computer printouts of field data are
                                                                                                        I 0-minute trawls                                     Length (subsample of 19 ind.)                                                                   contrasted with field data sheets after
                                                                                                        77 usable grids                                       Sex and maturity                                                                                computer keying
                                                                                                                                                              Large, live fish tagged for
                                                                                                        Gulf Trawls: 16 per month                             Igrowth and mortality
                                                                                                        Targets juvenile and some adult finfish & shellfish
                                                                                                        10-minutetrawls

                                                                                                        Oyster Dredges: 30 per month
                                                                                                        Targets oysters: market, small, and spat
                                                                                                        30-second dredge - 126 usable grids
                                                                                                        Beach Seines: May - November - 6 per month
                                                                                                        Targets adults in surf zone of front beach
                                                                                                        Beach Bag Seines: May - November - 6 per month
                  ND                                                                                    Targets juvenile finfish and shell fish in surf zone
                                                                                                        Gill nets: 45 nets set during a 10-week pedod
                                                                                                        in the spring and fall
                                                                                                        Targets adult finfish in bay
                                                                                                        4 segments of 150'each, 4 mesh sizes - 3' - 6'
                                                                                                        1 per segment, shoreline to Gulf
                                                                                                        252 usable grids
                                                                                                        Hook and line: As required by special study
                                     2. Coastal Resource                    130- 140 sealood            Se ood dealer submits reports - p-eritgnlng -to Ur-ganisrw.                                                                                           Guidelines follow TPWD Commercial HaNest
                                        He. Commercial                      dealers                     com erclal finfish, shrimp, crabs, oyster,            Quantity by weight                                                                              Field Operations Manual (5)
                                        Landings Program                                                and other marine life                                 Number of species
                                                                                                                                                              Price per pound
                                       (McEachron, Campell, and                                         Length checks of target species - (200 per species)
                                             Robinson, 1993)                                            5 target species - black drum, flounder, mackerel,
                                            (Robinson, 1994)                                            red snapper, sheepshead
                                              (TPWD, 1989)
                                                                            Vessel captains             Commercial bay/bait intercept program was             Trip length
                                                                                                        implemented in May 1994                               Number of drags
                                                                                                        On-site interviews of vessel captains                 Total fishing time
                                                                                                                                                              Minor bay fished
                                                                                                                                                              Net size
                                                                                                                                                              Mesh size
                                                                                                                                                              Amount of live and dead shrimp landed
                                                                                                                                                              Size of shrimp
                                                                                                                                                              Species of catch












                                 TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                      AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                             ANALYTICAL
                                                 (Source)                     No. OF STATIONS                    DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                             PARAMETERS MONITORED                           METHODS**           DETECTION LIMITS QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (OA/QC)
                                     3. Coastal Hesource                      lie 1 Sample sites         On-site trip-end Interviews                              Eo-at registration number                                                                           Interviewers are periodically observed to
                                        Harvest Recreational                  40 additional sites                                                                 Trip length                                                                                         monitor compliance with operating procedures
                                        Landings Program                      for detecting any                                                                   Number of people / residency
                                                                              change in status                                                                    Minor bay fished                                                                                    Guidelines follow TPWD Marine Sport
                                         (Robinson, Green, and                                                                                                    Gear:                                                                                               Harvest Operations Manual (6)
                                              McEachron, 1993)                Sampling stratified and                                                             Bait - type and amount
                                              (Robinson, 1994)                based on relative                                                                   Fish landed:
                                              (TPWD, 1993b)                   fishing pressure at                                                                 Species
                                                                              each site.                                                                          Total lengths (6 per species)
                                                                              Determined by a                                                                     Grade
                                                                              computer generated                                                                  Species sought
                                                                              relative pressure                                                                   By-catch - released
                                                                              system.                                                                             Trip satisfaction
                                 City of HoustorVDepartment                   -4-5-M-a-tions in the                                                               Water., probe
                                 of Public Works & Engineering                tidal portions of                                                                   Temperature, pH, conductivity, DO
                                 (CoH PW&E)                                   major bayous
                                                                                                                                                                  Total Residual Chlorine (TRC)
                                              (Glanton, 1993)                                                                                                     Ammonia - N
                                                                                                                                                                  Nitrate - N
                                                                                                                                                                  BOD
                                                                                                                                                                  TSS
                                                                                                                                                                  FC
                                 City of Houslon/Health                       Field Operations:          CoH - HHtD       The Bureau of Public Health             i                                                                                                   Participate in APG proficiency studies twice
                                 and Human Services                           54 stream stations         Engineering has two groups conducting monitoring                                                                                                             each year for each analyle listed (chemistry)
                                 Department (HHSD)                            all permitted
                                                                              wastewater                 Field Operations Unit -                                  Water. probe                                                                                        Field Notes, information reviewed after
                                              (APHA, 1992)                    dischargers                Stations are all above tidal waters                      Temperature, DO                                                                                     computer entry
                                        (Fisher, 1993 and 1994)                                                                                                                                                     EPA Methods (1)
                 co                           (Krantz, 1993)                                                                                                      BOO                                                       405.1                   4 mg/I            Duplicate
                                              (U.S. EPA, 1983)                                                                                                    Ammonla-N                                                 350.1                   0.05 mg/l         Duplicate, spike, external OC
                 0                                                                                                                                                Sulfate                                                   300                     2 mg/l            Duplicate, spike, exiernal OC
                                                                                                                                                                  TDS                                                       160.1                   20 mq4            Duplicate
                                                                                                                                                                  TSS                                                       160.2                   4 m911            Duplicate
                                                                                                                                                                  Oil and grease                                            413.1                   1 MgA             External OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Chloride                                                  300                     2 mg/I            Duplicate, spike, external QC
                                                                                                                                                                  Trace metals:
                                                                                                                                                                  As                                                        206.2                   2 mgA             Duplicate, spike. external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Cd, Cr, Du, Mn, Zn                                        200.7                   10 mgA            Duplicate, spike. external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  NI                                                        200.7                   25 mgA            Duplicate, spike. external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Be                                                        200.7                   1 mg/I            Duplicate, spike. external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Hg                                                        245.2                   0.5 mgA           Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Pb                                                   200.7 / 239.2                40 mg(I           Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  FC                                              Standard Methods (7)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9221 Ell.)                  21100 ml          FC bacterial analysis records               9221 Ell.)
                                                                              Quality Assurance          Quality Assurance Group -                                Water. probe
                                                                              Group:                     These bayou stations are all at USGS monitoring Temperature, DO                                                                                              Field notes, information reviewed after
                                                                              Lake Houston and           stations and include the lowest USGS station                                                               EPA Methods (1)                                   computer entry
                                                                              watershed                  at each bayou                                            pH                                                        150.1                                     Buffercheck
                                                                              6 major Houston                                                                     TDS                                                       160.1                   20 mg/l           Duplicate
                                                                              bayous                                                                              Sulfate                                                   300                     2 mg/l            Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                  Chlodde                                                   300                     2 mg/I            Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Standard Methods (7)                                                                      Standard Methods (7)
                                                                                                                                                                  FC                                                    9221 E(I.)                  2/ 100 ml         FC bacterial analysis records











                                    TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                         AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                       ANALYTICAL
                                                                                No. OF STATIONS                 DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                              PARAMETERS MONITORED                        METHODS**           DETECTION LIMITS          QUALITY ASSURANCEIOUALITY CONTROL (QA1OC)
                                    Harris County%.07,u,7-1-,.Jn              -919t-atjons.-                                                                    Water. probe                                    standard We-tho-d-s- n7 -
                                    Control Department                        Houston Ship                                                                      Temperature, DO, flow                             DO = 4500-0 G                                   Calibrate meter prior to each use
                                    (HCPCD)                                   Channel
                                                                                                                                                                pH                                                      4500-H+                                   2 buffer standardization and read 3rd buffer
                                                (APHA, 1992)                  6 Stations - on the                                                                                                                                                                 prior to each analytical run; restandardizel
                                          (Barrett, 1993 and 1994)            San Jacinto River                                                                                                                                                                   reanalyze violations
                                                 (Tyer, IK4)
                                                                              Each industrial                                                                   TOC                                                     5310B                   I mg/l            Standardize prior to each analytical run
                                                                              discharger                                                                                                                                                                          (optional: check calibration with independent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  standard), check calibration about every
                                                                              Municipal                                                                                                                                                                           10 samples and at end of run. Reanalyze
                                                                              dischargers                                                                                                                                                                         violations, including spike analysis

                                                                                                                                                                Trace metals:                                                                                     Two point calibration prior to each analytical
                                                                                                                                                                As                                                      3111/3113             0.001 mg/I          run; check calibration about every 10 samples.
                                                                                                                                                                Cd                                                      3111                  0.002 mg/l          One replicate analyzed with each run.
                                                                                                                                                                Cr, Ni                                                  3111                  0.02 mg/I           Reanalyze violations, including spike analysis.
                                                                                                                                                                Cu, Mn                                                  3111                  0.01 mg/l
                                                                                                                                                                Zn                                                      3111                  0.005 mg/I

                                                                                                                                                                Total solids (residue)                                  2540B                                     Control dish (no sample)

                                                                                                                                                                TSS                                                     2540D                                     One random replicate with each analytical run
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  and/or replicates on any suspected violations;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  reanalyze any violation without previous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  replicate; water blank and control crucible
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (no sample) with each run

                                                                                                                                                                Ammonia - N                                             4500                  0.03 mg/I           Standardize prior to each analytical run; one
                   CAD                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            random replicate analyzed with each run;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  check calibration with two different standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (concentrations) one during run and other at
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  end of nin

                                                                                                                                                                FCtFecal Streptococcus (FS)                     Modified 9222D/9230(          10  100 ml          Periodically analyze replicates, system blank,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  air density plate and known active sewage

                                                                                                                                                                Volatile acids (VA)                                     Qualitative                               Periodically analyze known cyanide solutions

                                                                                                                                                                Sulfide                                                 Qualitative                               Periodically analyze known sulfide solutions

                                                                                                                                                                Chiloride                                       Harris County Method            7 mg/I            PedodicaJly analyze chloride standard
                                    Galveston County                          120 Stations              Collect water quality samples only                      Date and time                                                                                     Field meters are calibrated using
                                    Health District                           including                                                                                                                                                                           manufacturers guidelines before each use.
                                    Pollution Control                         Galveston Island -        Grab samples usually, composites rarely                 Wind direction                                  Use NOAA weather                                  Manufacturer services meters as necessary.
                                    Division (GCHD)                           beach, bayside,                                                                   Wind speed                                      information for viind
                                                                              ship channel, and         Samples collected an monthly, bi-monthly,               Cloud cover                                     direction, speed. and                             Laboratory uses standard OC methods
                                                (APHA, 1989)                  bayous                      and td-annual basis                                   Rainfall                                                rainfall                                  (blanks, spikes, controls, and duplicates)
                                          (Fogerty, 1993 and 1994)            Mainland county                                                                   Days prior rainfall and amount                  Use daily rainfall data
                                                (Wright, 1994)                bayous, creeks,                                                                   Tide (high/low)                                   from wastewater                                 EPA required controls implemented for those
                                                                              some drainage                                                                     Flow direction (intoul)                           treatment plants                                tests performed for contracted services
                                                                              ditches                                                                           Sample depth                                      throughout county                               for cities
                                                                              Texas City Ship                                                                   Air temperature
                                                                              Channel and Dike                                                                  Water temperature











                                  TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUAkY (continued)


                                       AGENCYIORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                          ANALYTI
                                                 (Source)                     No. OF STATIONS                   DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                             PARAMETERS MONITORED                          METHOI                                IMITS QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (GA/QC)
                                                                              Permitted                                                                          DO, salinity, conductivity                        YSI field meters
                                                                              dischargers                                                                        pH                                             ;oming or Orion meters
                                                                                                                                                                                                             4500-H Standard methods                                                                  4500-H Standard methc
                                                                              Complaint                                                                          Water color
                                                                              sampling                                                                           Observed turbidity or secrhi disc
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Standard Methods (8)                                                                     Standard Methods (8)
                                                                                                                                                                 BOD                                                    5210 B                    2 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                 TSS                                                    2540-D
                                                                                                                                                                 FC
                                                                                                                                                                 Occasionally:
                                                                                                                                                                 Chemical oxygen demand (COD)                           5220 B
                                                                                                                                                                 Ammonia-N                                           4500 NH3 B                 0.01 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                 Total phosphorus                                     4500-P-B-5                0.02 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                 Oil and grease                                         5520 B

                                                                                                                                                                 Extra capabilities:
                                                                                                                                                                 TDS                                                    2540-C
                                                                                                                                                                 Volatile suspended solids (VSS)                        2540-E
                                                                                                                                                                 orthophosphate                                        4500-P-B                 0.01 mg/l

                                  Chambers County                             Trinity Bay -            No monitoring programs in Galveston Bay
                                  Environmental Health                        respond to septict
                                  Department                                  sewage complaints

                                             (Jackson, 1994)                  Lake Anuhuac                                                                       FC

                                  U.S. Environmental
                                  Protection Agency
                                  (EPA)

                                  Environmental Monitoring                    5 Stations in the        Water quality - two models of dataloggers                 Water. probe                                                                                     Crew training and sample collection:
                                  and Assessment Program                      vacinity of 5               Surveyor 11 - instantaneous measurements               Temperature, salinity, pH, DO                                                                       chief training
                                  (EMAP)                                      marinas                     Data Sonde 3 - continuous measurements                                                                                                                     crew training
                                                                                                                                                                 Water clarity                                                                                       field certification / auditing
                                     (Heitmuller and Valente, 1991)           6 Stations in East       Water clarity - LICOR LI-1000 containing a                Water depth                                                                                         testing and scoring of personnel
                                              (Homig, 1993)                   Bay Bayou                  submersible light sensor                                Light
                                         (Summers et al., 1992)                                                                                                  Madne debris                                                                                     Water quality measurements:
                                       (U.S. EPA, 1983 and 1991)                                       Light penetration - Secchl disk                                                                                                                              Field quality control checks
                                                                                                                                                                 Fish:                                                                                               instantaneous and continuous measurements
                                                                                                       Fish:                                                     Number of species                                                                                   All datalogging units are calibrated
                                                                                                         Trawling with a 16', high rise otter trawl              Total abundance                                                                                     with documentation within the 24-hour
                                                                                                         with a 2.5 cm mesh cod end - towed for                  Gross pathology                                                                                     period preceding their scheduled use
                                                                                                         10 minutes against tide                                                                                                                                     side by side measurements between
                                                                                                                                                                 Bivalves:                                                                                           Data sonde and Surveyer (standard)
                                                                                                                                                                 Total abundance                                                                                     OC data compiled and evaluated to detennine
                                                                                                       Target species for tissue contaminants:                   Species composition                                                                                 the frequency of acceptable and unacceptable
                                                                                                          shrimp (brown and white)                               Shell length                                                                                        adherence to OA guidelines
                                                                                                          Atlantic croaker
                                                                                                          catfish (hardhead, gafftopsall, and blue)              Fish and bivalve tissue:                                                                         Laboratory certification and chemical analyses:
                                                                                                         Composite of 4 - 10 individuals per site                Pesticides, PCBs                                                                                    laboratories must pass a certificallon prior to
                                                                                                                                                                 Heavy metals                                                                                        analyzing any samples
                                                                                                       Bivalves:                                                                                                                                                     usual OC methods (blanks, spikes, controls,
                                                                                                         Modified oyster dredge with collection bag              Benthic community parameters                                                                        and duplicates)
                                                                                                         towed over the bottom - 5 minutes at                                                                                                                        standard reference materials (SRMS) with
                                                                                                         approximately 1 m/s                                     Grain-size analyses                                                                                 certified values for metals and organics










                                    TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                          AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                            ANALYTICAL
                                                    (Source)                     No. OF STATIONS                    DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                             PARAMETERS MONITORED                           METHODS"             DETECTION LIMITS            QUALITY ASSURANCE/OUALITY CONTROL (OA/OC)
                                                                                                           Senthos:                                                  -ge-diment.                                                                                           U_@_ratory testing and analyses:
                                                                                                            Young - modified Van Veen grab which                     Toxicity                                                                                              scheduled recounts and resorts for
                                                                                                            samples a surface area of 440 square cm                    Ampelisca abdita                              10-day acute bioassay                                 benthic assessments
                                                                                                              3 grabs at base, index, or supplement sites              Mysidopsis bahia                              4-day acute bioassay                                  experimental controls for sediment toxicity
                                                                                                              5 grabs at indicator sites                             Alkanes and isoprenoids                                                                               testing
                                                                                                                                                                     PAHs                                                     GC/MS                                        scheduled replication for sediment
                                                                                                                                                                     Pesticides, PCBs                                         GC/ECD                                       characterization
                                                                                                           Grain-size analyses:                                      Heavy Metals:                                                                                         use of blank, spikes, and standards
                                                                                                            Small core (60 cc) from each grab - sieved                 Ag, At, Cr, Cu, Fe,                                    ICP-AES                                      for chemical assessments
                                                                                                                                                                       Mn, Ni, Pb, An                                         ICP-AES                                      EMAP-E personnel visit each of the
                                                                                                                                                                       As, Cd, Sb, Se, Sri                                    GFAA                                         laboratories at least once while
                                                                                                                                                                       Hg                                                     CVAA                                         EMAP-E analyses is occurring
                                                                                                                                                                     Butyltins
                                                                                                                                                                     TOC

                                    R-EMAP-TX program                            33 Stations                                                                         Sediment:
                                                                                 - 29 systematic                                                                     Detailed chemistry
                                                                                 grid sites                                                                          Benthic communities
                                                                                 - 4 randomly
                                                                                 selected bay sites

                                    U.S. Geological Survey                       2 stage gages             USGS - stage gage - Moses Lake                            stage and precipitation                                                                               Instruments are checked, maintained, and
                                    (USGS)                                                                        - stage gage - Hwy 90 at San Jacinto River         stage                                                                                                 calibrated on a regular basis

                                                 (Fisher, 1994)                  4 automatic                                                                         Water. probe
                                                (Liscum, 1993)                   monitoring stations                                                                 Temperature, salinity, pH
                                                                                                                                                                     conductivity
                                                                                                                                                                     Surface water elevation

                                                                                 12 stations               Freshwater inflow monitoring                              Surface water elevation - hourly
                                                                                                                                                                     Freshwater inflow - hourly

                                                                                                                                                                     4 to 6 samples per year
                                                                                                                                                                     BOD
                                                                                                                                                                     COD
                                                                                                                                                                     FC
                                                                                                                                                                     FS
                                                                                                                                                                     TOC

                                                                                                                                                                     Nutrients
                                                                                                                                                                     Selected pesticidestherbicides
                                                                                                                                                                     Specific conductance
                                                                                                                                                                     Water temperature
                                       Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF)            Approximately 34           Grab samples are taken 1 foot below surface              Water: temperature, DO, pH,                       Standard Methods:                                   GBF follows the Texas Watch QAPjP;
                                                                                 stations in tidal          Samples are collected weekly or bi-monthly               salinity, conductivity, turbidity
                                                                                 segments                                                                                                                                     25SO-B.                                      Monitors receive Texas Watch (TNRCC) training
                                                                                                                                                                     Weather: wind direction, intensity,                      4500-o C
                                                                                                                                                                     days since last rainfall,                                4500-H B                                     Monitors participate in 2 QC sessions per year.
                                                                                                                                                                     air temp.                                                2510 B                                       Conductivity pens are calibrated prior to each
                                                                                                                                                                     Other: total depth, water level,                                                                      monitoring event.
                                                                                                                                                                     odor, site observations, tide,                                                                        00 chemicals are changed every 6 months.
                                                                                                                                                                     color











                                  TABLE3-1. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                       AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                ANALYTICAL
                                                  (Source)                      No. OF STATIONS                   DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                           METHODS**             DETECTION LIMITS QUALITY ASSURANCE/OUALrrY CONTROL (QA1OC)
                                  U.S. Fish and wilcilile                     Entire estuary -           USFWS - National Wetlands Inventory                        Vegetation groups:                                    Photo analysis
                                  Service (USFWS)                             every 10 years               - program of mapping wetlands using                                                                            Ground truthing
                                                                                                            aerial photography

                                  (Special Study)                             24 Stations                Sediment:                                                  Water. probe                                                                                         NS&T OA1QC Procedures
                                  Galveston Bay National                                                   - collected with a 4" diameter coring device             Temperature, salinity
                                  Estuary Program (GBNEP)                     16 stations selected
                                                                              in depositional            Benthos:                                                   Water depth
                                                (Carr, 1993)                  zones away from              - collected with a 2' diameter coring device
                                           (Jensen et al., 1993)              known point                                                                           Sediment:
                                                                              source discharges                                                                     Trace metals:
                                                                                                                                                                      Al, Br, Be, Cr, Cu, Fe,                                  DCP
                                                                              8 stations selected                                                                     Mg. Mn, N!, Tr, Vd, Zn                                   DCP
                                                                              based on specific                                                                       As. Cd, Pb, Se                                           GFAA
                                                                              areas of concern                                                                        Fig                                                      CVAA

                                                                              A GPS navigation                                                                      PAHs                                                MS in the SIM mode
                                                                              receiver was used                                                                     Pesticides, PCBs                                           CGC
                                                                              to determine station                                                                  TOC                                              oulometer TOC analyzer
                                                                              locations.                                                                            AVS                                                        GFAA

                                                                                                                                                                    Toxicity:
                                                                                                                                                                      Grandidleralla japonica                           10-day solid-phase
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             bioassay
                                                                                                                                                                    Pore water.
                                                                                                                                                                    DO, pH, hydrogen sulfide
                                                                                                                                                                    Temperature, ammonia

                                                                                                                                                                    Toxicity: gametes
                                                                                                                                                                      Arbacia punctulata                                  Fertilization test
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Morphological                                                                               Morphological
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        development assay                                                                           development assay
                                                                                                                                                                    Benthic community parameters
                                                                                                                                                                    Total abundance
                                                                                                                                                                    Species composition
                                                                                                                                                                    Species diversity
                                                                                                                                                                    Species richness

                                  National Oceanic and
                                  Atmospheric Administration
                                  (NOAA)

                                  National Status and Trends                                                                                                                                                                                                             NS&T Program
                                  Program (NS&T)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Methodology - performance based
                                      (Presley and O'Conner, 1993)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Analysis of reference materials and control
                                                                              I                                                                                                                                                                                           materials Is required











                                     TABLE3-1. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                          AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                               ANALYTICAL
                                                    (Source)                     No. OF STATIONS                  DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                             PARAMETERS MONITORED                               METHODS**       DETECTION LIMITS QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (OA/QC)
                                     1. National Benthic                       9 Stations .                Sediments were collected concurrently with             M-diments:
                                     Surveillance Project                      a nominal site              fish specimens at each NBSP site                        Organic compounds:                                                                                 Trace organic analytical procedures - internal
                                     (NBSP)                                    center has been                                                                      Pesticides, PCBs                                        GC/ECD                 0.0001 ug1g        standards are added at the start and carried
                                                                               defined for NBSP            Sediment:                                                PAHs                                                    GC/FID/MS              0.0010 u9/g        through analyses
                                                 (NOAA. 1993)                  sites as an area              specially constructed box corer                        Coprostanol                                             GC/FID
                                                                               2 krn in diameter             standard Smith-Macintyre bottom grab                                                                                                                     Calibration checks - plus or minus 10% of the
                                                                               and is revisited for          the water was drained before sediment was tak         Major and trace elements:                                                                          accuracy based value for standards
                                                                               sample collection                                                                    SI, Al, Fe                                              FAA                    Ag, Cd, Hg =
                                                                                                           Fish:                                                    Cr, Zn, Mn                                              FAA,GFAA               0.005 ug/g         All samples must be quantified within the
                                                                                                             primarily collected by otter trawls towed by           Ag, As. Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb                                  GFAA,FAA,HAA           Cr, Pb =           calibration range
                                                                                                             NOAA vessels                                           Hg                                                      CVAA                   0.2 ug/g
                                                                                                             occasionally by hook and line or gill nets                                                                                            As, Cu =           Method Detection Limits (MOLs) are calculated
                                                                                                                                                                   Clostridium perfringens                                  plate count            0.05 ug/g          and reported annually - Since 1989, method
                                                                                                                                                                   TOC                                                      CHN analyzer                              for calculating MDLs Is that used by the EPA
                                                                                                                                                                   Moisture content                               rying at 120 degrees C                              If EPA method is not used - the procedure is
                                                                                                                                                                   Particle size                                 Wet sieving techniques                               described in detail

                                                                                                                                                                  Fish Tissue:                                                                                        Precision - defined limits
                                                                                                                                                                   Organic compounds:
                                                                                                                                                                    Pesticides, PCBs                                        GC/ECD                 0.001 ug/g         Accuracy - defined limits
                                                                                                                                                                    PAI-Is - stomach contents                               GCIFID/MS              0.01 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                    PAH metabolites - bile                                  HPLCIFID               0.01 ug/g          A minimum of 8% of an analytical sample string
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      should consist of blanks, reference or control
                                                                                                                                                                   Major and Trace elements:                                                       Ag, Cd, Hg         materials, duplicates, and spike matrix samples
                                                                                                                                                                    A[, Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Ni,                                 GFAA                   0.001 ug1g
                                                                                                                                                                    Pb. Sib, Se, Sn, TI                                     GFAA                   Cr, Pb =           Data acceptability criteria reported annually
                                                                                                                                                                    Fe, Min, Cu, Zn-                                        FAA                    0.04 ug/g          Intercomparison exercises
                                                                                                                                                                    Hg                                                      CVAA                   As, Cu =           Quality assurance workshops
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   0.01 ug/g          Development of standard reference and 0.01 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                   Tissue dry weight                                        Oven drying                               control materials
                                                                                                                                                                  Otoliths or scales - fish age

                                     2. Mussel Watch Program                   6 Stations:                 When taken, sediment samples were collected            Water. probe                                                                                        National Institute of Standards and Technology
                                     (MWP)                                                                 concurrently with bivalve samples                       Temperature, salinity, depth                                                                       (NIST) trace organic exercises - performance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      based
                                                 (NOAA, 1993)                                              Sedlments:                                             Sediments:                                                                                          National Research Council (NRC) trace
                                                                               Sites were defined            stainless steel box core                              Organic compounds:                                                                                 element exercises - performance based
                                                                               using Global                  Teflon-coated sampling scoop                           Pesticides, PCBs                                        GC/ECD                 0.0001 ugtg
                                                                               Positioning System                                                                   PAI-Is                                                  GC/MS                  0.0010 ug/g
                                                                               Technology                  Oysters:                                                 Coprostanol                                             GC/FID
                                                                                                           American oyster
                                                                                                             hand (preferred), tongs, or dredge                    Major and trace elements:                                                       Ag, Cd, Hg
                                                                                                                                                                    AJ, Cr, Mn, Fe                                          NAA                    0.005 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                    Ni, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sri, Pb                             GFAA                   Cr, Pb =
                                                                                                                                                                    Cu                                                      GFAA,FAA               0.2 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                    Zn                                                      FAA                    As, Cu =
                                                                                                                                                                    Hg                                                      CVAA                   0.05 ug/g

                                                                                                                                                                   00stridium perfringens                                   plate count
                                                                                                                                                                   TOC                                                      carbon analyzer
                                                                                                                                                                   Moisture content                               4 hours at 45 degrees C
                                                                                                                                                                   Particle size                                            Dry sieved

                                                                                                                                                                  Oyster fissue:
                                                                                                                                                                   Organic compounds:
                                                                                                                                                                    Pesticides, PC13s                                       GC/ECD                 0.001 ugtg
                                                                                                                                                                    PAHs                                                    GC/MS                  0.01 ugtg











                                TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                     AGENCYIORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                  ANALYTICAL
                                              (Source)                    No. OF STATIONS                 DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                          PARAMETERS MONITORED                        METHODS**           DETECTION LIMITS QUALITY ASSURANCEIGUALMY CONTROL (QA/QC)

                                                                                                                                                         Major and trace elements:                                                Ag, Cd, Hg =
                                                                                                                                                          Al, Mn, Fe, Zn                                       FAA                   0.001 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                          C                                                FAAIGFAA                  Cr, Pb =
                                                                                                                                                          Cr, Ni, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sri, Pb                     GFAA                   0.04 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                          Hg                                                  CVAA                   As, Cu =
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     0.01 ug/g                                                    0.01 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                         Tissue dry weight                                 Oven drying
                                                                                                                                                         Shell size
                                                                                                                                                         Radionuclide samples - 1991
                                                                                                                                                         Gonadal index

                                National Marine and Fishery
                                Service (NMFS)

                                        (Zimmerman, 1993)

                                1. Baseline Production                 Variable stations in      Fish, shrimp, and crabs are sampled using             Organisms:
                                                                        West Bay marsh             drop samplers                                         Densities of target species
                                                                                                                                                         Biomass

                                2. Brown Shrimp                                                  NMFS - brown shrimp                                   Catch per unit effort
                                Catch Program                                                       Interviews with bait dealers and fishermen         Pounds per hour

                                                                                                    Reviews of fishermen's logs

                                3. Post Larval                         6 Stations                   Samples are collected with a Flong,                Water. probe
                                Shrimp Program                                                      small-meshed, modified hand-held beam trawl          Temperature, salinity
                                (discontinued in 1993)
                                                                                                                                                       Tide condition

                                                                                                                                                       Catch per 100 square meters
                                                                                                                                                         of bottom area

                                                                                                                                                       Length (size of shrimp)

                                Texas Department of Health             104 Stations              Water samples are collected 2 feet under              Water: probe                                                                                  National Shellfish Sanitation Program
                                (TDH)                                                              the water surface while other parameters are          Temperature, DO, salinity                                                                   NSSP QA/QC Guidelines (9)
                                                                        - approved shellfish       measured by probes.
                                           (APHA, 1970)                   harvest areas                                                                Weather conditions:
                                            (Wiles, 1993)                                                                                                Air temperature
                                                                         conditionally                                                                   Rainfall
                                                                          approved waters                                                                Wind direction
                                                                                                                                                         Wind velocity
                                                                                                                                                       Tide conditions
                                                                                                                                                       FC











                                    TABLEM. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                            AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                ANALYTICAL
                                                   (Source)                   No. OF STATIONS                 DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                     METHODS**           DETECTION LIMITS        QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (OA/OC
                                    U.S. Army Corps OT
                                    Engineers (USCE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                              EPA methods (2)                               Dredged Matedal Testing Manual (2) EPA methods (2)
                                    1. Dredged Material                      6 core stations in          Samples collected by a bottom grab                   Heavy Metals                                                                                  OA/QC Guidelines (10)
                                    Monitoring Program                       the Houston Ship                                                                 As                                                    7060
                                    Galveston District                       Channel                                                                          Cd                                                    7131                                     10% of laboratory samples are field
                                                                                                                                                              Cr                                                    7191                                      duplicates
                                            (Medina, Hauch, and                                                                                               Cu                                                    7211
                                               Arhelger, 1993)                                                                                                Ni                                                    7521                                     One sample of every 10 - 20 samples
                                            (U.S. EPA, 1986 and 1991)                                                                                         Pb                                                    7421                                      are analyzed in triplicate
                                                                                                                                                              Zn                                                    7951
                                                                                                                                                              Se                                                    7740
                                                                                                                                                              Hg                                                    7470
                                                                                                                                                              Oil and grease
                                                                                                                                                              PCBS
                                                                                                                                                              PAHs
                                                                                                                                                              Pesticides
                                                                                                                                                              Grain-size analyses
                                                                                                                                                              Toxicity                                     -day solid phase bloassay
                                                                                                                                                              Bloaccumulation                              28-day bloaccumulation
                                    2. Open Bay Disposal                     30 Stations:                Samples collected with a box corer                   Sediment:                                       EPA me_th_od1sT2T_                            Dredged Material Testing Manual
                                    Dredged Material                         Open Bay                    Sediment profiler                                    Sediment profile imagery                                                                      QA/QC; Guidelines (10)
                                    Program - Waterways                                                                                                       Grain-size analyses
                                    Experiment Station                                                                                                        Sediment carbon
                                    (3 year program scheduled                                                                                                 Redox potential
                                    to finish in 1994)
                                                                                                                                                              Surface relief
                                            (Clark and Ray, 1993)                                                                                             Benthos parameters
                                            (U.S. EPA, 1986 and 1991)



                                    NOTES:

                                    (1)     U.S. EPA. 1983. Methods for chemical analyses of water and wastes, 2nd Edition. EPA 60014-79-020. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Support Laboratory.
                                    (2)     U.S. EPA. 1986. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes, 3rd Edition. EPA SW-846. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C.
                                    (3)     TNRCC. 1993. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Activities, Surface Water Monitoring. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, September 1993.
                                    (4)     TPWD. 1993a. Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, January 1993.
                                    (5)     TPWD. 1989. Commercial Harvest Field Operations Manual. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, January 1989.
                                    (6)     TPWD. 1993b. Marine Sport Harvest Monitoring Operations Manual. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, July 1993.
                                    (7)     APHA. 1992. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
                                    (8)     APHA. 1989. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 17th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
                                    (9).APHA. 1970. Recommended Procedures for the Examination of Seawater and Shellfish. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
                                    (10) U.S.EPA. 1991. The Near Coastal Laboratory Procedures Manual. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH.


                                      ABBREVIATIONS:

                                    AES-                                     Atomic emission spectrometry                                                     GC-                                          Gas chromatography
                                    CGC-                                     Capillary gas chromatography                                                     GFAA-                                        Graphite furnace atomic absorption
                                    CHIN analyzer -                          Carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen analyzer                                                HAA-                                         Hydride generation atomic absorption
                                    CVAA-                                    Cold vapor atomic absorption                                                     HPLC-                                        High performance liquid chromatography
                                    DCP-                                     Direct coupled plasma                                                            lCP -                                        Inductively coupled plasma
                                    ECD-                                     Electron capture detection                                                       Ms-                                          Mass spectrometry
                                    FAA-                                     Flame atomic absorption                                                          NAA-                                         Neutron activation analysis
                                    FID -                                    Flame ionization detector                                                        Sim -                                        Selected ion monitoring
                                    GC -                                     Gas chromatography











                    Seek associations between selected indicators of natural and human stresses
                    and indicators of the condition of ecological resources.

             Sampling stations are systematically distributed throughout the'estuary according
             to gridded areas - approximately 18 km between each sampling station. A quarter
             of these gridded areas are sampled every year. During each sampling event, a
             random sample station is located within those grids to be sampled. All samples are
             collected in the summer generally August to September. EMAP-E indicators focus
             on fish and benthic community structure, contaminant levels in fish and sediment
             samples, sediment toxicity, and dissolved oxygen profiles.

             In addition to EMAP-E the EPA has conducted higher resolution sampling in
             Galveston Bay under the Regional-EMAP (R-EMAP) . The purpose of the R-EMA-P
             pilot program for Galveston Bay was to follow-up on areas flagged during previous
             EMAP-E sampling. R-EMAP projects will also demonstrate the utility of applying
             EMA-P design and indicator concepts to address problems of a smaller spatial and
             temporal scale. Sediment collection and analyses followed EAL&P Near Coastal
             protocols. Analyses of sediment chemistry, sedimen        't toxicology, and benthic
             community structure were conducted. The project will initially be limited to one
             round of sampling, conducted in mid-September 1993. The decision to conduct a
             follow-up of the project will be made after examination of the data. The proposed
             cost of the program is approximately $250,000. (K. Summers, U.S. EPA, personal
             communication)

             The R-EMAP pilot project for Galveston Bay consisted of randomly sampling 33
             stations uniformly distributed about the bay (Figure 3-1) Bottom sediment samples
             were collected from the 29 grid and 4 bay stations for detailed chemistry and
             benthic community analyses. Three duplicate samples are randomly selected from
             the grid site samples for chemistry analysis and as a quality assurance practice.
             Five marina stations were sampled for sediment chemistry, benthic communities,
             and water Tri-Butyl-Tin (TBT) analysis. The six East Bay Bayou stations were
             sampled for 1) fish tissue pathology and chemistry and for 2) sediment chemistry
             and toxicity analyses. One additional fish chemistry analysis is also conducted as a
             quality assurance practice.

             United States Geological SumLey
             USGS operates a total of 16 stations which monitor water quality in either tidally
             affected sections of Galveston Bay or freshwater inflow to the Bay (F. Liscum,
             USGS, personal communication). These stations include four continuous four-
             parameter monitors operated for the City of Houston located on tidally influenced
             reaches (Buffalo Bayou at the Turning Basin, Buffalo Bayou at McKee St. Oust
             below the confluence with White Oak Bayou), Buffalo Bayou at Shepherd Drive, and
             White Oak Bayou Oust above the confluence with Buffalo Bayou). Continuous
             monitoring parameters are water-surface elevation, temperature, dissolved oxygen
             and specific conductance.     These data are available on a near real-time basis


                                                        38














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                                                                    ...............
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                                                                                                                                                                                                      C,
                                                                    ................
                                                                                                                                                 ...........
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                                                                                                          ..........                             ...........
                                                                                                                                                 ...........
                                                                                                                                                 ..........
                                                                                                                                        ....     ..........


                                                                                                                                                                                 0
                                                                    ..... .. ....
                                                                    . ......                                                                                                                                                    A SAMPLING STATION
                                                                    ... . ..... ...









                                                                                                                                        0 1 23 4 56 7 8 Miles
                                                                    ...........-
                                                                    ..........
                                                                    ............
                                                                    ..............
                                                                    ..........

                                                                    ...........
                                                                    .............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Source: EPA, 1993
                                                                    ....... ...... .


                                       Figure 3-1. U.S. ENIAP sampling stations in Galveston Bay.





                                                                                                                                                                                 39









              through access via the GOES satellite system. Annual cost (1994 FY) for each
              station is about $26,500.

              The twelve other stations are located to help define freshwater inflow to Galveston
              Bay. These include four sites to better define the impacts from the urban areas of
              Houston (located on the Brays, Sims, Hunting and Greens Bayous), seven sites to
              define the contribution from Lake Houston (sites located on Lake Houston and six
              tributaries, Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, Luce Bayou, West Fork San Jacinto
              River, Caney Creek and East Fork San Jacinto River) and one site to help define the
              input from the Trinity River (located at Romayor). These sites are paired with
              USGS flow stations and are equipped with automatic samplers. In addition to
              hourly water surface elevation and flow data, the following data are available for
              these sites for collected samples:

                   BOD, CBOD, FC, FS, TOC, minor elements (calcium, magnesium, alkalinity,
                   sulfate etc.), nutrients, selected herbicides and pesticides, specific conductance
                   and water temperature.

              Sample collection frequency varies in the order of 4 to 6 times a year, depending
              upon agency requirements. The cost for operating these stations ranges from about
              $15,000 to almost $25,000, dependent on the sampling frequency.

              The recorded data from USGS stations are available in the Water Resources Data
              Reports publications series. These data are also available by other sources from
              USGS:


                 1) Through NAWDEX, i.e., main frame access to USGS archives and on-line
                    data storage. TNRIS is the assigned access point for Texas.

                  2) Hard copy (i.e., printouts) and/or computer compatible media requests are
                    available by written request.

                  3) Access over computer communication networks are available by entering into
                    an agreement with USGS (MOU - Memorandum of Understanding).

              None of the monitoring stations fall within the boundaries of the base map used in
              this chapter. These will be critical stations in the tributary monitoring effort.

              United States Corps of Engineers
              The U.S. Corps of Engineers is presently conducting two sampling programs in
              Galveston Bay. The first is the Dredged Material Monitoring Program by USCE
              Galveston District (R. Medina, R. Hauck, and M. Arhelger, U.S. Army Corps of
              Engineers, Galveston District, personal communication). As shown in Figure 3-2,
              six stations in the Houston Ship Channel are regularly monitored for dredging




                                                         40














                                                                                                                                                                                                    ......            ......-
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                                                                                               . .............
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                                                                                                                                                                                           .........                  ... .... .
                                                                                                                     xx

                                                                                               . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                       TRINITY
                                                                                               ................. . ..... .
                                                                                               .......... . .............                                                                                             . ........ . ......
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ........................
                                                                                               ..............                                                                                                                                         ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                        RIVER
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                                                                                                                                                                                               A SAMPLING STATION
                                                                                               ................... . . ............................
                                                                                               ......... .. . ... . .. ................ I'll,
                                                                                               ........... . . ............................
                                                                                               ....... . . ..... ..................
                                                                                               ...... . ..... . . . . . . ........................... ....
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                                                                                               -... . . . . ................................... .
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                                                                                               . .... .. . ...... .
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                                                                                               .......................... ..... .... . ...
                                                                                               ........... . ......... . . ..........
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                                                                                               ........................


                                                                                               . ....... ..... ...

                                                                                               CHRISTMAS
                                                                                               BAY
                                                                                                 0 1       2         3 4 5 6 7 8 Miles


                                                                                               ..................
                                                                                               .....................-
                                                                                                                                                                                                Source: USCE, 1993
                                  Figure 3-2.                                                  USCE Galveston"bistrict Houston Ship Channel "core" monitoring
                                                                                               stations.






                                                                                                                                                  41








              activities. Other estuarine stations are also monitored for specific prqjects. All
              channels currently being dredged are sampled once before dredging and six times
              after dredging. Maintained channels are monitored every three years. Samples are
              collected by bottom grab and analyzed for metals, oil and grease, PCBs, PAHs,
              pesticides, grain sizes, toxicity, and bio accumulation. The collected data are not
              stored at USCE but are retained by a private contractor. The annual cost for the
              monitoring program is variable depending on the number of dredgings conducted in
              one year. However, the cost per sampling effort is approximately $76,000.

              The second USCE sampling program in Galveston Bay is the Open Bay Disposal
              Dredge Material Program conducted by the Waterways Experiment Station (D.
              Clarke and G. Ray, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station,
              personal communication). This is a three-ye   ar research program, now in its final
              year. Thirty stations are monitored two to four times per year. Sixteen stations are
              located in the upper bay areas. Fourteen are located in the lower bay areas. The
              monitoring is conducted by box corer and sediment profiler for sediment profile
              imagery, benthos characterization, grain size, sediment carbon, Redox potential,
              su:Fface relief, and benthic succession. The collected data are stored in an in-house
              computer. While this program is not an ongoing monitoring program, it is
              mentioned here because of the valuable information that will be provided for bay
              sediments.


              United States Fish and Wildlife Service
              The USFWS does not conduct a routine monitoring program such as the TNRCC or
              USGS programs (B. Cain, USFWS, personal communication). USFWS activities are
              generally limited to short-term special studies to address particular issues. The
              USFWS does carry out the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), which is a program
              of mapping wetlands nationwide using stereoscopic analysis of high altitude aerial
              photography and historical topographic data. Areal changes in open-water,
              wetlands, and developed land are assessed and future changes projected. This
              survey is performed at a roughly 10-year interval. The last NWI survey/projection
              for Galveston Bay was funded as a GBNEP characterization project (White et al.,
              1993).

              USFWS is also involved with several bird surveys. The Mid-winter Waterfowl
              Survey is conducted in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
              This survey consists of a systematic scheme of sampling along transects and
              another less systematic scheme of counting birds in general locations. These data
              provide information on abundance of waterfowl by species and by transect, or by
              general location within the surrounding waters of Galveston Bay System (Slack,
              1992). Another bird data set important to the GBRMP monitoring effort is the
              Shorebird Survey of Bolivar Flats. The USFWS has conducted irregular monthly
              surveys since 1980 at the Bolivar Flats. These surveys are conducted in the beach
              and marsh habitats of the flats by one observer using a spotting scope to identify all
              species of birds (Slack, 1992).



                                                         42








             Plans for monitoring wildlife refugees are being developed. This effort is expected
             to fall under the responsibility of the recently created National Biological Survey.
             At this time no specific plans or schedules have been developed for Galveston Bay.
             Occasional special studies are performed by USFWS, but these cannot be considered
             monitoring efforts (B. Cain, USFWS, personal communication).

             National OceanogLraphic and Atmospheric Administration
             The NOAA has two programs that involve monitoring activities in Galveston Bay
             (R. Presley and T. O'Connor, National.0ceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
             personal communication). The first is the Mussel Watch Program, which monitors
             six stations in Galveston Bay, as shown in Figure 3-3. Oysters are sampled
             annually for the measurements of trace elements, chlorinated pesticides,
             polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PAHs, and TBT. Sediments were also sampled
             during the period from 1986 to 1988. The collected data are stored in a NS&T
             database in spreadsheet (Excel) or ASCII formats. The cost of the program is
             $10,000 per site per year or $60,000 per year.

             The second NOAA monitoring program is the National Benthic Surveillance Project,
             which monitors nine sites in Galveston Bay, as shown in Figure 3-3. Fish are
             sampled from the sites once every two years. Fish tissues are analyzed for organic
             compounds-, chlorinated pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and pathology of fish livers are
             measured. Sediments are also sampled for trace metals, organic compounds,
             pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs. The collected data are stored in a NS&T database i     n
             spreadsheet (Excel) or ASCII formats. The cost of the program is $10,000 per site
             per year or $90,000 per year.

             National Marine Fisheries Service
             The NMFS has two operational monitoring programs in Galveston Bay. The first is
             the Brown Shrimp Bait Survey. Bait dealers and fishermen are interviewed, and
             fishermen logs are reviewed, weekly from April through June to gather catch per
             unit effort data (i.e., pounds per hour) for juvenile penaeid shrimp. The second
             program is the Jamaica Beach Program, in which fish and decapod crustacean
             populations are monitored using drop sampler collections at several salt marsh sites
             in West Bay near Galveston Island State Park. Sixteen (8 pairs) of vegetated and
             unvegetated samples were collected monthly from 1982 through 1992. Since 1992,
             this monitoring program has been scaled back, monthly samples were collected
             January-July in 1993 and March-May in 1994. Data from these monitoring
             programs are stored on computer files at the Galveston Lab. No cost or data
             management information is available for these programs at this time (L. Rozas,
             NMFS, personal communication).

             State Agencies:

             Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
             The TNRCC conducts routine sampling in Galveston Bay to maintain a central
             database for monitoring water and sediment conditions. The measurements include


                                                       43


















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                                           CHRISTMAS

                                                                                                  0 1 2 3 4 5 11 7 6 Miles

                                      . ......... .
                                      .......  .. . ....
                                                                                                                                                                                         Source: NOAA, 1993


                                  Figure 3-3.                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sampling
                                                                                 .stations in Galveston Bay.




                                                                                                                                                  44








             probe, conventional pollutants, nutrients, organics, inorganics, metals toxicity, and
             tissue (S. Twidwell, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, personal
             communication). Probe measurements include temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO),
             conductivity, salinity, and pH. Other conventional water quality measurements
             include biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS).
             TNRCC measures nutrients such as orthophosphate, nitrite-N, nitrate-N, ammonia-
             N, and total phosphorus and collects data on fecal coliform. bacteria, chlorophyll a,
             and pheophytin a. Routine measurements also include total organic carbon (TOC),
             alkalinity, chloride, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS), and volatile suspended
             solids (VSS).

             Additional sampling efforts are conducted less frequently at selected stations.
             These monitoring efforts include sampling of benthos, nekton, and plankton; and
             the analyses of metals, pesticides, priority pollutants, inorganics (alkalinity,
             hardness, and major ions), and toxicity in both water and sediment.

             As shown in Figure 3-4, of the 68 stations in Galveston Bay, groups of 55, 10, and 3
             stations are sampled four, two and one times per year, respectively. This yields a
             total of 243 sampling activities per year. For the collection of surface water data,
             TNRCC field personnel use the procedures and quality assurance practices
             described in the "Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual" (TWC, 1991). The
             collected data are stored in the Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM)
             database. TNRCC also maintains self-reporting and compliance monitoring data as
             part of the INGRES database that contains water quality monitoring data. Based
             on the total monitoring cost for the entire state and the number of samplings in
             Galveston Bay, the estimated annual cost for TNRCC's monitoring activities in
             Galveston Bay was calculated at $112,947. This cost is a proportion of budget line
             items and may not completely reflect administrative, office, and benefit costs, which
             are in other budget areas.

             Texas Water Development Board
             The objective of TWDB's monitoring program in Galveston Bay is to collect data to
             support calibration of TWDB's models of circulation and salinity, and to support
             analyses of the relationship between salinity and freshwater inflow (D. Brock, Texas
             Water Development Board, personal communication). TWDB routinely samples five
             stations in Galveston Bay (see Figure 3-5). The parameters measured include water
             temperature, pH, DO, conductivity, and salinity. The measurements are conducted
             by probes fixed at the sites and are automatically recorded every 90 minutes. The
             instruments are checked and maintained roughly once a month. The data collected
             are stored in computers in TWDB in ASCII format but are not transferred to
             TNRCC's system. The annual cost for the monitoring program is approximated to
             be $35,000. As with the TNRCC, the estimate reflects line budget items only.

             Eight tide gauges are operated in Galveston Bay as part of the Texas Coastal Ocean
             Observation Network, funded in part by the TWDB, the General land Office, the
             Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) Blucher Institute, and Lamar



                                                       45





















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               Figure 3-4.      Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission sampling
                                 stations in Galveston Bay.





                                                            46










            University, in cooperation with NOAA. The locations of these stations are shown on
            Figure 3-5. Data is inspected by TAMUCC-Blucher Institute staff and all quality
            assurance procedures (detection of outliers, leveling procedures, documentation,
            etc.) required by NOAA are also implemented. All raw data collected are stored at
            TAMUCC. Following data inspection, corrected data is also sent to TWDB for
            archiving, dissemination, and analysis. Annual costs are estimated to be $50,000
            per station.

            Texas Department of Health
            The objective of TDH's monitoring program in Galveston Bay is to ensure
            compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program's (NSSP) requirements
            of using bacteriological monitoring along with pollution source surveys to classify
            shellfish-producing waters (K. Wiles, Texas Department of Health, Division of
            Shellfish Sanitation Control, personal communication). The measurements
            conducted include air and water temperature, tide condition, rainfall, weather
            conditions, wind direction and velocity, DO, salinity, and fecal coliform bacteria.

            TDH routinely monitors 104 stations in Galveston Bay (see Figure 3-6). According
            to the NSSP guidelines, water samples are collected two feet under the water
            surface while other parameters are measured by probes. TDH also follows the
            quality assurance procedures given in the NSSP guidelines. The NSSP guidelines
            do not require the collection of duplicate water samples. (Duplicate samples are
            used to assess the consistency of water quality analysis.) The collected data are
            stored at TDH and not transferred to the SWQM system. An approximated annual
            cost for the TDH's monitoring activities in Galveston Bay is $80,012. As with the
            TNRCC, this cost is a proportion of budget line items and may not completely reflect
            administrative, office, and benefit costs, which are in other budget areas.

            Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
            The TPWD has undertaken three monitoring programs in Galveston Bay. The first
            is the Resource Monitoring Program. Gill nets are set during two 10 week seasons,
            spring and fall with 45 nets set during each season. On a monthly basis 20 trawl,
            30 oyster dredge, and 20 bag seine samples are collected in Galveston Bay. Six
            trawl samples are collected in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and six bag
            seine, six beach seine, and 16 trawl samples at offshore sites (Galveston jetties to
            Freeport jetties). The sampling is conducted on a monthly basis except for the gill
            nets, which are done in the spring and fall only. The exact sampling sites are
            selected randomly each month from a grid system. Weather conditions, tide
            conditions, temperature, salinity, DO, and turbidity are measured when collecting
            samples. The collected samples are analyzed for species identification, counts, size,
            weights (occasionally), sex, and maturity. Large, live fishes are tagged to allow
            growth and mortality estimates and to monitor movement (L. Robinson, TPV%TD,
            personal communication).




                                                       47

















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                                                                                                      CHRISTMAS
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Source: TWDB
                                                    Figure 3-5.                                                 Texas Water Development Board sampling stations in Galveston
                                                                                                                Bay.





                                                                                                                                                                                                                48














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                           Figure 3-6.                      Texas Department of Health sampling stations in Galveston Bay.






                                                                                                                 49








              Oyster monitoring, previously carried out at random open-bay bottom sites and on
              defined oyster reef areas, has been reduced to oyster reefs only. Monthly sampling
              is based on counting the live organisms collected from a series of 30-second oyster
              dredge trawls. Counts of oyster spat, encrusting organisms, and the percentage of
              live and dead oysters are also recorded. Standing crop estimates are made from the
              number of organisms collected on a per-effort basis. This data is used in
              conjunction with the Texas Department of Health's National Shellfish Sanitation
              Program efforts for the regulatory control of harvest season duration and harvesting
              areas. The data for all monitoring are stored in a mainframe computer in Austin,
              Texas, and are SAS or ASCII retrievable. Quality assurance and quality control are
              specified in operations manuals issued by TPWD and are applied to all coastal
              resource sampling programs. This includes inspection trips by supervising
              biologists and managers to evaluate consistency. Ecosystem leaders from other field
              systems will also accompany field crews to monitor for consistency between field
              stations. The annual monitoring cost for this program is estimated from labor
              (eight personnel involved) and supporting costs to be $250,000.

              The second monitoring program is the Coastal Resource Harvest Commercial
              Landings Program (L. McEachron, P. Campbell, and L. Robinson, Texas Parks and
              Wildlife Department, personal communication). Ninety-five seafood dealers are
              interviewed monthly for information about all commercial finfish, shrimp, crab,
              oyster, and other marine life. The licensed dealers are required to report all edible
              saltwater products purchased from commercial fishermen through the submission of
              Monthly Aquatic Products Reports to TPWD or NMFS. The parameters collected
              include total weight of catch (or number of individuals), price per pound, and the
              name of the water body where seafood is collected. Quality assurance includes
              cross-checking data and following the Procedures Manual. The data are stored in a
              mainframe computer in Austin on magnetic tape. The cost of the program is about
              $10,000 plus labor costs for two personnel, resulting in an estimated total of
              $60,000.

              The third monitoring program is the Coastal Resource Harvest Recreational
              Landings Program (L. Robinson, L. Green, and L. McEachron, Texas Parks and
              Wildlife Department, personal communication). This program involves conducting
              on-site, trip-end interviews on 125 boat access survey sites. Thirty-one weekend
              and 66 weekday interviews are conducted from May 15 to November 20, and 12
              weekend and 24 weekday interviews are conducted from November 21 to May 14,
              respectively, totaling 133 surveys per year. The information gathered includes boat
              registration number, time of interview, trip length, number of people in the party
              and their residence, area fished, gear, bait and amount, fish landed by species, total
              lengths of fish (six per species), grade for trip success, species sought, amount of live
              bait (shrimp, mullet), and methods of obtaining baits (caught or bought). Quality
              assurance/quality control includes interviewer's observations, inspection trips by
              supervising biologists and managers to ensure consistency, editing and cross-
              checking data input, and following the Operation Manual procedures. Interview
              data sheets are kept on file for future reference. Currently, the collected data are


                                                           50







             stored in a mainframe computer in Austin on magnetic tape. This is being
             converted to a disc-based M204 database. The monitoring cost is $110,000 plus
             labor costs for three personnel, resulting in an estimated total of $200,000.

             Local Agencies:

             City of Houston
             Two departments in the City of Houston conduct routine monitoring of tidal
             tributaries to Galveston Bay. The first is the Department of Public Works and
             Engineering (DPW&E), Wastewater Operations, which monitors the major bayous
             in the vicinity of Houston. The objectives of the monitoring program are to resolve
             concerns over water quality conditions in the bayous and to aid in locating and
             correcting sewer leaks (T. Glanton, City of Houston, Department of Public Works
             and Engineering, Wastewater Quality Control, personal communication).

             DPW&E monitors 45 stations in the tidal and non-tidal portions of major bayous
             (see Figure 3-7)., Most of them are sampled once per week but in winter or under
             high flows the frequency may be reduced to once per month. DPW&E monitors
             parameters such as DO, temperature, pH, ammonia-N, nitrate-N, BOD, TSS,
             conductivity, and FC. The measurements and QA procedures are based on EPA
             approved guidelines. Data collected by DPW&E are stored in the department but
             are not transferred to the SWQM system. The annual monitoring cost is
             approximately $100,000. This estimate is based on personnel involved and includes
             estimated overhead costs.


             Additionally, the Health and Human Services Department (HHSD), Bureau of
             Public Health Engineering, has two groups conducting monitoring. The Field
             Operations Unit monitors 54 stream stations in the Houston area as well as all
             permitted wastewater dischargers. The stream stations are monitored on a roughly
             monthly basis for conventional parameters and nutrients. Although this monitoring
             effort is a significant one, the 54 stations are essentially all above tidal waters and
             are not included as part of this monitoring effort. The data collected are stored in a
             city computer database and are provided to the TNRCC (Austin and Region 12) in
             paper and machine readable forms (T. Fisher, City of Houston, Health and Human
             Services Department, Bureau of Public Health Engineering, Field Operations Unit,
             personal communication).

             The Quality Assurance Group of the Bureau of Public Health Engineering of HHSD
             also monitors a number of stations (D. Krentz, City of Houston, Health and Human
             Services Department, Bureau of Public Health Engineering, Quality Assurance
             Group, personal communication).     -Although most of its stations are in Lake Houston
             and its watershed, part of the monitoring effort is in six major Houston bayous.






                                                         51















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ...........
                                                                                                            7



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Kiv&H

                                                                                     HOUSTON
                                                                                           SHIP
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ... .......
                                                                                      CHANNEL

                                                                         ...                                                                                                                             .... ...


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .................

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ........ . ....


                                                                                           ...........
                                                                                           ...... . . . .



                                                                                                                                                                                               TRINITY BAY










                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ...... ........



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   13




                                                                                                                                                  .. ...........
                                                                      ..............                                                                                            GALVESTON                                BAY
                                                                                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                                                                                                                                                                               ...                                                        .......




                                                                                                               ...........
                                                                                                               ........ ...
                                                                                                               XXX:X@.
                                                                                                               ............ .





                                                                                                                                                                                                        . . . . . .. . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                              -,:[email protected] ............

                                                                                                                                                                                               ................
                                                                                                                                                                                             ..........


                                                                                                                                                                                ............
                                                                                                                                                                          .. ........






                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A SAMPLING STATION


                                                             . . . . . . ..




                                                        . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. ..............
                                                  CHRISTMAS
                                                          BAY
                                                                                                                         0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Miles
                                                   .....            ......

                                               ... ...    ......
                                                             . .... ........ .
                                                ..............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Source: City of Houston, 1993
                                           Figure 3-7.                                          City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering
                                                                                                sampling stations in tidal and near tidal portions of Galveston
                                                                                                Bay.





                                                                                                                                                                                    52








             These stations are all at USGS monitoring stations and include the lowest USGS
             station on each bayou. Figure 3-8 shows the stations that are in or near tidal
             waters. These stations are monitored two to four times per month for conventional
             parameters as well as nutrients, organics, and inorganics. In addition, metals are
             .measured non-routinely. The collected data are stored on a DB-4 (FoxPro) database
             and are available to the TNRCC. However, they are currently not part of the
             SWQM system.

             Harris County Pollution Control Department
             The Harris County Pollution Control Department (HCPCD) monitors nine stations
             on the Houston Ship Channel (HSQ and six stations on the San Jacinto River below
             Lake Houston, as shown in Figure 3-9. These 15 stations are monitored once per
             month for conventional parameters as well as nutrients, organics, inorganics, and
             selected total metals. In addition, HCPCD monitors each of the industrial
             dischargers in the county every two to eight weeks for applicable permit
             parameters; the frequency of sampling of a facility is based on the historical quality
             of its discharge. Each municipal discharge is monitored every two months for
             applicable permit parameters with the exception of facilities judged to have poor
             quality discharges. These facilities are monitored weekly. Violation notices for
             exceedences are issued and compliance, voluntary or through legal action, as
             necessary, is sought. HCPCD also maintains an extensive program to eliminate
             illegal discharges and illicit connections to the County drainage system. The
             collected samples are analyzed by the county laboratory and stored on an IBM
             System 36 computer and in paper form. Data have been collected since the early
             1970s, but a fire in 1980 may have destroyed the earlier records. Annual costs for
             point source monitoring is approximately $400,000 and ambient monitoring
             expenditures are approximately $20,000 (N. Tyer, HCPCD, personal
             communication).

             Galveston County Health District
             The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) Pollution Control Department, has
             been collecting data in Galveston Bay since 1972, as mandated by SB 835. GCPCD
             monitors 92 stations (see Figure 3-10), including beach and bay side of Galveston
             Island and most of its bayous, for probe, conventional pollutants, nutrients, and
             weather conditions. At GCPCD, 2.5 people currently work in field operations and
             one person does laboratory work. The collected data are on paper only.

             Most GCPCD stations are monitored monthly, with permitted dischargers being
             monitored one to three times per year. The monitoring costs are estimated to be
             about $200,000 per year with a majority of the effort devoted to point source
             monitoring (G. Fogarty, GCHD, personal communication).







                                                        53
















                                                                                                                                                             .. ... .....
                                                                                                                                                                                        ...... ....

                                                                                                                                                          ................
                                                                                                                                                      ... ..............

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               XM:
                                              ..........                                                                                     ....-
                                                                                                                                                                                         ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .............
                                        . ... ..........
                                              ..... . .....
                                                                                                                        . . ........
                                                                       CHANNEL                                                . ....
                                                                                                                         ..............
                                                                                                                                                                        ...............
                                                                                                                                                                                             . . . . . . . . . .

                                                                                                                        ..........


                                                                                                                                                      .... .........                                    . .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                        ....                                   ......



                                                                                                                                                             TRINITY BAY






                                                                    ..............
                                                                       .. ...... .....
                                                                           ..........

                                                                             ARMA



                                                                                                                                                                                                                    13




                                                                                                                                                GALVESTON                         BAY
                                                                                                                                                                                                        ..............
                                      .....                                                                                                                                                           .................
                                                                                                                                  X
                                                                                                                             ..............


                                                             . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........                                          ... ..........

                                                    . . . .......
                                                                    .....                                                   . . ....                                                .......... ..

                                                                                                                            .. . . .......





                                      ..........
                                      ..........                                                    ...
                                      .........                                                     ...
                                      ..........                                                    ...
                                      .........                                                     ...                                                                       . .....
                                      ..........                                                    ...
                                      ........                                                      ...
                                      .........                                                     ...
                                      ........                                                      ...

                                      ...... ..                                                                                                                    ....

                                      ..........
                                                                                             .............
                                                                                           .......... X,

                                                                                                                                                        .. ...... ...








                                                                    .............-
                                                                                                                                                         0
                                                               ................
                                                                                                                                                                                                 AL SAMPLING STATION
                                                                                                                                           C3






                                         CHRISTMAS
                                                BAY
                                                                                                    0 1 2       3 4 5 6 7 8 Wes


                                              ... .... ...                                                                                                                                       Source: City of Houston, 1993
                                      . .. .. ......
                                     Fig      Iure      3-8.                   City of Houston Health and Human Services Department samplin;
                                                                               stations in Galveston Bay.






                                                                                                                                                    54














                                                                                                                               . ........ .......
                                                                          A
                                                                                                                                                                             ...................
                                                                                                                                                                             ............. . .
                                                                                                                                                                             ...........
                                                                                                                xxjxx@
                                                                                                                                                                             ... ....... . .......

                                                                                                                                                                             ......... .

                                                                                                                           . . ..... .... . . .
                                                               TON
                                                               HIP
                                               . ..........-
                                                    x
                                                       CHANNEL
                                                    j
                                               ..........
                                               .. ........
                                               ..........
                                               . ...... ..
                                               ...........


                                                               .......    .....
                                                                                                                  .. .......                                                 ..........
                                                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                                   .. ....                                                   ....... .
                                                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                                   .... ...                                                  ........
                                                                                                                                                                             ..........

                                                                                                                        TRINITY BAY


                                               . . ...............
                                               ............. .
                                               . . . ................ .... .
                                               .................
                                               ..............-
                                               .. ............. .
                                               ..........
                                               ...............                                                                                         ........ . ....
                                               ..........
                                                               .............
                                               . . . . ........ .............
                                               -..........                ....... .....
                                               . . . ........
                                               ...........
                                               ..............
                                                                          ..............
                                               ......... . ..
                                               ..........
                                                               ...........

                                                                                                                                                 .......... . .
                                                                                                                                                  .... ......
                                                                                                                                                 ..... .. ....
                                               ..........
                                               ..........
                                               ..........                                                                                       .................
                                               . ........                 ...                                                                  . ... . . . .....
                                               ..........
                                               ..........
                                                                                                                                              ....................
                                               ..........
                                                               ARMAND
                                                                          ...                                                               ...... . ........ ...
                                                               BAYOU

                                               ..........      ...
                                                               ............
                                               ..........      ....
                                               ..........                 .....
                                               ..........
                                               ..........
                                               ..........
                                               ..........
                                               ..........                 . .......
                                               ..........
                                                               ..... . .......
                                               ..........      . .. ..... .......
                                               .........       ...........
                                               .................... .
                                               ................ ........                                                                                                     ...
                                                                                                                                                        fNS                  XXX

                                               ............... .b-b,
                                               ................. .........                                                                                                      ......
                                                                                                                                                                           .............
                                               .... ..............
                                               ........... .
                                               ............... ............                                                                                             ............
                                               ................ . . ....-.............
                                               ...........                                                                                                            .............
                                                                                                                                                                    .............
                                               ......... .. ...........
                                               ......................                                          GALVESTON BAY
                                               . . . . . . ........
                                               .................... ......... .
                                               .... . ..............
                                               .......... ............
                                               ..................-...........
                                               ... ..............
                                               ............


                                               ....... .........
                                                       ...... .           .....




                                               .. .... ... . ...
                                               ....... .....   . . . .....
                                               ....... . . .....
                                                               . .....................
                                               . .....         .. ..........
                                               ....... .. . ..................-
                                               .......                                    ......
                                               ....... . . ..........
                                               ....... ..........-

                                               .................
                                               .....................
                                               ......................
                                               ...................
                                               ......................
                                                    ....                                                                          .. ... ....
                                                    .......               ...
                                                    .......               ...

                                               . ........... ..

                                                                                                                        ... .. .....
                                                    .......               ...                                            ............
                                                                                                                           .......... ..........

                                               .... ......
                                               .... ... ..                ...                                              . .........
                                               ... .. ..                  ...
                                                                                                                           ..........
                                                                                                                           ..........
                                               .......                    ...                                         ...................
                                                                                                                     ..................

                                               ..... ....      . . ............. .
                                                               ............ ...
                                               ..........      .......... ...                               . .... .
                                                               ...............
                                                               ...........
                                                               ............

                                                                                                               ..........
                                               ...........     ............. ....
                                                                          ..................... ::]xx:
                                                                          ................
                                                                          ...............
                                                                                                      ........ .....-
                                                                                                     . . . . . . . . . .



                                               ...                                          ........



                                               ...... ........
                                                                                                                                                     A SAMPLING STATION
                                               ........... ... . . ....... .


                                               ........ .......



                                               ..........
                                               ...............
                                               CHRISTMA
                                               BAY
                                                                            0 1 2     3 4 5 6 7 8 Miles
                                               ..............

                                               . . . ..........

                                               . . ......... .
                                                                                                                                                      Source: Harris County, 1993
                                               .....................-
                                               .......................
                                               ......................-
                                               ........................
                                               ..................... 111.
                                               .......................
                                               .............II'll,
                          Figure 3-9.                          Harris County Pollution Control Department sampling stations
                                                               in Galveston Bay.






                                                                                                                 55
















                                                        .. ........                     .....                              ... ....
                                                        ....................

                                                        .... ........ ...



                                                        ...........                     -


                                                        ......                          .. .......

                                                        ... .... ...


                                                                                                                                                   ................

                                                        ..........                                                                                    ......... ...
                                                                                        .............
                                                                                        ...... .. . ...
                                                                                        .. .........
                                                                                                                                                       .............
                                                                                                                                                       . ......                                                                                                                      .. .......

                                                        ........ .....


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .. .........


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..............

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ]KINITY
                                                                                                     ...........                                                                                                                                                                                                         ............ .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        . .........
                                                                                                               . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              BAY
                                                                                                                                                                                                ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       . . . .......
                                                                                                               ............                                                                                                                                                                                                  . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       . ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .......... ...


                                                        ..........



                                                                                                                                                               . ........                                                                                                                                                  ...
                                                        ..... .. . ..
                                                                                                                                                          ... . ....                                                                                                    .......
                                                                                                                                                            ...... . . ..

                                                        ...........                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       . ......
                                                        .............
                                                        ............                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ................
                                                        ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ..........



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 XXXX
                                                                                                             ...                                                                                                                                    ...........

                                                                                                . ......... . ..


                                                                                        ........... ...... ..                                                       ........
                                                                                                                                                                   ...........  .................
                                                                                                                                                                                ...............
                                                                                        ...... ...........


                                                                                        . . ......... ...... .                                                                                                                                                                                       . . . . . . .... ..
                                                                                                                                                                                                          GALVESTON                                       BAY
                                                                                        ... .......


                                                                                        . .......                                                                                                                                                                               ....
                                                        .............
                                                        ...........                     . ..... ......
                                                                                        ...........

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ..........
                                                        ..................
                                                        ...............
                                                        ..........                      ... ............. ..... .
                                                        .................... ......
                                                                                                                           ......                                                                                                                                ......... .
                                                                                        ...                                .......
                                                                                        .. ..                              .......

                                                        ............
                                                                                        ............. .......... ...... .... ......
                                                                                        ................... .... ...       . .....
                                                        ... . .. . .. .                 ;b.
                                                                                        ................ ...
                                                                                        .. .............. ....             ....
                                                                                        ......... ...
                                                        ......... . ......
                                                                                        . ........................ ....
                                                                                        ............... ....
                                                                                        . ............................ .... ...
                                                        . . ..............................      ....
                                                                                        ....................

                                                        .. ......................

                                                        ..........................
                                                                                        . ............
                                                        ..........................
                                                                                        . ...........
                                                        . . . . .........
                                                                                        .....................
                                                        .............................
                                                        . . . ....... .........
                                                                                        .. ...... ......... .                                                                                                                   .....
                                                        . . . ........                  ...........
                                                        . ..........                    ..........
                                                                                        ....                               .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . .........
                                                        . .......                       .........
                                                        ................
                                                        ...............
                                                        ..................
                                                        ................                                                   . .......
                                                        .................
                                                                                        ..........
                                                                                        ...........                        .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ........ ..  .
                                                        ..................              .....                              ....... .                                                                          ...............
                                                                                                                           .....                                                                           .................
                                                                                                                                                                                                               ........... 1.
                                                                                                                           .......                                                                        ...  .............
                                                                                                                                                                                                            ..........







                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               A SAMPLING STATION
                                                                                                                                                                                                       A3





                                                        ............


                                                                                        BAY
                                                                                                                                            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Miles
                                                                                        ............
                                                                                        .. .......
                                                        . .................

                                                                                        ................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Source: Galveston County, 1993
                                                   Figure 3-10.                                                            Galveston County Health District Pollution Control sampling
                                                                                                                           stations in Galveston Bay.





                                                                                                                                                                                                                56








             Citizen's Monitoring Programs

             Interest in citizen's monitoring programs has increased significantly over the past
             several years and is one of the actions detailed in The Galveston Bay Plan (Action
             PPE-6). The TNRCC, through the Texas Watch program, has supported
             environmental monitoring by local citizen's groups to supplement existing
             monitoring programs. For example, the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF)
             coordinates a volunteer monitoring network called The Estuarine Sampling Team
             (TEST). Numerous other citizen monitoring groups also are active in the Galveston
             Bay watershed, mostly in the upper bayou areas of Houston.

             GBF works under the umbrella of Texas Watch, a division of the Texas Natural
             Resource Conservation Commission. There are currently 34 stations in the GBF
             TEST network (Figure 3-11). GBF TEST coordinates as much as possible with
             local and state monitoring agencies with regards to site selection. All stations are
             sampled at least two times a month, with most being sampled weekly. These
             volunteers are trained to collect key water quality data, such as dissolved oxygen,
             pH, temperature, salinity/conductivity, water clarity and to record information on
             general site conditions. The monitors use EPA-approved protocols which are
             detailed in the Texas Watch Quality Assurance Project Plan (TNRCC, 1992). The
             data is provided to Texas Watch for inclusion in the TNRCC database. The
             information is used to support and enhance professional data by providing expanded
             spatial and temporal coverage (C. Fitzgerald, Galveston Bay Foundation, personal
             communication).

             Participation by volunteer monitoring groups is also evident in several surveys
             conducted to evaluate Galveston Bay bird populations. The Texas Colonial
             Waterbird Society and the TPWD jointly participate in the Texas Colonial
             Waterbird Survey (TCWS). Results of this survey have been compiled and
             published from 1973 to the present. Surveys are conducted annually during a two-
             week period beginning the last of May, corresponding to the incubation period of
             most colonial nesting waterbirds. The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is sponsored by
             the National Audubon Society. This a less rigorous survey of day-long tallies of
             birds seen within four 24-kni diameter areas.

             Monitoring Summary

             There are 19 programs presently conducting monitoring in Galveston Bay. The
             collected data are, in most cases, stored on in-house computers under any of a
             variety of formats or on paper. Although most data are made available to the
             public, access is often difficult. There is no central data storage system that would
             allow easier access for the public or the agencies presently concerned with
             monitoring Galveston Bay. Some duplication of effort is noted, particularly for point
             source monitoring. Data management efforts were directed at fulfilling specific
             agency mandates.






                                                       57


















                                                                                 IPF1IIT
                                                                                 RIVER

                              HOUSTON
                                SHIP
                              CHANNEL                                    @4 e ---



                                            7N


                               .. ..... ...

                                                                              BAY
                                                                 i,  TRINITY






                                4p


                                 ARMAND
                                  BAYOU

                                                                                               'y
                                  . .. ... ...... . . . . .
                                                                                       XST
                    .. .. . ......... elelelelelel@,@,@,@ . . . . . . . . . . . . .


                                                                 G
                                                                 ALVESTON     BAY












                                                     @i


                                                  ...... ... .. ..
                                                 . .. ........ .....






                                                                             0



                                                                   0


                                                             cj



                                                                         Galveston Bay Foundation
                  CHRISTMAS                                              TEST Monitoring Sites
                     BAY                   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 78 Miles
                                                                     0   Other Citizens Monitoring Sites


                Figure 3-11. Citizens monitoring sites within the Galveston Bay watershed.






                                                                 58








             Figures 3-12 and 3-13 summarize the geographic and temporal coverage, duration,
             level of detail, and data quality assurance for physical/chemical and biological
             monitoring programs, respectively. The completeness of the circle in each cell

             indicates the extent to which that study area has been addressed in existing
             monitoring programs. The terms "Higher" and "Lower" quality indicate whether
             the existing data are sufficient to provide system-wide insights to the study area or
             processes indicated - they are not intended as judgments of the statistical or
             laboratory quality of the data.

             Figure 3-12 shows that an emphasis exists on collecting physical and chemical data
             at point sources, with moderate coverage of sediments and conventional water
             quality parameters. Among the greatest weaknesses are the lack of:

                e Long-term fish and shellfish tissue monitoring,
                * Wide spread sediment monitoring information,
                9 Standardized monitoring methods, and
                * Temporal and spatial coordination among monitoring efforts.

             The lack of coordination in monitoring efforts has resulted in the inability to
             conduct valid correlation and multivariate analyses.

             Figure 3-14 summarizes physical/chemical and biological information emphasized
             by individual monitoring programs. In this figure, the level of emphasis is indicated
             by the completeness of the circle and the quality of the data by shading. As in the
             previous two tables, data quality is assessed based on the ability to provide
             sufficient insight for making management decisions and is not intended as a
             judgment of statistical or laboratory quality. Figure 3-14 shows that although there
             is good overall coverage, individual programs tend to be highly focused. This
             underscores the need to integrate monitoring efforts as a means of optimizing the
             value of collected information.






















                                                       59













                     Lower   Higher
                     Quality Quality

                                                                                      4
                     0       0       Extensive Data
                                                                                    0                  -IN
                                     Substantial Data
                                                                                                     qj


                                     Moderate Data                                         .0      0


                                     Minor Data


                     Hydrology/Freshwater Inflow


                     Circulation


                     Pollutant Sources
                     Conventional Water Quality                                     I      I      I

                     Pollutants: Metals


                     Pollutants: Organics

                     Sediment Quality

                     Sediment Transport

                     Dredged Material
                                                                             AWNEW-1              L I
                     Land Use                                                 L Now-
                                                                            -A             L _.@JL

                  Figure 3-12.               Summary of physical and chemical information on
                                    Galveston Bay.

                        "Higher" and "Lower" quality indicate whether the existing data are sufficient
                          to provide system-wide insights to the study area or processes indicated - they
                          are not intended as judgments of the statistical or laboratory quality of the
                          data.

















                                                                            60












                   Lower    Higher
                   Quality  Quality
                                                                                   ego
                                    Extensive Data
                   0        41
                                                                                 0
                                                                               0    y
                                    Substantial Data
                                                                               C)                 _q
                                                                              N,

                                    Moderate Data                                               0


                                    Minor Data
                   Wetlands                                                I     I      I     I

                   Phytoplankton

                   Zooplankton


                   Benthos


                   Oyster

                   Shellfish (Shrimp and Crab)

                   Recreational Fish


                   Commercial Fish


                   By-Catch

                   Fish (Other)

                   Reptiles (Alligator)

                   Birds*

                   Mammals                                                              Q]

                   Bioaccumulation


                   Toxicity / Chemical Effects
                   * Provided by National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count Program


                 Figure 3-13.              Summary of biological and ecological information on Galveston
                                  Bay provided by monitoring programs.

                      "Higher" and "Lower" quality indicate whether the existing data are sufficient
                                                                    @@ E_J,,L9,,rL






                       to provide system-wide insights to the study area or processes indicated - they
                       are not intended as judgments of the statistical or laboratory quality of the
                        data.



                                                                         61













                         Lower Higher
                         Quality Quality


                                         Main Emphasis
                         00

                                         Major Emphasis
                                                                                                       11@  4C*
                                         Moderate Emphasis

                                         Minor Emphaasis                                                                                     0
                         Texas Natural Resource
                         Conservafion Commission (TNRCC)
                         Texas Water Development Board

                         Texas Department of Health

                         Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
                                                                                             4@ JL JL JL@ Al
                         City of Houston
                         Harris County Pollution Control
                         Department
                         Galveston County Pollution
                         Control Department

                         U.S. EPA EMAP


                         U.S.G.S.


                         U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                         NOAA Benthic Surveillance                              L

                         NOAA Status and Trends


                         NMFS Fish/Shellfish Production
                         NMFS Shrimp                                          LL
                         USFWS National Wetlands Inventory

                         Galveston Bay Foundation


                         Figure 3-14.                    Summary of physical/chemical and biological information
                                                         supplied by monitoring programs.

                              "Higher" and "Lower" quality indicate whether the existing data are sufficient
                               to provide system-wide insights to the study area or processes indicated - they
                                are not intended as judgments of the statistical or laboratory quality of the
                                data.
















                                                                                              62














                        Lower Higher
                        Quality Quality
                        00             Main Emphasis

                                       Major Emphasis


                                       Moderate Emphasis

                                       Minor Emphasis
                        Texas Natural Resource
                        Conservation Commission (TNRCC)

                        Texas Water Development Board

                        Texas Department of Health

                        Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

                        City of Houston
                        Harris County Pollution Control
                        Department
                        Galveston County Pollution
                        Control Department

                        U. S. EPA EMAP
                        U.S.G.S.                                                            ONE
                        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                                                Emr-
                                                                                          JL JL @JMJL

                        NOAA Benthic Surveillance


                        NOAA Sta.tus and Trends

                        NMFS Fish/Shellfish Production


                        NMFS Shrimp

                        USFWS National Wetlands Inventory

                        Galveston Bay Foundation


                     Figure 3-14.                      Summary of physical/chemical and biological information
                                                       supplied by monitoring programs. (cont'd).

                            "Higher" and "Lower" quality indicate whether the existing data are sufficient
                             to provide system-wide insights to the study area or processes indicated - they
                             are not intended as judgments of the statistical or laboratory quality of the
                              data.
                                                                                                            L






































                                                                                            63






            Chapter 4

            Habitat Protection






            Priority Problem


            The Galveston Bay Estuary is composed      of a variety of aquatic habitats ranging
            from open water areas to coastal wetlands. Maintaining varied and abundant high-
            quality habitat helps ensure the health and biological diversity of the entire
            estuarine system. Wetlands serve important hydrological, biological, and ecological
            functions in the bay ecosystem. Ensuring the protection of habitats in the
            Galveston Bay estuary has been designated as the most critical of all of the
            problems facing the bay.

            Land cover change may be seen as. an indicator of increases or decreases in water
            quality. Increases in developed land displacing wetland habitat, may result in land
            disturbance which increases erosion and sedimentation and by hydrologic
            alterations which increase runoff. Concomitant loss of the pollution mitigating
            properties of such wetland habitats impacts water quality as well. Landcover
            change is directly linked to habitat quantity and indirectly to habitat quality.

            A trend of wetland decline has been identified within the estuary, threatening the
            sustainable productivity of the bay. This problem has been identified as the most
            critical of all problems currently facing the bay. Wetlands decline has been
            attributed to five major causes: 1) man-induced subsidence; 2) erosion; 3) direct
            conversion for agricultural, urban, industry, and transportation purposes; 4) dredge-
            and-fill activities; and 5) projects in which wetland areas are artificially isolated
            from the bay.

            Management Goals and Objectives

            Management goals are directed at reversing the decline of critical habitats and
            addressing high rates of erosion along bay shorelines. The stated goals of the
            Habitat Protection Action Plan are to:




                                                      65









                ï¿½  Expand areas and restore quality of wetland habitats,
                ï¿½  Halt the conversion of wetlands to other uses,
                ï¿½  Acquire existing wetlands and encourage conservation,
                ï¿½  Restore and create colonial nesting bird habitat, and
                ï¿½  Selectively moderate erosional impacts.

             To achieve these goals the following specific objectives were adopted:
             Objective 1                 Create or restore 15,000 acres of vegetated wetlands within 10                                            
                                         years
              Action HP-1                Restore,create and protect wetlands
              Action HP-2                Promote beneficial uses of dredged material to restore and 
                                         create wetlands. 

                 
              Objective 2                Restore natural functions and values to 50% of degraded    
                                         Wetlands within 20 years.




              Action HP-3                Inventory degraded wetlands and fun remedial measures.

                                                                                                         
                                                                                         
              Objective 3                Sustain no net loss of existing wetlands.                                                                        
                                             
              Action HP-4                Implement a coordinated, system-wide wetland regulatory
                                         strategy.



              Objective 4                Place 50,000 acres of wetland habitat in public ownership 
                                         within 20 years
                        
              Objective 5                Develop economic incentives to encourage owners to protect
                                         wetlands from development.

              Action HP-6                Develop economic and tax incentive programs to protect
                                         wetlands.




                 Action HP-7 Facilitate bird nesting on existing islands.


                 Action HP-8 Build nesting islands using dredged materials.'



                 Action HP-9 Reduce erosional impacts on wetlands and habitats.


             Data Information Needs


             The goal of Plan Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 is to reverse the decline in the areal
             extent of wetlands, colonial nesting bird habitat, and*other habitats of concern in
             the Bay. Information needed to assess these management objectives include:



                                                     66









               ï¿½  Identification of habitats of concern,
               ï¿½  Status and trends in areal extent and distribution of existing habitats of
                  concern,
               ï¿½  Status and trends in areal extent and distribution of habitats created and
                  restored by special projects, and
               ï¿½  Habitat change analysis information on a usable frequency.

            The status of the areal extent and distribution of identified habitats of concern
            provides information needed to infer the ability of existing habitats to provide
            suitable habitat for bay biota, to moderate hydrological processes, to provide organic
            carbon to the estuarine food web, and to maintain water quality. Habitat data may
            also be used to evaluate the strength of the relationship between the areal extent of
            a habitat and the abundance of resident species. Trend information provides a
            means for evaluating whether progress is being made toward meeting Plan
            Objectives 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7.

            Because it is not feasible to measure all environmental parameters, a set of primary
            indicator parameters were identified for the habitat component of the regional
            monitoring program. Primary habitats of concern in Galveston Bay have been
            identified by Task Force members (Table 4-1). The designation of indicator habitats
            does not mean that information on other habitats will not be collected, only that
            these have been selected as habitats of primary concern. These recommendations
            were made utilizing information from interviews with habitat experts from
            government agencies, academic institutions, and other local organizations.

            The goal of Plan Objective 2 is to restore the quality of wetland habitats.
            Information needed to assess this management objective include:

               ï¿½ Identification of indicator parameters for habitat quality,
               ï¿½ Status and trends in the quality of existing habitats of concern, and
               ï¿½ Status and trends in the quality of degraded wetland habitats.

            The status of habitat quality provides a means for assessing whether existing,
            restored, and created habitats are of adequate quality to support desired functions
            and values. These data may also be used to evaluate the strength of the
            relationship between habitat quality and the abundance of resident species. Trend
            data provides a means for evaluating whether progress is-being
            made toward improving the quality of habitats throughout the estuary.

            A primary purpose of Plan Objectives 1 through 8 is to ensure that there will be
            habitats of adequate quantity and quality to maintain and enhance Bay species.
            Many marine finfish and shellfish depend on these habitats during all or part of
            their life history. Continued loss of these wetland habitats may lead to the collapse
            of coastal ecosystems and their associated fisheries. Change (increases or decreases
            in areal extent, movement, consolidation or fragmentation, or qualitative change) in



                                                       67











                 TABLE 4- 1.         CANDIDATE INDICATORS AND MEASUREMENTS FOR HABITAT
                                     PROTECTION



                    Indicator Habitats                                            Measurement

                     Marsh
                             -All marsh types                         Areal extent and distribution
                                                                      % emergent vegetation
                                                                      % open water dominated by aquatic vegetation
                                                                      Marsh edge and interspersion
                                                                      Water duration
                                                                      Open water depth
                                                                      Salinity
                                                                      Aquatic organism access
                              Brackish marsh                          Change in relative sea level - subsidence/erosion
                             *Salt marsh                              Percent Spartina alterniflora


                     Submerged vegetation                             Areal extent and distribution
                             *Sea grasses                             Biomass
                                                                      Vegetation spp. composition
                                                                      PAR
                                                                      Salinity

                     Oyster reefs                                     Areal extent and distribution

                     Colonial waterbird nesting habitat               Number of colonies and distribution
                                                                      # nesting pairs
                                                                      Abundance of*predators (e.g., raccoons)
                                                                      Elevation above sea level
                                                                      Accessible feeding habitat
                                                                      Connectivity to mainland
                                                                      Indications of human disturbance





                 submerged and wetland habitat may be a sensitive integrator of overall water
                 quality and potential for change in fisheries productivity. The task of identifying
                 animal species that depend on wetlands for their existence was given to the Species
                 Population Protection Task Force. Information on the status and trends in
                 abundance and distribution of species whose existence depends on identified
                 habitats of concern (see Chapter 5: Sp            ecies Population Protection) is required to
                 assess habitats are having the desired effect on animal populations they support.
                 Habitat change data may be compared to species abundance trend data to evaluate
                 the strength of the relationship between the-areal extent and quality of a habitat to
                 abundance of resident species.

                 Monitoring activities must provide information to evaluate whether progress toward
                 these management objectives is being made. The habitat protection component of



                                                                      68









             the regional monitoring program must provide data to assist in:

                ï¿½  Determining whether severe alterations to important habitats are occurring,
                ï¿½  Identifying potential causes of alterations in habitats and the species they
                   support,
                ï¿½  Evaluating alternative actions to mitigate identified adverse impacts to
                   habitats and the species they support.

             The following monitoring objectives have been used to design the regional
             monitoring program for Galveston Bay:

                6  Determine trends in the areal extent and distribution of selected habitats of

                   concern,
                *  Determine the extent of habitat continuity and fragmentation,
                9  Determine trends in the abundance and distribution of species whose
                   existence depends on wetland habitats,
                *  Provide quantitative estimates of habitat quality for prioritizing critical
                   habitats and assessing success of plan actions.


             Programmatic Monitoring

             Administrative monitoring for habitat gains and losses will provide data necessary
             to directly or indirectly assess attainment of Habitat Objectives 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8.
             Programmatic data information needs to address each of the objectives individually
             include:

                e Acres of vegetated wetlands created or restored,
                * Records of acres of wetlands transferred to public ownership,
                e Data indicating level of impact of economic and tax incentive programs,
                * Documentation of beneficial use of alternative materials.

             Accounting for acres of vegetated wetlands will draw information from numerous
             sources including the environmental monitoring element for habitat. Various
             projects are being conducted in the bay area to create or restore vegetated
             wetlands. The Galveston Bay Program will monitor these efforts annually to
             compile records of wetland gains or losses. The COE permit records will be a
             source of information concerning wetland losses through the Section 404 permitting
             process and records on wetland mitigation efforts.            Other key sources of
             information will be the NMFS, UFWS, TPWD, EPA, GLO and The Galveston Bay
             Foundation.


             Acquisition of wetlands for public ownership and management may be
             accomplished through state, federal and private programs. All of these means will
             be pursued and records of conversion to public ownership will be maintained.



                                                        69








               The Plan recommends implementation of a "Wetlands Exemption" among other tax
               and development disincentive programs. Once implemented, records of requests
               and approvals for such exemptions and general data on wetland conversions will
               provide information to assess this action.

               Programs supporting the beneficial use of dredge materials for habitat creation or
               restoration will be monitored. Programs will include the use of thin layer
               deposition of dredge material on subsiding marshes and use of dredge material to
               create bird nesting islands. Records of such activities will be maintained and used
               to evaluate the effectiveness of Objectives 1, 3, and 8.

               An integrated bay-wide erosion management program will be developed as part of
               Objective 9. Information on subsidence, a contributing factor in wetland habitat
               losses through inundation and erosion, will be collected and made available by the
               Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. A bay-wide system for ranking
               erosional areas will be developed by the GLO and SCS. Other activities that relate
               to this Objective are items from Objectives 2 and 3 concerning beneficial uses of
               dredge materials.

               Environmental Monitoring

               Environmental monitoring of habitat distribution and condition in and around the
               Galveston Bay estuary will provide data necessary to directly or indirectly assess
               the cumulative effects of almost all habitat objectives. This discussion is divided
               into two sections: Areal Extent, Distribution, and Classification discusses methods
               to monitor changes in the amount and distribution of habitats; and habitat function
               and value describes a method to be used to evaluate the relative condition of key
               indicator habitats based on their suitability for serving various ecological functions
               and values assigned to them.

               Areal Extent, Distribution, and Classification

               The methods used to classify Galveston Bay habitats and monitor their areal
               extent and distribution must be capable of differentiating various wetland types
               and quantifying their extent with an acceptable level of accuracy. To ensure
               comparability, the classification system used should be shown to be comparable
               with previously conducted evaluations. Because changes in habitats are pervasive
               and can be rapid the program must be capable of frequent and cost-effective
               classifications

               Two existing monitoring programs were identified as potentially meeting the
               requirements of this program: the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and
               the NOAA Coast Watch Change Analysis Program (C-CAP). The NWI database on
               the extent and characterization of wetlands in the U.S. is based primarily on aerial
               photography. This method of assessment is time consuming, labor intensive and as
               a result expensive. C-CAP is a nationally standardized database on land cover and


                                                          70









             habitat change in the coastal regions of the U.S. with a goal. of better
             understanding the linkages between coastal and submerged aquatic habitats and
             abundance and health of living resources. (Dobson, et al., 1993) C-CAP utilizes
             standardized computerized approaches to classify and monitor coastal habitats
             from satellite thematic mapper (TM) multi-spectral imagery.

             The Monitoring Work Group selected the C-CAP protocol as the one which best met
             the requirements'of assessing plan objectives. The primary advantages of
             landcover mapping with satellite imagery using C-CAP protocol are: 1) it has
             standardized mapping classifications consistent with other major wetland
             classification systems, 2) extensive coverage can be obtained within a single
             satellite scene, 3) because it utilizes computerized classification schemes,
             classification and mapping can be accomplished over a relatively short period of
             time, in a cost effective way and 4) the classified landcover information is in a
             format readily integrated into GIS technology.

             Major products available for Texas coastal areas are: 1) wetland landcover
             inventories for all Texas coastal wetlands, 2) change analyses information produced
             for each bay system at 3-5 year intervals, 3) input and integration of the landcover
             data and landcover change data with other natural resources data bases ( e. g.
             coastal fisheries data, 404 permit data, hydrologic modeling, oil spill trajectory
             model, etc.) for the development of a comprehensive coastal GIS data base.
             (Personal correspondence, James Hinson, TPWD).

             The TPWD program utilizes a supervised maximum-likelihood classifier to achieve
             land cover classifications. The land cover classification scheme used for Texas
             coastal zone habitat mapping by the TPWD includes land-cover types listed in
             Table 4-2 (Pulich, et al., 1992). A complete listing of landcover types and additional
             land-cover information is given in Appendix B (Ydemas, et al., 1993). Numerous
             sources of ancillary 'data are also used to improve classification accuracy. For
             example, submerged aquatic vegetation cannot be classified from satellite imagery;
             aerialphotography and other ancillary data is used to provide SAV classifications.

             Hinson et al. (1994) conducted an evaluation of the accuracy of wetland and
             landcover classification using TM imagery.            Ground-truthing techniques
             demonstrated that accuracy exceeding 85%, compared to the         -NWI classification,
             could be achieved for 10 major wetland landcover classes. It is recommended that
             ground-truthing be conducted as a Quality Assurance/ Quality Control measure to
             assure that this level of accuracy is maintained.

             Habitat Function and Value

             Functions, particularly when referring to wetland habitats, are the ecological
             benefits that a habitat provides. Wetland functions include fish and wildlife
             habitat, nursery habitat, and food web support among others. Habitat values are a
             measure of the human benefits provided by a habitat. Wetland values include flood


                                                        71











              TABLE 4-2.      LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION SCHEME USED FOR COASTAL
                              ZONE HABITAT MAPPING AND ANALYSIS.          *


              LEVEL 0            LEVEL 1              LEV`EL 2            ATTRIBUTES


              WETLANDS           Marine
                                 Estuarine            Aquatic Bed         Submerged Veg.
                                                      Low Salt Marsh      S. alterniflora

                                                                          zone
                                                      Brackish Marsh      Herbaceous
                                                      Brackish Shrub      Woody zone
                                                      Mud Flats           Tidal zone
                                                      Open Water          0.5-30.0 ppt

                                 Palustrine           Fresh Marsh         Emergent Veg.
                                                      Open Water          < 0.5 ppt

                                 Riverine             Emergent Veg.       Riparian

              UPLANDS            Grasslands           Coastal Prairie     Native Pasture
                                 Woody Veg.           Shrub/scrub         Tallow, Willow,
                                                                          Cane,Brushland
                                                      Forested            Oak, Hardwoods
                                 Agricultural         Cultivated          Croplands
                                 Developed            Industrial          Buildings
                                                      Residential         Buildings

                                 Exposed Land         Beach, Sandflats    Natural Ground
                                                      Roads,Levees        Disturbed

                 From Pulich et al., 1992.



              control, groundwater recharge, and recreational opportunities. A degraded habitat
              is defined as one which no longer performs one or more of its function or value
              roles. Using this definition we can then attempt to make measures of habitat
              quality in terms of ability to perform these roles. Quantifying wetland habitat
              quality allows managers to monitor trends in habitat quality that cannot be
              measured by extent and distribution. There is no widely accepted method for
              monitoring habitat quality in the Galveston Bay system.

              A number of standardized techniques have been used for assessing habitat quality
              including Wetland Evaluation Technique (VTET), Habitat Evaluation Procedure
              (HEP), and the Wetland Value Assessment Methodology (VY'VA). Each of these


                                                        72









             methods has strengths and weaknesses. The method proposed by the Monitoring
             Work Group is the Wetland Value Assessment Methodology. This method was
             selected because it was designed to be rapid, easily applied, and utilizes existing or
             readily obtainable data for its assessments.

             WVA (USFWS, 1991a) is a quantitative habitat-based assessment methodology
             which can be used to quantify changes in wetland quality and quantity. Developed
             as a ranking method by the USFWS Lafayette, LA office, WVA is a modification of
             the HEP also developed by the USFWS. WVA differs from the HEP in that HEP
             uses a species-oriented approach, whereas the WVA utilizes a community
             approach. WVA works under the premise that optimal conditions for a wetland can
             be characterized and that an index of wetland quality can be developed by
             evaluation of a wetland against that optimal condition. This is accomplished by
             development of suitability index graphs for each of the defined variables. A
             suitability index is a' graphical representation of how the overall quality or
             suitability of a given wetland type is predicted to change as values of the given
             variable change (USFWS, 1991a).

             This method uses seven variables for assessment of three marsh types and cypress-
             tupelo swamp. These marsh types are Fresh/intermediate, brackish marsh, and
             saline marsh. Suitability index graphs are available for the following variables:

                ï¿½  Percent of wetland covered by persistent emergent vegetation (@! 10% canopy
                   cover,
                ï¿½  Percent of open water area dominated (> 50% canopy cover) by aquatic
                   vegetation,
                ï¿½  Marsh edge and interspersion,
                ï¿½  Water duration in relation to marsh surface,
                ï¿½  Open water depth in relation to marsh surface,
                ï¿½  Mean high salinity during the growing season,
                ï¿½  Aquatic organism access.
             It must be cautioned that WVA was developed specifically for use in Louisiana
             coastal wetlands including fresh marsh and intermediate marsh, brackish marsh,
             and saline marsh. Although Galveston Bay wetland habitats may be similar to
             those found in Louisiana, field testing and possible revisions will be required before
             the WVA methodology can be widely applied to Galveston Bay wetlands. The
             USFWS will take the lead in evaluation and development of a suitable habitat
             quality assessment tool. Additional decisions on monitoring frequency and site
             selection procedures will also need to be developed.

             Colonial Waterbird Habitat


             Assessment of colonial water bird habitat is a controversial issue and there is a
             wide range of opinions on the value of conducting any such assessments. The
             Texas Colonial Waterbird Census (TCWC) monitors colonial waterbird nesting
             sites in the Galveston Bay estuary. This program does not include evaluation of


                                                        73








              habitat extent or con dition so information from the project as currently conducted
              cannot directly address the Habitat issue. However, the ultimate measure of
              habitat protection programs is measured in abundance and distribution of colonial
              bird species. The TCWC program provides nesting site utilization data which can
              be used to address Actions HP-7 and 8.


              The Monitoring Work Group does not recommend conducting any type of habitat
              assessments requiring presence on the islands during nesting. The Work Group
              believes that disturbances from any such effort would cause greater harm to these
              colonies than any value that would be derived from such evaluations. Some
              evaluations of habitat that can be made from remote locations during bird counts
              may provide information on general habitat quality have been recommended. A
              list of candidate indicators and measures is given in Table 4-1. The Monitoring
              Work Group recomends that the Galveston Bay Program work with the USFWS to
              consider the value of conducting habitat evaluations for colonial bird nesting sites
              and to develop a methodology for assessments if deemed feasible and valuable.

































                                                        74






             CHAPTER 5

             Species Population Protection




             Priority Problems

             The overall health of the Galveston Bay estuary, as measured by its diversity of
             species and the populations of its major recreational and commercial species, is
             generally considered to be good. However, populations of selected species within the
             estuary have experienced declines, with the primary suspected causes being loss of
             habitat, fishing, impingement/entrainment, and other types of human intervention.
             Because species within the estuarine environment are dependent on one another for
             maintenance of the food chain, the preservation of species populations is critical to
             the ecological health of the Galveston Bay system. Habitat preservation is the most
             essential requirement for effective protection of species populations, as the fate of
             species is closely linked to that of habitat. As is the case with habitat management,
             species population management is best carried out from a broad ecosystem
             perspective to ensure that an optimal variety and distribution of habitats are
             protected, as needed by the numerous species which are present within the estuary.


             Management Goals and Objectives

             Species Population Protection Task Force members initiated the development of
             objectives for the species population component of the Galveston Bay Plan. During
             Round 4 Task Force meetings, Task Force members established the following high-
             priority management goals:

                   Reverse the declining population trend for affected species of marine
                   organisms, and maintain the populations of other economic and ecologically
                   important species.

                   Eradicate or reduce the population of exotic/opportunistic species which
                   threaten desirable native species, habitats, and ecological relationships.






                                                       75








              These initial management goals were further defined and arenow the six species
              population protection (SP) objectives and ten SP actions set forth in the Galveston
              Bay Plan:

              -M

                Action SP-1.     Implement a bay-wide effort to strengthen
                                 species management



                Action SP-2.     Return oyster shell to designated locations within the bay
                Action SP-3.     Promote the development of oyster reefs using alternate
                                 materials.
                Action SP-4.     Set aside a portion of reef habitat as scientific research areas or
                                 preserves.

                                                                                         0-071XII ME-1

                Action SP-5.     Encourage continued development of gear to
                                 reduce commercial bycatch
                Action SP-6.     Conduct educational programs concerning catch and release.


              M

                Action SP-7.     Investigate potential measures to reduce impingement and
                                 entrainment



                Action SP-8.     Develop management plans for endangered and threatened
                                 species



                Action SP-9.     Improve enforcement of prohibitions against the introduction of
                                 exotic species
                Action SP-10.    Identify and implement techniques for the control of problem
                                 exotic species


              Data Information Needs

              The goal of Plan Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 is to reverse the decline in population
              abundance for affected Bay organisms and maintain populations of economic and
              ecologically important species. Information needed to assess this management goal



                                                        76










            includes:


               ï¿½  Identification of commercial, recreational and ecologically important species
                  ofconcern,
               ï¿½  Identification of indicator measures for identified species of concern,
               ï¿½  Status of and trends in abundance and distribution of identified species of
                  concern.


            The status of the abundance and distributions of identified species of concern
            provides a direct measurement for assessing whether Plan Objectives 1 through 4
            are having their desired effect. Information on trends provides a means for
            evaluating whether progress is being made toward meeting these objectives.
            Measurements of the extent and quality of required or preferred habitats also
            provide a reasonable means to indirectly assess the potential for maintenance or
            recovery of identified species of concern.

            Plan Objective 5 calls for maintaining and enhancing abundance of threatened and
            endan gered Bay species. Information needed to assess this management objective
            include:


                  Identification of threatened and endangered Bay species,
                  Identification of indicator parameters for identified threatened and
                  endangered species,
                  Status of and trends in abundance and distribution of identified threatened
                  and endangered species.

            The status of the abundance and distribution of identified threatened and
            endangered species provides a direct measurement for assessing whether these
            species are recovering in accordance with Plan Objective 5. Information on trends
            provides a means for evaluating whether progress is being made toward meeting
            this objective.

            Threatened and endangered species have already been identified by the USFWS.
            Whenever possible, direct measurements of abundance for threatened and
            endangered species of concern is the recommended metric. If direct measurements
            are not feasible, the use of reliable indicator species is highly recommended. In
            addition, measurements of the extent and quality of required or preferred habitats
            provide a means to assess the potential for recovery of these special status species.

            The goal of Plan Objective 6 is to maintain and reduce abundance of exotic,
            nuisance species. Information needed to assess this management objective include:

               ï¿½ Identification of exotic nuisance Bay species,
               ï¿½ Identification of indicator parameters for identified exotic nuisance species,




                                                      77








                    Status of and trends in abundance and distribution of identified exotic
                    nuisance species.

              The status of the abundance and distribution of identified exotic nuisance species
              provides a direct measurement for assessing whether these species are being
              controlled in accordance with the plan objective. Information on trends provides a
              means for evaluating whether progress is being made toward meeting this objective.
              The two most important exotic nuisance species have already been identified by
              GBNEP: nutria and grass carp.

              Task Force members agreed that an assessment of ecosystem condition required the
              evaluation of the status and trends in the abundance and distribution of several
              selected indicator species as well as a suite of physical and chemical parameters.
              Recommended physical and chemical parameters were considered in the
              development of the Water /Sediment Quality monitoring plans.

              Monitoring activities must provide information to evaluate whether progress toward
              these management objectives is being made. The species population protection
              component of the regional monitoring program must provide data to assist in:

                 ï¿½  Determining whether severe alterations in populations and communities are
                    occurring,
                 ï¿½  Identifying potential causes of alterations in populations and communities,
                 ï¿½  Evaluating alternative actions to mitigate identified adverse impacts to
                    important populations and communities.

              The following monitoring objectives were used to develop the monitoring strategy:

              Phytoplankton

                 ï¿½ Determine the status of and trends in primary productivity,
                 ï¿½ Determine the status of the abundance and distribution of dominant
                    phytoplankton,

              Benthic Invertebrates


                    Determine the status of and trends in the abundance and distribution of
                    dominant species.

              Selected Fish and Shellfish

                 ï¿½ Determine the status of and trends in relative abundance (i.e., catch per unit
                    effort [CPUED and distribution of selected species,
                 ï¿½ Determine the status of and trends in abundance of food (use estimates from
                    phytoplankton data),



                                                        78









                   Determine the status of and trends in the areal extent and quality of nursery
                   and feeding habitats.

            Selected Birds and Reptiles

                e Determine the status of and trends in abundance and distribution of selected
                   species,
                9 Determine the status of and trends in the areal extent and quality of required
                   habitat.


            Assessments of the abundance of species populations of concern will be based on the
            weight of evidence from measurements of species of concern or indicator species
            abundance and the extent, quality of required or preferred habitats. From
            identified Plan objectives and information needs, it is clear that the species
            population component of the regional monitoring program must provide both local
            and bay-wide status and trend data.

            Programmatic Monitoring

            Environmental monitoring will be the ultimate source of answers to the effect of the
            plan on living resources in the bay. However, during plan implementation and the
            intermediate years before meaningful environmental information is available,
            programmatic monitoring will provide the only means for assessing plan progress.
            Examples of programmatic actions which may be tracked are:

                ï¿½  New species management plans adopted by the Galveston Bay Interagency
                   Advisory Committee,
                ï¿½  Progress in obtaining funding for the oyster shell return program,
                ï¿½  Creation of oyster reefs using alternative materials,
                ï¿½  Quantity of oyster reef habitat as research area or preserve,
                ï¿½  Identification of gear and devices for reducing by-catch and the level of
                   implementation within the commercial fishery,
                ï¿½  Conduct surveys to assess the effect of catch and release educational
                   programs,
                ï¿½  Implementation of technology to reduce impingement and entrainment,
                ï¿½  Number of management plan developed and adopted for endangered or
                   threatened species, and
                ï¿½  Identified and implemented techniques for the control of exotic species.


            Environmental Monitoring

            Because it is not feasible to -measure all environmental parameters, a limited set of
            indicator parameters were identified as candidate monitoring parameters for the
            species population component of the regional monitoring program. These candidate
            indicators and species of concern are shown in Table 5-1. These suggested indicator
            species were selected because they represent important commercial, recreational,
            and ecological groups. Phytoplankton abundance and community structure will


                                                      79











                  TABLE 5-1.            CANDIDATE INDICATORS AND MEASUREMENTS
                                        FOR SPECIES PROTECTION
                             Candidate Indicator                               Candidate Measurement


                   Ecologically Important Species/ Communities
                                       Plankton community              Chlorophyll-a; pheophytin-a(See Water Quality)

                                       Benthos                         Community structure (See Sediment Quality)

                                       Shellfish
                                       - white shrimp                  Abundance and distribution
                                       - brown shrimp                  Abundance and distribution
                                       - blue crabs                    Abundance and distribution
                                       Finfish
                                       - Atlantic croaker              Abundance and distribution
                                       - gulf menhaden                 Abundance and distribution
                                       - anchovy                       Abundance and distribution
                                       Birds
                                        Colonial waterbirds            Abundance and distribution
                                        Shorebirds                     Abundance and distribution
                                        Wintering waterfowl            Abundance and distribution

                                       Alligator                       Abundance and distribution;      nests

                  Commercially and Recreationally Important Species
                             0         Shellfish
                                       - eastern oyster                Areal extent of reefs; distribution; density; size
                                       - white shrimp                  Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       - brown shrimp                  Abundance and distribution; size-, weight
                                       - blue crabs                    Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       Finfish
                                       -Atlantic croaker               Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -black drum                     Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -red drum                       Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -gulf menhaden                  Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -sand seatrout                  Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -spotted seatrout               Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -sheepshead                     Abundance and distribution; size; weight
                                       -southern flounder              Abundance and distribution; size; weight

                  Commercial By-catch                                  CPUE # and biomass; by-catch /shrimp biomass
                                                                       ratios

                  Impingement /Entrainment                             Abundance;survival

                  Introduced Exotic Species
                                       grass carp                      Abundance and distribution
                                       nutria                          Abundance and distribution

                  Threatened and Endangered Species
                             0         brown pelican                   Abundance and distribution
                             0         piping plover                   Abundance and distribution
                             0         sea turtles                     Sightings
                             0         snowy plover                    Abundance and distribution
                             0         diamondback terrapin            Abundance and distribution





                                                                       80









            provide information characterizing primary productivity and the quantity and
            quality of the base of the aquatic food web. Benthic macro-invertebrate abundance
            and community structure will provide information to characterize an important
            guild of primary consumers that serve as key prey items for many shrimp, crab and
            fish predators in the Bay. Benthic macro-invertebrates are closely associated with
            Bay sediments and infaunal data can be used to infer the toxicity of Bay sediments.
            Selected finfish and pelagic macroinvertebrates are not only commercially
            important but represent intermediate consumers in the system. Bird, reptile, and
            mammal data will provide managers with information on the top consumers in the
            system.

            Phytoplankton

            Phytoplankton plays an important role as a primary producer in estuarine
            ecosystems.     Phytoplankton communities are susceptible to a number of
            anthropogenic influences such as excess or deficient nutrient input and changes in
            salinity. Because of the relatively short life span and high growth potential of this
            indicator, changes in environmental quality can lead to rapid changes in abundance.
            For these reasons, phytoplankton provide an excellent indicator of ambient
            conditions. Phytoplankton monitoring does not directly assess any objective but
            provides valuable supportive information for Objectives 1 through 4.

            Phytopla nkton biomass'will be estimated through the measurement of chlorophyll-a
            and pheophytin-a concentrations using spectrophotometric analysis. Chlorophyll-a
            samples will be collected as a Tier One water quality parameter at all open bay
            stations 4 times a year. Sampling and analytical protocols are those listed in the
            TNRCC Draft Water Quality Procedures Manual (TNRCC, 1993) and the most
            recent edition of Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater
            (APHA, 1992). Determinations of cost and data value from HPLC analytical
            techniques will be evaluated. Recent publications (Buskey and Schmidt, 1992 and
            Wright, et al., 1991) suggest that HPLC measures of phytoplankton pigments can
            be used to estimate the relative composition of major taxonomic groups in the
            samples. The ability to conduct community structure evaluations of phytoplankton
            is desirable. However, there are not current programs to perform these evaluations.
            This will be recommended as a parameter for future consideration.

            Phytoplankton communities in Galveston Bay show considerable seasonal and long-
            term variability and are characterized by a series of small blooms that occur
            throughout the year (Buskey and Schmidt, 1992). This variability may be
            influenced by any number of factors including light availability, nutrients , and
            water temperature. Because of this variability it is recognized that quarterly
            sampling for chlorophyll pigments, as recommended in the water quality sampling
            section of this plan, is not in itself adequate to characterize phytoplankton
            communities in the system. The use of continuously recording in situ fluorometers
            at fixed sites will be pursued as a supplement to the recommended monitoring.

            The TWDB has plans to upgrade their existing network of data sondes, with new
            sondes equipped with in situ fluorometers. This will be accomplished through
            attrition, replacing older instrumentation which is taken out of service with


                                                      81








             upgraded sondes. This will enable continuous, in situ measurement of chlorophyll
             concentration, integrated electronic storage of the data, and simultaneous collection
             of associated water column data (such as, transmissivity, dissolved oxygen, depth,
             temperature, and conductivity). Because both fluorometric and spectrophotometric
             methods measure chlorophyll-a concentrations, the resulting data are comparable.
             However, samples analyzed using different techniques should not be combined for
             statistical analyses.

             Benthics (see Sediment Quality)

             Fish and Shellfish Monitoring

             A number of independent monitoring efforts are conducted in Galveston Bay for
             selected species of marine organisms. The three major programs are the TPWD
             Coastal Fisheries Program, the NMFS Baseline Production Program, and the
             TNRCC Nekton Sampling Program. The program objectives and sampling plans for
             each of these programs were evaluated against plan objectives. Although each of
             these programs provides valuable information for the assessment of bay living
             resources, the TPWD Resource Monitoring Program was selected as being best
             suited for evaluating the stated objective.

             On a monthly basis 20 trawl, 30 oyster dredge, and 20 bag seine samples are
             collected in Galveston Bay. Additional trawl and seine samples are collected in the
             Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, beach, and offshore sites. Sampling sites are selected
             randomly from a grid system to ensure an equal chance of sampling each section of
             shoreline and open bay water. The appropriate sampling technique is selected
             based on the time of the year and location of the sampling station. Sampling
             techniques are described in the Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual
             (TPWD, 1993). All organisms greater than 5 mm in length are identified to species
             level and counted. Samples are analyzed for species identification, number of
             specimens, size, weight, sex, and maturity are recorded for selected individuals.

             A stated objective of the TPWD Coastal Fisheries Resource monitoring Program is
             to assess annually the status of finfish, shrimp, crab, and oyster populations and
             associated environmental variables in the coastal waters. Available monitoring
             data support the viability of management objectives 1 and 2. Existing data indicate
             that, for selected commercially and recreationally important species, current
             monitoring efforts allow managers to detect changes from present overall mean
             abundance- plus or minus 50 percent - with acceptable statistical power (power =
             0.8). In addition, current efforts allow detection of 10% or greater trends in mean
             population abundance's over a ten-year interval (L. McEachron and A. Green,
             TPV@D, personal communication).

             Oysters are an economically and ecologically important species in Galveston Bay.
             Because of their sessile nature, changes in the abundance and distribution of
             oysters provide an excellent means for assessing environmental conditions in an
             area. TPWD is the only agency conducting routine monitoring of oyster condition in
             Galveston Bay. As part of their Resource Monitoring Program samples are collected
             from known oyster reefs. Monthly sampling is based on counting live organisms



                                                        82








            collected from a series of 30-second oyster dredge trawls. Counts of oyster spat,
            encrusting organisms, and the percentage of live and dead oysters are recorded.
            Standing crop estimates are made from the number of organisms collected on a per-
            effort basis.

            GBNEP also sponsored a survey of the location, extent and areal extent of oyster
            reef habit. This was accomplished using acoustic profiling techniques described by
            Powell et al. 1994. It is recommended that the Galveston Bay Program sponsor
            regular but infrequent surveys, possibly every 10-15 years, be conducted for areal
            extent using this technique.


            Bird Populations

            The Galveston Bay estuary is home to a number of important bird species
            throughout the year. The area also produces important nesting and wintering
            habitat for a large number of migratory species. Birds fill a variety of roles in the
            trophic structure of an ecosystem and may, depending on the species, be primary
            consumers, secondary consumers, or top carnivores. Because of their diversity and
            the wide open range of ecological roles filled by birds, monitoring of this group is
            essential to measuring the health of the estuary. Three guilds of birds have been
            selected for monitoring for abundance and distribution. These guilds are; colonial
            nesting waterbirds, shorebirds, and migratory waterfowl.

            Several existing bird surveys are conducted in the Galveston Bay system. The
            TPWD and U.S.. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) conducts an annual survey of
            colonial nesting waterbirds along the Texas coast. These surveys are conducted
            during a two-week period beginning the last week of May. Ground counts are made
            by two to four persons viewing the colony from boat or on foot. Standardized
            procedures have consistently been followed during the censuses and established
            data forms have been used since 1986. This survey provides quantitative
            information on total numbers of individuals, numbers of active colonies, and the
            mean number of individuals per colony. This data set is well suited to multivariate
            data analysis. (Slack, et al., 1992)

            The USFWS, Clear Lake office, has conducted irregular monthly surveys of
            shorebird feeding habitats continuously since 1980. A strength of the program is
            the use of multiple observations during the year, which allows for increased
            reliability of annual population estimates. (Slack et al., 1992). Past surveys have
            only been conducted in one area, the Bolivar Flats, this limifs the information on
            spatial distribution of shorebirds in the estuary. This program has been
            discontinued, but it is the recommendation of the Monitoring Work Group that it be
            reinstated and expanded. Expanding the surveys to other locations will increase
            the availability of data on spatial distribution. Three proposed areas are
            continuation at Bolivar Flats, and expansion of the program to San Luis Pass and
            the Big Reef area. It is also recommended that the surveys be conducted at regular
            intervals during the year to reduce temporal sampling biases.




                                                       83








              The TPVV`D, in conjunction with the USFWS, has conducted an annual Mid-winter
              Waterfowl survey since 1973. This survey consists of one systematic scheme of
              sampling along transects and another less systematic sampling scheme of counting
              birds in general locations. These data provide information on abundance of
              waterfowl by species and by transect, or by general location within the surrounding
              waters of the Galveston Bay system.

              Data from each of these monitoring programs was evaluated as part of a program to
              characterize the status and trends of selected endemic resources of the bay
              ecosystem. The objectives were to evaluate the validity of available data sets for use
              in the characterization of living resources and to conduct analyses of selected avian
              populations and assemblages. (Slack, et al., 1992) A discussion of the data set
              validity and results for each of these data collection programs is given in this
              document. A number of recommendations are made which would improve the
              statistical power of the programs' data collection efforts.            All of these
              recommendations will be considered for implementation of further data collection
              efforts.

              Reptiles

              The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large, wetland dependent,
              commercially important, vertebrate predator. As such, alligator populations are
              greatly influenced by a variety of human activities including loss of wetlands,
              pollution, and hunting. It is for this reason that the alligator was selected as an
              indicator species in the GBRMP.

              The TPWD is responsible for regulating annual alligator harvest in Texas (Slack, et
              al., 1992). This requires information on the present status of alligator populations
              and their recruitment rates. To obtain this information, the TPVVD conducts night
              counts of alligators and helicopter surveys of alligator nests along the Texas coast.
              Surveys were conducted annually from 1980 to 1984 and triennially since 1985.
              Established transects are located in the marshes adjacent to East Bay and Trinity
              Bay. Night counts are made along transects of variable lengths using observers to
              count individuals. Nest count transects are made from a height of 90 meters along
              transects spaced at 1.5 km intervals, Surveys are conducted in May when the
              height of marsh vegetation is low.

              By-catch

              There are no ongoing monitoring programs to address Objective 3, reducing by-
              catch. Without new gear and/or devices being implemented, the value of frequently
              scheduled by-catch studies is questionable. The Monitoring Work Group
              recommends that requirements and trends in implementation of new gear and
              devices be monitored to trigger actual by-catch studies in the future or that by-catch
              studies be conducted on an infrequent basis, i.e. every 2 years. The TPV%TD has
              adopted a by-catch protocol which is based on the GBNEP by-catch study conducted
              by the NMFS. This protocol will be evaluated for comparability to the NMFS
              protocol. If found to be comparable, future by-catch monitoring programs could be
              conducted by the TPV%TD or NMFS.



                                                         84










            Impingement lEntrainment

            Objective 4 calls for reductions in levels of fish mortality caused by
            Impingement/Entrainment by 50% by 2007. Two separate monitoring elements will
            be used to assess this goal. The TNRCC routinely collects impingement data from
            intakes at one HL&P power station and one major chemical industry (G. Guillen,
            TNRCC, personal correspondence). These data have utility as a baseline measure of
            impingement at those and other sites with similar impingement reduction
            technology. When improved technology is implemented, continuation of data
            collection should provide useful information in assessing impingement reductions.
            Similar monitoring may be implemented at other plants to provide additional
            information.

            HL&P is conducting studies to measure the effectiveness of newly installed
            pumping systems and other impingement/entrainment reduction methods in
            reducing entrained organism mortality. Development and implementation of
            proven technology to reduce impingement/entrainment will be tracked as an
            assessment of Objective 4.

            Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Species

            There are no existing monitoring efforts specifically'for endangered species.
            Threatened and endangered monitoring for bird species will generally be covered
            within other monitoring programs. For example, Slack, et al, 1992, reports that
            brown pelican and piping plover sightings were commonly reported in the TCWS
            and Shorebird Surveys of Bolivar Flats data sets. Brown pelicans were reported
            infrequently in the TCWS and Shorebird Survey of Bolivar Flats, and piping plovers
            were frequently reported in the Shorebird Surveys at Bolivar Flats.

            Current monitoring for sea turtles is by public reporting of sightings in the bay. A
            possible extension of this program would involve the establishment of public access
            points in areas where sea turtles have been observed (e.g., based on Manzella and
            Williams, 1992, as referenced in Tetra Tech, 1994b). These displays would
            encourage public participation by requesting visitors to record the amount of time
            they spent in an area, any turtles observed, and other pertinent information. In
            addition to public sightings there are some more intensive studies utilizing
            telemetry to track movements of individual turtles. Information from the tagging
            program can be used to select target areas for establishing public information
            displays.

            The Texas diamondback terrapin and the southeastern snowy plover are currently
            listed as Category 2 candidate species. Candidate 2 species are taxa for which
            available information would indicate a listing of endangered or threatened may be
            appropriate, but for which conclusive data to support such a listing is not currently
            available (USFWS, 1991b). Further biological research and field study are needed
            to ascertain the true status of these species. Information on the southeastern snowy
            plover may be obtained from the shorebird populations monitoring program, but
            there is no current methodology for monitoring the Texas diamondback terrapin.


                                                      85








              Data indicate that drowning in crab traps is a major threat. On            -e possible
              monitoring technique would be to establish a public informationlreporting system
              for reporting their occurrence in crab traps. This is a monitoring need that will be
              addressed.

              Introduced Exotic Species

              Some exotic/opportunistic species, such as nutria and grass carp, threaten desirable
              native species, habitats, and ecological relationships. Significant populations of
              nutria, a large beaver-like rodent which strips vegetation within freshwater and
              brackish water marshland, and grass carp, which strip aquatic vegetation, have
              been reported in the Trinity River and San Jacinto River portions of the estuary.
              Monitoring for introduced exotic species will be required to assess the effectiveness
              of techniques for attaining 10% reductions, by the year 2005, in populations of
              problem exotic species. Current monitoring for these species is not adequate to
              proved information needed to assess this plan objective.

              In 1992 and 1993 the TPWD and Texas A&M University (TAMU) conducted a
              survey for grass carp in the lower Trinity River. The purpose of this survey was to
              address concerns over the presence of growing grass carp populations and possible
              predation on smooth cord grass in the estuary (Webb, et al., 1994). Results of this
              survey indicate the probable presence of a reproducing population of grass carp in
              the study area. During the 1992 sampling period, viable eggs but no larvae were
              found; in the 1993 survey viable eggs and recently-hatched larvae were found in
              substantial numbers. Additionally, a significant commercial fishery for grass carp
              exists on the river and fish kill data have documented juvenile grass carp in the Bay
              system.

              Adult grass carp from commercial fishing efforts were examined for a number of
              characteristics including ploidy. In a sample size of 153 adult grass carp examined
              for ploidy, 85% were found to be diploid and 15% were triploid. During the 1992-93
              surveys  *no juvenile or adult grass carp were collected using conventional fish
              collection techniques including gill nets and electrofishing. The absence of grass
              carp from this sampling effort would indicate the difficulty in effectively monitoring
              grass carp using traditional collection techniques.         Suggestions for future
              monitoring include tracking studies, annual monitoring of adults, and periodic
              sampling for juveniles.

              An informal group including representatives from the SCS, TPWD-Coastal
              Fisheries, TPWD-Inland Fisheries, TAMU, the Galveston Bay Foundation and
              GBNEP has met to discuss possible monitoring and control strategies. At this
              meeting it was recommended'that the first step, in assessing the distribution of
              grass carp in the Galveston Bay system, be development of a map documenting sites
              of grass carp identifications. The TPWD-Coastal Fisheries office has agreed to
              compile this data from a review offish kill reports and fisheries data base reports.
              This should be available by January 1995.

              A similar group will be convened to address the issue of nutria populations. There
              is no current monitoring program to assess nutria populations. Monitoring the size


                                                         86









            of nutria populations over any large area is difficult due to the habitat these
            animals are found in and their behavior (Greg Linscombe, Louisiana Depairtment of
            Wildlife and Fisheries, personal communication). Nutria have a small home range
            and their densities fluctuate greatly depending on habitat type (Kinler et al., 1987).
            Mark and recapture methods are therefore only useful for small areas of continuous
            habitat. It is recommended that population monitoring focus on tracking changes in
            the relative abundance of nutria by developing an index based on some measure of
            their activity in selected areas.

            Except during periods of extreme cold, nutria are most active at night (Kinler et al.,
            1987). Changes in their relative abundance could be monitored using transect or
            point count methods by spotlighting at night. However, in areas of dense
            vegetation, visual counts would be extremely difficult and could provide
            inconclusive or misleading data. Alternatively, an index could be established based
            on some other indicator of their activity such as scat counts, active trail counts, or
            evidence of feeding activity (Kinler et al., 1987). It is recommended that the TPWD
            in conjunction with the Galveston Bay Program office, undertake a special study to
            identify effective techniques best suited to the Galveston Bay estuary.































                                                       87






             Chapter 6

             Public Health Protection




             Priority Problem

             The Galveston Bay Estuary is the state's largest source of seafood, and is one of the
             major oyster producing areas in the country. Commercial and recreational fishing
             represent's a nearly one-billion dollar industry, and molluscan shellfish (e.g.,
             oysters) and other seafood (e.g., crabs, shrimp, and finfish) harvested from
             Galveston Bay are consumed by millions of individuals. Maintenance of adequate
             public health standards within estuarine seafood is important for the protection of
             the general public, and is also critical for the long-term stability of the fishing
             industry.

             The Texas Department of Health has controlled the harvest of shellfish from
             Galveston Bay for approximately 40 years, and the quality of produced molluscan
             shellfish has been maintained at a level which has posed a minimal risk of illness.
             However, limited funding is available for this shellfish program, and accordingly,
             shellfish closures are believed to be larger than would be necessary with a greater
             frequency of field sampling. To address this problem, an expansion of the shellfish
             sampling program, including more frequent sampling, is recommended.

             Galveston Bay receives the largest total amount of industrial and municipal effluent
             of all Texas estuaries, and also receives significant amounts of contaminants from
             non-point sources via stormwater runoff. Loading estimates for a large number of
             metals and organic chemicals are incomplete, and insufficient data are available
             regarding the distribution of potentially toxic compounds within estuarine waters
             and sediment. Fish and shellfish from Galveston By are not routinely sampled for
             toxic contaminants, nor are consumer risks routinely assessed by any government
             entity and communicated to the public. To address this situation, the Public Health
             Protection Task Force of GBNEP recommends additional research to establish risk-
             based standards for toxic contaminants within seafood. Based on established
             standards, the implementation of a seafood sampling, analysis, and risk
             communication program is recommended to safeguard the quality of seafood
             produced form the Galveston Bay Estuary.





                                                       89









             Management Goals and Objectives

             Public Health Protection Task Force members considered objectives for the Public
             Health portion of the Galveston Bay Plan. During Round 4 Task Force meetings,
             Task Force members established the following high-priority management goals:

                 ï¿½ Reduce potential health risk resulting from consumption of seafood
                    contaminated with toxic substances,
                 ï¿½ Reduce oyster reef harvest closures,
                 ï¿½ Minimize risk of water-borne illness resulting from contact recreation.

             These initial management objectives were further modified and are now the three
             public health protection objectives and three actions set forth in the Galveston Bay
             Plan:


                  6 1


                 Action PH-1     Develop a seafood consumption safety program




                 Action PH-2.    Enhance the TDH shellfish sanitation program




                 Action PH-3.    Develop a contact recreation advisory program

             Data Information Needs

             Because it is not feasible to measure all environmental parameters, a limited set of
             indicator parameters were identified as candidate monitoring parameters for the
             public health component of the regional monitoring program and are briefly
             discussed in this chapter.

             Plan Objective 1 is to reduce potential health risks resulting from the consumption
             of seafood contaminated with toxic substances. Information needed to assessthis
             management objective include:

                 ï¿½  Identification of contaminants of concern (COCs),
                 ï¿½  Identification of species of concern for tissue sampling,
                 ï¿½  Status and trends in the concentration and distribution of COCs in
                    commercial and recreational fish and shellfish,
                 ï¿½  Status and trends in fish and shellfish consumption rates for specific human
                    populations around Galveston Bay, and
                 ï¿½  Specific criteria to assess fish and shellfish toxicity.



                                                       90









            Fecal coliform monitoring for the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP)
            determines harvest closures for Galveston Bay oyster reefs.            Objective 2,
            enhancement of the NSSP monitoring program, was developed under suggestions by
            TDH that with more frequent monitoring reef closures could be reduced. Because of
            the special regulatory requirements for this monitoring program the GBRMP will
            not develop a monitoring strategy to address this objective. The GBRMP fecal
            monitoring program can provide useful information for general assessment of water
            quality but it cannot be used by the NSSP to  *evaluate shell fish monitoring areas.
            The Monitoring Steering Committee will work with the TDH to assist in the
            accomplishment of this goal.

            Plan Objective 3 attempts to minimize the risks of water-borne illness resulting
            from contact recreation. Information needed to assess this management objective
            include:

                ï¿½ Infectious disease reports for Galveston Bay,
                ï¿½ Relationship between water-borne illness and indicator organism
                   concentration
                ï¿½ Status and trends in the magnitude and distribution of indicator organisms,

            The status and trends in abundance of indicator organisms are needed to
            characterize pathogen levels in Bay waters and to assess whether these levels pose
            a risk to human populations. Trend data are needed to assess whether progress is
            being made toward minimizing health risks due to water-borne pathogens.

            Alternative candidate indicator parameters for pathogens have been suggested.
            Task Force members agreed that until other indicator organisms had been tested
            and approved, fecal coliform bacteria would remain the indicator organism for
            human pathogens. Members highly recommend that the use of other indicators of
            human pathogens (e.g., Enterococcus, E. coli) be investigated and considered for
            inclusion into the regional monitoring program at a later date.

            The following monitoring objectives were used to design the regional monitoring
            program for Galveston Bay:

                   To make bay-wide estimates; in terms of areal extent (ï¿½10%), and temporal
                   trend, in terms of areal extent and magnitude, of exceedences in State human
                   health numerical criteria for toxics.

                   To make bay-wide estimates; in terms of areal extent (ï¿½10%), and temporal
                   trend, in terms of areal extent and magnitude, those waters in violation of
                   state criteria for fecal coliform bacteria.

            Assessments of risks to public health will be based on the weight of evidence from
            several indicator parameters. From identified Plan objectives and information
            needs, it is clear that the public health component of the regional monitoring
            program must provide local and bay-wide status and trend. data.




                                                      91









              Programmatic Monitoring

              Lines of responsibility for all Public Health objectives are clearly drawn. The TDH
              as the state agency with responsibility for all public health related issues is
              responsible for implementation of the Public Health Action Plan. The Plan
              specifically identifies the TDH as having responsibility for development and
              implementation of programs to reach the stated goals of the plan. The Plan
              designates the TDH as the agency responsible for developing a risk assessment
              methodology including development of standards and a monitoring program for
              toxics in tissues.

              The Galveston Bay Program will closely monitor progress within the TDH, of
              programs leading to the accomplishment of the plan goals. Intermediate and
              ultimate information to be tracked to assess plan success are:

                 ï¿½  Development of applicable standards for tissue monitoring program,
                 ï¿½  Progress in obtaining funding for each of the programs,
                 ï¿½  Increases in TDH sampling events for the NSSP,
                 ï¿½  Increases in oyster reef areas open for harvest,
                 ï¿½  Progress in development of alternative indicators for human pathogens,
                 ï¿½  Tracking TDH reportable disease records for Galveston Bay

              Environmental Monitoring

              Monitoring activities must provide information to evaluate whether progress toward
              management objectives is being made. The public health protection component of
              the regional monitoring program must provide data to assist in:

                 ï¿½ Development of a Seafood Consumption Safety Program in Galveston Bay,
                 ï¿½ Evaluating alternative actions to reduce fecal coliform loads to the Bay,

              No State agencies conduct routine ambient monitoring of toxic contaminant levels
              in fish tissues in Galveston Bay. (Tetra Tech, 1994b). Both the TNRCC and the
              TDH do collect and sample tissues on an episodic basis, in response to spills, toxic
              leaks, and other known accidental releases to the Bay. The focus of each agency is
              different. The TNRCC effort is in support of water quality monitoring while the
              primary concern for the TDH effort is human health risk.

              Two federal monitoring programs have tissue monitoring sites within the bay. A
              fairly extensive tissue sampling effort has been conducted as part of the USEPA
              Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) and Regional-EMAP
              programs. From 1991-1993 data is available for approximately 15 annual EMAP
              sites. EMAP has compiled contaminant levels of pesticides, heavy metals, and
              polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in edible fish and shellfish tissues for three
              species.groups: Atlantic croaker (Micropogonlas undulatus), commercial shrimps
              (Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus setiferus) and marine catfish (Arius felis, Bagre
              marinus, and Ictalurus furcatus) (U.S. EPA, 1994). The R-ENLAIP data is from 32
              sites in the bay but it is only a one time survey. The NOAA Status and Trends
              Mussel Watch Program samples six sites in Galveston Bay every two years. The


                                                        92









           data from this program is too sparse to provide detailed information on ambient
           conditions within Galveston Bay but it is valuable as an external data set for
           substantiating general trends.

           As previously discussed, responsibility for development of the Seafood Consumption
           Safety Program falls to the TDH. TDH is currently developing a fish consumption
           risk assessment program (the Aquatic Life Survey Program), for application
           throughout Texas, for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and shellfish (Table 6-1).
           Tissue concentrations of a large group of COCs, including 69 volatile and 70 semi-
           volatile organic compounds, 8 PCB aroclors, 25 pesticides, and 4 metals are
           recommended for monitoring (Table 6-2). This program will incorporate a regular
           ambient sampling effort to monitor trends in contaminant levels in seafood and the
           potential health risks associated with long-term fish consumption (Tetra Tech,
           1994b).

           Tissue sampling and analysis programs are costly and time consuming. For these
           reasons the Monitoring Work Group will work with the TDH to maximize the
           comparability of tissue collections in the Bay. TDH and TNRCC currently have
           similar protocols for collection and preparation of samples. The TDH laboratory
           performs, or supervises contract laboratories in, the analyses of all toxic
           contaminants in fish and shellfish tissue collected in Galveston Bay. USEPA
           recommended analytical methods are used for all tissue analyses.

           The GBRMP will collect monitoring information which could be useful in
           development of the TDH monitoring program. Comparisons of water quality
           monitoring results to state human health water quality criteria will provide
           information with respect to status and distribution of toxics in the system. Texas
           state water quality criteria for protection of human health are risk- based criteria
           developed to prevent contamination of fish and other aquatic life and to ensure that
           they are safe for human consumption. These criteria were derived from information
           gathered from the USEPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Numerical
           human health criteria were derived from the general procedures and guidance
           found in the USEPA document, Technical Support Document for Water Quality-
           based Toxics Control; and Guidance Manual for Assessing Human Health Risks
           from Chemically Contaminated Fish and Shellfish (USEPA, 1988). Monitoring
           elements to provide the necessary data needed for evaluations of objectives 2 and 3
           are the GBRMP fecal coliform. (FC) sampling data (see Chapter 10) and the NSSP
           fecal coliform data set as collected by the TDH. GBRMP samples are based on
           TNRCC methodology which utilizes the membrane filter technique. TDH uses the
           multiple-tube most probable number technique (Jensen and Su, 1992) . Standard
           Methods indicates that the two methods are equivalent, however the NSSP only
           recognizes the MPN procedure. As a result the FC data collected by the GBRMP
           cannot be utilized by the TDH to supplement the NSSP. However, both data sets
           will be utilized for monitoring status and trends for FC in the Bay.

           Bay waters may be deemed unacceptable for recreation if fecal coliform levels
           exceed EPA and State of Texas water quality criteria, 200 colonies/ml for contact
           and non-contact recreation. Likewise, Bay waters may be deemed unacceptable for




                                                     93








             TABLE 6- 1.     RECOMMENDED INDICATOR SPECIES FOR TDH AQUATIC LIFE
                             SURVEYPROGRAM


                 Freshwater Fish-               Saltwater Fish and Shellfish
                     Largemouth Bass                Black Drum*
                     White Bass                     Red Drum*
                     Striped Bass                   Speckled Trout
                     White Crappie                  Sand Trout*
                     Black Crappie                  Alligator Gar
                     Channel Catfish                Southern Flounder*
                     Blue Catfish                   Sea Catfish
                     Flathead Catfish               Gafftopsail Catfish
                     Common Carp                    White Shrimp
                     Smallmouth Buffalo             Brown Shrimp
                     River Carpsucker               Blue Crab*
                     Spotted Gar                    Stone Crab
                     Longnose Gar                   American Oyster*
                     Grass Carp                     Sheepshead
                                                    Atlantic Croaker*
                                                    Tripletail


                These species are recommended by NEP Task Force to be used as indicators for
                toxic contamination levels in edible tissue.




             shellfish harvesting if fecal coliform. levels exceed, 14 colonies/ml, the TNRCC water
             quality criteria for shellfish growing waters.

             The GBRMP FC monitoring element will also provide important information in
             support of the Contact Recreation Advisory Program to be developed by TDH. As
             stated in the plan this program will utilize either the TNRCC fecal coliform
             standard or an aiternative indicator parameter to be developed by TDH. The
             Regional Monitoring Committee will work with the TDH in establishing stations
             and monitoring protocols for this program when it is developed.













                                                     94










               TABLE 6-2. PROPOSED CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN FOR TDH AQUATIC LIFE
                                SURVEYPROGRAM


               Volatile Organic Compounds:                (ppb)                                                   (ppb)
               Chloromethane                              47          T-Butylbenzene                              19
               Bromomethane                               47          1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene                      19
               Vinyl Chloride                             47          Sec-Butylbenzene                            19
               Dichlorodifluoromethane                    47          1,3-Dichlorobenzene                         19
               Trichlorofluoromethane                     19          1,4-Dichlorobenzene                         19
               I,I-Dichloroethene                         19          P-Isopropyltoluene                          19
               Methylene chloride                         19          1,2-Dichlorobenzene                         19
               .Carbon disulfide                          19          N-Butylbenzene                              19
               1,2-Dichloroethene (trans)                 19          1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane                 19
               1,2-Dichloroethene'(cis)                   19          1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene                      19
               1,1-Dichloroethane                         19          Naphthalene                                 19
               Methyl-t-butyl ether                       19          1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene                      19
               Bromochloromethane                         19          1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene                      19
               2,2-Dichloropropane                        19          Hexachlorobutadiene                         19
               Chloroform                                 19          Total xylenes                               56
               Tetrahydrofuran                            19          Methyl ethyl ketone                         94
               1,2-Dichloroethane                         19          Acetone                                     94
               1, 1, I-Trichloroethane                    19          Acrylonitrile                               94
               Benzene                                    19          2-Chloroethoxy-ethene                       187
               Carbon tetrachloride                       19
               1, 1-Dichloropropene                       19          Semi-Volatile              Organic          (ppm)
                                                                      Compounds:
               1,2-Dichloropropane                        19          Phenol                                      2
               Dibromomethane                             19          2-Chlorophenol                              2
               Trichloroethene                            19          2-Nitrophenol                               2
               Dichlorobromomethane                       19          2,4-Dimethylphenol                          2
               Methyl metbacrylate                        19          2,4-Dichlorophenol                          2
               Methyl isobutyl ketone                     19          3-Methyl-4-chlorophenol                     2
               1,2-Dichloropropene (trans)                19          2,4,6-Trichlorophenol                       2
               1,2-Dichloropropene (cis)                  19          2,4,5-Trchlorophenol                        2
               1,1,2-Trichloroethane                      19          2,4-Dinitrophenol                           4
               1,3-Dichloropropane                        19          4-Nitrophenol                               4
               Toluene                                    19          4,6-Dinitro-2-cresol                        4
               Ethyl methacrylate                         19          Pentachlorophenol                           4
               2-Hexanone                                 19          n-Nitroso-n-dimethylamine                   1
               Dibromochloromethane                       19          Pyridine                                    1
               1,2-Dibromoethane                          19          n-Nitrosodiethylamine                       1
               Tetrachloroethene                          19          n-Nitrosodibutylamine                       1
               1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane                  19          Aniline                                     1
               Chlorobenzene                              19          Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether                    1
               Ethylbenzene                               19          1,3-Dichlorobenzene                         1
               Bromoform                                  19          Benzyl alcohol                              1
               Styrene                                    19          1,4-dichlorobenzene                         1
               1, 1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane                 19          1,2-dichlorobenzene                         1
               Bromobenzene                               19          o-cresol                                    1
               1,2,3-Trichloropropane                     19          bis(2-chloroisopropyl) ether                1
               Isopropylbenzene                           19          m&p-cresol (coelute) .                      1
               n-Propylbenzene                            19          Hexachloroethane                            I
               2-Chlorotoluene                            19          n-Nitroso-di-n-propylamine                  1
               4-Chlorotoluene                            19          Nitrobenzene                                1
               1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene                     19          Benozic acid                                1





                                                                      95


		TABLE 6-2 PROPOSED CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN FOR TDH AQUATIC LIFE 
				SURVEY PROGRAM (CONTINUED)

		Semi-Volatile		Organic (ppm)		Metals:					(ppm)
		Compounds:					
		Isophorone				1			Arsenic					0.04
		Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane	1			Copper					0.4
		1,2,4-thrichlorobenzene		1			Lead						0.4
		Naphthalene				1			Mercury					0.02
		4-chloroaniline			1			Zinc						0.4
		Hexachlorobutadiene		1									0.4
		2-Methyl naphthalene		1			Pesticides:					(ppb)
		1,2,3,5-Tetrachlorobenzene	1			DDT						10
		Hexachlorocyclopentadiene	1			DDD						10
		2-Chloronaphthalene		1			DDE						5
		Total nitroanilines		1			Aldrin					2
		Acenaphthylene			1			Dieldrin					6
		Dimethyl plhthalate		1			Endrin					6
		2,6-Dinitrotoluene		1			Chlordane					10
		Acenaphthene			1			Heptachlor					2
		Dibenzofuran			1			Heptachlor Epoxide			4
		2,4-Dinitrotoluene		1			Methoxychlor				30
		Fluorene				1			Toxaphene					100
		4-Chlorodiphenyl ether		1			Hexachlorobenzene				2
		Diethyl phthalate			1			Malathion					20
		n-Nitrosodiphenvlamine		1			Ethyl Parathion				10
		Diphenyl hydrazine		1			Methyl Parathon				10
		4-Bromodiphenyl ether		1			Diazon					10
		Hexachlorobenzene			1			Chloropyrifos				10
		Phenanthrene			1			Endosulfan					10
		Anthracene				1			Endosulfan sulfate			10
		Di-n-butyl phthalate		1			Alachlor					8
		Fluoranthene			1			Dacthal					3
		Pyrene				1			Alpha BHC					2
		Bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate	1			Beta BHC					2
		Butylbenzl phthalate		1			Delta BHC					2
		Benz(a)anthracene			1			Lindane					2
		Chrysene				1				
		Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate	1			PCBs						(ppb)
		Di-n-octyl phthalate		1			Aroclor 1016				40
		Benzo(b)fluoranthene		1			Aroclor 1221				40
		Benzo(k)fluoranthene		1			Aroclor 1232				40
		Benzo(a)pyrene			1			Aroclor 1242				40
		Indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene		1			Aroclor 1248				40
		Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene		1			Aroclor 1254				40
		Benzo(g,h,i)perylene		1			Aroclor 1260				40
										Aroclor 1262				40
	
		



											96





            Chapter 7

            Freshwater Inflow And
            Bay Circulation








            Priority Problem

            Adequate seasonal inflow of high quality fresh water into the Galveston Bay
            Estuary is critical for the survival of most estuarine species and is therefore vital to
            the maintenance of biodiversity within the estuarine system. Despite this fact, few
            assurances exist to provide for fresh water resources necessary to maintain
            estuarine health and productivity. Rather, inflow to Galveston Bay is now dealt
            with on a case-by-case advocacy process presided over by the Texas Natural
            Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). To ensure that the freshwater inflow
            requirements of the estuary are met, the management of freshwater inflow on a
            comprehensive watershed basis is recommended.

            Tools for determining the amount, quality, and timing of inflow required to
            maintain biological productivity and diversity in the Galveston Bay Estuary are
            being developed as a part of studies mandated by the Texas legislature. This effort
            is scheduled for completion by February, 1995. Pending completion of these ongoing
            studies, it is recommended that flexible management targets for freshwater inflow
            be established, and that Galveston Bay inflow requirements be given high priority
            in the watershed water allocation process. Further improvement of freshwater
            .inflow management can be achieved by optimal routing of return flows and the
            conservation of water on a Galveston Bay watershed basis.





                                                        97









             Management Goals and Objectives

             Task Force members established the following high-priority management goals:

                ï¿½ At a minimum, maintain freshwater inflow to ensure maintenance of
                   ecosystem conditions at present levels and
                ï¿½  If feasible, maintain freshwater inflow at levels that will enhance selected
                   populations and communities identified by the Species Population and
                   Habitat Protection Task Forces


             These initial management objectives were further modified and are now the four
             freshwater flow TW) objectives and seven FW actions set forth in the Galveston
             Bay Plan:

                                                                             0
                        Ki                                                            X
             84 J b
             01`@                                                                    h,     OWN
                  tion FW-1.    Complete current studies to determine freshwater inflow needs
                                for the bay
                Action FW-2.    Expand stream flow, sediment loading, and rainfall monitoring



                Action FW-3.    Establish management strategies for meeting freshwater inflow
                                needs
                Action FW-4.    Establish inflow regulations to protect ecological needs of the
                                estuary
                Action FW-5.    Explore means of providing sediment to the estuary



                Action FW-6.    Reduce water consumption



                Action FW-7. Evaluate the effects of channels and structures on bay
                                circulation, habitats, and species

             Data Information Needs

             Task Force members agreed to use the results of the Texas Water Development
             Board's (TWDB) TXEMP model, a freshwater inflow-biological resources
             optimization model, to determine the quantities and timing of freshwater inflows
             needed to maintain current abundance's of selected biological resources.

             The goal of Plan Objectives 1, 2, and 3 is to establish and ensure beneficial
             freshwater inflows necessary for a salinity, nutrient, and sediment loading regime
             adequate to maintain the productivity of the Bay. Information needed to assess


                                                      98









            these management objectives include:

                  Identification of indicator parameters for freshwater inflows,.
                  Status and trends in the quantity, location, and timing of freshwater inflows,
                  Status and trends in the magnitude and distribution of water quality
                  parameters for freshwater inflows.

            Freshwater inflow data are needed. to gain a fundamental understanding of how
            Galveston Bay works. The status and trends in the quantity and timing of
            freshwater inflow are needed to characterize the freshwater inflow to the Bay. The
            status and trends in the magnitude and distribution of water quality parameters
            are needed to assess the physical and biological effects the freshwater inflow regime
            may have on the Bay. Freshwater inflow data will be used to evaluate the strength
            of the relationship between the volume and timing of freshwater inflow and:

               * Local and bay-wide water quality,
               e Abundance of selected species, and
               9 Quantity and quality of selected habitats.

            Task Force members identified candidate indicator parameters to assess the
            quantity and timing of freshwater inflows (Table 7-1). Direct measurements of
            freshwater inflow volume are highly recommended; precipitation, land use, and run-
            off coefficients are required to estimate freshwater inflow volumes where direct
            measurements are not available. Input parameters to TM7DB's TYCEMP model were
            also identified as key information needs in developing water quality parameters.

            The goal of Plan Objective 4 is to ensure that alterations to Bay circulation do not
            negatively affect Bay productivity. Information needed to assess this management
            objective include:

               0 Identification of indicator parameters for circulation,
               * Descriptions of large-scale circulation patterns.

            Depth related temperature and salinity (conductance) measurements are needed to
            identify distinct water masses. Current meters may be used to measure the speed
            and direction of these water masses.


            A primary purpose of Plan Objectives 1 through 4 is to ensure conditions in the Bay
            will maintain and enhance Bay species. Information on the status and trends in
            abundance and distribution of species whose existence depends on specific
            freshwater flow regimes is required to assess whether freshwater flow controls are
            having the desired effect on animal populations.






                                                      99











             TABLE7-1. PARAMETERS USED AS INDICATORS OF FRESHWATER INFLOW
                            QUANTITY AND QUALITY.


                    Candidate Parameters

             Inflows - In areas with gauging stations
             ï¿½ Tidal flow
             ï¿½  Freshwater flow                               Volume, timing, location

             Inflows - In areas without gauging stations
             ï¿½  Precipitation
             ï¿½  Runoff coefficients



             Inflow Water Quality

             Insitu Measures

             ï¿½  Temperature
             ï¿½  Conductance
             ï¿½  pH
             ï¿½  Dissolved Oxygen
             ï¿½  Turbidity

             Analytical Samples:

             ï¿½  Oxygen demand, BOD (5-day)
             ï¿½  TSS, VSS
             ï¿½  Nutrients:
                   Nitrogen - NH3-N, nitrate, nitrite,
                   Phosphorous - Total and ortho-
             ï¿½  Carbon - TOC
             ï¿½  Fecal coliform
             ï¿½  Total/dissolved metal COCs
             ï¿½  Organic toxic COCs
             ï¿½  Pesticide COCs
             ï¿½  Ambient toxicity





             Monitoring activities must provide information to evaluate whether progress toward
             these management objectives is being made. The freshwater flow component of the
             regional monitoring program must provide data to assist in:

                *  Determining whether severe alterations in freshwater inflow are occurring,
                9  Ascertaining whether severe changes in freshwater inflows may cause
                   alterations in aquatic populations and habitats, and
                *  Evaluate alternative actions to mitigate identified adverse impacts due to
                   alterations in freshwater inflows in Galveston Bay.

             The following monitoring objectives have been used to design the regional
             monitoring program for Galveston Bay:



                                                    100









                ï¿½   Improve and maintain a system for accurately monitoring freshwater inflow
                    to the Galveston Bay. This information will be evaluated for trends in timing
                    and flow volume.
                ï¿½   Evaluate status and trends of and to make biennial water quality
                    assessments, based on TNRCC segmentation schemes, of Tier One and Tier
                    Two water quality parameters in Bay watersheds.
                ï¿½   Characterize the distribution and trends of parameters (salinity,
                    temperature) selected as indicators of freshwater impact in the Bay,

             Assessments of freshwater flow will be based on the weight of evidence from several
             indicator parameters. From identified Plan objectives and information needs, it is
             clear that the freshwater flow and bay circulation component of the regional
             monitoring program must provide local and bay-wide status and trend data.

             Programmatic Monitoring

             Programmatic monitoring is necessary to fully assess the effectiveness of Plan
             actions. It is the primary assessment tool for several plan actions and is less critical
             for other actions. Proposed programmatic monitoring activities are highlighted
             below.


             For actions FW-1, 2, 5, and 7 only administrative monitoring functions are
             recommended. For action FW-3 activities of the TNRCC will be monitored with
             respect to the development. strategies to assure a consistent inflow management
             plan. Action FW-4 will monitor the regulatory status of inflow for any legislative
             changes in authority. Activities for these actions are not expected until 1999.
             Action FW-6 calls for the reduction of water consumption through a long-term
             strategy of water conservation. The Program will work with all identified groups to
             develop a methodology for monitoring water use in the watershed.

             Environmental Monitoring

             The Monitoring Work Group does not recommend the addition of new elements to
             current monitoring elements. The Work Group does recommend evaluation and
             expansion of the role of several important data collection efforts. Results   *from the
             TWDB/TPWD modeling efforts to characterize inflow needs to Galveston Bay will be
             used to make modifications to monitoring activities. This model considers nutrient
             and sediment requirements, salinity restrictions and fishery productivity to produce
             a predicted freshwater need to maintain desired levels of biological productivity and
             diversity. These inflow requirements will be used to provide target numbers for use
             in fut u*re management of freshwater inflow.

             Currents


             There are no ongoing programs for recording currents in the bay. The COE and
             other agencies have had short-term current monitoring efforts usually to assess the


                                                        101








              potential effects of proposed projects on bay circulation. The TWDB operates 5
              permanent continuously recording probes for collection of data to support their
              modeling programs for circulation and salinity and analyses of the relationship
              between salinity and freshwater inflow in the bay. Assessing currents will not be
              considered as a monitoring element for the GBRMP. However, the Monitoring
              Work Group recognizes the need for surveys to assess specific problems associated
              with bay circulation on a case-by-case basis to enable the determination of any
              effects of future large-scale projects on bay circulation. The use of USGS doppler
              methodologies for current surveys has been discussed and will be considered as a
              monitoring survey program. It is recommended that research efforts be undertaken
              to provide additional information to characterize the effect of impoundments, dikes,
              navigation channels, and levees on freshwater inflow to the Bay and circulation
              patterns within the Bay.

              Freshwater Inflow Quantity and Timing

              The Monitoring Steering Committee will work with appropriate agencies to improve
              coordination of monitoring activities to more accurately measure the volume and
              timing of freshwater inflow at critical locations within the Bay watershed.
              Estimates of freshwater contributions to the Bay show that the Trinity River
              watershed accounts for 54% of the freshwater inflow to the Bay. The second highest
              contributor is the San Jacinto River watershed with 28% and other local watersheds
              18%. In deference to the magnitude of these estimates, priority will be placed on
              improving direct inflow measures for the Trinity and San Jacinto River systems and
              maintaining capabilities in other systems. Specific improvements identified are the
              addition of sediment measuring stations, increased numbers of rainfall stations for
              better inflow estimates in watersheds without flow gauges, and improved accuracy
              of the rating curve for the spillway at Lake Houston to improve accuracy of. San
              Jacinto River flow.


              The primary source of information on freshwater inflow are the USGS gauging
              stations located in various bay watersheds (Figure 7-1) Several types of flow
              monitoring stations are operated by the USGS. Some have records of gage-height
              record only while others are continuous recording stream flow stations. In addition
              to stream-flow information many of the stations are also water quality stations.
              Water quality stations may have continuous-recording instrumentation and are
              sampled routinely by USGS water quality personnel. As described in Chapter 3 the
              USGS operates four continuous recording monitoring stations for the City of
              Houston. These stations located on major bayous in the city are continuously
              monitored for surface water elevation, temperature, conductivity and DO. In
              addition to these parameters the stations are periodically sampled for a wide range
              of water quality parameters. The USGS also operates 12 additional stations in the
              Galveston Bay watershed which can be used to provide information on freshwater
              inflow.






                                                       102



















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    RI

                                                                                                                                                                                    .. .. ... .. .. ..


                                                                                                        NNEL


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .i@i J:ii





                                                                                                                                                                                                                         TRINITY BAY







                                                                                                                                                                     E


                                                                                                @i @i  ARMAND
                                                                                                         BA YOU


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              s          13


                                                                                                                                                                                                           GALVESTON                                       B    AY





                                                                                                                                                                                            1@:@: F.,
















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    0




                                                                                                                                                                                                                     0
                                                                                                                                                                                                          @Vi
                                                                                                                                                                                                 C3



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Flow Gauging Station
                                                     CHRISTMAS
                                                              BA      Y
                                                                                                                                        0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Miles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Continuous Monitodng Station


                                               Figure 7-1. USGS flow gauging stations for Galveston Bay inflows.







                                                                                                                                                                                                          103








              Steps are currently being taken by the USGS, to evaluate the flow measurement
              capabilities at the Lake Houston spillway. There are concerns for accuracy of this
              information especially under low flow conditions. An additional flow gauging and
              water quality station is being constructed by the USGS for evaluation of nutrient
              loadings from stormwater runoff in Dickinson Bayou (see Chapter 11- Non-Point
              Sources). With this addition most major inflow contributions will be gauged.

              Freshwater Quality

              The quality of inflow into the Bay will be evaluated through the integration of
              efforts of several existing and development programs. The USGS, TNRCC and
              numerous city and county agencies maintain water quality sampling stations at key
              locations in the Bay watershed. The state of Texas through the Clean Rivers
              Program will be conducting biennial assessments of water quality on a basin and
              sub-basin basis. This information will provide the types of information required to
              make assessments of water quality and to identify localized problems. A more
              complete discussion of the relationship between Clean Rivers and the Galveston
              Bay Program can be found in Chapter 10 - Water and Sediment Quality.


              Bay Monitoring

              Bay monitoring stations operated as part of the GBRMP will provide information on
              the effect of freshwater impacts to the Bay. Complete discussion of this program
              element can be found in Chapter 10 - Water and Sediment Quality. Additional
              monitoring efforts that have been recommended are the establishment of
              permanent real-time monitoring stations within the bay. These can be used to
              supplement the stations currently operated by the TWDB and TPWD.

              In addition to water quality parameters other monitoring elements that will provide
              indirect information on the effect of freshwater impacts include: species population
              protection and habitat protection.

















                                                       104







            Chapter 8

            Spills/Dumping





            Priority Problem

            Bay habitats and living resources are impacted by spills of toxic and hazardous
            materials during storage, handling and transport. The cause of spills are generally
            evident. Spills may be caused by: tanker collisions, rammings, groundings, and
            sinkings; human error during transfer operations; and natural catastrophes such as
            hurricanes, tornadoes or flooding. Several factors must be considered to evaluate
            the effects of oil spills on the bay. The volume of material released is an important
            factor in evaluation of potential effect. However, even small amounts of highly toxic
            materials can have significant impacts. Oil spill response records maintained by
            the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that, on average, there are two small spills daily of
            toxic contaminants. Oil alone accounted for over a quarter of a million gallons in
            1989. There is usually no cleanup action involved.

            Waterborne trash such as cans, bottles, ropes, packing materials, plastic materials
            (including pellets and post-consumer) or medical wastes are pollutants classified as
            bay debris. Sources of these types of pollution are 1) materials dumped into rivers
            or offshore that becomes trapped in the bay, 2) debris from stormwater discharges,
            and 3) spillage from loading docks. Debris in and around the bay degrades the
            aesthetics, may cause harm to wildlife, and can cause damage to boats or water
            intakes. (Morgan and Lee, 1993)

            Management Goals and Objectives

            Three priority management goals were set forward in The Plan to address the
            problems identified as part of the characterization phase of the program. These
            goals are:

                * To obtain compensation for environmental injuries,
                * To reduce the impact from spills on the natural environment, and
                e To eliminate water-borne debris.



                                                      105








               To reach these goals the following objectives and action items were identified as
               steps to help achieve the stated goals. These objectives are:






                  Action SD-1     Promote planning to facilitate natural resource damage
                                  assessments.
                  Action SD-2     Identify simplified damage assessment procedures for
                                  small oil spills.
                  Action SD-3     Facilitate effective restoration of Galveston Bay's natural
                                  resources injured by spills.



                  Action SD-4     Facilitate spill cleanup by advance shoreline
                                  characterization.




                  Action SD-5     Improve trash management near the shoreline.
                  Action SD-6     Remove trash from stormwater discharges.


                  Action SD-7     Publicize environmental harm caused by illegal dumping.

               Data Information Needs

               The goal of Objective 1 is to improve the mechanisms for obtaining compensation for
               environmental injury and mitigation of the environmental impacts to habitat and
               living resources caused by spills in the Bay. Three actions are favored to obtain the
               maximum benefits available for environmental restoration from the environmental
               damage assessment process. These actions support pre-spill planning for
               facilitating initiation of damage assessments, the streamlining of the damage
               assessment process, and the identification of bay-wide restoration needs.

               Objective 2 supports the improvement of advance planning for spill incidents. This
               is achieved through support for major ongoing developments in spill contingency
               planning and response preparedness.

               Information to assess the achievement of these plan action objectives will be largely
               programmatic in nature. The primary monitoring programs for habitat, living
               resources, bay circulation, and water chemistry will provide baseline information on
               conditions within the bay and will provide information on critical habitats and
               resources endangered by spills. Supportive environmental monitoring information
               related to this plan action are:




                                                        106









                ï¿½  Status and trends in areal extent, distribution and quality of existing
                   habitats of concern,
                ï¿½  Status and trends in abundance and distribution of living resources in the
                   Bay,
                ï¿½  Fish and shellfish tissue monitoring for toxics,
                ï¿½  Status and trends, in terms of areal distribution, of water and sediment
                   quality indicators,
                ï¿½  Information on bay circulation and currents.

            Each of the monitoring elements which can provide the stated information have
            detailed descriptions elsewhere in this document. This information can provide
            baseline information on conditions prior to spill events. These monitoring elements
            do not however, directly measure the effectiveness of the plan objectives. These
            objectives. are directed at implementation of damage assessment procedures and
            procedures for implementation of cleanup activities. Development of such
            procedures will be tracked through programmatic monitoring actions.

            Objectives 3 and 4 are directed at achieving reductions in water-borne debris and
            illegal dumping activities. Informational needs to assess these objectives include:

                ï¿½ Data on the occurrence, magnitude, and distribution, of water-borne debris,
                ï¿½ Information on the occurrence of illegal dumping of trash into the Bay.

            Collection of monitoring data to address these data needs is discussed in the
            environmental monitoring section of this chapter.


            Programmatic Monitoring

            For this action plan, programmatic monitoring more directly monitors plan
            objectives than does environmental monitoring. Measures for assessing the effect of
            Objectives 1 through 4 include:

                ï¿½  Monitoring for adoption of pre-spill planning including, administrative and
                   procedural methods to facilitate timely damage assessments,
                ï¿½  Monitoring for development of simplified damage assessment compensation
                   tables to effect efficient and effective recoveries of damages,
                ï¿½  Bay-wide baseline information on pre-release envirorunental conditions,
                ï¿½  Monitor to evaluate the presence of adequate waste receptacles at bay
                   marinas, boat ramps, parks, and other public areas, and
                ï¿½  Survey local governments for implementation of measures to remove floating
                   trash and debris from stormwater discharges.

            Environmental Monitoring

            Data sets made available through the GBRMP monitoring elements for habitat,
            species and water quality will be integrated geographically. This will be
            accomplished through GIS technology to provide baseline environmental
            assessment information, this will be used in advance shoreline characterization,



                                                     107








              and habitat restoration needs. Each of these programs is discussed in detail in their
              respective chapters.

              Environmental information on debris reduction will be obtained through
              sponsorship of new debris studies similar to the Galveston Bay debris
              characterization study (Morgan and Lee, 1993). The objective of this study was to
              characterize the occurrence, magnitude, distribution and identity of possible sources
              of debris in the Galveston Bay Estuary. The Galveston Bay Program will be
              responsible for implementing the survey every three years and will report its
              findings in the biennial State of the Bay Symposia.







































                                                     108






             Chapter 9

             Shoreline Management








             Priority Problem

             Galveston Bay shares many problems with other estuaries of a similar stature
             chiefly in the rapidly escalating demands placed upon its resources because of an
             expanding population and associated development. Human use and development
             activities . can produce unintended results, such as habitat alteration and
             destruction, eutrophication, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and extinction of species.

             Galveston Bay system is also shaped by human processes as the bay is a resource
             utilized by many people. People are drawn to the bay area to enjoy the benefits of
             waterfront living, and access to exploitable natural resources such as fish and
             wildlife; oil gas and other minerals; industrial activities and agriculture. Human
             activities can up set the natural balance of the shoreline ecosystem and often inhibit
             or prohibit natural recuperative abilities of the shoreline.

             Continued development of the shoreline contributes to shore erosion, loss of
             wetlands, increased point and non-point source pollution, and reduced public access
             to the shore. Shoreline management practices frequently fail to balance the need
             for public access to bay resources with environmentally compatible development.
             Specific negative environmental consequences resulting from use of the bay
             shoreline include: 1) human-induced erosion; 2) water usage, point source, and non-
             point source impacts; 3) increased water-borne debris; 4) increased heavy metals,
             fecal coliforms, nutrients, toxic organics, and decreased dissolved oxygen
             concentrations; and 5) loss of wetlands.








              Management Goals and Objectives

              Major goals proposed by The Plan for shoreline management include the following:

                  ï¿½ Reduce negative environmental consequences to the bay, and
                  ï¿½ Increase environmentally compatible public access to bay resources.

              To accomplish these goals the Shoreline management Task Force developed the
              following action plan objectives.




                  Action SM-2     Identify appropriate residential shoreline development
                                  guidelines.
                  Action SM-3     Identify appropriate commercial and industrial shoreline
                                  development guidelines.
                  Action SM-4     Minimize negative effects of structures and dredging on
                                  publicly owned lands.




                  Action SM-5     Improve access to publicly owned shorelines.

              Data Information Needs

              Many impacts to the environment related to shoreline issues are non-point in
              nature. As such these outcomes are better measured in terms of implementation
              rather than measurable environmental outcomes.               We do recognize that
              maintenance or improvement in environmental water quality in terms of wetland
              area and quality, water and sediment quality, and to a lesser extent species
              populations, can be considered to be an indirect monitoring of the effectiveness of all
              plan actions.

              Three actions, SM-1, 2, and 3, are recommended to establish plans and guidelines
              that address the environmental impacts of shoreline development activities.
              Specific negative environmental consequences resulting from bay shoreline use are:
              1) human-induced erosion; 2) water usage, point source, and non-point source
              impacts; 3) increased water-borne debris; 4) increased heavy metals, fecal coliforms,
              nutrients, toxic organics, and decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations and 5) loss
              of wetlands. Monitoring for accomplishment of these actions will be both
              programmatic and environmental in nature. The water quality element of the
              regional monitoring program can provide some information on trends for
              parameters listed above. The regional monitoring program is not however, designed
              to provide information of the type needed to assess site-specific problems.

              Action SM-4 is directed at reducing environmental effects of manmade structures
              that may alter bay circulation, impair existing habitat, threaten water quality and



                                                        110









            degrade aesthetics. Bulkheads, docks, pipelines, barges, abandoned petroleum
            structures and other manmade shoreline fabrications are included among such
            structures. Monitoring for this action will be primarily programmatic in nature.

            Programmatic Monitoring

            Accomplishments for action items SM-1 through 3 can be monitored through
            assessments of local authorities for development and implementation of local
            development regulations consistent with the CMP and The Plan. Surveys would
            include information on residential (SM-1) and commercial and industrial guidelines
            (SM-3) for shoreline development.

            An inventory and removal priority will be assigned to all derelict structures on
            state-owned lands. Priority will be based on aesthetics, submerged habitat value,
            threat to shorelines, habitats, water quality, or safety. Many of the actions address
            reducing the potential for impact. It will be difficult to environmentally assess the
            effects of such actions. Documentation of actions taken will serve as a level of
            success of this action. Future periodic surveys for derelict structures can be
            conducted to assess the effectiveness of this objective.

            Shoreline Management Action SM-5 is directed at improving access to bay shoreline
            for ecologically protective recreational activities. Accounting for increased access
            will be a programmatic function. The Galveston Bay Program will inventory and
            map existing access points and will monitor improvements in capacity and increases
            in access to bay recreational facilities over time.

            Environmental Monitoring

            The core environmental monitoring programs habitat, species, and water quality
            will provide information concerning areas with environmental concerns. These
            areas can be compared to the GLO inventory of derelict structures (SM-4) for
            potential links to environmental impacts. Continued monitoring will record any
            improvements, if any as a result of structure removals. Fecal coliform. is an
            example of a key indicator which may be used to evaluate reductions in raw sewage
            discharges from cabins & houseboats. Monitoring for such localized effects will not
            be possible through the proposed ambient monitoring program. A monitoring
            program to document environmental impacts at such local levels can be developed.
            Additional monitoring stations can be implemented to achieve this but additional
            information such as location of enforcement activities -must be established before
            this can be done.

            The hab  itat identification element of the monitoring program will also provide
            important information for documenting and tracking shoreline land use trends (SM-
            1). Information on land use change will be assessed on a 3-year basis. This
            information can provide valuable information on shoreline modifications on a large
            scale. Additional information concerning this program element can be found in
            Chapter 4 - Habitat Protection.






             Chapter 10

             Water And Sediment Quality





             Priority Problems

             Water masses in the bay are important in the transport and mixing of
             contaminants. Sediments act as the ultimate sink for deposition of those water
             column contaminants bound to suspended particles. Although the bay is in overall
             good condition, there are local problem areas which threaten both public health and
             the ecology of the estuary system. Toxic hot spots, eutrophication, and low dissolved
             oxygen (DO) levels occur in problem areas suffering from high pollutant/nutrient
             input and poor circulation/flushing. In these areas, degraded water and sediment
             quality may result in toxicity, habitat degradation, and low dissolved oxygen levels.
             A limited number of samples have indicated possible water quality criteria
             exceedences of organic chemicals DDT and PCBs in HSC and San Jacinto River
             segments (Ward and Armstrong, 1992). Other studies have suggested possible
             elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium and nickel in bay sediments. Efforts
             to maintain and improve water and sediment quality must address ambient toxicity
             in the Bay and causes of low DO in certain problem areas.

             Management Goals and Objectives

             Water and Sediment Quality Task Force members established the following high-
             priority management goals:

                ï¿½  Attain and maintain concentrations of toxics of concern in estuarine waters
                   and sediments below levels posing unacceptable risks to ecosystem resources
                   and human health


                ï¿½  Attain and maintain levels of dissolved oxygen, at or above water quality
                   criteria








                                                      113










              Data Information Needs


              The primary goal of the monitoring program is the assessment of the effectiveness
              of actions in achieving the stated objectives. Long term data information needs to
              assess these management objectives include:

                 ï¿½ Identification of specific criteria to assess water and sediment quality,
                 ï¿½  Identification of toxic chemicals of concern (COCs), and information on the
                    magnitude and distribution of COCs in Bay water and sediments,
                 ï¿½  Data on the magnitude and distribution of conventional water and sediment
                    quality parameters in Bay waters and sediments,
                 ï¿½  Data on the magnitude and distribution of water column and sediment
                    toxicity of Bay waters and sediments, and
                 ï¿½  Collection of dissolved oxygen data consistent with requirements for state
                    standards criteria.


              Not all chemicals in the environment warrant equal attention. Chemicals of
              concern (COCs) are a limited set of chemicals that may adversely affect Bay biota
              and human populations. Identification of concentrations of COCS in Bay waters and
              sediments are a key information need. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of
              COC concentrations allows evaluation of water and sediment quality in particular
              segments of the bay as well as comparisons among different bay segments.

              Dissolved oxygen will be directly compared to State of Texas water quality criteria
              as an indicator of whether environmental levels pose a problem to bay biota. Areas
              within the bay system found to exhibit variations in DO which may indicate
              potential problems with meeting state criteria will be monitored with continuous
              monitoring instrumentation. This will supplement data collected as part of the Tier
              One DO sampling effort. This data will be used to evaluate diurnal patterns of DO
              and compliance with state water quality criteria.

              Conventional water quality parameters are also needed to (1) interpret responses by
              Bay biota or (2) infer the relative strength of certain physical processes. For
              example, salinity may be used to infer the role of freshwater inflow and exchange of
              Bay and Gulf waters. Nutrient concentrations in bay waters may have an effect on
              primary productivity within the Bay. Elevated levels can result in algal blooms and
              eutrophication problems. Conversely, low levels of nutrients can be limiting factors
              in the bay's overall productivity. Water quality issues related to pathogens were
              discussed by Water and Sediment Quality Task Force members. Their discussions
              were incorporated in Chapter 6: Public Health Protection.

              Water and Sediment Quality Task Force members also recognized the need for
              monitoring contaminant sources. Contaminant sources (e.g., point source, non-point
              source, dredged material) drive the input of potentially toxic substances into the
              Bay. Task Force members emphasized the need for information characterizing
              contaminant sources and their relative contribution. However, the regional


                                                       114


	
		monitoring effort focuses on characterizing ambient conditions in the bay.  Point 
		source NPDES Stormwater Permit compliance monitoring data can be used with
		regional monitoring data to assess the potential effects these sources may have on
		bay biota as well as human populations.

		Objective 1: 	Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and
					sediments by 2014
		Action WSQ-1.	Reduce contaminant concentrations to meet 
					standards and criteria
		Action WSQ-2. 	Determine sources of ambient toxicity in water
					and sediment
		Action WSQ-3.	Establish sediment quality criteria	
		Action WSQ-4.	Perform TMDL loading studies for toxics
		Action WSQ-5.	Support Clean Texas 2000 Pollution Prevention
					Program
		Objective 2:	By 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the
					estuary are in compliance with established dissolved oxygen
					standards
		Action WSQ-6	Reduce nutrient and BOD loadings to problem
					areas
		Action WSQ-7	Perform TMDL loading studies for oxygen demand and
					nutrients
		
		Programmatic Monitoring

		The ultimate measure of success in this element will be measured in environmental
		terms.  However, there are programmatic measures important to the success of the 
		Water Quality element.
		
		Action WSQ-2 calls for the identification of sources of toxicity in water and
		sediment.  Knowledge of the point source loadings to the bay and estimates of non-
		point sources is essential to evaluate this action.  The Program office will obtain and
		evaluate this information from the TNRCC permit self-reporting information and
		other sources of information such as TRI data, county permit reporting and
		sampling data sets. In addition non-point source estimates will be available from
		NPDES stormwater programs and other monitoring sources.

		Action WSQ-3 acknowledges the need for development of appropriate sediment
		criteria for aquatic life and human health protection.  The TNRCC is charged with
		establishing and adopting such criteria.  Progress toward development of these 
		criteria will be tracked and reported by The Galveston Bay Program.



										115







             Action WSQ-4 requires the performance of TMDLs (total maximum daily load) for
             toxics integrating both point and non-point sources into the process. TMDLs are to
             be performed in water quality segments not meeting standards and areas with a
             high potential for impact. The Program'will compile information on the number of
             toxic TMDLs performed.

             Action WSQ-5 supports the Clean Texas 2000 Pollution Prevention Program. The
             Program will track participation by bay-area industries and municipalities, and will
             document significantly successful participants. This can be monitored by surveys
             directed at measuring participation in the program. Toxic Release Inventory data
             will be monitored for anticipated reductions in toxic emissions and discharges as a
             result of this program. Action WSQ-6 calls for the reduction of nutrient and BOD
             loadings to most sensitive and most impacted areas. The Program will track the
             process of identifying these areas. In addition The Program will track the
             reductions in loadings achieved through this initiative.

             Action WSQ-7 calls for the performance of TMDL studies for oxygen demand and
             nutrients accounting for both point and non-point loadings. The Program will track
             the number of such TMDL studies that are accomplished.


             Environmental Monitoring

             Monitoring activities must provide information to evaluate whether progress toward
             management objectives is being made. The water and sediment quality component
             of the regional monitoring program must provide data to assist in:

                 ï¿½  Characterizing the concentration and trends of selected toxics in Bay waters
                    and sediments,
                 ï¿½  Characterizing the distribution and trends of toxicity in waters and
                    sediments.
                 ï¿½  Characterizing the magnitude, extent, and trends of selected conventional
                    water and sediment quality parameters
                 ï¿½  Data to evaluate whether ambient COC levels in water and/or sediment may
                    cause alterations in aquatic populations and habitats,

             Furthermore, local compliance monitoring must be conducted concurrently to
             determine the relative contribution of toxics sources. It is fully expected that
             regional monitoring program data will be used by those conducting compliance
             monitoring programs and short-term studies to assess the effectiveness of pollutant
             source control actions.









                                                      116









            Water Column Sampling Program

            Geographical Boundaries

            The boundaries of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program are defined as
            all open-bay areas and tidal portions of tributaries. Open bay and tidal portions are
            defined as marine waters for criteria application. Marine waters are defined as
            waters having measurable elevation changes due to normal tides or in the absence
            of tidal information, waters with salinity's of two parts per thousand or greater in a
            significant portion of the water column. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation
            Commission (TNRCC) segmentation scheme designates tidally influenced segments
            and will be used to define the geographic extent of this program. These are given in
            ï¿½307, Appendix B of the water quality standards document (TNRCC, 1991).

            Water Quality Monitoring Objectives

            To make Bay-wide estimations of toxicity in terms of areal extent (ï¿½10%). Toxicity
            shall be defined as Inland Silverside, Menidia beryllina, mortality in a 7-day chronic
            test significantly greater than the control and/or mortality to mysid shrimp,
            Mysidopsis bahia, in a 96-hour acute test is significantly greater than mortality in
            the control group. Significance is to be determined using a one-tailed Dunnets test
            with a 95% confidence interval.

            To make bay-wide estimates ; in terms of areal extent (ï¿½10%), and temporal trend,
            in terms of areal extent and magnitude, of exceedences in State standards criteria.
            Criteria evaluated will be human health and aquatic life criteria, as defined in the
            Texas State Surface Water Quality Standards.

            To make bay-wide estimates in terms of areal extent (ï¿½10%) and temporal trends, in
            terms of areal extent and magnitude, those waters in violation of state criteria for
            dissolved oxygen as defined in the Texas State Surface Water Quality Standards.

            To make Bay-wide estimates of the eutrophic condition of    waters in Galveston Bay
            in terms of aerial extent (ï¿½10%). Such estimates will be developed from collection of
            water quality information (nutrients, TSS and turbidity) and estimates of primary
            productivity from chlorophyll-a measures.

            Parameter Selection and Data Quality Objectives

            Selection of appropriate parameters for inclusion in the ambient water portion of
            the Regional Monitoring Program was accomplished through review of the
            established data information needs and monitoring objectives. Beyond those
            specific parameters needed to assess monitoring objectives, numerous standard
            monitoring parameters of specific agency and historical importance have been
            included. Recommendations by those responsible for the review of historical trends
            (Ward & Armstrong) were also considered. Recommendations from the TWDB
            which has responsibility for modeling the bay system were solicited (David Brock,
            TWDB, Personal communication). The Monitoring Work Group conducted this
            review and established the list of parameters given in Table 10-1. Monitoring for



                                                      117









              these parameters will allow assessment of the effect of plan actions and establish a
              better understanding of the Galveston Bay system.

              Monitoring for plan actions requires that comparisons be made to toxic criteria.
              State water quality standards specify criteria for protection of aquatic life and
              public health concerns. Specific aquatic life numerical criteria have been
              established and adopted in the state water quality standards document "for those
              specific toxic substances for which adequate toxicity information is available, and
              which have the potential for exerting adverse impacts on water in the state"
              (TNRCC, 1991). Human health criteria have been established "to prevent
              contamination of fish and other aquatic life to ensure that they are safe for human
              health consumption". Specific human health concentration criteria for water are
              applicable to waters in the state which have sustainable fisheries, and /or
              designation or use as a public drinking water supply. The state standards further
              states that, "all bays, estuaries, and tidal rivers" are defined as having a
              sustainable fishery. The Regional Monitoring Program will, where appropriate,
              evaluate monitoring results against state criteria for both aquatic life and public
              health protection.

              State water quality standards establish both freshwater and marine aquatic life
              criteria. All open-bay and tidal portions of tributaries, our designated area of
              interest, are defined by the State as marine waters. Therefore marine criteria will
              be used for evaluation of analytical results. All parameters having either marine
              aquatic life and public health protection criteria, or both, have been included in
              Table 10-2 as the list of COCs for water quality monitoring.

              Numerical values for marine, acute and chronic, aquatic life protection have been
              adopted for inclusion in the state water quality standards. Acute criteria are
              "applicable to all waters of the state, with the exception of small areas of
              initial dilution at discharge points". Chronic criteria are applicable to "all waters of
              the state with designated or existing aquatic life uses, except inside mixing zones
              and below critical low-flow conditions" (TNRCC, 1991). For purpose of this program
              comparisons to both acute and chronic criteria will be made.

              The lower of the aquatic life or human health criteria will be used to establish
              appropriate performance criteria for analytical procedures. Where these levels of
              analytical discrimination are not attainable, minimum analytical levels will be
              determined.     The State defines minimum analytical level as the lowest
              concentration at which a particular substance can be "quantitatively measured,
              with a defined precision level, using approved analytical methods" (TNRCC, 1991).
              Minimum analytical levels are established based on analyses of the analyte in the
              matrix of concern.

              Selected stations will be designated as standards attainment stations for TNRCC
              segments. Stations designated for standards attainment will be selected by the
              TNRCC as required by ï¿½307.9.a.1 of the State water quality standards. These
              stations will be sampled four times a year for Tier One and Tier Two parameters.




                                                        118












                TABLE 10-1.            PARAMETERS AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR WATER AND
                                       SEDIMENT QUALITY.



                Ambient Water Column:

                Tier One Monitoring Parameter                                         Data Quality Objectives

                Insitu Measures

                     ï¿½  Temperature                                                   ï¿½0.5 0 Celsius
                     ï¿½  Salinity                                                      ï¿½0.1 ppt
                     ï¿½  Conductivity                                                  umhos/cm, three significant figures
                     ï¿½  pH                                                            +0.1 S.U.
                     ï¿½  Dissolved Oxygen                                              +0.1 mg/l
                     ï¿½  Turbidity, as Secchi depth                                    +0.1 meters
                     ï¿½  Sample depth                                                  ï¿½0.1 meters
                     ï¿½  Photosynthetically active radiation

                Analytical Samples:

                     ï¿½   TSS, VSS                                                     ï¿½1.0 mg/l
                     ï¿½   Oxygen demand, 5-day CBOD (tributary monitoring only)        ï¿½1.0 mg/l
                     ï¿½   Nutrients: Nitrogen - NH3-N, nitrate, nitrite,               +0.01 mg/l
                                      Phosphorous - Total and ortho                   +0.01 mg/1
                                      Carbon - TOC                                    ï¿½1.0  mg/l
                     ï¿½   Chlorophyll-a
                     ï¿½   Fecal coliforms                                              # colonies/100 ml

                Tier Two Monitoring Parameters

                     ï¿½   Water Hardness (for salinity < 2 ppt)                        ï¿½0.1 mg/l as CaC03
                     ï¿½   Dissolved Metal C8qOCs                                          ug/l1
                     ï¿½   Organic toxic C8qOCs                                            ug/l1
                     ï¿½   Pesticide C2qOCs                                                ug/l1
                     ï¿½   Ambient toxicity                                             % survival

                Sediment Quality Monitoring Parameters:

                     ï¿½   Grain size
                     ï¿½   Sediment bound metals                                        ug/l1
                     ï¿½   Sediment bound organics                                      ug/l1
                     ï¿½   Benthic community assessments                                Community index
                     ï¿½   Sediment toxicity tests                                      % survival
                     ï¿½   TOC                                                          ï¿½1.0 mg/l
                     ï¿½   AVS       (to be added at later date)

                1 - Data Quality Objectives will be based on the lower of ambient criteria or State defined minimum
                     analytical levels.











                                                                       119










                TABLE 10-2.           CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN FOR THE GALVESTON BAY
                                      REGIONAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM.



                     Organics

                     Aldrin (A,H)                                             Nitrobenzene (H)
                     Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane                              n- Nitrosodiethylamine (H)
                     Benzene (H)                                              n- Nitroso-di-n-butylamine (H)
                     Benzidine (H)                                            Total PCBs (A,H)
                     Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (H)                           Parathion (A)
                     Bis (chloromethyl) ether (H)                             Phenanthrene (A)
                     Carbaryl (A)                                             Pentachlorobenzene (H)
                     Carbon tetrachloride (H)                                 Pentachlorophenol (A,H)
                     Chlordane AH)                                            Pyridine (H)
                     Chrlorobenzene (H)                                       1,2,4,5- Tetrachlorobenzene (H)
                     Chloroform (H)                                           Tetrachloroethylene (H)
                     Chlorpyrifos (A)                                         Toxaphene(A,H)
                     Cresols (H)                                              2,4,5- Trichlorophenol (A)
                     DDD (H)                                                  Vinyl chloride (H)
                     DDE (H)                                                  Total petroleum hydrocarbons
                     DDT (A,H)
                     Danitol (H)                                              Inorganics
                     Demeton (A)
                     Dibromochloromethane (H)                                 Aluminum (D,A)
                     1,2- dibromoethane (H)                                   Arsenic (D,A)
                     Dieldrin AH)                                             Cadmium (D,A)
                     1,2- dichloroethane (H)                                  Chromium III (D,A)
                     1,1- dichloroethylene (H)                                Chromium VI (D,A)
                     Dicofol (H)                                              Copper(D,A)
                     Dioxins / Furans (TCDD Equiv.) (H)                       Cyanide (A)
                     Endosulfan(A,H)                                          Lead (D,A,H)
                     Endrin (A,H)                                             Mercury (D,A,H)
                     Guthion (A)                                              Nickel (D,A)
                     Heptachlor (A,H)'                                        Selenium (DA)
                     Heptachlor epoxide (H)                                   Silver, as free ion (D,A)
                     Hexacholrobenzene (H)                                    Tributyltin (A)
                     Hexachlorobutadiene (H)                                  Zinc (D,A)
                     Hexachlorocyclohexane(Lindane) (A,.H)
                     Hexachloroethane (H)
                     Hexachlorophene (H)
                     Malathion (A,H)
                     Methyl ethyl ketone (H)
                     Methoxychlor (A)
                     Mirex (A,H)



                (D)  Dissolved portion.
                (A)  Texas Aquatic Life Criteria Parameter. Criteria are based on ambient water quality criteria
                     documents published by USEPA.
                (H)  Texas Human Health Criteria Parameter. Concentration in marine waters to prevent
                     contamination of fish and other aquatic life to ensure that they are safe for human consumption.






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            Spatial Design and Statistical Resolving Power

            Integration of information from multiple sources on the various resources of
            Galveston Bay, especially water and sediment quality, was determined to be a
            critical function for successful system-wide sampling. Two distinct sampling
            environments have been used in design of the Regional Monitoring Program. They
            are classified as open-bay and tidally influenced stream segments. Classification
            designations have been adopted from Section 307, Appendix A. of the State Surface
            Water Quality Standards document. The adoption of a common sampling design
            agreed to by all participants in the regional monitoring effort will greatly contribute
            to this integration effort. Two separate spatial strategies were adopted for bay and
            tidal segments.

            Open-Bav Monitoring

            Several potential spatial strategies were evaluated by the Monitoring Work Group.
            These included randomized sampling, stratified random designs and a probabilistic
            sampling model such as the one used in the USEPA Environmental Monitoring and
            Assessment Program (EMAP). The spatial design model adopted for the open-bay
            water portions of the Regional Monitoring Program is a probability-based,
            hierarchical grid design developed and first implemented by the EPA's EMAP. The
            design uses probability sampling theory to provide rigorous, unbiased estimates of
            environmental conditions. EMAP stated goals and objectives (U.S. EPA, 1992b)
            were determined to be consistent with our own:

                   Estimate the current status and trends in the condition of ecological
                   resources within a defined spatial scale, with known statistical confidence;
                   and
                   Seek associations among anthropocentric stress and ecological conditions;
                   and
                   Provide periodic statistical summaries and interpretive reports on ecological
                   status and trends to resource managers and the public.

            Recently conducted R-EMAP projects, including one in Galveston Bay in 1993, have
            demonstrated the utility of the grid structure in addressing any spatially
            distributed and well defined ecological resource. In addition, this approach has
            been successfully applied to several estuary monitoring programs including the
            Delaware Bay, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay National Estuary Programs. In the
            opinion of the Work Group this design had numerous advantages over other
            considered designs. Those advantages include:

                   Significant research and field validation efforts have been conducted to make
                   the sampling design statistically valid and defensible,
                   A probability based sampling design is free of subjectivity and site selection
                   bias,
                   A grid insures that the samples are evenly distributed over the spatial extent
                   of the resource. This allows the development of distribution functions based
                   on areal extent,




                                                       121








                 ï¿½  It has been demonstrated that historical sites, of the sort sampled for years
                    by resource agencies, can be incorporated into the regional plan and still
                    maintain statistical validity,
                 ï¿½  Estimates of indicator values in terms of areal extent can be made and the
                    uncertainty associated with the estimate can be determined (e.g. 90% ï¿½10% of
                    Galveston Bay meets sediment criteria levels),
                    The types of estimates that can be made (i.e. areal distribution) are more
                    easily understood by non-technical managers and the public,
                    The data can be grouped or sub-divided numerous ways and estimates of
                    uncertainty can be made with known levels of confidence.

              With the stated level of uncertainty and desiring to make annual estimates, sample
              site selection was made by randomly placing a 4-fold enhancement of the EMAP
              grid structure over the Galveston Bay area.           The result is hexagons of
              approximately 70 km2 with a 7.5 km distance between the grid centers. From each
              hexagon which included any part of the defined area, a single station was randomly
              selected. If the sample point fell on land or outside of the defined sampling area it
              was thrown out. The sample selection process was repeated four times to provide
              four sets of sampling stations (Appendix Q. The result is an average of 34 stations
              per year. The program has the option of sampling the same set of stations each year
              or a new set each of four years before revisiting a site. Sampling the same stations
              each year will increase trend detection capabilities but will also increase the
              uncertainty in the ability to make statements based on areal extent. Conversely, if
              a new set of stations is visited each year, with a subset revisited to enhance trend
              detection, long term trend detection capabilities are reduced, but the 10%
              uncertainty of areal extent is upheld. A final decision on this detail of the program
              has not been made pending results of the first year sampling. The program will be
              implemented with the first year set of stations which are represented by Figure 10-
              1.

              The Regional Monitoring Work Group acknowledges Dr. Kevin Summers of the
              EMAP-Estuaries program in Gulf Breeze, Florida, who provided the technical
              assistance for development of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program
              probabilistic sampling design.

              Tidal Streams

              Monitoring tidal stream segments, including the Houston Ship Channel, and
              upstream segments is a second element in the Regional Monitoring Program. Data
              gathered from this monitoring element will provide information on inflow loadings
              of COCs to the bay system and will be used as appropriate in assessment of plan
              objectives. Tributary sampling design will utilize current sampling efforts
              conducted by monitoring entities. The program has designated five stream basin
              areas for development of tributary monitoring stations. The two major river basin
              watersheds for the Galveston Bay system are the San Jacinto and lower Trinity
              River systems. These two watersheds provide an estimated 82% of the freshwater
              inflow to Galveston Bay. Other designated basins are the upper Houston Ship




                                                       122























                                                                                                                                                    V








                                                                                                                                    A
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                                                                                                                              Trinity
                                                                                                   Tabu









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                                                                                                                    V
                                                                                                                    P
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                                                                                                             GALVESTON
                                                                                                            ISLAND

                                                                    A
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                                                                                                                                                                 LEGEND


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                                                                                                                                                                     Sampiing
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                                                                         Son W,
                                                                           P-

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                                                        Bay

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                                                                                                                                                                    SOURCE: EPA, 1994
                         Figure 10-1.                          Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program Ambient Water and
                                                               Sediment Quality Sampling Stations






                                                                                                               123








              Channel drainage basin, Clear Lake-Clear Creek basin, Dickinson Bay basin and
              Chocolate Bay basin. Adoption of comparable sampling and analytical methods will
              allow creation of a regional database incorporating data from all local and state
              agencies sampling in these basins. Figures showing the distribution of sampling
              programs in these tributary systems are found in Chapter 3. This effort is being
              closely coordinated with the Texas Clean Rivers Program to ensure comparability
              with open-bay sampling. Clean Rivers is a state program administered locally by
              the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The Texas Clean Rivers Act was passed by
              the legislature in 1991. Clean Rivers seeks to provide coordinated river basin
              assessment information utilizing a watershed management approach. Close
              coordination with the Clean Rivers Program will assure a truly regional monitoring
              program which will include the entire lower Galveston Bay watershed.

              Temporal Sampling Strategies

              To define monitoring frequencies water quality parameters are divided into two
              tiers. Tier One parameters will be monitored at a minimum frequency of quarterly.
              Quarterly samples will be collected during fall (October-November), winter
              (January-February), spring (April-May), and summer (August-September). For Tier
              Two parameters sampling will be done on a minimum of annually with many being
              sampled twice a year. Select Tier Two parameters such as pesticides will be
              sampled during high freshwater inflow periods, and in late summer. Tier Two
              parameters which are sampled only once a year will be sampled during the late
              summer period. Historically, levels for COCs are higher in late summer samplings.

              Volunteer monitoring can be an excellent resource for filling gaps in temporal
              monitoring coverage at impacted or potentially impacted sites. By utilizing
              volunteer monitoring there is potential to extend both the temporal and the spatial
              coverage of the monitoring program. This monitoring program acknowledges that
              volunteer monitors provide quality data and can contribute much to what we know
              about Galveston Bay.

              Performance Criteria

              Performance criteria are defined as levels of environmental change that can be
              detected by the monitoring design. Two means of detecting change to be utilized in
              the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program are: 1) estimates, in terms of areal
              extent, of the bay that meet defined environmental conditions and 2) long term
              trend detection in terms of concentration. The level of change that can be detected
              is influenced by several variables. These include the monitoring frequency, the
              number of samples, the variability of the contaminant, the duration of monitoring
              and, all too often, cost.

              In making estimates of areal extent, a response variable can be classified as
              exhibiting a binary response when compared to a benchmark level (i.e. water
              quality criteria levels). For example, if the acute criteria for copper is 16.3 ug/l and
              a sample result of 8.4 ug/1 is found then that sample would be classified as having a
              positive binary response. Conversely if a sample level of 20.0 ug/1 is recorded then a
              negative response would be entered for that sample. Using such an approach, with


                                                        124








            a probabilistic sampling design, the proportion of an area meeting this response
            level can be estimated using the binomial distribution. An advantage of this
            method over traditional trend detection of concentration changes is that prior
            estimates of variance are not required.

            Estimates of the precision in the response variable can be used to predict the
            probability of detecting a change. In the binomial distribution the precision of the
            estimate of the response variable is a function of the sample size. The probabilistic
            sampling program is then designed by determining the sample size needed to meet
            the a priori conditions of uncertainty desired by the sampling design. The level of
            uncertainty desired by the GBRMP was to be able to make predictions within 10%
            on an areal basis annually. With this information a probabilistic sampling design
            was developed which would meet this stated goal.

            Projections of the trend detection capability of the sampling design can be estimated
            using power analyses. Performance criteria for trend detection were established
            from projections of power analyses conducted on historical data. Power analyses
            were conducted to evaluate the ability of the proposed systematic sampling program
            to detect trends, both within segment and bay-wide. Estimates of the level of
            detectable difference that can be achieved by the proposed sampling design, require
            the number of samples 'and an estimate of the variance of the data. Trends can be
            projected on a bay-wide or more meaningfully a bay segment basis. By using a
            systematic sampling design any. number of segmentation schemes can be overlaid
            onto the grid without violating conditions of random selection.

            A primary segmentation scheme used in the bay is the TNRCC water quality
            segmentation system. To evaluate the design capability to detect within segment
            trends using this scheme, the TNRCC segmentation scheme was superimposed on
            the probabilistic design. From this a nominal value for the number of stations per
            segment was set at 5. Since the probabilistic design is done on a bay-wide basis
            stations are not geographically weighted. Therefore, segments with larger areas
            will receive a larger proportion of the samples. Estimates of the variance within the
            data sets were calculated by extracting the most recent 5 year period from the
            historical data sets compiled by Ward & Armstrong during the characterization
            phase of the program. The power analyses were condubted using the power analysis
            function available in the Macintosh based JMPO statistical package developed by
            the SAS Institute Inc.

            Power estimates, of ability to detect minimum differences within segments. were
            generated for three parameters; TOC, arnmonia-N, and total zinc. A more complete
            discussion of this process is included in Appendix D of this document. As expected,
            these analyses demonstrated that sample sizes required to meet recommended
            power criteria of 80 percent ate highly variable. Minimum detectable differences
            from the historical mean ranged from 16% for TOC, 18% for total zinc, and 70% for
            ammonia-N. It should be stated that the values for variance used in these
            evaluations will provide conservative estimates of detection levels. In calculating
            the estimates of variance no consideration was given to the effect of between



                                                     125









              segment or seasonal effects on variance. General estimates of varianc        ,e, such as
              standard deviation, show that when evaluated on a segment by segment basis,
              variance may be lower or higher than the estimates used in this exercise.

              The finding is that the proposed sampling scheme will provide adequate and
              protective estimates of trend detection which are theoretically acceptable.
              Evaluations of data collected will be conducted biennially to determine if
              modifications to the program need to be made. As data from the expanded
              monitoring effort becomes available additional evaluations of the data will be
              conducted and determinations will be made as to whether modifications to the
              sampling program need to be made to enhance trend detection.

              Some parameters do not lend themselves to trend detection. As can be seen in
              Table 10-3 many inorganic toxic parameters are reported at concentrations well
              below the criteria limits. For example, from Table 10-3, silver had only 2.9% of
              observations above the reported detection level (DL). For organi        .es, a historical
              review of data shows that more than 80% of the documented samples are reported
              with concentration levels below detection levels and most criteria levels are below
              detection capabilities. From this data no meaningful trend detection can be
              determined. In these cases trends based on areal extent will be utilized to show
              areas with contaminants at elevated levels against an established level.

              Water Column Sampling Methods

              Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (Section 307.9) specify sampling procedures
              for' determining standards attainment. With comparisons to standards criteria
              being a primary issue in water column sampling the Regional Monitoring Program
              has been designed to be consistent with these requirements. GBRMP Protocols
              incorporate clean sample collection methods. Clean sample protocols will be
              implemented immediately to insure accurate results.

              For bacteriological and temperature comparisons, water column sampling involves
              collecting the sample at one foot below the surface in all cases. However, for some
              standards parameters (e.g. DO, pH) the appropriate collection depth varies,
              dependent on the type of water body and criteria. Specific sampling requirements
              for bays, tidal, and non-tidal flowing streams are given in the Texas Water Quality
              Standards ï¿½307.9.b.2- 3.

              All in situ field measures will be collected at every sampling event. For open-bay
              and tidal stations, a surface to bottom profile of DO, pH, salinity, and temperature
              shall be obtained. For non-tidal stations a surface to bottom profile of DO, pH,









                                                         126












              TABLE 10-3 HISTORICAL CONCENTRATION VALUES FOR DISSOLVED METALS
                                  IN GALVESTON BAY. ALL VALUES ARE GIVEN IN ug/L.
                                  (from, WARD & ARMSTRONG, 1992)
                         Paraineter Criteria 1              Obs.   1@ %     Avg. w/ - jAvg. W/
                                                                    Obs-    BDL= 03 BDL=DL4
                                                                    >DL2
                         Arsenic          149/78         33         15.2    .71           5.34
                         Cadmium          45.6/10.0      65         40      .54           1.47
                         Copper           16.3/4.4       80         47.5    1.78          5.73
                         Lead             140/5.6        80         38.8    3.5           4.73
                         Mercury          2.1/1.1        62         71      1.59          @ T_6 5
                         Nickel           119/13.2       70         47.1    6.02          9.8
                         Selenium         564/136        35         0       0             5
                        1 Silver         17.2/0.9        135        2.9     .46          118.7
                        I Zinc           198/89          178        91      18.8         119.3

                      1 Marine Acute/Chronic Criteria.
                      2 Percent of observations reported as greater than detection limit (DL).
                      3 Average concentration using 0 as value when below DL (BDL) is reported.
                      4 Average concentration using DL as value when <DL reported.





              conductivity, and temperature will be obtained. Vertical (depth) profiles will be
              collected according to Section 3.5,of the TNRCC Water Quality Monitoring
              Procedures Manual. Secchi depth and light penetration willberecorded.

              Samples collected for Tier One analytical parameters, will be collected as grab
              samples at a depth of one foot. Tier Two samples will consist of samples for toxic
              inorganics and organics. Sampling methods for these parameters will incorporate
              the use of practical clean method precautions in sampling and analytical
              procedures. Further development of clean methods will be pursued. Tier Two
              samples for standards attainment for aquatic life criteria shall be collected at a
              depth of one foot. The use of a bucket for this sampling is not recommended because
              of the possible inclusion of the surface layer. This layer may contain sufficiently
              elevated- concentrations of trace metals, or organic compounds that could influence
              the overall concentration for the sample. For these samples the collection method
              for the one-foot depth should minimize the contribution of this surface layer. Direct
              bottle filling from under the surface should be employed for Tier Two samples. Tier
              Two organics collected at designated standards attainment stations will be collected
              as a vertical composite from the surface to the natural bottom. Specific sampling
              procedures can be found in the Protocols for Sample Collection and Analysis:
              Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program (Tetra Tech, 1994b).



                                                               127









              The GBRMP will identify areas at high risk for DO impacts through its Tier One
              monitoring effort. Once high risk areas are identified continuous 24-hour
              monitoring consistent with state DO criteria will be conducted to determine
              compliance with state DO criteria. These sampling requirements are outlined in
              ï¿½307.9(d)6 of the Texas surface water quality standards. These monitoring
              activities will support results from plan actions designed to improve DO levels
              through reductions in nutrient and BOD loadings.

              Water Column Analytical Methods

              There is a great deal of experience in monitoring most in situ and Tier One
              parameters. For this reason the methods recommended are those which are
              currently employed by the many agencies and organizations involved. DO, pH,
              salinity/conductivity, and temperature are most commonly measured by probe.
              Volunteer monitoring groups do not have access to probes but do follow a formal
              Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPjP) (TNRCC, 1993) utilizing approved
              protocols from Standard Methods. No specific requirements are required beyond
              the ability to meet the minimum data quality objectives listed in Table 10-1.
              Monitoring entities should follow their own monitoring protocols or manufacturers
              recommendations for probe maintenance and use.

              Methods as listed in Table 10-4 will be selected based on their ability to provide the
              lowest practical detection levels. Current analytical capabilities, for metals, by
              participating laboratories are limited to Atomic Absorption (AA) Furnace methods.
              The US EPA Region 6 Laboratory is adding inductively coupled plasma - mass
              spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation (D. Stockton, U.S. EPA - Region 6
              Laboratory, Personal communication) and the program will work with them to
              make these capabilities available for our sampling effort.

              Water Column Quality Assurance and Quality Control

              All samples will be collected according to Protocols for Sample Collection and
              Analysis: Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program. This document specifies
              collection procedures, container requirements and preservation requirements for
              proper sample quality assurance. In addition to this document the Galveston Bay
              Program will coordinate an annual training workshop to provide additional
              standardization of sample collection procedures.

              The ability to determine metals at ambient water quality criteria levels requires the
              use of stringent quality control procedures to    'avoid contamination and ensure
              validity of analytical results (U.S. EPA, 1994). Improved sampling methods must
              be developed to assure that trace metals determinations are not influenced by
              contamination during the sampling process.

              Quality control specifications for water analyses have been incorporated into state
              law (Texas Surface Water Quality Standards ï¿½ 319.1- 319.12). Although originally
              designed to satisfy National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
              monitoring programs these requirements, shown in Table 10-5, are equally


                                                        128









            appropriate for ambient water quality evaluations. This program specifies type and
            frequency of quality control measures to be run on sample sets. Control measures
            include blanks, duplicates, spikes and standards. All laboratories conducting
            analyses for the Galveston Bay Monitoring Program will utilize these QA/QC
            measures.. Additional quality assurance for participating laboratories will come
            from participation in extramural quality control programs.

            A number of commercially available programs are currently utilized by agency labs.
            One such program available to all laboratories participating in the Regional
            Monitoring Program is the USEPA Water Pollution Evaluation Study. This
            program consists of a series of samples shipped to the study participants every six
            months. Each set includes samples for demands (TOC and CBOD), nutrients (NH3-
            N, nitrate, ortho and total phosphorous), trace metals, and organics (PCB's,
            pesticides, volatiles, and aromatics). These results are evaluated against true
            values and are made available to both the laboratory and the State. Participation
            in this or other equivalent programs is required at a minimum frequency of twice
            per year with quarterly evaluations recommended. The GBRMP recognizes QA/QC
            procedures outlined in.. the TNRCC Texas Watch QAPJP (TNRCC, 1993) for
            volunteer monitoring data.































                                                    129









              TABLE 10-4. COMPARABLE AND ACCEPTABLE ANALYTICAL METHODS. FOR
                             THOSE PARAMETERS TO BE CONDUCTED BY LABORATORY
                             ANALYSES.



               Parameter                            EPA Method          Standard          Other
                                                                  11 -Methods
               TSS                                     160.2            2540 D
               VSS                                     160.4            2540 E
               CBOD5                                   405.1             5210
               NH3-N                                350.1   350.3      4500-NH3
                                                                        D,FX
               Nitrate- nitrite                     353.1)353.2        4500-NO3
                                                       353.3            C,D,E,F
               Phosphorous (all types)              365.1, 365.2.       4500-P
                                                    365.3, 365.4        D,EY
               Total Organic Carbon                    415.1           5310 B@c
               Chlorophyll-a                                            1002.G.2         TNRCC
               Fecal coliforms                                          9222 D
               Water hardness                       130.1,130.2         2340 C
               Dissolved metals                     AA Furnace,         3113 B
                                                      ICP_MS
               Mercury                              245.1, 245.2,     3500 Hg-B
                                                       245.5
                                                    (Sediment)
               Volatile organics                     624,1624           6220 B
               Acid-base Neutral Organics            625,1625           6410 B
                                                                         6440
               Pesticides                            608,625            6410 B
                                                                       6630 B,C

                  Recommended Method in U. S. EPA Monitoring Guidance for the National
                  Estuary Program.

















                                                          130









               TABLE 10-5.REQUIRED QUALITY CONTROL ANALYSIS FOR GALVESTON BAY
                               REGIONAL MONITORING PROGRAM.


                      Parameter                             Blank         Standard       DUlicate           Spike
                      Bacterial                               A                               B
                      Alkalinity                                              A               B
                      Ammonia Nitrogen                        A               A               B               B
                      BOD                                     A               A               B
                      BOD-Carbonaceous                        A               A               B
                      COD                                     A               A               B               B
                      Chloride                                A               A               B               B
                      Chloride-Total or Free                                  D
                      Cyanide-total or Ammenable to
                          Chlorination                        A               A               B               B
                      Fluoride                                A               A               B               B
                      pH                                                      C
                      Kjeldahl Nitrogen                       A               A               B               B
                      Metals (all)                            A               A               B               B
                      Nitrate Nitrogen                        A               A               B               B
                      Nitrite Nitrogen                        A               A               B               B
                      Oil and Grease                          A               D
                      Orthophosphate                          A               A               B               B
                      Oxygen (dissolved)                                      A               B
                      Phenols                                 A               A               B
                      Phosphorus-Total                        A               A               B               B
                      Specific Conductance                    A               A
                      Sulfate                                 A               A               B               B
                      Sulfide                                 A               A               B
                      Sulfite                                 A               A               B
                      TOC                                     A               A               B               B
                      TSS                                     A                               B
                      TDS                                     A               A               B
                      Organics by GC or GC/MS                 A               A               E               E

                      A     Wherever specified, at least one blank and one standard shall be performed each day
                            that samples are analyzed.
                      B     Wherever specified, duplicate and spike analyses shall be performed on a 10% basis
                            each day that samples are analyzed. If one to 10 samples are analyzed on a particular
                            day, then duplicate and one spike analysis shall be performed.
                      C. -  For pH analysis, the meter shall be calibrated each day that samples are analyzed
                            using a minimum of two standards which bracket the pH value(s) of the sample(s).
                      D     For the oil and grease analysis and chlorine-total or free analysis, standards shall be
                            analyzed on a 10% basis. If one to 10 samples are analyzed in lieu of standards for the
                            oil and grease analysis and chlorine-total or free analysis. '
                      E     For GC and GC/MS analyses, duplicate and spike analyses shall be performed on a
                            5% basis. If one to 20 samples are analyzed in a month, then one duplicate and one
                            spike analysis per month shall be performed.

                      Source:  Texas@ Surface Water Quality Standards - Sections 319.1 - 319.12



                                                                  131









             Marine Sediment Quality

             Estuarine sediments represent an important habitat for many commercially,
             recreationally, and ecologically important organisms. Sediments also represent the
             ultimate sink for many chemical toxics in the estuarine environment. Sediment
             quality monitoring will provide information to characterize the condition of the
             aquatic environment, evaluate potential stresses to aquatic and sediment- dwelling
             organisms, and track habitat recovery following environmental interventions.

             Sediment Quality Monitoring Objectives

             General sediment monitoring objectives and goals have been previously stated in
             the introduction to this chapter. Specific sediment quality monitoring objectives are
             as follows:

             To make Bay-wide estimations of sediment toxicity by areal extent (ï¿½10%). Where
             toxicity is defined as Inland Silverside, Menidia beryllina, in a 7-day sediment
             elutriate exposure test are shown to be significantly greater (p=0.05) than those
             seen in the control and/or where mortality to Mysidopsis bahla in a 96-hour
             sediment elutriate *test significantly exceeds (p=0.05) mortality seen in the control
             group.

             To make Bay-wide estimates of areal extent (ï¿½10%) and temporal trends, in terms of
             areal extent and magnitude, for potential biological effects resulting from sediment
             concentrations greater than the median effect values as published by Long and
             Morgan (1990). (These evaluations will be made utilizing adopted sediment criteria
             when they become available.)

             To make Bay-wide estimates of areal extent (ï¿½10%) and temporal trends in terms of
             areal extent of sediment benthic evaluations which show degraded bonthic
             communities.

             Parameter Selection and Data Quality Objectives

             Candidate measures for sediment monitoring were selected to address the
             management objectives outlined previously in this chapter. Information is needed
             to assess the trends in concentrations in sediments and the possible effect of these
             concentrations on living resources. A triad approach to sediment evaluation was
             selected. This approach utilizes contaminant concentration, toxicity and benthic
             community evaluations to establish the overall condition of sediment quality.

             Estimations of areal extent for toxic COC's requires establishment of a reference
             level of contaminants that have the potential to cause biotic effects. Since sediment
             criteria are not available for this evaluation, the Monitoring Work Group has
             recommended the use of levels published by Long and Morgan (1990), as criteria to
             assess potential degradation from chemical contaminants (Appendix C). There are
             two concentration levels at which biotic effects are hypothesized. One level is the
             hypothesized concentration level at which a biotic effect was seen in 10% of the
             samples. The second level is the mean concentration at which a biotic effect was



                                                       132









             seen. These are the same criteria used in the USEPA EMAP program to assess
             potential for sediment degradation in the Louisianan Province which includes the
             Texas Coast. Consistent with the EMAP monitoring program, all values above the
             median values associated with biotic effects (Long and Morgan, 50% effects) will be
             assessed as representative of sediment degradation. Evaluations using the 10%
             concentration levels will be conducted to identify areas of potential concern.

             Performance Criteria

             Trend analyses were conducted on historical data from Galveston Bay (Tetra Tech,
             1994) . To provide a range of expected program performance, the power analysis
             was performed using three contaminants: one with the highest variability
             (CV=501%), one with the least variability (CV=32.6%), and one with a typical level
             of variability (CV=138%). For each contaminant, residuals from a simple linear
             regression were used to estimate the parameters of a two parameter. log normal
             distribution of concentrations, and a random number generator was used to
             generate a series of random concentrations from this distribution. A trend of known
             magnitude was then added to the random.sequence of concentrations to simulate
             data collected by a monitoring program of a specified length and number of
             sampling stations. The simulated data were then tested for the presence of a trend
             using a significance level of 5% and the results were recorded. This procedure was
             repeated 1000 times and the percentage of simulations that correctly identified the
             trend was recorded as the power of the test.

             Simulation tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of the number of stations,
             sampling frequency, replicate sampling and monitoring program duration on trend
             detection. This analysis demonstrated two important principles. First, the more
             samples per segment, the greater the power to detect trends. It also showed that
             there is a point of diminishing returns in program performance as the number of
             stations increased. Any gains in the ability to detect smaller trends due to
             increasing stations should be weighed against costs. Second, the more variable a
             contaminant, the more samples required to get an appreciable increase in power.
             Improving program performance for extremely variable contaminants may not be
             financially feasible. Rather than to design a program to detect trends of the most
             variable of contaminants, it is more effective to design a program around
             contaminants with typical variability. This strategy will ensure an adequate level
             of trend detection for the ma ority of contaminants found in the estuary. From
             these principles it was decided that all further evaluations would be conducted on
             the variable with typical variability.

             The proposed probabilistic sampling plan for sediment will result in approximately
             3 samples per segment. As a result the probabilistic sampling design was
             determined to be adequate and appropriate for meaningful trend detection.
             Sediment samples will be collected concurrently with water samples whenever
             possible. Sediment samples will be collected at half of the bay stations annually,
             approximately 17 stations, so that all stations are sampled every two years. This
             will raise the uncertainty level on predictions of areal extent for sediment samples.
             It is not known at this time what the true level of uncertainty will be but it is
             expected to be within acceptable limits (<20%). This will be determined after the


                                                      133








             first round of sampling. If the level of uncertainty is not acceptable the sampling
             program will be modified accordingly.

             Temporal Sampling Strategy

             Based on the above analyses an annual sampling schedule was determined to be
             adequate and appropriate for the goals of the Regional Monitoring Program. All
             sediment sampling will be conducted along with late summer water quality
             sampling. All sediment analyses: physical, chemistry, toxicity and benthic
             evaluations will be conducted for each sample.

             Toxic Chemicals of Concern

             In the absence of sediment criteria, the chemicals of concern for this sampling
             program will be as consistent as possible with the EPA EMAP program (Table 10-6).
             This will allow the program to evaluate its results against the EMAP program for
             variability and provide additional data for overall program evaluation.

             Sediment Sampling and Analytical Methods

             Sediment samples will be collected from the aerobic layer of the sediment as defined
             by color, using an Eckman dredge. If the aerobic layer is less than 3 centimeters,
             the upper 2-3 centimeters will be collected and homogenized. A minimum of three
             replicate samples will be collected at each station and composited to form the final
             sample. The same composite sample will be used for sediment toxicity tests and
             sediment chemistry. A separate sample will be collected for benthic community
             analyses.

             Toxicity of bay sediments will be evaluated using sediment elutriate tests adopted
             from USEPA toxicity methods. These tests, run by the USEPA Region 6 laboratory
             for the TNRCC, have been shown to provide valuable information on bay-area
             sediment quality (T. Hollister, U.S. EPA --Region 6 Laboratory, personal
             communication). Both a vertebrate and invertebrate species will be evaluated for
             their response to exposure to Bay sediments. Marine tests are the 9-day embryo-
             larval and teratogenicity chronic test for Inland Silverside, Menidia beryllina, and
             the 96-hour acute test for mysids, Mysidopsis bahia.. These methods will be
             evaluated over a two year period to determine if valuable information is being
             obtained. Tests will be modified or eliminated as indicated from the data review.


             The identification and enumeration of benthic macro-invertebrates will be used to
             characterize benthic communities, assess sediment quality, and assist in predicting
             potential impacts to bottom-feeding living resources. Benthic macro-invertebrates
             are important components of the ecosystem and are sensitive indicators of
             environmental stress. All taxa will be identified and enumerated. Sediment quality
             will be assessed based on species composition values. Recommended measurements
             of community structure include: number of individuals, number of species, species
             dominance, abundance of contaminant- sensitive species, and abundance of
             opportunistic and contaminant-tolerant species.




                                                      134









            Other measures which'provide valuable information include depth of aerobic
            sediment, gain size, TOC, and measures of acid volatile sulfides (AVS). Grain size
            data is valuable in explaining and identifying potential causes of temporal or spatial
            variability in benthic communities. The depth of aerobic sediments provides a
            direct measure of the biologically active zone. AVS has been shown to be of use as a
            tool for predicting bioavailability of metals in anoxic sediments (DiToro, et A 1990).
            AVS analytical capabilities will be developed and utilized, as available, to assess
            sediment quality.









































                                                      135










                TABLE 10-6.           SEDIMENT CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN FOR USEPA EMAP
                                      LOUISIANIAN PROVINCE SAMPLING.


                PAH'S

                Acenaphthene                                                    Heptachlor
                Acenaphthylene                                                  Heptachlor epoxide
                Anthracene                                                      Methoxychlor
                Benzo(a)anthracene                                              Lindane
                Benzo(a)pyrene                                                  Toxaphene
                Benzo(b)fluoranthene                                            Malathion
                Benzo(e)pyrene                                                  Parathion
                Benzo(g,h,i,)perylene                                           Diazinon
                Benzo(k)fluoranthene                                            Endosulfan
                Biphenyl                                                        Mirex
                Chrysene                                                        Total BHCs
                C1, C2, C3, C4 Chrysene
                Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
                Dibenzothio                                                     Inorganics
                C1,C2, C3 -dibenzothio
                Fluoranthene                                                    Aluminum
                Cl-fluoranthpyrene                                              Antimony
                Fluorene                                                        Arsenic
                C1, C2, C3 fluorene                                             Cadmium
                Naphthalene                                                     Chromium
                C1, C2, C3, C4- naphthalene                                     Copper
                Perylene                                                        Iron
                Phenanthrene                                                    Lead
                C1, C2, C3, C4-phenanthrene                                     Manganese
                Pyrene                                                          Mercury
                1,2,3-c,d-pyrene                                                Nickel
                1-methylnaphthalene                                             Selenium
                2-methylnaphthalene                                             Silver
                2,3,5- Trimethylnaphthalene                                     Tin
                2,6- Dinethylnaphthalene                                        Tri-butyl tin
                1- methylphenanthrene                                           Zinc
                High Molecular Wt. PAH's
                Low Molecular Wt. PAH's
                Total PAH's


                PCB's


                Pesticides


                2,4'DDD
                4,4'DDD
                2,4'DDE
                4,4'DDE
                2,4'DDT
                4,4'DDT
                Aldrin
                alpha-BHC
                beta-BHC
                delta-BHC
                alpha- chlordane
                gamma- chlordane
                Dieldrin
                Endrin



                                                                  136







             Chapter 11

             Non-Point Sources of Pollution






             Priority Problems

             The control of non-point source (NPS) pollution, from literally thousands of possible
             sources is one of the most difficult areas of environmental management. Sources of
             such runoff include residential properties, agricultural uses, roadways, municipal
             stormwater runoff and runoff from industrial and commercial properties which can
             introduce potentially harmful products into Galveston Bay. The intensity of land
             development and human induced subsidence, which has reduced wetlands, around
             Galveston Bay intensifies the problem by removing nature's ability to naturally
             cleanse this runoff as it proceeds to the bay.

             It is estimated that over half of the sediment  phosphorous, fecal coliform. bacteria,
             and oxygen demanding substances introduced into the bay system originate from
             non-point sources (GBNEP, 1994). Only fecal coliforms have been identified as
             posing an immediate threat to the open bay. There are, however, notable problems
             in the urbanized bayous and enclosed areas with poor circulation. Water and
             sediments in marinas are degraded from boat sewage and introduction of dockside
             wastes from non-point sources. This is exacerbated by poor circulation and has
             created localized water quality problems. Other specific problems include DO
             problems in the HSC, fecal coliform exceedences above contact recreation levels in
             Dickinson Bayou and Clear Creek, high nutrient concentrations and pollutants from
             local marinas. In general, non-point sources contribute high levels of fecal coliforms
             to the bay, causing about half of the bay to be closed to oyster harvesting, and
             polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, which accumulate in seafood.

             Management Goals and Objectives

             The following were established as priority water non-point pollution management
             goals:

                   To reduce urban NPS pollutant loads,


                                                      137


                    ï¿½ To reduce industrial NPS pollutant goals,
                    ï¿½ To reduce agricultural NPS pollutant loads, and
                    ï¿½ To reduce construction NPS loads

                 To implement programs to reach these goals the following objectives and action
                 plans were developed.

                                                       ... . . . ..... .
                Objective 1:      Establish a regulatory framework for NPS control throughout 
                                  the entire immediate Galveston Bay watershed within 5 years. 
                                                                                    
                                                                                       

                    Action NPS-1 Implement stormwater programs for local municipalities.
                    Action NPS-2       Perform pilot programs to develop NPS best management
                                       practices.

                 Objective 2         Reduce NPS loads from existing development. In particular 
                                     reduce PAH loadings from non-point combustion sources and to 
                                     reduce bacterial loadings affecting oyster harvest areas. 
                                                                              
                    Action NPS-3     Identify and correct priority watershed pollutant problems.                                                                                                                  5
                    Action NPS-4     Establish residential load reduction programs. 
                    Action NPS-5     Correct malfunctioning shoreline septic tanks. 
                                                                   
                 Objective 3         Reduce urban NPS loading from new development Using of                                                                                             
                                     technically based best management practices.  Pollutants 
                                     particular interest for open bay waters are fecal coliform           
                                     bacteria. 



                                           
                    Action NPS-6       Implement NPS reduction Plan Program for New
                                       Development.
                    Action NPS-7       Establish Roadway Planning to minimize NPS effects.

                 Objective 4           Ensure implementation of industrial NPS programs within 5
                                       years                                                                                                                       q58qM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                   
                                                                                                                                 
                                                              
                                                                                                                               Action NPS-8 Implement NPDES stormwater program for area
                    Action NPS-8       Implement NPDES stormwater program for area                                          
                                       industries.       
                    Action NPS-9       Prevent degradation of bay waters by known industrial 
                                       groundwater plumes. 
                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                     _._.a. er
               Objective 5             Manage agricultural runoff to satisfy water quality standards 

                                       within 5 years.
                                                                                               
                                            

                    Action NPS-10      Develop inventory of agricultural non-point sources.
                    Action NPS-11      Coordinate and implement existing agricultural NPS
                                       control programs.


              Objective 6              Reduce erosion from construction sites to the maximum extent 
                                       practicable within 5 years.







											138









                Action NPS-12 Adopt regional construction standards for MPS reduction.

                                                                  1,
                                                                         . .. ... .on
                                                                            magM
                                                                            'M    M
                                                                                 MRMIE   MU.

                Action NPS-13 Implement toxics and nutrient control practices at
                                construction sites.


                      .... . .  ....                   . . ........ I_
                                                      . . .... .. ... @,,'
                                               Mro
                   lVe@                       I
                                            ...... ... .



                Action NPS-14   Require sewage pump out, storage, and provisions for
                                treatment.
                Action N-PS-15  Require use of marine sanitary chemicals that can be
                                treated in POTWs.





                Action NPS-16 Implement wash down controls and containment
                                measures.


             In general, the most effective and economical controls for NPS are land
             management techniques and conservation measures in rural zones and
             implementation of technology-based best management practices in urban zones.
             For this reason this plan seeks to implement best management practices through
             regulation and public education. It addresses the regulatory activities of local,
             state, and federal agencies; the need for public awareness campaigns; development
             of improved dockside and construction site procedures; management of agricultural
             run-off; and improvements to septic systems.

            Data Information Needs

            NPS pollutants enter surface waters in a diffuse manner and are transported to the
            bay by the stream systems, storm drains, or overland flow draining geographic
            areas. Because of the diffuse and intermittent nature of NPS pollution it is
            generally not possible to monitor at their point of origin. NPS pollutants cannot
            easily be measured in terms of effluent limitations.

            Environmental monitoring for NPS pollutants in the GBRMP will from necessity be
            very broad and non-specific in terms of spatial coverage. The tributary and stream
            monitoring efforts of the GBRMP will include measures of NPS pollutants of
            concern (TSS, BOD, nutrients). This monitoring effort will assess the combined
            load from all, point and non-point, sources upstream of the monitoring stations.
            The ability to measure@ the effectiveness of program actions through this monitoring
            effort will be difficult and elusive and can be used only in the broadest context.




                                                     139









               An important future source of information concerning NPS pollutants will be the
               NPDES stormwater permit program. The Storm Water Management Joint Task
               Force, which includes Harris County, Harris County Flood Control District and the
               City of Houston, has submitted a Joint permit application to the EPA and is
               awaiting permit issuance. The Galveston Bay Program will work with permitted
               entities to gain access to data and information made available through this
               monitoring program.

               Many of the elements of NPS monitoring are common to all of the individual
               objectives stated for NPS controls. For this reason each objective will not have a
               separate monitoring discussion. Discussion of the monitoring for non-point sources
               is summarized below in a generalized, overview fonnat. Much of the monitoring for
               this element will be programmatic in nature, directed toward implementation of
               Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other specific management actions.

               Programmatic Monitoring

               The Plan highlights the specific activities to be carried out in achieving plan actions.
               The monitoring plan will not attempt to reiterate all of these tracking and
               participatory obligations to The Program. The specific actions to be taken to
               measure success of the actions will however be discussed.

               Each of the objectives 1, 3, 6, and 7, will require adoption of ordinances, drainage
               regulations, codes or zoning plans by local municipalities. Intermediate success of
               these action plans will be measured in terms of adoption of such NPS management
               plans and the appropriate legal authority. This can be measured through surveys of
               all local municipalities. Types of information to be obtained in these surveys would
               include implementation of, regulatory authority for, and enforcement mechanisms
               for:

                  ï¿½  NPS BMP guidance,
                  ï¿½  Storinwater management plans,
                  ï¿½  Residential load reduction programs,
                  ï¿½  Regulations on shoreline septic tanks,
                     Reduction plans for new development,
                  ï¿½  Policy of incorporating NPS control and prevention measures into roadway
                     planning, construction, maintenance and design,
                  ï¿½  Construction standards for NPS reductions,
                  ï¿½  Measures to control toxic and nutrient control practices at construction sites,
                     and
                  ï¿½  Marina sewage and wash down control and containment measures.

               In addressing agricultural NPS loadings the plan also calls for the development of
               better estimates of agricultural NPS contributions to Galveston Bay and guidance
               documents for NPS controls. The Program will coordinate with the Texas Soil &
               Water Conservation Board (SWCB) in an interagency effort to better characterize
               agricultural NPS pollution. BMPs developed as a result of this effort will be
               incorporated into the Galveston Bay BMP Performance Document. The Program
               will work with the SWCB to evaluate the implementation of agricultural BMPs.


                                                         140










             Industries will be monitored for their efforts to meet the requirements of the federal
             storm water permit program and implementation of pollution prevention plans.
             This information may also be obtained through surveys or may be available through
             local industrial associations. Actual stormwater discharge contaminant data will be
             reported through the NPDES permit process and will be available for review and
             evaluation.

             Action NPS-1 calls for the development of stormwater management plans for the
             watershed area. Current action is primarily directed at the efforts of the Joint
             Storm Water Task Force (Houston, Harris County, Harris County Flood Control
             District and Pasadena). This group is charged with meeting the requirements of the
             federal stormwater permitting program. Future actions will be to monitor any new
             requirements for smaller municipalities and to track their implementation.

             Included in this monitoring effort will be an inventory of all local cities and the
             status of their stormwater management plans. Cities without plans will. be
             encouraged to develop them. Information on local effectiveness of BMPs and other
             management plans will be collected by a Technical Assistance Group.

             Action NPS-2 will require the monitoring of pilot programs to determine best
             management practices for new development. Onsite monitoring will be conducted to
             quantify the effectiveness of implemented practices and to develop a bay-wide BMP
             .performance document. Monitoring will be conducted by Harris County or TNRCC.

             In response to Actions NPS-3 & 4, The Program will monitor local agencies for
             participation in pilot projects and use this information to compile the Galveston Bay
             BMP Performance Document. In addition the Program will maintain and publish
             its own inventory of NPS concerns in the bay watershed. Sources of information
             will include the Texas Clean Rivers biennial basin assessment reports, GBNEP NPS
             loading maps, state 305b reports.

             The Galveston Bay Program Office will implement a NPS education program (NPS-
             4) directed at reducing NPS loadings from residential activities, including lawn and
             garden activities, household hazardous wastes, automotive fluids and storm sewer
             dumping. The Program will coordinate with local governments and organizations
             to inventory activities in this area. Beginning in 1999 the Galveston Bay Program
             will participate in evaluating the effectiveness of this program through household
             surveys aimed at measuring changes in household activities as a result of 'education
             efforts.

             Action NPS-5 will conduct surveys to evaluate the implementation of local
             ordinances directed at reducing fecal coliform pollution from septic tanks.

             Action NPS-6 This program is designed to bring together the current patchwork of
             regulatory agencies to jointly address the problem of coastal NPS pollution. The
             lead agency for this action is the GLO. The Program has tracking responsibilities
             for this action.





                                                       141








              Action NPS-7 The Program will work with the Texas Department of Transportation
              (TXDOT) to organize educational workshops for county highway agencies, municipal
              public works programs and others regarding NPS control and prevention in
              roadway planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance. A major
              emphasis of this action is reduction of TSS loadings. Records of training programs
              will be maintained by The Program to document this action. The. Program will
              promote demonstration projects and will document through case studies successful
              implementation of NPS control and prevention measures. Local agencies will be
              surveyed for adoption and implementation of proven technology.

              Action NPS- 8 The Galveston Bay Program will track industry activities in the bay
              for implementation of stormwater management and pollution prevention plans.
              The Program will also collect NPS monitoring data from numerous sources to
              develop NPS loading estimates and estimates of industrial contributions.

              Action NPS-9 Potential ground water impacts to the bay will be inventoried. GIs
              data maps will be created to indicate known sources of groundwater plumes. This
              information will come from sources such as CERCLA, RCRA, the Leaking
              Petroleum Storage Tank Program, the Oil Pollution Act and the Clean Water Act.

              Activities, including on-site monitoring, to assess BMP effectiveness will be
              coordinated by the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board. Specific activities
              are outlined in detail in The Plan. The Galveston Bay Program will monitor the
              development of agricultural BMPs for their inclusion into the Galveston Bay BMP
              Performance Document. The success of this element will be monitored through
              documentation of agricultural NPS BMP implementation within the watershed.
              This objective will include development of educational programs.

              NPS-14 and 15 Marinas providing moorage to 10 or more vessels will be required,
              by state regulation; to provide pump-out facilities for marine toilets and pollution
              prevention plans addressing wash down controls and containment measures.
              Activities for this action plan are not scheduled until 1999.       Mechanisms for
              measuring compliance with this action have not been established but compliance
              will be monitored to assess action effectiveness. Programmatic monitoring for this
              action will include monitoring local municipalities for adoption of NPS ordinances or
              changes" in local drainage regulations, codes and zoning plans.                Again,
              implementation Will be judged largely on the level of implementation of BMPs
              directed at NPS reduction. Monitoring for this element may include examinations
              of marina facilities for compliance with local or state regulations. Self reporting
              through surveys sent out to marina owners is another option. Specific details for
              measuring compliance with this action have not been determined. When local
              ordinances are implemented a means of monitoring for compliance will be
              developed.

              Environmental Mo niftoring

              Because of the diffuse and pervasive character of NPS pollution, it's intermittent
              nature and the high levels of variability it exhibits, its would require a tremendous
              commitment of monitoring resources. The ability of the GBRMP to assess site



                                                        142









             specific NPS control effects will be limited due to its broad scope. The GBRMP will
             work closely with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to coordinate
             assessment work under the Clean Rivers Program to address nonpoint source
             pollution from upstream areas within the Galveston Bay watershed. GBRMP
             stations located at USGS gauging stations will provide some information on
             loadings to the system. Information of this type will not assess individual activities
             but will integrate the effects of all activities within a watershed.

             Stream monitoring under the GBRMP will monitor for long term trends in
             nutrients, fecal coliform, DO and TSS and related parameters in the ambient water
             column. Through cooperation with all monitoring entities, regional monitoring
             protocols for sampling and analytical methods have been developed. Through use of
             these protocols all monitoring information collected within the watershed will be
             comparable and will be submitted to one central database. Current agency
             monitoring sites for stream monitoring will be maintainedwith future evaluations
             allowing relocation of resources or addition of new sites.

             As previously stated, elements of the GBRMP w      ill not attempt to address localized
             effects of NPS control measures. Information on effects of site specific activities will
             be available through NPS pilot projects to be conducted within the Galveston Bay
             watershed. The TNRCC will establish Galveston Bay as a demonstration area for
             coastal urban NPS pollution abatement. This will make potential sponsors of NPS
             pilot projects eligible for State funding as demonstration projects. These
             demonstration projects will include monitoring to establish BMP effectiveness. This
             monitoring information will be obtained and evaluated by Galveston Bay Program
             staff.

             In cooperation with the H-GAC, the TNRCC has selected the Dickinson Bayou
             watershed as a pilot study area to assess the impacts of nutrient loadings from
             storm water runoff to the Dickinson Bayou watershed. Water quality concerns
             previously identified in the study area include: 1) nutrient enrichment, 2) critically
             low dissolved oxygen levels, leading to periodic fish kills, and 3) elevated fecal
             coliform concentrations. The primary objective of the proposed study is to define
             nutrient loadings to Dickinson Bayou and secondarily, to define sources of nutrients
             and their effects on the Bayou. Water samples will be collected monthly and during
             storm events, and analyzed for a variety of nutrients. First year analyses will
             include temperature, specific conductance, pH, total alkalinity dissolved oxygen,
             suspended sediment, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, phytoplankton biomass, and total
             and dissolved forms of nitrite, nitrate-plus-nitrite, ammonia, ammonia-plus-organic
             nitrogen, phosphorous, and ortho-phosphorous. These data will be used to quantify
             nutrient loads and also will be used to relate nutrient loads to selected land uses in
             the water shed. Nutrient loadings and yields will be available for instantaneous,
             storm event, seasonal and annualized time frames.

             Stormwater sampling, to be conducted under the soon to be issued NPDES
             stormwater permits, will be an additional source of information for this action plan.
             Monitoring information anticipated to be available under this program includes:
             data collected as part of a dry weather screening program,. wet weather screening,
             representative monitoring from storm event discharges, and monitoring for


                                                        143








               floatables. The dry weather program will be an ongoing effort to detect and identify
               illicit connections and improper discharges to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
               System (MS4). (See also Chapter 11.0- Point Sources of Pollution) Wet weather
               screening will be used to identify areas of excessive pollutant discharges. Floatables
               monitoring will consist of reports of volumes of debris removed from structures
               designed for removal of floatable materials. Representative monitoring from storm
               events will be conducted to characterize the quality of storm water discharges from
               the MS4. Monitoring at these stations will be conducted to characterize the quality
               of storm water discharges from the MS4. The Joint Task Force has identified 5
               sites for representative monitoring. These sites were selected to be representative
               of specific land use patterns. Quantitative data collected under this program will
               be used to estimate pollutant loadings and event mean concentrations (EMC) for
               each parameter sampled. An EMC is the flow weighted average concentration of a
               water quality constituent over the course of an entire storm event (Newell, 1992).

               Because of their limited circulation, intensity of use, and the potential for pollution
               from boat maintenance activities, marinas will be designated as special monitoring
               areas. Recent studies have indicated that the non-point water quality impact to
               marinas is localized within the immediate vacinity of the marina. Because of these
               circumstances it may be possible to directly measure NPS improvements through
               site-specific monitoring. Low dissolved oxygen values and elevated concentrations
               of copper, lead, and arsenic have been associated with marina sites. The Galveston
               Bay Program will work with citizens monitoring groups to establish sampling sites
               to monitor DO in marinas as part of this monitoring element.

               Non-point sources contribute greatly to suspended solids loads to the bay. The
               ultimate repository for these suspended solids is bay-area sediments. The sediment
               quality monitoring element of the GBRMP can therefore serve as an indictor of
               NPS effects on the bay. NPS are important contributors of several priority
               pollutants such as PAHs and heavy metals. Sediment quality studies performed by
               GBNEP found the most significant effects in small enclosed bays near highly
               urbanized areas. Preliminary data from the EPA, 1993 R-EMAP study which
               included sediment stations near selected marinas, found elevated levels of tri-butyl
               tin associated with the marina stations (E. Hornig, U.S. EPA-Region 6, personal
               communication). Sediment monitoring of these small embayments will continue as
               a special element within the GBRMP.

               Loading estimates indicate that non-point source runoff is probably the largest
               contributor of fecal coliform to Galveston Bay (GBNEP, 1994). The National Urban
               Stormwater Runoff Program identified coliform bacteria as the primary indicator of
               adverse effects of urban runoff to marine waters (USEPA, 1983c). In the Galveston
               Bay system several streams appear, at times, to exceed the state water quality
               criteria for fecal coliform. bacteria and it is believed that non-point sources of fecal
               coliforms are significant contributors of coliform bacteria which are responsible for
               preventing oyster harvesting in some parts of the open bay. As a matter of fact, in
               several oyster harvest areas, this relationship is so well documented that oyster
               harvesting is conditionally approved based on meteorological conditions. For
               example, in conditionally approved area 1, when a 7-day rainfall a San Leon or the
               closest available National Weather Service rain   .gauge exceeds 2 inches, this area is



                                                          144









             closed for harvesting. Historical information shows that coliform counts in these
             areas increase according to the flows received from nearby streams. Much of this
             increase is attributed to NPS contributions. GBRMP fecal coliform data may be
             useful as an indicator of the effectiveness of NPS actions in some areas.

             An important component in development of NPS loading estimates is land cover
             information'. An additional monitoring element which will provide valuable
             information will be the land-use monitoring element of the habitat quality
             monitoring program. Obtained from the land use classification data available from
             the TPV%TD Coastal Habitat Monitoring effort this information will allow updates of
             land-use information on a two-year cycle. Land-use has been closely linked to NPS
             pollution loads. Using updated ldnd-use information, estimates of urban NPS
             loading can be revised.




































                                                     145







             Chapter 12

             Point Sources of Pollution





             Priority Problems

             The impacts of point source discharges on water and sediment quality in Galveston
             Bay have been studied for years. Point source discharges come from municipal and
             industrial facilities, bypasses and overflows from municipal sewage systems,
             unpermitted and illegal discharges, and. produced water from oil and gas operations.
             Since the 1970s pollutant loads from large municipal and industrial facilities have
             been closely controlled through state and federal permitting rules. The permitting
             process has been successful in reducing the concentrations of pollutants entering
             the system from these sources. As a result this action plan focuses on sewage
             bypasses and overflows, illegal connections to storm sewers, and oil and gas field
             operations.

             Raw or partially treated sewage continues to enter Galveston Bay from Publicly
             Owned Treatment Systems (POTWs) due to design and operational problems,
             especially during rainfall runoff. These charges contribute to eutrophication,
             bacterial contamination, shellfish harvest closures, and other water quality
             problems. Illegal storm sewer connections also contribute to this problem. Oil and
             gas produced'water discharges high concentration salts and hydrocarbons which
             also have deleterious effects on water quality and aquatic life

             Management Goals and Objectives

             The following high priority management goals are established by The Plan:

                ï¿½  Elimination of wet weather sewage bypasses/overflows,
                ï¿½  Elimination of pollution problems from poorly operated small wastewater
                   treatment plants,
                ï¿½  Eliminate illegal connections to storm sewers, and
                ï¿½  Eliminate harm from produced water discharges.

             To achieve these goals the following plan objectives and management action plans
             were adopted:


                                                      147










                  Action PS-1 Determine location and extent of bypass/overflow
                                 problems.
                  Action PS-2    Eliminate or reduce bypass and overflow problems.




                  Action PS-3    Regionalize small wastewater treatment operations.
                  Action PS-4    Improve compliance monitoring/enforcement in small
                                 treatment plants.



                  Action PS-5 Implement a dry-weather illegal connection program.


             In


                  Action PS-6 Issue NPDES Coastal General Permits or eliminate harm
                                 from oil field produced water discharge.

             Data Information Needs


             Monitoring effectiveness for this action plan will consist of primarily programmatic
             monitoring. The plan requires actions at local levels which will result in reduced
             pollutant discharges, especially of fecal coliform bacteria, to the Galveston Bay
             system. It is not within the scope of this monitoring element to evaluate water
             quality on such a site-specific level that it will provide the specific information
             required to answer these questions. The GBRMP will address the larger issues of
             overall loadings to the bay and impacts to the bay ftom. such loadings.

             Programmatic Monitoring

             Specific tracking responsibilities for The Program are given in The Plan, so little
             will be said about these requirements. Objectives within this action plan are
             directed toward ceasing certain activities, therefore program success will be
             measured at the level at which these activities take place. In a broader context of
             environmental monitoring they are addressed in the water quality element of the
             monitoring plan (Chapter 10). Each of the actions PS- 1,2 & 5 requires the
             development of local programs to address the issue of illicit connections, bypasses
             and overflows. Preliminary success of the plan action will be determined through
             compliance with requirements. Bay area permit holders will be surveyed for
             development and adoption of-

                 ï¿½ Specific programs to evaluate bypass/overflow problems,
                 ï¿½ Corrective action plans to eliminate identified problems, and
                 ï¿½ Dry-weather illicit connections to storm sewer systems.



                                                      148








           NPDES and state permit holders are required to report any bypass or overflow
           incidents both to the state and EPA. Reductions in reported incidents and volumes
           of bypass/overflow per incident will be evaluated by this program as a potential
           measure of action plan success.

           Plan action PS-4 calls for the evaluation of EPA and TNRCC compliance monitoring
           and enforcement strategies. Two positive outcomes of this evaluation, according to
           the plan, would be a shift in focus toward smaller systems and increased
           commitment and funding for these programs. The number of inspections performed
           and the relative percent dedicated to smaller systems can be monitored as a relative
           measure of success. Programmatic monitoring for evaluating progress for produced
           water discharges will include tracking the permit issuance process.

           Environmental Monitoring

           The greatest impact of this action plan would be in the reduction of untreated
           sewage entering the bay system. This is traditionally measured in terms of fecal
           coliform bacteria counts. Both the Regional Monitoring Program and the TDH
           National Shellfish Sanitation Program will provide information on fecal coliform
           counts in Bay and tributary waters. This program regularly monitors fecal
           coliforms often after rain events. As previously stated much of the impact to this
           resource is attributed to non-point sources. Illegal bypasses and overflows are
           usually associated with precipitation events as are non-point sources. Trends in
           fecal counts in areas most impacted by point source discharges would be the first to
           show improvements. The monitoring steering committee will work with program
           staff to locate monitoring stations in these high impact areas.

           The City of Houston, Department of Public Works and Engineering (DPW&E)
           conducts a dry-weather discharge monitoring program which will be incorporated
           into the tributary monitoring element of the regional monitoring program. As part
           of this program DPW&E monitors 45 stations in the tidal and non-tidal portions of
           Houston's major bayous. Most sites are sampled weekly. Parameters monitored
           include DO, temperature, pH, ammonia nitrate, BOD TSS, conductivity and fecal
           coliform. The Galveston Bay Program office will work with other entities to
           encourage implementation of such monitoring programs as part of their
           responsibility to identify and correct illicit sewer connections.

           An additional, but largely localized, point source of pollutants to the Bay are
           produced water discharges. In the process of recovering oil and gas, brine or
           produced water is withdrawn from underground formations. The Texas Railroad
           Commission reports that in 93 discharges were permitted in 1991, discharging up to
           15.2 million gallons of produced water per day (mgd) to Galveston Bay and its
           tributaries. By 1993 this number had been reduced to 62 with a daily discharge
           estimated at 5.8 mgd.

           Substantial negative impacts are associated with such discharges especially in low
           energy and near shore environments. Some observed effects are; oil sheens,
           contamination of sediments with oil and chlorides, elevation of and chemical
           alteration of salinity, and toxic lethal and sub-lethal impacts to plant and animal


                                                    149









             life. Because of the localized effects of such discharges it is unlikely that the
             Regional Monitoring Program will detect impacts from produced water discharges.

             Plan objective 4 (Action PS-6) calls for the elimination of harm from produced water
             discharges. The monitoring plan does not, at this time, recommend a specific
             monitoring element directed at this action. If implemented the proposed EPA
             permits would result in discharges from this source ceasing, and therefore reducing
             harm. In this case a survey of selected impacted areas would be conducted over a
             limited lifetime to document recovery. If a treatment process for produced water is
             developed instead, and there are no monitoring provisions in the permit to assure
             reduced harm, then a sampling element would be developed. This monitoring
             element would include benthic surveys, sediment chemistry, and possibly sediment
             toxicity testing.





































                                                      150





            Chapter 13

            Communicating Results: Data and
            Information Management


            Priority Problem

            One of the limitations of estuary monitoring systems across the country, including
            Galveston Bay, is that results from different monitoring programs are not easy to
            compile for ecosystem analyses. Agencies maintain different data bases and report
            formats, acquisition of data can be time-consuming, and no centralized data
            management system is currently available to report on overall trends. To alleviate
            these problems, a Data and Information Management System (DIMS ) for Galveston
            Bay has been developed as an integral part of the Regional Monitoring Program.

            DIMS Objectives

            The Galveston Bay DIMS must operate on several levels. At one level, the program
            must be concerned with the management of a system which will accommodate the
            data to be generated throughout the Galveston Bay monitoring effort. On a higher
            level the program must work to facilitate exchange of a wide variety of data types
            between state, local governments and organizations, and federal agencies. Critical,
            among these data types will be the development of retrieval and storage systems
            which will allow the exchange of geospatial information. To address these needs the
            Galveston Bay DIMS has been structured to perform the following functions:

               ï¿½  Ensure the long-term integrity, storage, and accessibility of data collected by
                  Galveston Bay's Regional Monitoring Program,
               ï¿½  Ensure data quality,
               ï¿½  Improve the access to information at various decision-making levels,
               ï¿½  Facilitate the integration and analysis of existing physical, chemical, and
                  biological data to generate information useful to resource managers,
               ï¿½  Support statistical, graphical, spatial analysis and mapping of monitoring
                  data, (e.g. power analyses, computer-compatible geographic information
                  system format) ,
               ï¿½  Facilitate access to large amounts of monitoring data from disparate data
                  bases located throughout the state,
               ï¿½  Allow multiple levels of user access to raw monitoring data, data quality
                  information, summary statistics, and maps
               ï¿½  Integrate geographic information system (GIS) functions with appropriate
                  databases.



                                                     151









             Summary of Agency Data Management Systems

             There are 19 programs presently conducting monitoring in Galveston Bay. In most
             cases the data are stored 1) on in-house computers under a variety of formats, or 2)
             on paper. Although most data are made available to the public, access is often
             difficult. There is no central data storage system that would allow easier access for
             the public or the agencies presently concerned with monitoring Galveston Bay.
             Some duplication of effort is noted, particularly for point source monitoring. Most
             efforts are directed at fulfilling specific agency mandates and have not been geared
             to ecosystem scale assessments. Ward and Armstrong (1992) cite numerous
             challenges encountered in compiling 26 data sets for such an analysis. McFarlane,
             (1991a and 1991b) also documents monitoring deficiencies encountered in obtaining
             and compiling historical data sets.

             To address some of these problems during the development of The Plan, several
             GBNEP projects were conducted to compile data sets from diverse sources and to
             allow easy exchange of existing bay information. For example, the Galveston Bay
             Information Center was developed to serve as a clearinghouse for all types of
             literature about the bay. A number of these same data sets were also distributed to
             the Texas Natural Resource Information Service (TNRIS).

             State-wide Data Integration and Exchange Efforts

             There are several existing database management systems (DBMS) and Geographic
             Information Systems (GIS) running on various platforms at the local, state, and
             federal agency level. The diversity of existing and planned DBMS applications, GIS
             applications, and hardware platforms at the agency level reveals a determined use
             of best available technology. However, these conditions have made it difficult for
             agencies to access, query, transmit, and analyze resource data in an efficient and
             timely manner. Getting different DBMS on different hardware platforms to
             communicate is technically challenging. Currently, no statewide computer network
             system exists to quickly and easily share data among local, state and federal
             resource agencies.

             In 1989 the Texas Legislature enacted legislation which requires that state agencies
             share information and information resources. In the same year, the Department of
             Information Resources (DIR) was established to provide the leadership role in this
             area. The Texas Geographic Information Systems Planning Council was formed to
             coordinate an interagency effort to improve and expand the development of
             geographic information systems and to make recommendations to DIR concerning
             GIS policies to achieve this goal. Members include representatives from over 20
             state and local agencies (Table 13-1). A number of committees and sub-committees
             have been formed to deal with issues such as: development or acquisition of
             geospatial data; data standards, including output format standards and spatial
             information standards; improving network data accessibility among member
             agencies; development of global positioning systems; remote sensing and TIGER
             updates. For example the Standards Committee has recently proposed standards
             and Guidelines for Geographic Information Systems in the State of Texas (TGISPC,
             1992), which specifies standards related to:



                                                       152












             TABLE 13- 1. TEXAS GIS PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

                    Advisory Commission on State Emergency Communications (State 911)
                    Comptroller of Public Accounts
                    Department of Information Resources
                    General Services Commission
                    Legislative Council of Texas
                    Lieutenant Governor's Office
                    Office of Attorney General
                    Office of Court Administration
                    Office of the Secretary of State
                    Public Utility Commission ofTexas
                    Railroad Commission of Texas
                    Secretary of State
                    Texas Department of Commerce
                    Texas Department of Criminal Justice
                    Texas Department of Human Services
                    Texas Department Of Transportation
                    Texas Education Agency
                    Texas General Land Office
                    Texas Historical Comi-nission
                    Texas Health and Human Services Commission
                    Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
                    Texas Natural Resources infon-nation Service
                    Texas Parks And Wildlife Department
                    Texas Rehabilitation Commission
                    Texas Water Development Board

                    State Universities
                    The Bureau of Economic Geology, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Agriculture
                        and Mining University (TAMU)

                    Ex-officio memberships- Regional and Private Sectors
                    Texas Mapping Advisory Committee
                    Texas Association of Regional Councils
                    The Texas Association of Appraisal Districts

                    Ex-officio memberships- Federal Sector
                    US Geological Survey- National Mapping Division


                 o  Cartographic standards,
                 9  Data dictionary,
                 9  Data interchange, and
                 e  Data layer classification.

             The GIS Policy Council will continue to work to provide the leadership at the
             statewide level to assist in the development of GIS technology and. data networks
             for the cost-effective development of geospatial data applications. Currently, state-
             wide efforts are in early states of planning, with no computer network system
             existing to quickly and easily share data among resource agencies and


                                                          153









              organizations. Because there is no existing system which would accommodate
              GBNEP's data information needs, GBNEP has planned a regional DIM system that
              conforms to existing and planned local, state-wide and agency data information
              management plans wherever possible.

              Current Activities in Data Networking

              Several pilot and developmental programs are currently underway in which the
              Galveston Bay DIM system could participate in the design and implementation of a
              state-wide data integration and sharing system.

              One such pilot program currently under development is the Wetland Resource
              Database which has been developed as a joint project of the Texas GLO and the
              Texas Natural Resources Information Service (TNRIS). This project funded by a
              grant from the USEPA-Region 6 Wetlands Program is a distributed data
              management model which uses InterNet connections indexed on Mosaic software.
              This system provides real-time connections to client state and federal agency
              databases. This one year program is currently completing a peer review process
              and has a prototype server running on a limited basis. Clients currently
              participating in this pilot program are GLO, TPWD, TNRCC and DIR on the state
              level and the USEPA Region 6 office. The NMFS and USFWS are limited users of
              the system.

              If funding is approved for the second phase of this project, efforts will be directed at
              a more formal implementation of the network: including formalizing current
              connections; formalizing TNRIS as the hub of the network; and continuing to work
              on resolving identified problems. Included in the new workplan will be plans to
              broaden the scope of involvement in the project. Specifically targeted groups
              include the Galveston Bay and Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Programs and
              coastal universities and libraries.

              Another effort currently underway is the Gulf of Mexico Information Sharing
              Network for Ecological Protection. Through this program the GBNEP will be
              provided computer hardware and software support to link the Gulf NEP's through
              the InterNet. This will be a network designed to address sharing of information
              pertaining to ecological protection which will allow Gulf of Mexico NEPs and the
              Gulf of Mexico Program to share information with citizens, universities and other
              governmental agencies.

              Design of Galveston Bay DIMS

              Overall Systems Design

              To meet the demands of identified uses, a distributed data management model will
              be used to develop the DIM system. Such a system will allow integration of
              Galveston Bay monitoring data and will allow access to available information from
              various other data systems. As Figure 13-1 illustrates , a distributed data
              management model assumes that data are maintained in several remote databases,
              which are linked through a network. Each participating agency maintains regional


                                                         154
















                                   TNRCC               TNIRCC
                                    Austin             Houston             TWPD



                                                    100"

                                                                                                 NMFS





                TWDB     JAMPONEOL\



                                                                                                 PSC


                         LEGEND


                        LAN


                        Printer
                                                  GLO                         RRC
                        LAN Server



                        Regional Database Server



                  Figure 13-1. , Distributed Data Management Model. (For illustrative purposes only, not
                                  intended to'show all participating organizations.)


             monitoring data that it has collected on its own database server. All participating
             agency database servers are linked over a WAN. A centralized data dictionary lists
             the location and contents of distributed databases.

             Advantages and disadvantages of distributed systems are listed in Table 13-2.
             Standardization of data and information management protocols and communication
             among database managers are crucial to this strategy's success since distributed
             databases tend to diverge -in structure and function - in response to diverse
             needs of-the primary agency.

             Local Network Design

             The local element of the Galveston Bay DIM system will be implemented in phases.
             In the first phase, Galveston Bay's DIMS will emphasize adoption of standardized
             data file structures and implementing data storage and retrieval from a centralized
             system. Centralizing data in one database server will simplify the tasks        of L storing,
             maintaining, locating, querying, and retrieving regional monitoring data. Under


                                                          155












              TABLE 13-2. ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF DISTRIBUTED DATA
                            MANAGEMENT MODELS

              Advantages

                 ï¿½  Data are maintained by those who are primarily responsible for their
                    collection and use
                 ï¿½  Data are "local" to those who use the data most often- on average, 90% of
                    the time data are used by local users; 10% of the time data are used by other
                    users
                 ï¿½  Design facilitates timely data checks by persons who are most familial with
                    the data and associated common data errors
                 ï¿½  Design allows local autonomy and facilitates rapid system evolution in
                    response to user needs

              Limitations

                 ï¿½  Greater potential for multiple versions of the data leading to loss of data
                    integrity and inconsistent analyses
                 ï¿½  Extensive transformations of data formats are usually required before data
                    may be analyzed - NEPs have found that up to 40% of the data analysis
                    budget is spent transforming data
                 ï¿½  To date, environmental data have not been readily accessible, which has led
                    to long delays in data analyses and reporting
                 ï¿½  Costs may be higher due to maintenance of multiple systems and staff, and
                    re-standardization of diverging distributed systems




              this DIMS the centralized data base will be housed at the Houston-Galveston Area
              Council (H-GAC). H-GAC has been named as the regional provider in the state data
              information system and is responsible for conducting of the Texas Clean Rivers
              Program (TCRP) in the Galveston Bay area. Through the TCRP, H-GAC is
              responsible for completing a comprehensive assessment of water quality in the
              basins surrounding Galveston Bay. One component of the TCRP is to act as a
              central clearing house for water quality information. In this role, H-GAC will serve
              as custodian and repository for all Galveston Bay regional monitoring data.

              Later phases will include modifying the system to include linking all local
              participating agency database servers through the distributed type data
              management system currently being developed by the DIR. In this system all
              participating agency servers are linked through the InterNet. The H-GAC server
              will serve as the link from the local network to the statewide WAN. In this system,
              as in the previously described local network, each participating agency maintains
              monitoring data that it has collected on its own database server. A central index or
              data dictionary at H-GAC will list the location of custodial databases of interagency
              interest The inquiring agency's server will locate and retrieve requested data from


                                                       156









            the appropriate data base server. Examples of data that may be accessed through
            this system are core base maps developed by other state/federal agencies, TPWD
            wetland classification maps, state-wide digital orthophoto quarter-quads, regional
            land-use maps from the GLO or other agencies, the TNRCC's state Surface Water
            Quality Assessment Data base, and other environmental data.

            Network Architecture

            Network media will be required to connect database servers regardless of the data
            management model selected. Media that link remote agency databases range from
            telephone lines to satellite networks. Establishing a network requires more than a
            cable linking two or more servers- choosing the appropriate network architecture
            also involves considering factors such as distance, amount of data transferred,
            transmission speed, and cost (Figure 13-2).

            The network architecture of the Galveston Bay DIMS is also planned to be
            implemented in a phased approach. The initial phase will be a direct link between
            the H-GAC and the Program Office. The link will utilize integrated Services Digital
            Network (ISDN) technology. The ISDN program digitizes the telephone system and
            eliminates analog voice lines. This process divides the available bandwidth into
            three data channels: two move data at 64 Kbps and one moves data at 16 Kbps. A
            pilot project to evaluate such a connection is currently underway. This pilot
            involves establishing direct links between the H-GAC, Texas Department of
            Transportation- District 12 office, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro).
            This pilot will serve as a model for the H-GAC - Galveston Bay Program Office link.

            Such a direct link would be critical in the Program's development of GIS
            capabilities. GIS files are usually large and require extended transmission periods
            to transfer the data and would require large amounts of storage at the program for
            these coverages if operated on a file transfer basis. Development of GIS capabilities
            is seen as an important tool, but personnel and budgetary requirements to develop
            and maintain comprehensive GIS analytical capabilities would be prohibitive at this
            time. Development of a direct link to H-GAC will enable the Program Office to
            access the broad range of GIS capabilities and extensive GIS coverages already in
            place at H-GAC on a "real-time" basis. H-GAC runs Arc/Infoo GIS software on
            UNIX workstations. To take advantage of the H-GAC GIS system the DIMS
            recommends Arc/Info@ ARCVIEW 2 software electronically linked to the main
            server at H-GAC as the level of entry into GIS. ARCVIEW 2 will allow the
            integration and manipulation of intermediate and final GIS products needed for this
            program without the prohibitive costs of operating and maintaining a
            comprehensive GIS system.

            The next phase of the DIMS network architecture to be developed involves
            providing access to other monitoring agencies in the Galveston Bay area to the
            Galveston Bay DIM system. This access will be provided initially through dial-up
            connections using slip technology to increase data transmission rates. If remote
            data access activity increases dramatically, dedicated or direct lines will be
            established to link data base servers. This link will use the InterNet to network the
            servers and their associated data bases.



                                                     157









                      Another consideration, for this program, is the availability of external 'sources of
                      information and the network that will best provide that access. Two of the existing
                      network systems previously discussed, the Wetland Resource Database and the Gulf
                      of Mexico Information Sharing Network, utilize the InterNet for data transmission
                      and retrieval. Connectivity to the InterNet and hardware/software to operate on
                      the InterNet will be sponsored by the Gulf of Mexico program. Having InterNet
                      Connectivity will also provide access to the Wetland Resource Database.



                                        Need                            Need service     No
                                     LAN-to-LAN           No                                           Line of sight  No              Use leased lines
                                     connections                        faster than                 between locations?             from the local exchange
                                     beyond area?                       1.544 mbps9                                                 carder or investigate
                                                                                                                                          ISDN

                                           Yes                        Yes                                    Yes
                                                                                      Investigate local
                                                                                     fiber-optic carriers
                                    Need multipoint                                      (FDDI)                                     Consider your own
                                     connections?                                                                                   wideband microwave
                                                                                                                                        radio link


                                           Yes                                 No



                                                    No                                Need service more
                                     Want to own             Contactt x.. 5            than a few hours
                                   transport system?        PDN vend                      perday?

                                           Yes
                                                                               No

                                       10 Or more                                             Yes                                        No
                                    locations more
                                    than 500 miles
                                        apad?

                                           Yes



                                                                                       Call the IXCs of                          Consider using
                                   Investigate VSAT                                LECs and ask for quotes on                      dial-up lines
                                      technology                                      leased-line service



                                                                                                                                          from PC Magazine 1991


                                Figure 13-2. Decision chart for selection of network media.





                      DIMS Systems Administration

                      Galveston Bay's DIMS Steering Committee will be responsible for overseeing the
                      implementation of the DIMS, including; approving all DIMS system modifications,
                      securing future funding sources, and making data management recommendations to
                      H-GAC and the Galveston Bay Program office. The H-GAC will be responsible f6r


                                                                                        158









            administration of the Regional Monitoring Data system. These responsibilities will
            include:

               * Providing DBMS technical support to agency database managers and system
                  users
               9 Designing and implementing user interfaces andJor other system applications
               * Securing sources of financial support for the system

            Additional specific responsibilities will include supervision of system quality
            assurance and implementation of system upgrades. Future responsibilities will
            include; implementing and maintaining the WAN and implementing and managing
            Public Service Centers (PSCs). It is recommended that the H-GAC become a
            member of the Texas GIS Planning Council, GIS Standards Committee and GIS
            Managers Committee.

            Database Server Managers

            In the future phases of DIMS implementation, as other agency servers are linked to
            the system, agencies will have certain responsibilities. Agencies with primary
            responsibility for housing regional monitoring data are responsible for updating and
            adding new data sets to their database server system. Database server managers
            are responsible for conducting standard data QA/QC checks established as part of
            the DIM strategy. They are also responsible for ensuring that any upgrades of their
            DBMS does not disrupt transparent querying and access to regional monitoring
            data stored on their database server. Furthermore, database server managers are
            responsible for correcting and updating data sets as specified by the submitter.

            It is highly recommended that the H-GAC and all database server managers
            consistently meet to review system maintenance activities. The systems
            administrator and servers managers will produce an annual report describing:

               ï¿½ Present status of the system
               ï¿½ Problems encountered and how they were resolved
               ï¿½ Next year's proposed goals and how they will be achieved
               ï¿½ Estimated maintenance and enhancement costs

            Data Types

            The DIMS system will support the following data types:

               ï¿½ Discrete and continuous numeric monitoring data
               ï¿½ Nonparametric monitoring data (e.g., presence/absence data)
               ï¿½ Text or memo formats
               ï¿½ Maps and charts, i.e., geographically referenced data.

            Sufficient information (i.e., metadata) must be associated with the monitoring data
            to ensure that secondary users can correctly use and interpret the data. These
            metadata include:





                                                     159









                 ï¿½ Quality assurance/Quality control data (e.g., blanks, spike recoveries),
                 ï¿½ Measurement units (e.g., mg/kg, ug/l)- not ppm or ppb which are ambiguous,
                 ï¿½ Detection levels for chemical data (e.g. minimum analytical levels),, and
                 ï¿½ Data qualifiers such as "non-detected" and "not analyzed".

             The use of QA abstracts will be implemented which will be directly linked to the
             monitoring data. Each data QA abstract will summarize information that
             secondary users need to know when deciding the value of a particular data set, such
             as contact person, date of survey, list of stations, sampling methods, analytical
             methods, summaries of QA/QC data, and a brief description of important or
             anomalous conditions pertinent to the collection of the data.

             Core Base Maps- Galveston Bay's DIMS system will store core base maps in a
             central location in accordance with the state GIS Planning Council's
             recommendation. Participating agencies may request copies of specific core base
             maps and have them mailed on magnetic disks or optical CDs if electronic
             transmission is not possible. Core GIS data sets will be kept and maintained on H-
             GAC servers.


             Standard File Structures and Formats

             Currently, participating agencies store the same type of data in dissimilar file
             structures making it difficult to transparently query and retrieve data. The
             Galveston Bay DIMS will overcome this difficulty through the use of standard file
             structures and a standard database access interface.

             A standard file structure will be established for each data type (e.g., water quality
             data, population abundance data, toxicity testing data). The Galveston Bay
             monitoring Work Group working together with all participating agencies will
             develop or adopt a standard file structure for each data type. Examples of
             information to be developed are:

                 ï¿½ Numbers and names of data fields
                 ï¿½ Appropriate field formats (e.g., numerical, alphanumeric),
                 ï¿½ Key fields that link relational databases
                 ï¿½ Data codes

             Database Queries I Transfer

             Data Queries- Currently, different agencies use different Data Base Management
             Systems (DBMS) running on different platforms making it difficult to seamlessly
             query the database. Initially, the centralized data base will utilize a standard
             documented database access vehicle such as Standard Query Language (SQL) for
             data queries. In later phases, the distributed databases will all use the same access
             vehicle.

             Data Transfer- The system administrator will work with the data managers at
             each participating agency to adopt the standard DBMS or develop translation
             programs which will 1) translate from agency file structures to Galveston Bay's


                                                       160









                    standard file structure for data storage and 2) provide translation from Galveston
                    Bay's standard structure to agency file structures for retrieval (Figure 13-3). This
                    will allow agencies to manipulate, analyze and display all data residing in the
                    central database initially and distributed databases ultimately using familiar
                    software applications available through their agency.

                    Data Transfer Formats- The database must have the capability to download data
                    easily to other data analysis and presentation programs. The Texas GIS Standards
                    Committee recently recommended that Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS)
                    format be used to facilitate the exchange of GIS information (TGISPC, 1992). SDTS
                    format will be adopted in accordance with this committee's recommendation. Other
                    GIS standards developed by the GIS Standards Committee will be incorporated into
                    Galveston Bay's DIM strategy as appropriate.

                    Currently, there are no standard data transfer formats for parametric data. The
                    GIS Standards Committee has recommended that flatfile, non-compressed. ASCII
                    format data interchange be employed for the transfer of parametric data.










                                                         Database Que                                        ranslation
                                                                        ry                                T
                                   Fle@llonal                Program                  Dita                 Program 1              Data
                                  Monitoring,                                           Of                                          of
                                     @Data,                                        Anterest@,                                    MIUFeSt

                                                                                                           Translation
                                                                                                           Program 2
                                                                                 Star)d&ardd                                  Participating
                                                                                  File Structur                                 Agencies'
                              Standard Data File                                                                           Data File Structure
                                   Structure
                                                                                                                            Agencies'DBMS


                       L_      Other Agencies'           I
                               Database Servers                                                Requesting Agencies' Database Server





                                                      Query Program                Queries all databases in the system for
                                                                                   requested data

                                                      Translation Program 1 =      Translation from standard format to the
                                                                                   requesting agencies' DBMS format

                                                      Translation Program 2 =      Translation from the requesting agencies'
                                                                                   DBMS format to standard format


                               Figure 13-3.          Three typesof data processing programs.






                                                                                       161









             Data Quality Assurance     Quality Control (QA I QC)

             Data Accessibility- Maintaining the integrity of data stored in the system is
             critical to ensuring user confidence in the system. Data stored in the DIM system
             can be queried, read, copied, and downloaded to workstations for local manipulation
             and analyses. Initially this will be available only through requests to H-GAC or the
             Program Office. As direct access to the system is expanded users of the system will
             have read only access. Additions and updates to the data will only be made through
             standard quality control protocols established at the outset of the system's
             implementation.

             Data Submission- Standardized procedures for checking submitted data will
             include: computerized code and range checking, technical data review, and
             preparation of a data QA abstract. The data abstract is for describing sampling and
             analytical methods, QA/QC information, and any other pertinent metadata
             information needed to assess data quality. Data submitters are responsible for
             compiling regional monitoring data, conducting data QA/QC checks, and submitting
             both their data and data QA abstract to the H-GAC for entry into the Galveston Bay
             database.

             Computerized code and data range checks will be performed on the data prior to its
             entry into the central database. Any errors. or discrepancies will be resolved before
             data is loaded onto the system. Users will not be permitted to make ad hoc
             modifications to data stored in the system. Additions and updates to the data will
             only be made through standard quality control protocols established at the outset of
             the system's implementation.

             Communicating Monitoring Results

             The system will support the following user groups:

                 ï¿½  Galveston Bay Council,
                 ï¿½  Technical and scientific staff of participating agencies,
                 ï¿½  Technical and scientific staff of non-participating agencies,
                 ï¿½  Private industry,
                 ï¿½  Public interest groups,
                 ï¿½  Schools, and the
                 ï¿½  General public

             Technical staff of non-participating agencies, private industry, public interest
             groups, schools, and the public will have access to raw monitoring data. In addition
             there will exist the ability to retrieve selected summary statistics and display these
             data on core base maps. Requests for data will be handled through H-GAC or the
             Program Office. In the future the Program Office will support evaluation programs
             for development of direct link public service centers (PCSs) at strategic locations.
             These will be established to support direct access to the system for non-
             participating agencies, private industry, public interest groups, schools, and the
             general public. Selected bay-wide summary statistics will be available to the public



                                                       162








            for downloading at the service centers. Requests for raw regional monit    'oring data
            will continue to be made through the H-GAC or the Galveston Bay Program Office.

            Information from The Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program will be available
            in two formats: technical reports for the scientific community and non-technical
            briefs for the lay public. Programs will be written to automatically conduct the
            appropriate data queries, data retrievals, data analyses, and data presentations
            (e.g., graphs, maps). Ad hoc analyses may be used, as needed, to supplement these
            fundamental data analyses. A set of most requested bay information may be
            published in an annual report as well as made available on-line in the system.

            The primary purpose of the DIMS is to provide data which can assist in establishing
            the link between management goals and objectives and environmental results. The
            Galveston Bay Program Office will be responsible for evaluating and analyzing the
            results from the monitoring program as they relate to Plan goals and objectives.
            Evaluation of monitoring program results will provide information for feedback to
            the program on two levels. Such, evaluations of the data will establish whether the
            monitoring program is providing the expected information for assessing plan actions
            and if changes to the program are needed to obtairi the necessary information.
            Secondly, evaluations will determine if data supports a conclusion as to whether
            resource management goals are being met.

            This information will be disseminated to provide information to resource managers,
            scientific and technical sources, and the general public. Publications such as the
            Galveston Bay Bay Line, a quarterly newsletter published by the Galveston Bay
            Program, will inform the public on Bay issues and generate public interest and
            support for program initiatives. This information will also be made available to the
            scientific community in technical publications and through papers and poster
            presentations at scientific and technical meetings.

            To supplement publications and to allow additional data presentation the Galveston
            Bay Program will continue to host the biennial Galveston Bay Symposium. The
            goals of this symposium are to: identify Bay projects being conducted by institutions
            other than the Program,; to promote peer interactions among scientists involved in
            this research; to improve our understanding of estuarine problems; and to
            encourage project coordination in an ecosystem context. (GBNEP, 1993)

            Bay Barometer
            A potential tool for communicating the status of the health of the ecosystem is the
            development of a Galveston Bay barometer similar in approach to the one used in
            the Chesapeake Bay Program. For example, such a barometer could include several
            easily measured components of the Galveston Bay system. This information would
            be published as a regular feature in the Galveston Bay Bay Line. The Bay
            Barometer concept will be developed by the Galveston Bay Program Office.

            Sources of Financial Support

            Several candidate sources of financial support for the implementation and
            maintenance of the DIMS system have been identified, including



                                                      163










                ï¿½ Corporate sponsors,
                ï¿½ Other state-wide or gulf-wide data sharing projects, and
                ï¿½ Line-item support from the State.

            Private sector corporations and software/hardware vendors will be sought out to
            sponsor, in part, the cost of hardware and software needed to implement the DIMS
            system. Candidate corporate and vendor sponsors will be aggressively pursued by
            the chair of the Steering Committee, H-GAC, and the Galveston Bay Program
            Office.

            Furthermore, the implementation of Galveston Bay's DIMS system may be partially
            supported through other state-wide or gulf-wide data management projects
            including the Coastal GIS Initiative, the Natural Resources Inventory, the Texas
            Clean Rivers Program, and the Gulf of Mexico Program. The DIMS Steering
            Committee, H-GAC, and the Galveston Bay Program Office will pursue all state-
            wide and gulf coast financial sources. They will aggressively approach the
            legislature to seek line-item status for Galveston Bay's DIMS system.































                                                    164







           LITERATURE CITED



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           McFarlane, R.W. 1991b. An Environmental Inventory of the Armand Bayou
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           Messer, J.J., R.A. Linthurst, and W. S. Overton. 1991. An EPA program for
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                  Galveston Bay Estuary. Galveston Bay National Estuary Program. Webster,
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           Newell, C.J., H.S. Rifai, and P.B. Bedient. 1992. Characterization of Non-Point
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            Pulich, W., Jr., W. White, M. Castiglione, and R. Zimmerman 1991. Status of
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            Slack, R., D. Gawlik, J. Thomas, and D. Harpole 1992. Status and Trends of
                  Selected Vertebrate Resources in the Galveston Estuary System: Birds and
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             White, W., T. Tremblay, E. Wermund, Jr., and L. Handley 1993. Trends and
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             Wright, S.W., S. W. Jeffrey, R.F.C. Mantoura, C.A. Llewellyn, T. Bhornland, D.
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                   of chlorophylls and carotenoids from marine phytoplankton. Marine Ecology
                   Progress Series, 77: 183-196, 1991.











































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                      Appendix A


 I
                                           I







                               Galveston Bay
                               Regional Monitoring
                               Protocols













                               November 1994


                               Prepared by:

                               Tetra Tech, Incorporated
                               3746 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 300
                               Lafayette, CA 94549
                               (510) 283-3771


                               Espey, Huston & Associates, Incorporated
                               916 Capital of Texas Highway South
                               P.O. Box 519
                               Austin, 'fX 78767



                               Submitted to:

                               Galveston Bay National Estuary Program
                               711 Bay Area Boulevard, Suite 210
                               Webster, Texas 77598






                                            175









                                                       TABLE OF CONTENTS


                 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION                                    ................................................................. 181
                     1. 1 Background         .................................................................................................. 181
                     .1.2 Approach         ....................................................................................................... 182
                     1.3 Document Layout               ........................................................................................ 195


                 CHAPTER 2:                  STATION POSITIONING                       .................................................. 199
                     2.1 Data Use and Limitations                 ........................................................................... 199
                     2.2 Recommended Methods                   .............................................................................. 202
                     2.3 QA/QC Considerations                 ................................................................................ 200
                     2.4 Alternative Methods             .....................I............................................................... 200


                 CHAPTER 3.,                 WATER QUALITY                  ............................................................... 203
                     3.1   Hydrodynamics           ............................................................................................ 203
                           3.1.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 203
                           3.1.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 205
                           3.1.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 205
                     3.2   Water Column Sampling               ..............................................! .............................. 205
                           3.2.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 205
                           3.2.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 205
                           3.2.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 207
                     3.3   Conventional Parameters                ........................................................................... 208
                           3.3.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 208
                           3.3.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 209
                           3.3.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 210
                     3.4   Nutrients       ....................................................................................................... 211
                           3.4.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 213
                           3.4.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 214
                           3.4.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 216
                     3.5   Toxic Parameters           ......................................................................................... 217
                           3.5.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 218
                           3.5.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 218
                           3.5.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 220

                 CHAPTER 4:                  SEDIMENT QUAL17Y                      ........................................................ 221
                     4.1.  Sediment Collection           .................................................................................... 222
                           4.1.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 222
                           4.1.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                        ................................................ 222
                           4.1.3 QA/QC Considerations                   ................................................................... 224
                     4.2   Sediment Grain Size             ................................................................................... 225
                           4.2.1 Data Use and Limitations                   .............................................................. 225



                                                                       177









                              4.2.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 225
                              4.2.3        QA/QC Considerations               ............................................................ **  ..... 226
                       4.3    Benthic Infauna Sampling                   .......................................................................... 226
                              4.3.1        Data Use and Limitations                .............................................................. 227
                              4.3.2        Sampling and Analytical Methods                      ................................................ 228
                              4.3.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 230
                       4.4    Sediment Toxics            ........................................................................................... 230
                              4.4.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 231
                              4.4.2        Sampling and Analytical Methods                      ................................................ 233
                              4.4.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 2.36
                       4.5    Sediment Bioassays               ..................................................................................... 238
                              4.5.1        Data Use and Limitations                .............................................I................. 239
                              4.5.2        Sampling and Analytical Methods                      ................................................ 240
                              4.5.3 QA/QC Considerations                      .................................................................... 241


                   CHAPTER 5.- HABITAT DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION                                                                  .......... 243
                       5.1    Areal Extent, Distribution, and Classification                          .......................................... 243
                              5. 1. 1 Data Use and Limitations                     .............................................................. 243
                              5.1.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 244
                              5.1.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 246
                       5.2    Habitat Function and Value                    ....................................................................... 247
                              5.2.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 248
                              5.2.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 249
                              5.2.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 251


                   CHAPTER& SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AND CONDITION                                                                    ............ 253
                       6.1    Phytoplankton Biomass                  .............................................................................. 254
                              6.1.1 Data Use and Limitations                       ....................                                     255
                              6.1.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 256
                              6.1.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 260
                       6.2    Invertebrate Species             .................................................................................... 261
                              6.2.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 261
                              6.2.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 262
                              6.2.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 265
                       6.3    Bird Populations            .......................................................................................... 265
                              6.3.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 266
                              6.3.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 267
                              6.3.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 269
                       6.4    Alligator Populations             ................................................................................... 269
                              6.4.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 269
                              6.4.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 270
                              6.4.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 271
                       6.5    Finfish Populations              ..................................................................................... 272
                              6.5.1 Data Use and Limitations                       .............................................................. 272
                              6.5.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                             ................................................ 274



                                                                              178








                              6.5.3 QA/QC Considerations                      .................................................................... 276
                      6.6     Finfish Commercial Harvest                   ....................................................................... 277
                              6.6.1 Data Use and Limitations                      .............................................................. 278
                              6.6.2        Sampling and Analytical Methods                     ................................................ 279
                              6.6.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 281
                      6.7     Oyster Population            ........................................................................................ 281
                              6.7.1 Data Use and Limitations                      .............................................................. 281
                              6.7.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                            ................................................ 282
                              6.7.3        QA./QC Considerations              ................................................................... 283
                      6.8     Fisheries Losses Due to Impingement and Entrainment                                    ......................... 283
                              6.8.1 Data Use and Limitations                      .............................................................. 284
                              6.8.2        Sampling and Analytical Methods                     ................................................ 285
                      6.9     Introduced Exotic Species                ........................................................................... 285
                              6.9.1        Data Use and Limitations               .............................................................. 285
                              6.9.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                            ................................................ 286
                              6.9.3        QA/QC Considerations               ................................................................... 289
                      6. 10 Threatened and Endangered Species                           ......................................................... 289
                              6.10.1 Data Use and Limitations                     .............................................................. 290
                              6.10.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                           ................................................ 290
                              6.10.3 QA/QC Considerations                     ................................................................... 293


                  CHAPTER 7.-                   PUBLIC HEALTH                    ....................I............................................ 295
                      7.1     Bacteriological Indicators               ........................................................................... 296
                              7.1.1 Data Use and Limitations                      ............................................................... 296
                              7.1.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                            ................................................ 298
                              7.1.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 300
                      7.2     Toxic Contaminants               .................................................................................... 301
                              7.2.1 Data Use and Limitations                      .............................................................. 301
                              7.2.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods                            ................................................. 302
                              7.2.3 QA/QC Considerations                      ................................................................... 304

                   LITERATURE               CITED         ......................................................................................... 305















                                                                            179








                                                                TABLE OF TABLES


                    Table 1-1.         Regional Monitoring Activities in Galveston Bay                             ............................. 185
                    Table 1-2.         Selection Criteria for Monitoring Protocols                        ....................................... 196
                    Table 3-1.         Recommended Analytical Methods for Conventional Water Parameters
                                        .............................................................................................................. 210
                    Table 3-2.         Required Quality Control Analysis                     ..................................................... 212
                    Table 3-3.         Comparable and Acceptable Laboratory Analytical Methods
                                       for Nutrient Parameters                ..................................................................... 215
                    Table 3-4.         Comparable and Acceptable Laboratory Analytical Methods
                                       for Toxic Parameters             .................................................i ......................... 219
                    Table 4-1.         Sediment Contaminants of Concern for the Galveston Bay
                                       Program       ................................................................................................ 232
                    Table 4-2.         List of Existing Analytical Techniques                      ............................................... 233
                    Table 4-3.         Sampling Containers, Preservation Requirements, and Holding
                                       Times for Sediment Samples                    .............................................................. 235
                    Table 4-4.         Summary of Quality Control Sample                         ................................................. 238
                    Table 4-5.         Summary of Warning and Control Limits for Quality Control
                                       Samples       ................................................................................................ 239
                    Table 5-1.         Candidate Indicators and Measurements for Habitat Protection                                       .... 247
                    Table 6-1.         Phytoplankton Monitoring Parameter List                            ....................................... 258
                    Table 6-2.         Invertebrate Monitoring Parameter List                         ........................................... 264
                    Table 6-3.         Colonial Nesting Waterbird Habitat Parameter List                                ........................ 268
                    Table 6-4.         Alligator Monitoring Parameter List                      .................................................. 271
                    Table 6-5          Fish Community Monitoring Parameter List                              .................................... 275
                    Table 6-6.         Terrapin Monitoring Information                     ....................................................... 292
                    Table 7-1.         Recommended Indicator Species for Public Health Protection                                     ......... 303





















                                                                              180













            CHAPTER I
            INTRODUCTION

            1.1       BACKGROUND

            The Clean Water Act as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987 established the
            National Estuary Program (NEP) to promote long term planning and management
            in nationally significant estuaries threatened by pollution, development, or overuse.
            Section 320 of the Clean Water Act describes the establishment of a management
            conference in, each estuary to develop a Comprehensive Conservation and
            Management Plan (CCMP). It also establishes requirements to monitor the
            effectiveness of actions taken pursuant to the plan.

            The Galveston Bay National Estu    ary Program (GBNEP) was established under the
            authority of the Water Quality Act of 1987 to develop a CCMP for Galveston Bay. In
            1990, work commenced to:

                 ï¿½  Identify specific problems facing the Bay

                 ï¿½  Compile bay-wide data and informa    *tion to describe the status, trends, and
                    probable causes related to the identified problems

                 ï¿½  Create the CCMP document to enhance governance of the Bay at the
                    ecosystem level.

            GBNEP is accomplishing this work through a cooperative agreement between the
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 6 and the State of Texas
            (administered by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission
            [TRNCCI). The structure of GBNEP reflects a strong commitment to consensus
            building among all Galveston Bay user groups, government agencies, and the
            public. This regional effort reflects thousands of hours of involvement by individuals
            who use, enjoy, or help manage this vital coastal resource.

            GBNEP held a Regional Monitoring Conference in July 1992 to examine the need
            and feasibility of a regional monitoring program for the estuary (Tetra Tech, 1992).
            The participants included policy makers, resource managers, scientists, and


                                                  181








             representatives of public and commercial interest groups. From these discussions, a
             consensus was reached on the following points:

                  ï¿½ A regional monitoring program is needed to improve our ability to
                     effectively manage resources in the estuary

                  ï¿½  Establishment and management of a technically sound regional monitoring
                     program are feasible

                  ï¿½  The details of the monitoring program should be designed by technical
                     experts working with managers and decision makers.

             Several monitoring programs are ongoing in the estuary. These programs are being
             conducted by federal, state, and local government agencies at an annual cost of
             nearly $8 million. Many of these monitoring programs use different field sampling
             and analytical methods, and collect data at different sampling locations and on
             different time scales. Furthermore, monitoring data are maintained at a number of
             locations, using different database management systems, and are stored in different
             formats. As a result of the diverse origins and purposes of these programs:

                  ï¿½  Uncoordinated data collection efforts are executed

                  ï¿½  Data from several monitoring efforts cannot be integrated (i.e., pooled)
                     because
                     -    sampling or analytical methods are incompatible or
                     -    sampling locations or times are incongruous

                  ï¿½ Data analyses are severely delayed because data are not readily       accessible
                     or require significant time and cost to translate into a usable format.

             Participants of the Regional Monitoring Conference agreed that a coordinated
             regional monitoring program would increase the efficiency of monitoring efforts and
             enhance the usefulness of monitoring data for all persons responsible for managing
             the bay's resources.



             1.2       APPROACH

             This is the second of two documents prepared to address the requirement of the
             CCMP to develop a regional monitoring program for Galveston Bay. The first
             document (Tetra Tech, 1992) presented the plan or strategy for developing
             Galveston Bay's regional monitoring program. The development of this plan was
             based on the approach described in two recent documents: Monitoring Guidance for
             the National Estuary Program (USEPA, 1992) and Managing Troubled Waters: The
             Role of Marine Environmental Monitoring (NRC, 1990).




                                                   182








             The first key step was defining resource management goals. Resource management
             goals describe the desired result of CCMP management actions and provide a point
             of reference from which managers can assess whether conditions in Galveston Bay
             are improving, declining, or remaining the same.

             The next step is to specify the information needed to assess whether progress is
             being made toward achieving resource management goals. This information will be
             used to:


                  ï¿½ Determine the status and trends in the condition of bay resources
                  ï¿½ Assess the effectiveness of implemented CCMP management actions.

             Monitoring objectives define what data and information the regional monitoring
             program will provide. A key contribution of the Regional Monitoring Plan was the
             specification of monitoring objectives to guide the design of Galveston Bay's regional
             monitoring program.

             During April 1993, a series of technical workshops was held specifically to develop
             monitoring objectives for each of the five primary management topics (Water and
             sediment quality, Species population protection, Habitat protection, Freshwater
             inflow, and Public health protection). The purpose was to build upon the work
             described in GBNEP's characterization reports and to define monitoring objectives
             and corresponding monitoring variables.

             Each of the five Primary Topics Task Forces met to discuss and reach a consensus
             on:

                  0 Priority resource management goals

                  0  Information needed to assess whether progress is being made toward
                     achieving these goals

                  9  Regional monitoring objectives

                  0  Monitoring parameters.

             Between June and August 1994, members of the Regional Monitoring Steering
             Committee convened several times in five Focus Groups (corresponding to Water
             Quality !Sediment Quality, Habitat Quality, Species Protection, and Public Health).
             Their aim was, in part, to further define monitoring parameters and recommend
             which of the existing monitoring protocols were most appropriate for inclusion in
             the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program (GBRMP).

             These parameters and protocols were chosen from the range of existing methods
             and parameters presently being used by the various agencies in their monitoring
             efforts within Galveston Bay estuary. The recommended protocols have been judged



                                                    183








             as best suited to support the Resource Management Objectives developed at the
             Regional Monitoring Conference.

             The existing monitoring activities in Galveston Bay are discussed in detail in the
             Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Strategy (Tetra Tech, 1994). A summary of
             these regional monitoring activities of each agency, showing: the number of
             sampling stations, their data collection activities, the parameters monitored, the
             analytical methods and detection limit, and the quality assurance/quality control
             (QA/QC) procedures was developed and circulated among the agency staff
             comprising the Monitoring Steering Committee (Table 1-1). This table represents
             the identified monitoring activities presently being undertaken in Galveston Bay.
             This summary of monitoring activities is the basis from which the recommended
             monitoring protocols, described later in this document, were selected by the
             Committee members.


             Selection criteria (Table 1-2) were developed as a framework for comparison of
             existing methods. The selection criteria were also used to evaluate alternate
             methods. These are methods not presently being used, but have potential to:

                  ï¿½ provide ancillary information for minimum extra cost or effort, or

                  ï¿½ improve sample collection or analysis by decreasing the present levels of
                     effort (e.g., using in situ, automatic measuring and recording probes with
                     multi-parameter sensors).

             These criteria will form the basis for an evaluation of the monitoring methods
             presently employed in Galveston Bay. This approach of incorporating existing
             monitoring elements has several inherent advantages. The criteria will be most
             useful in cases where different methods have been used by agencies to monitor the
             same or similar parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon).

             Maintaining the comparability of data by recommending an existing method (or in
             some cases more than one method) will maximize the amount of previously collected
             data that can be incorporated into the regional monitoring effort. This historical
             data would not necessarily be as useful if new and different collection methods or
             analytical methods are followed.

             Giving a high priority to the cost of collecting and analyzing data is pragmatic in
             this era of limited funding and overburdened budgets. This approach will maximize
             the amount of data that can be collected for a given monitoring budget. Cost
             efficiency is high when using








                                                 184











                      Tablel.l. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY

                                                                    Summary of data collection activities, monitoring parameters, analytical methods, and quality assurance/quality control methods
                                                                                                  by the various agencies/organizations monitodng in Galveston Bay Estuary.


                          AGENCY10FIGANIZATION                                                                                                                            ANALYTICAL                                  QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
                                  (Source)                No. OF STATIONS             DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                   PARAMETERS MONITORED                    METHODS**          DETECTION LIMITS                         (OA1QC)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    TNRCC requires that a minimum of one water quality
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    mc6iloring program and one water quality sampling
                      Texas Natural Resource                                                                                                                                                                        program undergo a quality assurance review each
                      Conservation Commission (TNRCC) 68 stations             Sediment:                                         All stations - Routine                  EPA Methods (1,2)                           fiscal year.
                                                                              Chemistry - Ekman dredge                          Water:
                                                        243 sampling                                                             Temperature, conductivity, pH
                                                        activities/year       Benthic macroinvertebrates:                        dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity
                              (Kirkpatrick, 1994)                               Peterson or Ekman dredge
                               (TNRCC, 1993)                                                                                    Conventional pollutants:                                                            Projects:
                                 (TWC, 1991)                                  Nekton:                                           Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)                405.1                 1 mg/1          water quality monitoring field data notebook
                          (TwIdwell, 1993 and 1994)                           Collection techniques                             Total suspended solids (TSS)                   160.2                 10 mg/l         standard instrument calibration and notebook
                          (U.S EPA, 1983 and 1986)                              Hook and line, trotline                         Oil and grease                                 413.1                 5 mg/l          flow measurement records
                                                                                Throwline, handline                             Fecal coliform (FC)                                                                  fecal coliform bacteria analysis records
                                                                                20'minnow seine with 1/4" mesh                                                                                                       biological sample analysis records
                                                                                Gill nets                                       Nutrients:                                                                           proper data and sample collection procedures
                                                                                Fish traps                                      Orthophosphorus                                365.2                 0.01 mg/l       quality assurance review follow-up
                                                                                Trawl                                           Nitrite - N                                    354.1                 0.01 mgA
                                                                                Cast nets                                       Nitrate - N                                    352.1                 0.01 mg/I      Laboratory analysis will meet or exceed the
                                                                                Water intake screens                            Ammonia - N                                    350A                  0.02 mgA       requirements set forth in the TWC Quality
                                                                                                                                Total phosphorus                               365.1                 0.01 mg/I      Assurance program (3)
                                                                              Tissue - 4 preferred species                      Chlorophyll a
                                                                                Hardhead (sea) catfish                          Pheophytin a                                                                        Data storage:
                                                                                Pinfish                                                                                                                             - side by side data comparisons
                                                                                Atlantic croaker                                Total organic carbon (TOC)                     415.1                 1 mg/l         - computerized parameter value editing
          Ir-A                                                                  Redfish (red drum)                              Alkalinity                                     310.1                 1 mg/l
          00                                                                                                                    Chloride                                       325.3                 1 mg/1
                                                                              Plankton:                                         Sulfate                                        375.4
                                                                                Kemmerer sampler                                Total dissolved solids (TDS)                   160.1                 10 mg/l
                                                                                Van Dom sampler                                 Volatile suspended solids (VSS)                624                   10 mg/l
                                                                                Net hauls
                                                                                                                                Select stations:
                                                                                                                                Water and Sediment:
                                                                                                                                 Organics - pesticides                      60atBOSO                 variable
                                                                                                                                 Inorganics - alkalinity, hardness
                                                                                                                                             major ions
                                                                                                                                 Metals                                     ICP - 6010               variable
                                                                                                                                 Toxicity
                                                                                                                                 Organisms:
                                                                                                                                  nekton - tissue
                                                                                                                                  plankton
                                                                                                                                  benthos
                      ----------- D-eveloPment          5 Stations            Serni-perma-Re-ni rFo-ï¿½red Ft-a-tions             Water:                                                                              Instru
                      Texas Water                                                                                                                                                                                       ments are checked and maintained on a
                      Board (TWDB)                                            using Data Sande instrumentation                  Temperature, salinity, pH                                                           regular basis.
                                                                                                                                conductivity, DO
                      (t3rock, 1993 and 1994)           supports TCOON

                                                        8 Stations            Tide monitoring stations within                   Tidal elevation                                                                     NOAA / NOS OA procedures
                                                                              Galveston Bay                                     Some meteorological data                                                            Data inspected daily













                                              TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                    AGENCYIORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                        ANALYTICAL                                          QUALITY ASSURANCEIQUALITY CONTROL
                                                             IS=                         No. OF STATIONS                   DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                            PARAMETERS MONITORED                           METHODS-               DETECTION LIMITS                                 (OA/GC)
                                              76-m-sp-a-FR-S .      , .
                                              Department (TPWD)
                                                 1. Resource Monitoring                  149 Stations              Bay Bag Seines: 20 per month                               Water:                                                                                            Guidelines follow TPWD Marine Resource
                                                                                                                   Targets juvenile finfish and shellfish                     Temperature, salinity, pH                                                                         Monitoring Operalims Manual (4)
                                                  (Bowling and Benefield, 1993)          Bay and Offshore          321 usable grids                                           turbidity, DO
                                                          (Robinson, 1994)                                                                                                                                                                                                      Gill nets mum be set within 1/2 hour of sunset
                                                          (TPWD, 1993a)                  Randomly selected         Bay Trawls: 20 per month                                   Weather conditions                                                                                and picked up no earlier than 1/2 hour
                                                                                         from TPWD's grid          Targets juvenile and some adult finfish & shellfish        Wind direction                                                                                    before sunrise. Work on the last not must
                                                                                         system                    1 0-minuto trawls                                          Air temperature                                                                                   start before 11:00 a.m.
                                                                                         The number of             369 usable grids                                           Organims:                                                                                         Field data sheets am ached prior to
                                                                                         u: able grids             GIW (Gulf Intemoastal Waterway)                            Species                                                                                           submission for computer keying
                                                                                         @ des for each            Trawls: 6 per month                                        Number
                                                                                         geartyps,                 Targets juvenile and some aduft fintish & shellfish        Weight (select individuals)                                                                       Computer printouts of field data am
                                                                                                                   110-minute trawls                                          Length (subsample of 19 Ind.)                                                                     contrasted with field data sheets after
                                                                                                                   77 usable grids                                            Sex and maturity                                                                                  computer keying
                                                                                                                                                                              Large, live fish tagged for
                                                                                                                   Gulf Trawls: 16 per month                                  growth and mortality
                                                                                                                   Targets juvenile and some aduft finfish & shellfish
                                                                                                                   10-minutaffawls

                                                                                                                   Oyster Dredges: 30 per month
                                                                                                                   Targets oystom: market, small, and spat
                                                                                                                   30-second dredge - 126 usable grids
                                                                                                                   Beach Seines: May - November - 6 per month
                                                                                                                   Targets adults in surf zone of front beach
                                                                                                                   Beach Bag Seines: May - November - 6 per month
                                                                                                                   Targets juvenile firdish and shell fish in surf zone
                                                                                                                   Gill nets: 45 nets set during a 10-week period
                                                                                                                   in the spring and fall
                                                                                                                   Targets adult finfish In bay
              00                                                                                                   4 segments of I 5(y each, 4 mash sizes - 3* - 6'
                                                                                                                   I per segment, shorellne to Gulf
                                                                                                                   252 usable grids
                                                                                                                   Hook and line: As required by special study
                                                 2. Coastal Resource                     130 - 140 seafood         Seafood dealer submits reports - pertaining to             Organism:                                                                                         Guidelines follow TPWD CommTmial Harvest
                                                    Harvest Cor"'nercial                 dealers                   commercial finfish, shrimp, crabs, oyster,                 Quantity by weight                                                                                Field Operations Manual (5)
                                                    Landings Prograrri                                             and other marine life                                      Number of species
                                                                                                                                                                              Price per pound
                                                    (McEachmn, Carnpall, and                                       Length checks of target species - (200 per species)
                                                          Robinson. 1993)                                          5 target species - black drum, flounder, mackerel.
                                                          (Robinson, 1994)                                         red mapper, sheepshead
                                                          (TPWD, 1989)
                                                                                         Vessel captains           Commercial bay/balt Intercept prograrri ems                Trip length
                                                                                                                   Implemented In May 1994                                    Number of drags
                                                                                                                   On-she intenriews of vessel captains                       Total fishing time
                                                                                                                                                                              Minor bay fished
                                                                                                                                                                              Not size
                                                                                                                                                                              Mash size
                                                                                                                                                                              Amount of live and dead shrknp larxied
                                                                                                                                                                              Size of shrimp
                                                                                                                                                                              Species of catch











                                                  TABLE1.1. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                        AGENCY/ORGANQATION                                                                                                                                                                             ANALYTICAL                                                QUALITY ASSURANCE/OUALITY CONTROL
                                                                   'S*U'-'                        No. OF STATIONS                       DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                                              PARAMETERS MONITORED                    METHODS**                 DETECTION LIMITS                                      (Q a
                                                  -3-C-o-as-tal Resource                          121 Smplo sites            On-site trip-end Inlerviews                                                        boat registration number                                                                      Intemewers am peri.di- Vy ops-d to
                                                         Harvest Recreational                     40 additional sites                                                                                           Trip length                                                                                   monitor compliance with operating procedures
                                                         Landings Program                         for detecting any                                                                                             Number of people / residency
                                                                                                  change in   status                                                                                            Minor bay fished                                                                              Guidelines follow TPWD Marine Sport
                                                           (Robinson, Green, and                                                                                                                                Gear'                                                                                         Harvest operations Manual (6)
                                                                McEachron, 1993)                  Sampling stratified and                                                                                       Bait - type and amount
                                                                (Robinson, 1994)                  based on relative                                                                                             Fish tandd@
                                                                ITPWD, 1993b)                     fishing pressure at                                                                                           Species
                                                                                                  each site.                                                                                                    Total lengths (6 per species)
                                                                                                  Determined by a                                                                                               Grade
                                                                                                  computer generated                                                                                            Species sought
                                                                                                  relative pressure                                                                                             By-catch - released
                                                                                                  system.                                                                                                       Trip satisfaction
                                                  City of HoustFr_k/Department                    45 Stations in the                                                                                            Water: probe
                                                  of Public Utilities                             tidal portions of                                                                                             Temperature, pH, conductivity
                                                  (CoH DPU)                                       major bayous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Chloride
                                                                (Glanton,1993)                                                                                                                                  Aunmonla - N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Nitrate - N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                BOD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                TsS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                FC
                                                  zif@ -of Houston/H.afth                         Treld Operations:          CoH - HRS-D-- 'Me Bureau of Public Health                                                                                                                                        Participate in APG proficiency studios twice
                                                  and Human Services                              54 stream stations         Engineering has two      groups conducting monitoring                                                                                                                            each year for each anatyto listed (chemistry)
                                                  Department (HHSD)                               all permitted
                                                                                                  wastewater                 Field Operations Unit -                                                            Water: probe                                                                                  Field Notes, information reviewed after
                                                                (APHA, 1992)                      dischargers                Stations am all above tidal waters                                                 Temperature, DO                                                                               computer entry
                                                          (Fisher   1993 and 1994)                                                                                                                                                                    EPA Methods (1)
                                                                (Krantz, 1993)                                                                                                                                  BOD                                           405.1                        4 mgA              Duplicate
                                                                (U.S. EPA, 1983)                                                                                                                                Am-nia-N                                      350.1                        0.05 mgA           Duplicate, spike. external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Sulfate                                       300                          2 mqA              D.Pfiaia, spike, .%nml OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                TDS                                           160.1                        20 mg(l            Duplicate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                TSS                                           160  2                       4 m9n              Duplicate
              00                                                                                                                                                                                                Oil and grease                                413. 1                       1 mgA              External QC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Chloride                                      300                          2 mg/I             Duplicate, spike, external QC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Trace metals:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                As                                            206.2                        2 mqA              Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cd. Cr. Du, Mn, Zn                            200.7                        10mqq              Duplicate. spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                NI                                            2DO.7                        25 mgA             Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                S                                             2DO.7                        1 mg/l             Duplicate. spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Hg                                            245.2                        0.5 mg/I           Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Pb                                      200.71239.2                        40 mgtl            Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                FC                                 Standard Methods (7)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         9221 Ell.)                        2 / 100 ML         FC bacterial analysis records
                                                                                                  Quality Assurance          Quality Assurance Group -                                                          Water: p,@be
                                                                                                  Group:                     These bayou stations am all at USGS monitoring                                     Temperature. DO                                                                               Field notes. Information reviewed after
                                                                                                  Lake Houston and           stations and include the lowest USGS station                                                                             EPA Methods (1)                                         computer entry
                                                                                                  watershed                  at each bayou                                                                      pH                                            160.1                                           Buffer check
                                                                                                  6 major Houston                                                                                               MS                                            160.1                        2D mgA             Duplicate
                                                                                                  bayous                                                                                                        Suffate                                       300                          2 mgA              Duplicate, spike, external OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Chloride                                      300                          2 mgA              Duplicate, spike, Memal OC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Standard Methods (7)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                FC                                       9U1 Eli.)                         2/100ML            FC bacteria] analysis records












                                                 TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                      AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                   ANALYTICAL                                       QUALITY ASSURANCEIOUALITY CONTROL
                                                                                            No. OF STATIONS                     DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                             PARAMETERS MONITORED                                 METHODS"            DETECTION LIMITS                                  (OAtOC)
                                                 Ra-m-s M-u-nty Q01MI:                      9 Stations -                                                                          Water. probe                                      Standard Methods (7)
                                                 Control Department                         Houston Ship                                                                          Temperature, DO, flow                                     DO = 4500-0 G                                 Calibrate meter prior to each use
                                                 (HCPCD)                                    Channel
                                                                                                                                                                                  PH                                                        4500-H.                                       2 buffer standardization and mad 3rd buffer
                                                             (APHA,    1992)                6 Stations - on the                                                                                                                                                                           prior to each analytical run; restandardlize/
                                                       (Barroff, 1993 and 1994)             San jacffqo River                                                                                                                                                                             manalyz. violations
                                                              (Tyer, 1994)
                                                                                            Each inclusirial                                                                      TOC                                                       5310B                       1 mgVI            Standardize prior to each analytical run
                                                                                            discharger                                                                                                                                                                                    (optional: check calibration with independent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          standard), check calibration about every
                                                                                            Municipal                                                                                                                                                                                     10 samples and at and of mn. Reanalyze
                                                                                            dischargers                                                                                                                                                                                   violations, including spike analysis

                                                                                                                                                                                  Trace metals:                                                                                           Two point calibration prior to each analytical
                                                                                                                                                                                  As                                                        3111/3113                 0.001 mgA           run; check calibration about Mfy 10 Samples.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Cd                                                        3111                      0.002 mlill         One replicate analyzed with each nut.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Cr, i                                                     31,1                      0.02 m9A            Reanalyze violations, including spike analysis.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Cu. Mn                                                    3111                      0.01 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                                  Zn                                                        3111                      0.005 mg/1

                                                                                                                                                                                  Total solids (residue)                                    25408                                         Control dish (no sample)

                                                                                                                                                                                  TSS                                                       2540D                                         One random replicate with each analytical run
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          and/or replicates on any suspected violations;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          manalyza any violation without previous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          replicate; water blank and control crucible
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (no sample) with each run

                                                                                                                                                                                  Ammonia - N                                               4500                      0.03 mgA            Standardize prior to each analytical run; one
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          random replicate analyzed with each run;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          check calibration with two different standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (concentrations) we during run and other at
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          and of run

                                                                                                                                                                                  FC/Fecal Streptococcus (FS)                       Modified 9222D/9230C              10 / 100 ML         Periodically analyze replicates, system blank,
               00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         air density plate and known active sewage

                                                                                                                                                                                  Volatile acids (VA)                                       Qualitative                                   Periodically analyze known cyanide solutions

                                                                                                                                                                                  Sullide                                                   Qualitative                                   Periodically analyze known sulfide solutions

                                                                                                                                                                                  Chloride                                          Harris County Method                7 mg/l            Periodically analyze chloride standard

                                                 Galveston County                           120 Stations              Collect -far quality i5ii@Ms only                           Date and time                                                                                           Field motem are calibrated using
                                                 Health District                            including                                                                                                                                                                                     manufacturers guidelines before each use.
                                                 Pollution Control                          Galveston Island -        Grab samples usually, composites rarely                     Wind direction                                    Use NOAA weather                                      Manufacturer services meters as necessary,
                                                 Division (GCHD)                            beach, bayside,                                                                       Wind speed                                        information for: wind
                                                                                            ship channel, and         Samples collected on monthly, bl-monthly,                   Cloud cover                                       direction, speed, and                                 Laboratory uses standard OC methods
                                                             (APHA, 1989)                   bayous                    and tri-annual basis                                        Rainfall                                                  rainfall                                      (blanks, spikes, controls: and duplicates)
                                                      (Fogarty, 1993 and 1994)              Mainland county                                                                       Days prior rainfall and mount                     Use daily rainfall data
                                                            (Wright, 1994)                  bayous, cmeks,                                                                        Tide (highAow)                                            from wastowater                               EPA required controls implemented for those
                                                                                            some drainage                                                                         Flow direction (in/out)                                   treatment plants                              tests performed for contracted services
                                                                                            ditches                                                                               Sample depth                                              throughout county                             for chi"
                                                                                            Texas City Ship                                                                       Air temperature
                                                                                            Channel and Dike                                                                      Water temperature










                                                   TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                        AGENCY/ORGANLZATION                                                                                                                                                                         ANALYTICAL                                              QUALITY ASSURANCEJIQUAL(TY CONTROL
                                                                   (Sourm)                       No. OF STATIONS                      DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                                 PARAMETERS MONITORED                                METHODS**                DETECTION LIMITS1                                    tDA'OC)
                                                                                                 70-m-'Ka                                                                                   DO, salinity, conductivity                             YSI field motors
                                                                                                 dischargers                                                                                pH                                                Coming or Orion motors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4500-H Standard methods
                                                                                                 Complaint                                                                                  Water color
                                                                                                 sampling                                                                                   Observed turbidity or S.cchi disc
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Standard    Methods (8)
                                                                                                                                                                                            BOD                                                         5210  B                        2 mgA
                                                                                                                                                                                            TSS                                                         2540-D
                                                                                                                                                                                            FC
                                                                                                                                                                                            Occasionally:
                                                                                                                                                                                            chemical oxygen demmd (COD)                                 52208
                                                                                                                                                                                            Ammonia-N                                                45DO N113 B                       0.01 mg/I
                                                                                                                                                                                            Total phosphorus                                         4500-P-B-5                        002 mg/l
                                                                                                                                                                                            Oil and grease                                              SS20 B

                                                                                                                                                                                            Extra capabilities:
                                                                                                                                                                                            TOS                                                         2540-C
                                                                                                                                                                                            Volatile suspended solids (VSS)                             2540-E
                                                                                                                                                                                            orthophosphate                                            45W-P-B                          0.01 mg/l
                                                   Chambers County                               Trinity Bay                 No monitoring programs in UaWe-st.-n-Riy-
                                                   Environmental Heafth                          respond to septic/
                                                   Department                                    sewage complaints

                                                               (Jackson, 1994)                   Lake Anuhuac,                                                                              FC

                                                   U.S. Environmental
                                                   Protection Agency
                                                   (EPA)

                                                   Environmental Monitoring                      5 Stations in the           Water quality - two models of clataloggers                     Water: probe                                                                                               Crew training and sample collection:
                                                   and Assessment Program                        vicinity of 5               Surveyor 11 - instarttaneous measurements                      Temperature, salinity. pH, DO                                                                                  chief training
                                                   (EMAPI                                        mmas                        Date, ser'de, 3 - @vmmus Ssultm-lz                                                                                                                                            crew training
                                                                                                                                                                                            Water clarity                                                                                                  field certification / auditing
               00                                     (Heitmuller and Valente, 1991)             6 Stations in East          Water clarity - LICOR 1-1-1000containinga                      Water depth                                                                                                    testing and scoring of personnel
                                                                (Homig, 1993)                    Bay Bayou                   submersible light sensor                                       Ught
                                                           (Summers at al., 1992)                                                                                                           Marine debris                                                                                              Water quality measurements:
                                                        (U.S. EPA, 1983 and 1991)                                            Light penetration - Secchi disk                                                                                                                                               Field quality control checks
                                                                                                                                                                                            Fish:                                                                                                          instantaneous and continuous measurements
                                                                                                                             Fish*                                                          Number of species                                                                                              All clatalogging units are calibrated
                                                                                                                             Trawling with a 16', high rise otter trawl                     Total abundance                                                                                                with documentation within the 24-hour
                                                                                                                             witha 2.5 cm mesh cod and - towed for                          Gross pathology                                                                                                period preceding their scheduled use
                                                                                                                             10 minutes against lide                                                                                                                                                       side by side measurements between
                                                                                                                                                                                            Bivalves:                                                                                                      Data soncle and Surveyer (standard)
                                                                                                                                                                                            Total abundmce                                                                                                 OC data compiled and evaluated to determine
                                                                                                                             Target species for tissue contaminants:                        Species composition                                                                                            the frequency of acceptable and unacceptable
                                                                                                                             shrimp (brown and white)                                       Shell length                                                                                                   adherence to OA guidelines
                                                                                                                             Atlank, croaker
                                                                                                                             catfish (hardhead. gattlopsail, and blue)                      Fish and bivalve tissue:                                                                                   Laboratory certification and chemical analyses*
                                                                                                                             Composite of 4 - to individua@s per site                       Pesticides, PCBs                                                                                               laboratories must pass a cadit-hon prior to
                                                                                                                                                                                            Ho.vy metals                                                                                                   analyzing my samples
                                                                                                                             Bivalves-                                                                                                                                                                     usual OC methods (blanks, spikes, controls.
                                                                                                                             Modified oyster dredge with collection bag                     Benthic community parameters                                                                                   and duplicates)
                                                                                                                             towed over the bottom - 5 minutes at                                                                                                                                          standard reference materials (SRMs) with
                                                                                                                             approximately 1 mis                                            Grain-size analyses                                                                                            certified values for metals and organics












                                                  TABLEI.I. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                       AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                         ANALYTICAL                                              QUALITY ASSURANCEIOUALITY CONTROL
                                                                  (Source)                       No. OF STATIONS                      DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                                  PARAMETERS MONITORED                             METHODS"                  DETECTION LIMITS                                    LQ
                                                                                                                           Be mos:                                                         Sediment:                                                                                                    LaDoratory testing and. MC.
                                                                                                                           Young - modified Van Veen grab which                            Toxicity                                                                                                      scheduled mcounts and resorts for
                                                                                                                           samples a surface area of 440 square cm                                Ampolisca abdita                            10-day acute bioassay                                      bonthic assessments
                                                                                                                             3 grabs at bass, index. or supplement shes                           Mysidopsis bania                             4-day acute bloassay                                      experimental controls     for sediment toxicity
                                                                                                                             5 grabs at indicator sites                                    Alkanes and isoprenolds                                                                                       testing
                                                                                                                                                                                           PAHS                                                        GC/MS                                             scheduled    replication for sediment
                                                                                                                                                                                           Pesticides. PCBs                                            GCIECD                                            characterization
                                                                                                                           Grain-size ana@yses:                                            Heavy Metals:                                                                                                 use of blank, spikes, and standards
                                                                                                                           Small core (60 cc) from each grab - sieved                             Ag, Al, Cr. Cu, Fe.                                  ICP-AES                                           for chemical assessments
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mn, NI, Pb, An                                       ICP-AES                                           EMAP-E personnel visit each of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  As, Cd, Sb, S., Sri                                  GFAA                                              laboratories at least once while
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Hg                                                   CVAA                                              EMAP-E analyses is occurring
                                                                                                                                                                                           Butyllins
                                                                                                                                                                                           TOC

                                                  R-EMAP-TX program                              33 Stations                                                                               Sediment:
                                                                                                 - 29 systematic                                                                           Detailed chemistry
                                                                                                 grid shas                                                                                 Benthic communities
                                                                                                 - 4 randomly
                                                                                                 selected bay sites

                                                  UT.-G-WWg1--I survey                           2 ffage -gages            USGS - stage gage - Mose-s-Me- stage and precipitation                                                                                                                       Instruments are checked, maintained, and
                                                  (USGS)                                                                         - stage gage - Hwy 90 at San Jacinto River                stage                                                                                                        calibrated on a regular basis

                                                               (Fisher, 1994)                    4 automatic                                                                               Water: probe
                                                               Liscom, 1993)                     monitoring stations                                                                       Temperature, salinity, pH
                                                                                                                                                                                           conductivity
                                                                                                                                                                                           Surface water elevation

                                                                                                 12 stations               Freshwater inflow monitoring                                    Surface water elevation - hourly
                                                                                                                                                                                           Freshwater inflow - hourly

                                                                                                                                                                                           4to6 amplesporyear
                                                                                                                                                                                           BODS
                                                                                                                                                                                           COD
                                                                                                                                                                                           FC
                                                                                                                                                                                           FS
                                                                                                                                                                                           TOC

                                                                                                                                                                                           Nutrients
                                                                                                                                                                                           Selected pesticides/harbickles
                                                                                                                                                                                           Specific conductance
                                                                                                                                                                                           Watertemperalure
                                                  Galveston Bay Foundation ZUBFT-- -A@;p-mxiimatafy 34                     Grab samples are taken I feet be6-w-su-Ma-ce Water: temperature, DO, PH.                                             Standard IRG-tfiRs-                                     Qbl-T@Fow-s-6e-Ta-@--Wa-t-cTi CAPiP
                                                                                                 stations in ticial        Samples we collected weekly or bi-monthly                       salinity, conductivity, turbidity
                                                                                                 segment$                                                                                                                                              2.560-B                                          Mcnitors receive Texas Watch (TNRCC) training
                                                                                                                                                                                           Weather. wind direction, Intensity,                         4500@ C
                                                                                                                                                                                           days   since last rainfall                                  4500-HB                                          Monitors participate in 2 OC sessions per year
                                                                                                                                                                                           air temp.                                                   2510 B                                           Conductivity pens are cafferated prior to each
                                                                                                                                                                                           Other: total depth. water level.                                                                             mornitoring event
                                                                                                                                                                                           odor. site observations. tide.                                                                               DO chemicals am changed every 6 months
                                                                                                                                                                                           color











                                                  TABLE1.1. REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (Continued)


                                                       AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                       ANALYTICAL                                             QUALITY ASSURANCEIQUALITY CONTROL
                                                                                               No. OF STATIONS                      DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                                  PARAMETERS MONITORED                             METHODS'                 DETECTION LIMITS                                    (GA/OC)
                                                  vg-riwm-a R IV17                             Entire estuary -           USFWS - National Wetlands Inventory                              vegetation groups:                                    Photo analysis
                                                  Service (USFWS)                              every 10 years             - program of mapping wetlands using                                                                                    Ground truthing
                                                                                                                            aerial photography

                                                  (Special Study)                              24 Stations                Sediment:                                                        Water: probe                                                                                             NS&T CA/QC Procedures
                                                  Galveston Bay National                                                  - collected with a 4" diameter wring device                      Temperature, salinity
                                                  Estuary Program (GBNEP)                      16 stations selected
                                                                                               in depositional            Benthos:                                                         Water depth
                                                                (Carr, 1993)                   zones away from              collected with a 2'diMBtGr wring device
                                                           (Jansen of 1., 1993)                known point                                                                                 Sediment:
                                                                                               source discharges                                                                           Trace metals:
                                                                                                                                                                                           Al, Br, Be, Cr, Cu, Fe,                                    DCP
                                                                                               8 stations  selected                                                                        Mg, Mn, Ni. Tr, Vd, Zn                                     DCP
                                                                                               based on specific                                                                           As, Cd, Pb, Se                                             GFAA
                                                                                               areas of concern                                                                            Hit                                                        CVAA

                                                                                               A GPS navigation                                                                            PAHs                                              MS in the SIM mode
                                                                                               receiver was used                                                                           Pesticides, PC8s                                           CGC
                                                                                               determine station                                                                           TOC                                           Coulometer TOC analyzer
                                                                                               I.cation,                                                                                   AVS                                                        GFkA

                                                                                                                                                                                           Toxicity:
                                                                                                                                                                                           Gtandaeralia japoruca                              10-day solid-phase
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   bloassay
                                                                                                                                                                                           Pore water:
                                                                                                                                                                                           DO, pH, hydrogen sulfide
                                                                                                                                                                                           Temperature, ammnja

                                                                                                                                                                                           Toxicity: gametes
                                                                                                                                                                                           Arbacla, punctulata                                   Fertilization test
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Morphological
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              development assay
                                                                                                                                                                                           Bonthic community parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                           Total abundance
                                                                                                                                                                                           Species composition
                                                                                                                                                                                           Species diversity
                                                                                                                                                                                           Species richness

                                                  National  Oceanic   and
                                                  Atmospheric Administration
                                                  NOAA)

                                                  National Status and Trends                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NS&T Program
                                                  Program (NSTP)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Methodology - performance based
                                                      (Praslay and OConner, 1993)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Analysis of refewce materials and control
                                                                                                                          (continued on following page)                                                                                                                                              materials is required












                                                  TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                        AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                      ANALYTICAL                                       QUALITY ASSURANCEIQUALITY CONTROL
                                                                                               No. OF STATIONS                    DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                                  METHODS-           DETECTION LIMITS                                   (QA/QC)
                                                                                               9 Stations:                Sediments war      Ilected concurrently with                  Sediments:
                                                                                                                                        am
                                                  Surveillance Project                         a nominal she              fish specimens at each NBSP site                              Organic compounds:                                                                                     Trace organic analytical procedures - internal
                                                  (NBSP)                                       center has been                                                                          Pesticides, PCBs                                         GC/ECD                     0.0001 ug/g        standards are added at the start and carried
                                                                                               defined for NBSP           Sediment                                                      PAHs                                                     GC4FID/MS                  0.0010 ug/g        through analyses
                                                               (NOAA, 1993)                    shes as an was             specially construcled box corer                               Coprostarol                                              GC/FID
                                                                                               2 kin in diameter          standard Smith-MacInty. bottom grab                                                                                                                                  Calibration checks - plus or minus 10% of the
                                                                                               and is revisited for       the water was drained before sediment was taken               Major and trace elements:                                                                              accuracy based value for standards
                                                                                               sample collection                                                                        Si. At, Fe                                               FAA                        Ag, Cd, Hg -
                                                                                                                          Fish,                                                         Cr. Zn, Mn                                               FAA,GFAA                   0.005 ug/g         All samples must be quantified within the
                                                                                                                          primarily collected by otter trawls towed by                  Ag, As, Cd. Cu, Ni, Pb                                   GFAA, FAA, HAA             Cr, Pb =           calibration range
                                                                                                                          NOAA @ossats                                                  Hg                                                       CVAA                       0.2 uglg
                                                                                                                          ocx@asionally by hock and line or gill nets                                                                                                       As, Cu =           Method Detection Limits MDI-s) are calculated
                                                                                                                                                                                        Clostridium perfringens                                  plate count                0.05 ug/g          and reported annually - Since 1989, method
                                                                                                                                                                                        TOC                                                      CHNami                                        for calculating MDI-s is that used by the EPA
                                                                                                                                                                                        Moisture content                              drying at 120 degrees C                                  If EPA method is not used - the procedure Is
                                                                                                                                                                                        Particle size                                 Wet sieving techniques                                   described in detail

                                                                                                                                                                                        Fish Tissue                                                                                            Precision - defined limits
                                                                                                                                                                                        Organic compounds:
                                                                                                                                                                                        Pesticides, PCBs                                         GCfECD                     6.001 ugtg         Accuracy - defined limits
                                                                                                                                                                                        PAI-Is - stomach contents                                GC/FID/MS                  0.01 ug1g
                                                                                                                                                                                        PAH metabolites - bile                                   HPLC/FID                   0.01 ug/g          A minimum of 8% of an analytical sample string
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               should consist of blanks. reference or control
                                                                                                                                                                                        Major and Trace elements:                                                           Ag, Cd, Hg =       materials, duplicates. and spike matrix samples
                                                                                                                                                                                        Al. Ag, As, Cd, Cr. NI,                                  GFAA                       0.001 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                                        Pl@, Sb. So, Sn, T1                                      GFAA                       Cr, Pb =           Data acceptability criteria reported annually
                                                                                                                                                                                        Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn                                           FAA                        0.04 ug/g          Intercomparlson exercises
                                                                                                                                                                                        Hg                                                       CVAA                       As, Cu =           Quality assurame workshops
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            0.01 ug/g          Development of standard reference and
                                                                                                                                                                                        Tissue dry weight                                        Oven drying                                   control materials
                                                                                                                                                                                        OfolAhs or scales . fish age

                                                  2. MwsolWathPg-                              6 Stations:                When taken, sediment samples were collected                   Water: probe                                                                                           National Institute of Standards and Technology
                                                  (MWP)                                                                   comufforilly with bivalve samples                             Temperature, salinity, depth                                                                           (NIST) trace organic exercises - performance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               based
               t10                                            (NOAA, 1993)                                                Sediments:                                                    Sediments:                                                                                             National Research Council (NRC) trace
                                                                                               Silos were defined         stainless steel box core                                      Organic compounds:                                                                                     element exercises - performance based
                                                                                               using Global               Tollon-coated sampling scoop                                  Pesticides, PCBs                                         GC/ECD                     0.0001 uglg
                                                                                               Positioning System                                                                       PAHs                                                     GC/MS                      0.0010 ug/g
                                                                                               Technology                 Oysters:                                                      Coprostanol                                              GCIFID
                                                                                                                          American oyster
                                                                                                                          hand (preferred), tongs, or dredge                            Major and trace elements:                                                           Ag, Cd, Hg
                                                                                                                                                                                        A] Cr, Mn, Fe                                            NAA                        0.005 ugtg
                                                                                                                                                                                        Ni: As. So Ag, Cd. Sri. Pb                               GFAA                       Cr. Pb =
                                                                                                                                                                                        Cu                                                       GFAA,FAA                   0.2 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                                        Zn                                                       FAA                        As, Cu -
                                                                                                                                                                                        Hg                                                       CVAA                       0.05 ug/g

                                                                                                                                                                                        Clostridium perfringens                                  plate count
                                                                                                                                                                                        TOC                                                      carbon analyzer
                                                                                                                                                                                        Moisture content                              24 hours at 45 degrees C
                                                                                                                                                                                        Particle size                                            Dry Moved

                                                                                                                                                                                        Oyster tissue:
                                                                                                                                                                                        Organic compounds:
                                                                                                                                                                                        Pesticides. PCBs                                         GC/ECD                     0.001 ugfg
                                                                                                                                                                                        PAHs                                                     GC/MS                      0.01 uyg












                                                TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)

                                                    AGENC=IZATION                                                                                                                                                               ANALYTICAL                                          QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
                                                                                         No. OF STATIONS                 DATA-COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                           METHODS-               OFTECTION UMtTSJ                                (QAJQCI
                                                                                                                                                                               Major and trace elements:                                                    Ag. Cd, Hg @
                                                                                                                                                                               At, Mn, Fe, Zri                                       FAA                       0.001 ug/g
                                                                                                                                                                               Cu                                                 FAA/GFAA                     Cir, Ph =
                                                                                                                                                                               Cr, Ni, As. So, Ag, Cd, Sn, Pb                       GFAA                       0.04 ug@g
                                                                                                                                                                               Hg                                                   CVAA                       As, Cu =
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               0.01 uq/g
                                                                                                                                                                               Tissue dry weight                                 Oven drying
                                                                                                                                                                               Shell size
                                                                                                                                                                               Radionuclide samplas - 1991
                                                                                                                                                                               Gonadal index

                                                N
                                                        (MariFn; and Fishery
                                                         NM )

                                                        (Zimmerman. 1993)

                                                1. Baseline Production                 Variable stations in       Fish, shrimp. and crabs a. sampled using                     Organism:
                                                                                        West Bay marsh            drop samplers                                                Densities of target species
                                                                                                                                                                               Biomass

                                                2. Brown Shrimp                                                   NMFS - brown shrimp                                          Catch per unit effort
                                                Catch Program                                                       Interviews with bail dealers and fishermen                 Pounds per hour

                                                                                                                    Reviews of fishermen's logs

                                                3. Post Larval                         6 Stations                   Samples are collected with a 5' long,                      Water: probe
                                                Shrimp Program                                                      small-mashed, modified hand-held beam trawl                Temperature, salinity
                                                (discontinued in 1993)
                                                                                                                                                                               Tide condifion

                                                                                                                                                                               Catch Par 100 square motors
                                                                                                                                                                               of bottom area
              Flo                                                                                                                                                              Length (size of shrimp)
                                                Tax   Department of Health                     "ns                                                     u" r                                                                                                                                        S=*n Prograrin
                                                (TDas)                                                            =P==p.-:.r. or.                                              Temperatu., DO, salinity                                                                                                     (9)
                                                                                       '04

                                                                                        - approved shellfish      measured by probes.
                                                           (APHA, 1970)                   harvest areas                                                                        Weather conditions:
                                                            (Wiles, 1993)                                                                                                      Air temperature
                                                                                         conditionally                                                                         Rainfall
                                                                                          approved waters                                                                      Wind direction
                                                                                                                                                                               Wind velocity
                                                                                                                                                                               Tide conditions
                                                                                                                                                                               FC












                                             TABLELL REGIONAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON BAY ESTUARY (continued)


                                                      AGENCY/ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                       ANALYTICAL                                           QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALrrY CONTROL
                                                             Source                          OF STATIONS                   DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES                               PARAMETERS MONITORED                         METHODS-               DETECTION LIMITS                                  (GA/QC)
                                             U.S. Amy Corps o
                                             Engineers (USCE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               EPA methods (2)                                  Dredged Material Testing Manual
                                             1. Dredged Material                        6 care stations In           Samples collected by a bottom grab                             Heavy Metals                                                                                QA/QC Guidelines (10)
                                             Monitoring Program                         the Houston Ship                                                                            As                                               7060
                                             Galveston District                         Channel                                                                                     Cd                                               7131                                          10% of laboratory samples am field
                                                                                                                                                                                    Cr                                               7191                                          duplicates
                                                      (Medina, Hauch. and                                                                                                           Cu                                               721   1
                                                      (U S. Affielger. 1993)                                                                                                        Ni                                               7521                                          One sample of wary 10 - 20 samplas
                                                          EPA. 1986 and 1991)                                                                                                       Pb                                               7421                                          are analyzed in triplicate
                                                                                                                                                                                    Zn                                               7951
                                                                                                                                                                                    S                                                7740
                                                                                                                                                                                    Hg                                               7470
                                                                                                                                                                                    Oil and grease
                                                                                                                                                                                    PCBs
                                                                                                                                                                                    PAHs
                                                                                                                                                                                    Pesticides
                                                                                                                                                                                    .n-size analyses
                                                                                                                                                                                    Toxicity                             10-day wild phase bioassay
                                                                                                                                                                                    Bioaccumulation                        28-day bloaccumulation
                                             2. Open Bay Disposal                       30 SEhms                     Samples collected with a box corer                             Sediment:                                                                                   Dredged Material Testing Manual
                                             Dredged Material                           Open Bay                     Sediment profiler                                              Sediment profile imagery                                                                    OA/QC; Guidelines (10)
                                             Program - Waterways                                                                                                                    Grain.size analyses
                                             Experiment Station                                                                                                                     Sediment carbon
                                             (3 year program scheduled                                                                                                              Redox potential
                                             to finish in 1994)
                                                                                                                                                                                    Surface relief
                                                      (Clark and Ray, 1993)                                                                                                         Benthos parameters
                                                      (U.S. EPA, 1986 and 1991)


                                             NOTES:

                                             (1)      U.S. EPA. 1983. Methods for chemical analyses of water and wastes, 2nd Edition. EPA 600/4-79-020. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Support Laboratory.
                                             (2)      U.S. EPA. 1986. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes, 3rd Edition. EPA SW-846. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Washington, D.C.
                                             (3)      TNRCC. 1993. Ouality Assurance Project Plan for Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Activities. Surface Water Monitoring. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, September 1993.
                                             (4)      TPWD. 1993a. Marine Resource Monitoring Openflions Manual. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, January 1993.
                                             (5)      TPWD. 1989. Commercial Harvest Field Operations Manual. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, January 1989.
                                             (6)      TPWD. 1993b. Marine Sport Harvest Monitoring Operations Manual. Toxas Parks and Wildlife Department, July 1993.
                                             (7)      APHA. 1992. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1ft Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
                                             (8)      APHA. 1989. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 17th Edition. A@merlcan Public Health Amociation, Washington, D.C.
                                             (9)      APHA. 1970. Recommended Procedures for the Examination of Seawater and Shellfish. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
                                             (10) U.S. EPA. 1991. The Near Coastal Laboratory Procedures Manuel. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Prograrn. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Erwhonmental Monitoring System Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH.


                                               ABBREVIATIONS:

                                             AES-                                       Atomic emission spectrometry                                                                GC-                                  Gas chromatography
                                             CGC_                                       Capillary gas chromatography                                                                GFAA-                                Graphite furnace atomic absorption
                                             CHN analyzer -                             Carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen analyzer                                                           HAA-                                 Hydride generation atomic absorpillon
                                             CVAA -                                     Cold vapor atomic absorption                                                                HPLC-                                High performance liquid chromatography
                                             DCP-                                       Direct coupled plasma                                                                       ICP -                                Inductively coupled plasma
                                             ECD-                                       Electron capture detection                                                                  MS -                                 Mass spectrometry
                                             FAA-                                       Flame atomic absorption                                                                     NAA -                                Neutron activation analysis
                                             FID -                                      Flame Ionization detector                                                                   Sim -                                Selected Ion monitoring
                                             GC-                                        Gas chromatography









             established methods; sampling and analytical equipment are already available, data
             analysis procedures are established, and field and analytical staff do not require
             additional training.

             Appropriate analytical sensitivity of routine monitoring methods has been cited as
             an essential criterion for agencies in the performance of their mandated
             responsibilities. Accuracy and precision of analytical methods are also important
             criteria so closely linked to sensitivity that 'the three criteria must be considered
             together. Sampling or analytical methods must be sufficiently sensitive and precise,
             and the data sufficiently accurate to detect both seasonal variability and long-term
             trends in the monitored parameters.

             The robustness or adaptability of a monitoring meth    .od is an essential characteristic
             when considering a long-term regional monitoring effort. A sampling method that
             cannot be employed -with consistent results throughout the monitored region or
             under the normal range of environmental conditions cannot be used effectively in a
             regional program. The same is true for analytical methods that may be subject to
             degradation of sensitivity, accuracy, or precision from chemical or biological
             interference mechanisms that may be encountered.



             1.3       DOCLIAMN'T LAYOUT

             The Regional Monitoring Protocols are composed of several major monitoring
             components identified by the GBNEP. program office and described in the
             Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). One extra topic has
             been added to these six components. This addresses the recommended protocols for
             sample station positioning, i.e., how the latitude and longitude of each sampling
             event are determined. This topic is discussed before all the others because it applies
             directly ands equally to all field sampling efforts undertaken for the Regional
             Monitoring Program, regardless of whether sample collection or monitoring
             observations are conducted from a vessel, on land, or from the air. The monitoring
             protocols are organized into these components:

                  ï¿½  Station positioning
                  ï¿½  Water quality'(which includes the topic Hydrodynamics)
                  ï¿½  Sediment quality
                     Habitat protection
                     Species population protection
                     Public health protection.

             The specific Resource Management Objectives that are directly or indirectly related
             to each major monitoring component and that can be supported by environmental
             monitoring efforts are identified at the beginning of the description for each
             recommended monitoring activity.




                                                    195










              Table 1-2. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR MONITORING PROTOCOLS

                   *  Comparability-the measure of whether data collected by the method is
                      directly comparable to existing data for the same parameter

                   9  Cost-the combination of implementation, equipment maintenance, and
                      per sample costs

                   9  Sensitivity-the measure of the ability to detect target parameters at low
                      levels, sufficient to distinguish between seasonal variability and long-term
                      trends.
                   *  Accuracy-the measure of the agreement between the amount of a
                      component measured and the amount actually present

                   e  Precision-the measurement of the reproducibility of results when a
                      method is repeated using a homogeneous sample under controlled
                      conditions, regardless of systematic or constant errors that may affect the
                      accuracy of the method.

                   0  Robustness-the measure of method adaptability to the range of seasonal
                      environmental conditions experienced across the estuary and to the range of
                      expected target contaminant concentrations and non-target interference
                      matrices and mechanisms.



              The Protocols described in this document address only sample collection and sample
              analysis efforts designed to measure ambient conditions. The document is not
              intended to discuss monitoring strategies, such as sampling frequency, sample
              collection locations within the bay, sampling density throughout the bay, sampling
              segmentation regimes, or the delineation of "hot-spots." These monitoring strategy
              issues are discussed in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Strategy (Tetra
              Tech, 1994) and the draft Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program (GBNEP,
              1994).

              A chapter is devoted to each of the six major components. Where appropriate, each
              chapter is divided into sections, each devoted to a single parameter for which a
              monitoring protocol is recommended. Specific parameters and/or indicator species,
              proposed by the Monitoring Steer      'ing Committee participants, are listed. The
              discussion of each monitoring protocol is further divided into the following sections
              and descriptions, when appropriate:

                      Data use and limitations
                      - Discusses the Resource Management/CCMP Objectives that are directly
                        supported by this specific monitoring effort
                      - Discusses those Resource Management/CCMP Objectives that are
                        partially supported by this specific monitoring effort
                      - Discusses Agency mandates or objectives for which this monitoring effort
                        is performed


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                       -Describes information provided by the monitoring effort including a
                       description of how the data is used.

                  ï¿½  Sampling and analytical methods
                     - Identifies methods used for existing monitoring programs and special
                       studies
                     - Recommends and outlines a preferred method and equipment for sample
                       collection
                     - Recommends a preferred method and equipment for sample analysis.
                     - Includes full citations and references for all published protocols, and
                       agency contacts for unpublished protocols
                     - May include a description of ancillary data to be collected
                     - May include a description of an available alternate monitoring method

                  ï¿½  QA/QC considerations
                     - Describes QA/QC conducted under existing programs for sample
                       collection and handling
                     - Describes QA/QC conducted under existing program for sample analysis
                     - Recommends changes/additions to QA/QC as required to meet needs of
                       the Regional Ambient Monitoring Program.

            All recommended sampling and analysis protocols are derived from existing
            methods used by the various agencies with resource monitoring and protection
            responsibilities within the Galveston Bay estuary. Thus, descriptions of methods
            are either referenced by citing the appropriate procedures manuals, or summarized
            directly from existing agency operations/protocol manuals when such documents are
            not widely available. Other methods, not formally committed in writing (or at least,
            not identified in a written format, are described in more detail. In the case of
            suggested alternate methods, descriptions of protocols have been based on methods
            used in special studies conducted within Galveston Bay or methods used in other
            estuarine studies or monitoring programs.

            Because of the diverse sources of information and the wide range of environmental
            parameters addressed in these monitoring protocols, the level of descriptive detail
            varies between different sections of the document. However, in all cases, all existing
            documented methods and all sources contacted (personal communications) are cited
            and fully referenced. It is hoped that this information will be sufficient to assist the
            reader in gathering further information on any of the monitoring methods for which
            he has an interest.


            This draft document can be considered a basic staging point for the Regional
            Monitoring Program. The selection of methods has been accomplished with
            guidance from the five Monitoring Steering Committee focus groups. The
            information presented is expected to evolve in both content and level of detail in
            response to continued review by and suggestions from Committee members. The
            final version of this document will be published in a loose-leaf format. This will




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             facilitate revisions and updates to specific collection and analytical methods as new
             techniques and variations in monitoring strategies are developed.
















































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            CHAPTER 2
            STATION POSITIONING

            This section addresses the process of positioning a sampling vessel on a station
            during field sampling. The process of locating the sample collection point from a
           .boat has traditionally involved use of a fixed marker of some type. These are
            generally navigation aids or oil platforms or, in the case of a narrow channel, a
            shore marking. One consequence of this positioning procedure is that, to some
            degree, stations tended'to be confined to more heavily used areas, and open bay
            locations tended to be under-represented in the sampling.

            With the advent of relatively inexpensive LORAN and Global Positioning Systems
            (GPS) electronic navigation systems, which are capable of quite high accuracy if
            necessary, there is no longer any field need to be restricted to fixed marks. It is
            useful, however, in the human communication process to be able to refer to
            commonly known locations. The ability to select a location (latitude/longitude)
            without having to be near a fixed mark should make the station positioning
            process more flexible.


            2.1       DATA USE AND MUTATIONS

            The primary functions of station positioning are to properly locate the sample
            collection point in the field and to properly record the sample collection point in
            the data record. While traditional monitoring efforts have found it convenient to
            merely identify a station by a name, with geographic coordinates stored
            separately, the advent of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ease of
            spatial plotting makes it desirable to have coordinates stored directly with the
            station data.

            Having the information on position in a form suitable for direct plotting raises the
            need to'consider the type of use and the need to have data storage consistent with
            positional accuracy. For example, generally no great positional accuracy (e.g., +/-
            500 in) is necessary for sampling in an open bay to characterize ambient water or
            sediment conditions for routine purposes. On the other hand, it is possible that
            monitoring that has a legal or enforcement purpose may have very different
            positioning needs. For this discussion, it is assumed that all monitoring for the
            Galveston Bay Program will be limited to non-legal purposes.


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             With the advent of smaller and cheaper positioning systems, monitoring crews can
             improve sample positioning with little additional effort. A single, stand-alone GPS
             unit is capable of a precision of better than ï¿½100 meters when receiving the
             standard Coarse/Acquisition (CJA) code.


             2.2 RECOMMENDED METHODS


             All sampling crews should be equipped with a portable GPS receiver that has both
             a visual display and provision for digital transfer of coordinates to any of a
             number of data logging systems or a portable computer. The position should be
             recorded digitally as well as on paper from the visual display at the approximate
             midpoint of data collection at a station. If the nature of the data collection is to
             extend over a longer time or distance (e.g., a trawl), the position should be
             recorded at the beginning of the activity, at fixed intervals during the activity and
             at the end of the activity.

             USEPA has published a reference that provides an overview of GPS survey methods
             and procedures, from initial planning to data reduction and postprocessing:

                GIS Technical Memorandum 3: Global Positioning Systems
                Technology and Its Application in Environmental Programs.
                EPA/600/R-92/036. EMSL, Las Vegas. U.S. Environmental
                Protection Agency, 1992.


             2.3       QA/QC CONSIDERATIONS

             As with any mechanical or electronic system, it is important that the human
             operators monitor performance and maintain a check on accuracy. In the case of
             an electronic latitude-longitude readout, the vessel operator should always
             monitor the position of the vessel relative to visual landmarks and aids to
             navigation, and check to see that the electronic readout is approximately correct.
             In addition, it is important to perform accuracy checks with each sampling trip.
             These would consist of checking the latitude-longitude of a known position at the
             beginning and end of each sampling trip. If there is a significant departure of the
             known position, the difference must be recorded and measures taken to correct the
             position data collected during the trip.


             2.4       ALTERNATIVE METHODS

             Improved positioning can be obtained by using differential techniques. These
             methods require a second receiver to be recording at a known reference point to
             compensate for the errors inherent in the satellite positioning data. Error correcting
             messages can be sent in real-time via a radio link between the two GPS units to
             continuously update the mobile unit. Another alternative is to record the corrections
             and apply them after the survey is completed. In this case the radio link between


                                                    200








             the reference and mobile GPS units would not be necessary. The potential accuracy
             for these differential methods can range between 1.0 - 10.0 meters, with 3 - 4 meters
             being the usual range (EPA, 1992). U.S. Coast Guard plans for establishing a
             network of differential GPS reference stations around the coast may provide a third
             and more convenient alternative to differential GPS usage.

             In addition to the advantage of flexibility in site selection, using GPS offers an
             improvement in the data logging and transfer process. Currently, it is generally
             necessary to enter the station location first on paper in the field log and then to an
             electronic media via keyboard, along with the various parameter values. Keyboard
             data entry entails additional labor costs and a certain percentage of entry errors
             which are inherent in the process. With much of the data being generated from
             instruments in the field, inclusion of position information directly in the automatic
             data logging process would increase both monitoring efficiency and reliability.

             Obviously alternatives are available. LORAN-C can provide digital information at a
             slightly lower cost but with a substantial drop in accuracy (ï¿½ 500 m). However,
             because of the trend of monitoring agencies requiring more stringent accuracy, it is
             recommended that an integrated GPS/data recording system be the first choice for
             sampling positioning.
































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            CHAPTER3
            WATER QUALITY

            This section addresses water quality considerations. Specific topics included under
            this broad heading include:

                Hydrodynamics or water movement
                Water column sampling procedures
                Chemical analyses.

            The chemical analyses section is further subdivided 1nto the broad and sometimes
            overlapping groupings of conventionals, nutrients and toxics.

            This section generally supports all of the Water and Sediment Quality Goals of the
            Galveston Bay Program. It should be noted that monitoring tends to lend itself to
            assessment of goals and objectives rather than specific plan actions.


            3.1      HYDRODYNANHCS

            The term hydrodynamics means, literally, the movement of water. In this context it
            refers to tides and currents, as affected by both wind, freshwater inflows and
            lunar/solar gravitational fluctuations (astronomical tides). One of the purposes of
            having hydrodynamic data is to facilitate the interpretation of water quality data.
            For example, if the TSS concentrations on a given day were higher than typically
            observed at a station, it may be because the wind was unusually high, resulting in
            larger than normal waves which re-suspended bottom sediments, or it may be
            because of some other reason such as recent rains and high freshwater inflows or a
            phytoplankton bloom. Resolving this point could be quite important in determining
            if a trend could be detected. A similar statement could be made for nutrient or
            salinity concentrations, which could be strongly influenced by the state of the tide.

            3.1  .1  Data Use and Limitations

            Monitoring data on the hydrodynamics within the bay can provide information to be
            used in support of the assessment of the following Resource Management Objective:

                FW-4: Complete an evaluation of bay circulation patterns and their effects on
                       bay habitats and species by 1999.



                                                203









              The present monitoring procedures in Galveston Bay provide for very specialized
              approaches to hydrodynamic data collection, but little or no activity in this regard is
              performed in the routine programs of the TNRCC and local agencies. For example,
              there is a tide gage network activealong the Texas coast with eight stations located
              in Galveston Bay (the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network, TCOON,
              operated by the Conrad Blucher Institute in conjunction with the TWDB), as well as
              tide gages operated by the National Ocean Survey (NOS) and the Corps of
              Engineers (COE). However, no procedures are in place for recording the tide level
              when a sample is collected. There is no ongoing program to record currents in the
              bay, although the COE and other agencies, including NOAA-NOS, have performed
              short-term current monitoring studies over the last several years.

              The TWDB operates five permanent continuously recording stations for water
              quality data collection to support their modeling programs for circulation and
              salinity. Freshwater inflow gaging stations are largely supported by the U.S.
              Geological Survey (USGS) and some local entities such as cities and river
              authorities. Rain gages and wind data collection are supported by the National
              Weather Service as well as airport authorities and cities. All of these sources
              together provide sufficient data to estimate the currents in the bay, with an
              accuracy which is sufficient for all routine purposes. While none of these data
              sources exist to support the Galveston Bay Program management goals, they all
              provide essential support to the full range of goals and objectives.

              3.1.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              As the primary need for hydrodynamic information is to aid in the interpretation of
              other water quality data, and because there is already an established data collection
              network in place, the approach recommended is to incorporate this network into the
              overall Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program (GBRMP) by reference.
              Assessing currents will not be considered as a monitoring element for the GBRMP.
              The principal benefit that the GBP can provide is to facilitate the linking of the
              various data sources which would allow ready use of the data in support of GBP
              goals.

                    Alternative Methods

              In theory it would be p lossible for the agencies with a water quality responsibility to
              begin their own collection programs for hydrodynamic data. While this is possible, it
              is not recommended as it would be duplicative and wasteful. However, the need for
              surveys to assess specific problems associated with bay circulation, especially those
              involving in-bay construction or shoreline alterations, either man-made or natural
              may arise. It is recommended that a study plan be devised to establish baseline
              conditions and post-construction altered flow patterns in the case of planned
              construction or alteration, once the location and extent of the planned project is
              known.








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            3.1.3      QA/QC Considerations

            All of the agencies involved in hydrodynamic data collection have their own
            programs in this area. Because no effort is recommended to modify the agency data
            collection programs, existing agency QA/QC procedures are recommended. In the
            case of the need for a special study, as discussed above, QA/QC procedures pertinent
            to the proposed study (i.e., types of measurements, types of instrumentation) would
            need to be specified as part of the study plan.


            3.2        WATER COLUMN SAMPLING

            Monitoring water quality in the Galveston Bay estuary will provide data necessary
            to directly assess or support attainment of the following Resource Management
            Objectives:

                 WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediments by
                        2014

                WSQ-2: By 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the estuary are
                          in compliance with established dissolve oxygen criteria

            Almost all monitoring involves locating a probe in the water column or the collection
            of samples at   'various depths for analysis. This section addresses the process of
            selecting the point(s) in the water column to sample and the methods of collecting
            the samples.

            3.2.1      Data Use and Limitations

            The Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (Section 307.9) specify sampling
            procedures for determining standards attainment. For bacterial and temperature
            comparisons, water column sampling involved collecting the sample one foot below
            the surface in all cases. However, for other Standards parameters (e.g. DO, pH,
            TDS) the collection depth varies depending on the type of water body. For well-
            mixed non-tidal streams, the one foot depth is sufficient. For vertically stratified
            non-tidal streams, bays and tidal streams a surface to bottom depth-integrated
            sample is specified. However, for bays the definition is the "natural" bottom,
            excluding dredged areas. In the case of tidal streams, if density stratification occurs,
            only the data in the "mixed surface layer" are to be used to determine standards
            attainment. Aquatic toxicity criteria apply to any single sample while human health
            criteria apply to the vertical average of water column samples.

            3.2.2      Sampling and Analytical Methods

            There are two basic types of sampling to be addressed. One is where a single sample
            can be used to represent the water column and the other is where multiple
            observations must be taken to obtain a vertical profile. The first is used when the
            water column is vertically homogeneous and the second when there are vertical



                                                    205








              differences. A second issue is the intervals to be employed when doing. a vertical
              profile of the water column.

              There are two techniques for collecting a depth-integrated sample. One is
              compositing discrete samples collected at various depths. The other is the depth-
              integrated sample collected via a continuously running submersible pump. The
              pump is lowered to the bottom and raised at a constant rate, with the discharge
              collected in a clean container. The water in the collection container becomes a
              depth-integrated sample, which can be subsampled.

              These two techniques are virtually equivalent when used to monitor shallow
              estuaries, differing primarily in the amount of time and type of equipment required.
              For example, the submersible pump attached to the probe assembly can readily be
              used to generate a depth-integrated sample by careful control of the lowering and
              raising procedures. Water bottle samplers generally consist of a cylindrical tube
              with stoppers at each end and a closing device that is activated from the surface by
              a messenger or an electrical signal. The most commonly used samplers of this kind
              are the Kemmerer, Van Dorn, and Niskin samplers. These devices collect a discrete
              sample of water at any designated depth.

                    Recommended Methods

              The Galveston Bay Program recommends procedures follow the Texas Surface
              Water Quality Standards, dated July 10, 1991. The Standards, as well as describing
              sampling depths for different water bodies (non-tidal streams, impoundments, bays,
              and tidal streams), also reference collection and preservation procedures set forth in
              the most recently published Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
              Wastewater (APHA, 1992).

              The use of pumped water systems for either discrete or continuous water sampling
              is the most common method and is recommended for all but trace metal samples. All
              tubing should be thoroughly flushed through with the sample water before a sample
              is taken for analysis. Especially in relatively shallow estuarine areas, such pumped
              water systems are very convenient to use and are less expensive than a set of
              discrete water samplers.

              A dedicated and specially cleaned peristaltic pump with in-line disposable filters
              can be used for metal samples. This method is recommended in the TWC (now
              TNRCC) manual:

                 Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual Draft, June 1993.
                 Water Quality Monitoring Team, Texas Water Commission (TWC,
                 1993).

              However, due to the relative ease with which trace metal sample contamination can
              occur, discrete water samplers are highly recommended for these samples and are
              essential for any ultra-clean procedures. The recommendation for discrete sampling
              is simply that the pump system proposed for all other parameters, a high volume-
              low head pump (e.g., bilge pump), does not meet the ultra-clean requirements for



                                                    206








            metals sampling. A peristaltic pump, with suitably clean tubing and @separation
            from other potential sources of contamination, could be employed for this purpose.

            The most suitable containers for the collection, processing, and storage of trace
            metal samples are made of quartz or fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene
            (PTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). Care should be exercised to avoid
            contamination of the sampler as it passes through the surface layer during
            deployment and retrieval. The sampling vessel should be positioned so that the
            sample bottle can be deployed outside the possible influence of the vessel. As with
            all parameters, once the water sampler is brought on board the sampling vessel, the
            stoppers should be checked to see if any leakage has occurred. If a stopper is not
            properly sealed, water from the sampled depth may have leaked out during
            retrieval and been replaced by water from shallower depths. In such cases, the
            entire water sample should be rejected.

            When collecting a depth-integrated sample, a continuous profile is, in theory, the
            most representative. However, for probe measurements it is not practical to record
            data continuously. Three-meter (10-ft) intervals are currently used by the TNRCC
            in navigation channels and would continue to senie as an adequate basis of
            information. Measurements at a finer resolution are easily obtained through the use
            of automated probes and data loggers, but do not seem practical when considering
            the cost of additional samples and data storage.

                  Alternative Methods

            The use of discrete samplers or pumps can be determined by the sampling purpose,
            given that sample contamination concerns are adequately addressed in all cases.
            Other satisfactory sampling methods that have been used in Galveston Bay include
            a pressure driven sewage sampler and submerging a sample container by hand to
            obtain near-surface samples. Again it is important that quality and contamination
            concerns are properly addressed.

            3.2.3    QA/QC Considerations

            Since some types of sample results can be greatly affected by sample contamination,
            appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid contamination at every stage of
            sample collection, handling, storage, preparation, and analysis. Prior to use,
            sampling and laboratory equipment must be cleaned as needed for the particular
            sample type. For example, water sampling bottles that are used to collect samples
            for measurement of ambient metal concentrations must not contain metal or rubber
            parts that may contaminate the water sample.

            In the field, sources of contaminants could include sampling gear, lubricants and
            oils, engine exhaust, airborne dust, tobacco smoke, andice used for cooling samples.
            During sample handling, preparation, and analysis, samples may become
            contaminated from exposure to airborne dust, insufficiently clean sample
            containers, contact with inappropriate materials, contaminated reagents, and carry-
            over in testing instruments due to insufficient cleaning or flushing between



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              samples. Field personnel can also contribute directly to sample contamination. Field
              and trip blanks should be run to detect any outside sample contamination.

              The Texas Surface Water Quality Standards refer to the Standard Methods (APHA,
              1992) for QA/QC procedures for sample collection and preservation. The TWC (now
              TNRCC) draft Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual (TWC, 1993) also
              provides specific QA/QC procedures for water sampling.


              3.3       CONVENTIONAL PARAMETERS

              The term "conventional" in a water quality context has evolved over the last decades
              to distinguish between more specialized types of parameters, but has itself no
              clearly defined meaning. For this methods manual, it will be considered to include
              the following water column parameters:

                   Dissolved Oxygen (DO, probe)
                   Oxygen Demand: BOD5 and CBOD5; COD
                   Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
                   Salinity or Total Dissolved Solids (conductivity, probe)
                   Hardness (if salinity < 2ppt)
                   Chlorides and Sulfates (if salinity < 2ppt)
                   pH (probe)
                   Temperature (degrees C)
                   Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
                   Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS)
                   Fecal Coliform. (FC) bacteria

              Most of these parameters are routinely monitored by the TNRCC, as well as federal,
              City of Houston, and County agencies.

              3.3.1     Data Use and Limitations

              The Resource Management Objective addressed directly by monitoring conventional
              water quality parameters is:

                   WSQ-2: By 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the estuary
                             are in compliance with established dissolve oxygen criteria.

              A second Objective that is partially supported by this monitoring is:

                   PH-3:     By the year 2000, establish a contact recreation advisory program in
                             all areas of the estuary used for contact recreation.

              Conventional parameters are useful in characterizing a water body and can aid in
              the interpretation of other types of water quality parameter data. However, not all
              of the parameters listed are routinely analyzed under current monitoring programs.




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            For example, during most of the 20th century, a primary water quality concern was
            DO level as influenced by wastewater Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) inputs.
            Accordingly, surface water samples have routinely been analyzed for BOD as if they
            were wastewater, using the multiple dilution technique specified in Standard
            Methods (APHA, 1992). Even up to ten years ago, it was common practice to run
            BOD analyses on bay water samples. As the level of wastewater treatment has
            increased, the effect of point sources on even tributaries to the bay BOD levels has
            become, in general, insignificant. Whatever anthropogenic source there may be is
            lost in the background BOD level of 1-4 mg/L produced by normal water column
            biochemical processes. Accordingly, the TNRCC has ceased performing BOD or
            CBOD (Carbonaceous BOD) analyses on bay water samples. A similar statement
            can be made for the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test. However, in this case
            there is another reason to delete the test, namely the effect of chloride interferences
            on the COD test results.

            The FC parameter is also subject to extreme variation in uses and analytical
            methods. There are two basic test methods for producing an FC result for a water
            sample. One is used by the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to regulate oyster
            harvesting waters and the other is used by all other agencies, primarily for
            detecting human health problems and addressing contact recreation concerns.
            Numerous studies (e.g., Jensen and Su, 1992) have confirmed that the two tests
            provide essentially equivalent information, yet the TDH, as mandated by the
            National Shellfish Sanitation Program, only accepts one of the methods (the one
            that is much more costly). The net effect is that the FC monitoring effort is
            somewhat inefficient.

            As noted earlier, the primary use of the conventional parameters is general water
            quality characterization, including determining compliance with applicable criteria.
            Many agencies collect conventional water quality parameter data, generally as a
            part of their overall mandates. For example, the TNRCC monitors for several
            reasons including determination of criteria attainment and providing data for a
            report mandated by Section 305b of the Clean Water Act. Other agencies analyze
            conventional parameters for reasons such as identifying possible pollution problems
            or as a general characterization.

            Another use of the conventional data is in providing information on trends of key
            parameters such as salinity, DO, or TSS. This trend information is quite useful in
            adjusting management directions and can play a major role in agency decision
            making. The ability to detect trends is strongly dependent on the number and
            frequency of observations, as well as the methods employed.

            3.3.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

            By and large, the methods recommended for the conventional parameters are those
            which are currently employed by the many agencies involved. This is because there
            is already a great deal of experience in monitoring conventional parameters. DO,
            Temperature, pH, and conductivity/salinity are recommended to be measured with
            a probe, with a calibration check at the beginning and end of the sampling run. For
            laboratory analyses, Table 3-1 lists the recommended methods to be used. Changes


                                                  209











              Table 3-1.   COMPARABLE AND ACCEPTABLE LABORATORY ANALYTICAL
                           METHODS FOR CONVENTIONAL WATER PARAMETERS*


                           Parameter EPA Method Standard Methods
                           CBOD5                405.1                5210
                           TSS                  160.2               2540 D
                           VSS                  160.4               2540 E
                           TOC                  415.1             5310 B@C
                           Hardness          130.17130.2            2340 C
                           Chloride             325.3
                           Sulfate              375.4
                           FC                                       9222 D


               Parameters not measured by in-situ probe


              and standardization of procedures would be required for some agencies, but the
              changes proposed are not large. It is expected that further evolution of methods will
              occur in the future.

                    Alternative Methods

              There is at least one alternate approach or modification discussed which would
              serve to unify the data collection and integration process. The suggested alternative
              deals with the use of probe data logging, which would include time, depth, position
              (latiiude/longitude) from a GPS unit, and the standard probe parameters.
              Additional parameters currently described under nutrients and phytoplankton
              monitoring (light via photometer and chlorophyll-a via fluorometer) could readily be
              added to the sampling probe system. With all of the data being recorded in a
              standard format, it would greatly facilitate the process of getting the data into a
              usable database. The capability of integrating the data collection, positioning and
              recording processes is relatively new and not commonly employed. However, it is
              well within the capability of commercially available equipment.

              3.3.3     QA/QC Considerations

              The QA/QC procedures recommended for monitoring conventional water quality
              parameters as part of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program are
              described in:

                 Quality Assurance Project Plan for Environmental Monitoring and
                 Measurement Activities, Surface Water Monitoring. TNRCC, 1993.

              They include requirements that 10% of samples be used for field duplicates and that
              strict field instrument calibration procedures be followed.

              Quality control specifications for ambient water analyses have been incorporated
              into state law (Texas Surface Water Quality Standards Section 319.1 - 319.12).


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            These QC procedures (Table3-2.) are designed to satisfy EPA's National Pollution
            Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) monitoring program requirements. All
            laboratories performing NPDES work are required to use these QC procedures. It is
            recommended that, at a minimum, the QC standards for all Galveston Bay Regional
            Monitoring Program-related water, sediment, and tissue analyses also meet these
            legislated specifications.



            3.4       NUTRIENTS

            The elements which are intimately involved in biological processes, namely nitrogen
            (N), phosphorus (P), and silicon (Si), are usually considered separately as nutrient
            or macro-nutrient elements. While nitrogen is generally the chief limiting element
            to primary production in estuaries, phosphorus may be limiting during certain
            seasons of the year in some systems. Silicon is chiefly required by floral groups that
            secrete siliceous skeletons, but may be required by other aquatic plants as well.
            Silicon is most likely to have the potential to be limiting in lake systems or deeper
            bays such as Puget Sound. In relatively shallow Galveston Bay where sand and
            silicon containing minerals are in contact with the water, silicon is not likely to
            limit plant growth and therefore is not recommended as an indicator.

            The concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus varies both spatially and temporally
            depending partly on the extent of plant growth and local inputs. Light transparency
            is another major factor involved in primary production in estuaries. In the ocean,
            below the depth at which plant growth is restricted by insufficient light, nutrient
            concentrations tend to be much higher and more uniform although there are
            significant variations in the different oceanic basins (Head, 1985).

            The Galveston Bay Program candidate indicators for nutrients include the following
            parameters:

                 Nitrogen
                    Ammonium-N
                    Nitrate-nitrite-N
                 Phosphorus
                    Total
                    Ortho-phosphate
                 Light penetration

            Organic nitrogen (Total Ejeldahl N minus ammonium-N) is not considered for
            routine nutrient monitoring, although it is recommended to be measured in some
            samples. The phosphorus suite includes measurements of dissolved total
            phosphorus. With some samples, dissolved orthophosphate (P043-) should be
            analyzed. At some interval, a parallel set of unfiltered analyses should be
            performed. The candidate indicator for light penetration will be Secchi disk depth
            (see alternative methods).






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              Table 3-2. REQUIRED QUALITY CONTROL ANALYSIS

                   Parameter                 Blank      Standard Duplicate            SDike
                   Bacterial                   A                                         B
                   Alkalinity                                              A             B
                   Ammonia Nitrogen            A             A             B             B
                   BOD                         A             A             B
                   BOD-Carbonaceous            A             A             B             B
                   Chloride                    A             A             B             B
                   Cyanide-(total or
                   Amenable to
                   Chlorination)               A             A.            B             B
                   pH                                        C
                   Metals (all)                A             A             B             B
                   Nitrate Nitrogen            A             A             B             B
                   Nitrite Nitrogen            A             A             B             B
                   Orthophosphate              A             A             B             B
                   Oxygen (dissolved)                        A             B
                   Phosphorus-Total            A             A             B             B
                   Specific Conductance        A             A
                   Sulfate                     A             A             B             B
                   TOC                         A             A             B             B
                   TSS                         A                           B
                   TDS                         A             A             B
                   Organics by GC or GUMS A                  A             E             E

                   A   -Wherever specified, at least one blank and one standard shall be performed
                       each day that samples are analyzed.

                   B   -Wherever specified, duplicate and spike analyses shall be performed on a
                       10% basis each day that samples are analyzed. If one to 10 samples are
                       analyzed on a particular day, then duplicate and one spike analysis shall be
                       performed.

                   C   -For pH analysis, the meter shall be calibrated each day that samples are
                       analyzed using a minimum of two standards which bracket the pH value(s)
                       of the sample(s).

                   D   -For the oil and grease analysis and chlorine-total or free analysis,
                       standards shall be analyzed on a 10% basis. If one to 10 samples are
                       analyzed in lieu of standards for the oil and grease analysis and chlorine-
                       total or free analysis.

                   E   -For GC and GUMS analyses, duplicate and spike analyses shall be
                       performed on a 5% basis. If one to 20 samples are analyzed in a month, then
                       one duplicate and one spike analysis per month shall be performed.

              Source: Texas Surface Water Quality Standards - Sections 319.1 - 319.12


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             There are currently six agencies measuring nutrients in or near Galveston Bay. A
             summary of regional monitoring activities for Galveston Bay including agencies,
             data collection activities, parameters, methods, and QA/QC is presented in Table 1-
             1. TNRCC has the most comprehensive nutrient monitoring program involving 68
             stations located throughout the bay. TNRCC routinely measures ammonium-N,
             nitrite-N, nitrate-N, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate. The City of Houston,
             Department of Public Utilities, currently measures ammonium-N in the tidal
             portions of major bayous in the Houston vicinity. The City of Houston, Health and
             Human Services Department, routinely measures ammonium-N and nitrate-N in
             streams in the Houston area. Although this monitoring effort is a significant one,
             the stations are all above tidal waters. The Harris County Pollution Control
             Department currently monitors ammonium-N at nine Houston Ship Channel
             stations, six San Jacinto River stations, and industrial and municipal dischargers.
             The Galveston County Health District monitors 120 stations in or near Galveston
             Bay at which they occasionally measure ammonium-N and total phosphorus.


             3.4.1     Data Use and Limitations


             The goal of nutrient monitoring is to provide data to assess GBP actions. To this
             end, the collection of nutrient data partially supports the following Resource
             Management Objectives:

                 WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediments by
                           2014

                 WSQ-2: By 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the estuary are
                           in compliance with established DO criteria.

             Nutrient data can be used to better interpret changes in plant growth and primary
             productivity. In the absence of another limiting factor such as light, an excess
             supply of nutrients can result in algal blooms and eutrophication of bay waters. A
             shortage of nutrients can lead to reduced productivity and decreasing numbers of
             important species. Monitoring nutrient levels in bay waters will provide information
             needed to:


                  ï¿½ Characterize ambient nutrient levels
                  ï¿½ explain and identify potential causes for observed changes in plant species
                      composition, growth, and/or distribution
                  ï¿½ predict the location and timing of algal blooms or shortfalls.

             Nutrient monitoring will also allow an evaluation of whether the following
             Galveston Bay Program management action is being achieved:

                  o reduce contaminant concentrations to meet standards and criteria

             One of the major limitations of bay monitoring of nutrients is obtaining sufficient
             observations to adequately characterize a system with large spatial and temporal
             variations. The Galveston Bay Program monitoring approach, which seeks to



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              involve city and county agencies in addition to the TNRCC is a way to achieve
              greater sampling density.

              3.4.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

              A special study by Ward and Armstrong (1992) was sponsored by the Galveston Bay
              National Estuary Program to compile data from various organizations and to
              perform a quantitative assessment of water and sediment quality of Galveston Bay
              over time. The study characterized the concentrations and distribution of
              parameters throughout Galveston Bay. In regard to nutrients, the study revealed
              declines in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations throughout the bay over the
              past two decades: total ammonium-N on the order of 0.1 ppm/yr, total nitrate-N on
              the order of 0.01 ppm/yr, and total phosphorus on the order of 0.05 ppm/yr. This
              decline in nutrients is a concern to the estuarine ecosystem. Ward and Armstrong
              (1992) suggest that the total suspended solids (TSS) decline is caused by an overall
              reduction of loading to the bay. They feel this resulted from more advanced waste
              treatment, entrapment within reservoirs, and changing land use. Because nitrogen
              and phosphorus have an affinity for fine-grain particulates, their declines may be
              due to the same causes. This study emphasizes the importance and provides the
              foundation for further scientific study of nutrients in Galveston Bay.

                    Recommended Methods

              The current methods for nutrients incorporated by the various agencies monitoring
              in Galveston Bay include:

                 Methods for Chemical Analyses of Water and Wastes. EPA 600/4-79-
                 020. Cincinnati, OH. US Environmental Protection Agency, 1983,
                 and

                 Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
                 APHA, 1992.

              As mentioned, TNRCC conducts the most extensive nutrient monitoring in which
              they utilize USEPA (1983) methods.

              The sampling of Bay waters for nutrient analysis presents no particular problems if
              normal standards of cleanliness are maintained. Samples should be collected in
              glass or plastic containers with leak-proof caps. If plastic containers are used more
              than once, they should be acid-washed to remove bacteria. In the field, samplers
              and containers should be thoroughly rinsed with water similar to that to be sampled
              before each sample is taken. These precautions are particularly important in
              estuaries, where major changes can occur over relatively short distances and depth
              ranges (Head, 1985). Samples and sampling containers should not be touched with
              ungloved fingers. Filtration should be carried out in the field or as soon as possible
              after collection. Samples can be stored for up to 28 days by cooling at 4' C and
              adding sulfuric acid to a pH < 2. Nitrate-N samples should be analyzed immediately
              after collection, or within 48 hours by cooling at 4' C. Water clarity should be
              measured routinely in the field via photometer or Secchi disk.


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            The methods recommended in Table 3-3 -for the major nutrients are currently
            employed and generally workable methods. However, they should not be viewed as
            mandated by the Galveston Bay Program. In fact, the key requirement is that
            whatever methods are employed can demonstrate the necessary accuracy and
            precision. If an agency desires to use an alternate method and provides information
            to the TNRCC supporting this method, there should be no difficulty in substitution.

            Table 3-3. COMPARABLE AND ACCEPTABLE LABORATORY ANALYTICAL
                         METHODS FOR NUTRIENT PARAMETERS


                         Parameter EPA Method Standard Methods
                         Ammonium-N 350.1*, 350.3         4500-NH3 D,F,H

                         Nitrate-nitrite 353.1, 353.2*   4500-NO3 C,D E, F
                                             353.3

                         Phosphorus      365.1, 365.2      4500-P D, E, F
                         (all types)     365.3, 365.4

            *recommended procedures for NEPs (USEPA, 1992)

                  Alternative Methods

            The possible effects of nutrient limitation as well as excess must be addressed.
            Therefore, the need for greater sensitivity should be considered. The methods
            described for nutrients in Parsons et al. (1984) can provide greater sensitivity, as
            well as precision and accuracy. These methods are currently used in the Puget
            Sound Water Quality Monitoring Program, but are not used in any existing
            monitoring effort in the Galveston Bay region. The cost of these more sensitive
            analyses would be greater than existing methods. However, since there are no
            commercial laboratories providing this type of service, no direct cost comparison is
            available.

            Another recommendation would involve analyzing unfiltered (i.e., dissolved and
            particulate) inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus at some interval, such as every 10
            samples, for some stations. A greater sensitivity and measurements of the full
            nitrogen and phosphorus suites would greatly enhance the knowledge of nutrient
            limitations and provide a foundation for future nutrient quantitative work in
            Galveston Bay.

            The use, of an in-situ calibrated photometer for the measurement of light
            transmission in Galveston Bay should be considered in place of the Secchi disk. The
            current use of a Secchi disk has several limiting factors. Because Secchi disk
            readings are dependent upon the available illumination, they vary with cloud cover,
            cloud formation, and time of day. Secchi disk readings may also vary with the
            observer because of differences in visual acuity. Thus, to standardize these
            readings, repeated measurements should-be made by one individual under similar



                                                 215









             conditions of illumination. The Secchi disk is recommended because it is currently
             being used by the TNRCC and data comparability would be continuous.

             Since the regional monitoring plan recommends that primary production be
             estimated based on known relationships between irradiance and photosynthesis, a
             more accurate and reliable measurement of light should be considered. A
             photometer provides a direct reading of light intensity with depth. It could be
             incorporated into the normal probe package and recorded automatically at little
             extra cost. Considering the reduced labor cost of avoiding the Secchi disk
             measurement and manual data entry, it could be a net savings. Absolute light
             intensity readings should be automatically recorded at the 30-centimeter, 1.5-, and
             3-meter intervals with readings at 3-meter increments at greater depth. The result
             would be far better quality data at little difference in cost. However, an overlap
             period would be necessary during which both instruments were used to obtain a
             between instrument calibration.

             3.4.3    QA/QC Considerations

             The QA/QC procedures for nutrient sample collection and handling as part of the
             Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program are described in:

                Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual, Draft. TWC, 1993
                and

                Quality Assurance Project Plan for Environmental Monitoring and
                Measurement Activities, Surface Water Monitoring. TNRCC, 1993.

             In addition, the Galveston Bay Program is planning to organize an annual
             workshop for agency personnel involved in sample collection activities. This
             workshop will provide training in standardized sample collection methods and
             provide an opportunity to disseminate updated methods as they become available.
             This training will cover collection, preservation, and shipping of routine water
             quality samples.

             At a minimum, analytical QC procedures should meet the NPDES monitoring
             program requirements as set out in the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
             Section 319.1 - 319.12 (Table 3-2).

             Additions to the existing QA/QC procedures should be considered as presented in:

                Monitoring Guidance for the National Estuary Program. EPA 823-
                R-93-002. US Environmental Protection Agency, 1992.

             Calibration standards should be analyzed at the beginning of sample analysis, and
             should be verified at the end of each 12-hour shift during which analyses are
             performed (USEPA, 1987). Spike recovery analyses are required to assess method
             performance for the particular sample matrix. Recommended control limits include
             75-125 percent recovery for spikes, and 80-120 percent recovery for the analysis of
             standard reference materials. A minimum of 5 percent of the analyses should be



                                                  216









             laboratory replicates. The control limits are +/- 20 percent variation between
             duplicates. Triplicates should be analyzed on one of every 20 samples or on one
             sample per batch if less than 20 samples are analyzed.


             3.5      TOXIC PARAMETERS

             The broad heading of toxic parameters is commonly used to refer to trace metals
             and organic substances which could possibly exert a toxic effect, if present in
             sufficiently high concentrations or if present for a sufficient length of time to
             bioaccumulate to toxic levels.

             The candidate indicators for toxic parameters derive from several lisis which have
             been generated by various agencies. Examples include the early "Priority Pollutant
             List" or the Appendix IX list (40 CFR 264) used in hazardous waste regulation, both
             produced by EPA, and the parameters specified in the Texas Surface Water Quality
             Standards for Aquatic Toxicity and Human Health protection. The lists can be
             further subdivided into organic and inorganic portions. The inorganic portion is
             almost entirely limited to the so-called "trace" metals, i.e., those which exist
             naturally in relatively low concentrations but if introduced in markedly higher
             concentrations can have a deleterious effect. The organic substances include both
             those common industrial organic compounds such as solvents and fuels, and also
             those compounds designed specifically for a toxic effect, i.e., pesticides.

             There are also a number of organic compounds which were not designed for toxicity
             but still have the effect. Examples would include PCBs and dioxins. Finally, there is
             a broad class of organic compounds referred to as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
             (PAHs). Most of these are combustion byproducts and can accumulate in tissue.
             They can be a concern both from a toxicity and carcinogenicity perspective. Those
             with less than four aromatic rings tend to be water soluble and relatively toxic (e.g.
             naphthalene) while the larger molecules (four rings or greater) are not soluble or
             toxic but have demonstrated carcinogenicity in the laboratory. While not necessarily
             toxic to marine life, they can pose a human health concern from consumption of the
             marine life. Most come from combustion sources,, and are common in many foods.
             Those which come from crude oil tend to be those with the smaller number of rings
             and with more alkyl substitutions on the ring structure.

             One of the key concerns with monitoring for toxic substances is the difficulty of
             detection in the water column. In general it is very difficult to detect and quantify
             significant concentrations in the - water column, unless one is sampling in the
             immediate area of a point source discharge where the concentrations are unusually
             high. Because of this limitation, most monitoring for toxic substances is directed at
             sediments and organism tissues. Examples include NOAA's National Status and
             Trends Program (NSTP) and the EPA's EALA2 program. The oyster is widely used
             as an indicator organism because it filters large amounts of water and can
             concentrate toxic substances, particularly those in particulate form, in its tissue.
             Because many potentially toxic substances tend to sorb to particulate matter, the
             sediments tend to have higher concentrations, thus allowing easier detection.
             Monitoring toxic parameters in sediment and tissue is discussed in separate


                                                  217









              sections of this document. The key point here is that monitoring toxic substances in
              the water column may not be the most effective approach (i.e., result in any
              significant detections). However, two Resource Monitoring Objectives, WSQ-1 and
              WSQ-2, require that water toxicity be monitored to support the determination that
              water quality does not exceed regulatory criteria and that ambient water toxicity be
              eliminated.


              3.5.1     Data Use and Limitations


              Monitoring toxic contaminants in the water column will provide information needed
              to assess the effectiveness of Galveston Bay Program Management actions. It will
              also support determinations of whether the following Resource Monitoring
              Objective:

                  WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediment by
                             2014

              In addition to supporting these objectives, another purpose of monitoring toxic
              substances is to provide an assurance that there are no additions or changes in
              parameter concentrations that could induce new toxicity to the system.

              The major limitation that exists is typically the analytical methods, particularly for
              the inorganic parameters. For example, many of the trace metals have specified
              regulatory criteria that are substantially lower than the minimum analytical level
              (MAL) of the most sensitive commercially available technique. In addition, working
              at very low ambient concentrations, it is frequently possible for false detections to
              occur from interference by a range of factors including sea salts. The result is that
              comparisons of this type have generated false detections in the past which resulted
              in considerable effort being expended. Later and better quality data have
              demonstrated that these concerns were misplaced, even with the very conservative
              numerical toxics criteria.

              3.5.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              There are several ongoing routine monitoring programs for toxic substances in the
              water column. These include the TNRCC, the US Army Corps of Engineers'
              Dredged Material Monitoring Program, and the EPA's EMAP and R-EMAP-TX
              programs. In addition, there have been a number of special studies conducted in the
              last several years which provide information on the concentrations of toxic
              parameters in the water column. The TNRCC procedures (TNRCC, 1993) involve
              selected stations and use of inductivity coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy methods
              for metals (6010 series) and 608/8080 methods for organics. The Corps monitors
              water from above areas to be dredged (as well as bulk sediment and elutriate
              concentrations) for metals and major pesticides and PAHs. The metals are analyzed
              using Graphite Furnace AA, and the organics using 8000 series EPA methods.






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                   Recommended Methods

            The methods recommended for trace metals and organic parameters differ
            substantially. Table 3-4 summarizes the acceptable methods for analysis of water
            samples.

            In the case of the organic parameters, the EPA methods are the same that are
            currently being used by all rfionitoring programs. In that case, the selection criteria
            of comparability, cost, sensitivity, accuracy and precision all would favor the
            recommended method. For trace metal analyses the criteria of comparability is
            difficult to evaluate since the TNRCC, Corps and other federal efforts all use
            different analytical procedures. Furthermore, these procedures have evolved
            substantially over the last 10 years. There is no question that the cost criterion
            favors the TNRCC ICP methods. However, this is also the least accurate method
            and is of questionable value in marine waters. From the standpoint of sensitivity,
            accuracy and precision, the ultra-clean approach is a possible option.


            Table 3-4. COMPARABLE AND ACCEPTABLE LABORATORY ANALYTICAL
                          METHODS FOR TOXIC. PARAMETERS


                     Parameter                EPA Meth    od     Standard Methods
                     Dissolved metals          AA Furnace               3113 B
                                                                        ICP_MS

                     Mercury                   245.1@ 245.2           3500 Hg-B
                                                                   245.5 (Sediment)

                     Volatile organics          624@ 1624                     B

                     Acid-base neutral organics625, 1625             6410 B, 6440

                     Pesticides                  608,625           6410 B, 6630 B,C



                   Alternative Methods

            For trace metals, the so-called "ultra clean" procedures currently employed by Texas
            A&M University's Trace Element Research Laboratory and used in analyses for
            EMAP, NOAA NSTP and USFWS monitoring are a possible alternative method
            (GERG, 1990). The essential components of the ultra clean methods are to avoid
            sample contamination by carefully selecting and cleaning the collection equipment,
            sampling well away from the influence of a boat, and filtering either in the field or
            shortly thereafter with specially prepared equipment. With environmental
            contamination minimized the next major component of the work is extreme care in
            the use of laboratory equipment. If levels are below that which a spike can be
            accurately recovered from the water, any of several extraction techniques must be
            used to increase the concentration to the point where a reliable measurement can be


                                                   219









             made. A key component of this laboratory work is rigorous testing and cross-
             checking for contamination and instrument drift. The level of care must be
             unusually high in saltwater samples because of the presence of metals such as
             sodium and magnesium at levels many orders of magnitude greater than that of the
             trace metals being researched. However, although the collection techniques are
             straightforward, laboratory methods are more demanding than methods presently
             being used by participating laboratories.

             3.5.3     QA/QC Considerations

             Quality control specifications for water analyses have been incorporated into state
             law (Texas Surface Water Quality Standards Sections 319.1 - 319.12), as
             summarized in Table 3-2. Although designed to satisfy National Pollution Discharge
             Elimination System monitoring requirements, these specifications are considered
             appropriate for routine ambient water quality analyses. All laboratories conducting
             analyses for the Galveston Bay Program will follow these QA/QC procedures.

             In addition, the Galveston Bay Program is planning to organize an annual
             workshop for agency personnel involved in sample collection activities. This
             workshop will provide training in standardized sample collection methods and
             provide an opportunity to disseminate updated methods as they become available.



























                                                  220












            CHAPTER 4
            SEDIMENT QUALITY

            Galveston Bay is the eventual repository for chemicals that are either discharged
            directly into the bay or delivered by rivers and streams that feed into the bay. Bay
            sediments represent the ultimate sink for many chemical toxics in the estuarine
            environment (USEPA, 1992). Bay sediments also represent an important habitat for
            many commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important organisms. A recent
            characterization report has documented declining trends in selected living resources
            (Loeffler and Walton, 1992). It is suspected that the introduction of anthropogenic
            contaminants into the Galveston Bay estuary is a major factor in the decline in
            species diversity and productivity that has been observed in areas of the estuary
            (Bechtel and Copeland, 1970; Copeland and Bechtel, 1971; Loeffler and Walton,
            1992). However, ecological effects due to contaminants have been extremely difficult
            to distinguish from other human activities and natural variability (Luoma and
            Phillips, 1988; Loeffler and Walton, 1992). Sediment quality monitoring can provide
            information to evaluate potential stresses to estuary biota due to the presence of
            sediment contaminants, identify degrading benthic habitats, and track habitat
            recovery following environmental remediation actions.

            A triad approach to sediment evaluation   has been selected for the Galveston Bay
            Program. The sediment quality triad is intended to incorporate three essential
            types of data to define pollution degraded areas: measurements of (1) anthropogenic
            chemical contamination (i.e., bulk sediment chemistry), (2) toxicity to organisms
            (i.e., sediment bioassays), and (3) effects on resident infaunal communities (i.e.,
            changes in infaunal community structure). It has been demonstrated that each
            data type alone is insufficient to demonstrate impacts to benthic communities due
            to sediment contamination (Chapman et al., 1987). Bulk sediment chemistry and
            physical measurements provide information on the amount and bioavailability of
            chemicals, but does not describe effects to communities. Bioassays provide
            information on sediment effects to selected laboratory organisms, but does not test
            field conditions of exposure by resident communities. Benthic community structure
            .data provides information on effects to resident communities, but alone cannot
            relate changes in community structure to sediment contamination - alterations in
            community compositions may be due to sediment grain size, competition, predation,
            recruitment, salinity, and other factors. In addition, identification of pollution
            degraded areas based solely on alterations in community structure are usually



                                                 221








               difficult due to the high degree of variability in the structure of natural
               communities.

               Sediment quality monitoring will provide information useful for evaluating the
               effectiveness of the following Galveston Bay Program Management Action:

                    9 Reduce toxicity and contaminant concentrations in water and sediments.

               A determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
               attained will also be supported with this monitoring data:

                   WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediments by
                            2014

               This chapter describes methods for sampling and analyzing Galveston Bay
               sediments and the benthic infauna they support. The chapter is divided into the
               following monitoring topics:

                   Section 4.1     Sediment Collection
                   Section 4.2     Sediment Grain Size
                   Section 4.3     Benthic Infauna Identification and Enumeration
                   Section 4.4     Sediment Toxics
                   Section 4.5     Sediment Bioassays.

               4.1       SEDIMENT COLLECTION

               To mitigate the costs of field sampling and to permit valid correlation and
               multivariate analyses, it is recommended that sediment samples for chemical,
               toxicological, and benthic infauna analyses be collected simultaneously. Although
               sediments collected for sediment chemistry and toxicity analyses and sediments
               designated for benthic community analyses could be collected using different
               sampling devices, using one sediment sampling device simplifies sample collection
               activities.

               4.1.1     Data Use and Limitations

               Sediment samples are collected for grain size analysis, chemical analysis, benthic
               infauna investigations, or to be used in sediment bioassay testing. Data use and
               limitations vary according to the parameter collected for analysis and are discussed
               in detail in the following sections.

               4.1.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

               A wide variety of sediment collection techniques are available. However, for the
               purposes of monitoring in Galveston bay to support the Resource Management
               Objective and action noted above, most collection activities will be concerned with
               only the top few centimeters of sediment. Many types of sediment dredges or grab
               samplers are available for sampling from vessels and by hand. For example,
               TNRCC use an Ekman dredge; the EMAP protocols call for a Young-modified van


                                                      222








            Veen grab sampler; the US Army Corps of Engineers use sediment corers.capable of
            penetrating the sediment to proposed construction depths because of the regulatory
            requirement to test the entire sediment column; NOAA specifies a Smith-McIntyre
            grab, a box corer, or a van Veen grab, depending on the program (Benthic
            Surveillance or Mussel Watch); and the USFWS use a 10-cm. (4-inch) diameter corer
            to sample to depths of 7.5-10 cm.

                   Recommended Methods

            It is recommended that sediment samples for different types of analyses be collected
            simultaneously and that one type of sampling device be used for monitoring
            purposes. An Ekman dredge, as used by TNRCC is the recommended device. This
            dredge is versatile, can penetrate and collect sufficient volume of sediment for
            nearly all requirements (except for proposed dredging material), and it is relatively
            simple to operate correctly.

            For each sampling event, the sample should be evaluated to determine -whether the
            following sample acceptability criteria are met:

                 ï¿½   Sampler is not over-filled with sample so that the sediment is pressed
                    against the top of the sampler

                 ï¿½   Overlying water is present, indicating minimal leakage

                     Overlying water is not excessively turbid indicating minimal sample
                    disturbance

                 ï¿½   Sediment surface is relatively flat and level with the sampler indicating
                    minimal disturbance or winnowing

                 ï¿½ Desired penetration depth is achieved - at a minimum, the aerobic layer
                    should be sampled because this zone is where most of the benthic infauna
                    live and includes the most recent sediment deposition (Day et al., 1989;
                    USEPA, 1992; Loeffler and Walton, 1992).

            If the sample does not meet these criteria, resampling is required. If the sample
            meets these criteria, gently decant all the overlying water, taking care not to
            remove surficial sediments.

             The aerobic layer of bottom sediments can usua      Ily be identified based on color
            (TWC, 1993) and homogenized to assess average infaunal exposure to sediment
            contaminants. The depth of the aerobic layer will be recorded in the field notebook.
            If the aerobic layer is less than 2 centimeters, as it can be in portions of the upper
            Houston Ship Channel during the summer, the upper 2 centimeter will be collected
            and homogenized.

            Once the sample is transferred from the dredge to a sample container, seal and
            label the container with the station identification code, date, and type of analyses




                                                  223








               requeste 'd (e.g., metals analysis). For each sample, the following information should
               be recorded in the field notebook:

                    ï¿½   Sample identification code
                    ï¿½   Name of collector
                    ï¿½   Location
                    ï¿½   Date
                    ï¿½   Time
                    ï¿½   Habitat
                    ï¿½   Water depth
                    ï¿½   Weather conditions
                    ï¿½   Number of grabs composited

                    ï¿½   Sample description
                        -    color
                        -    odor
                        -    presence of sheen
                        -    consistency/texture
                        -    gross grain size
                        -    obvious organisms or plants, and unusual objects

               At a minimum, 300 mL of sediment is required; 500-800 mL of sediment is
               preferred. Recovering sufficient sample volume usually will not present a problem
               because of the capacity of the sampler. A portion of the sample will undergo
               sediment chemistry analyses; the other portion will be used to conduct sediment
               toxicity tests.

               A minimum of three replicate samples are recommended to be collected at each
               station and composited to form the final sample. Separate samples will be collected
               for benthic community assessment. Analysis of historical data indicate that a
               minimum of four replicate Ekman grabs should be used for benthic community
               assessment (G. Guillen, TNRCC, personal communication).

               More detailed information on sampling procedures can be found in:

                  Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual. Draft. TNRCC
                  (TWC), 1993.

               4.1.3     QA/QC Considerations

               When collecting sediment samples for chemical analyses or toxicity tests, avoid
               airborne (e.g., engine exhaust, cigarette smoke) and other sources of contamination.
               All sampling equipment (e.g., siphon hoses, scoops, containers) must be made of
               noncontaminating material and cleaned prior to use. Wear clean gloves when
               touching samples or sampling containers. Standard clean techniques are used to
               store, transfer, and process sediments. All samples are stored in clean USEPA
               approved containers and placed in the dark at less than 4' C until delivery to the
               laboratory. More detailed QA/QC considerations are discussed in the following
               sections.




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             4.2       SEDIMENT GRAIN SIZE

             Grain size is used to characterize the physical characteristics of estuarine
             sediments. The availability of sediment contaminants and organic content are often
             correlated with sediment grain size. Because grain size influences chemical
             variables, it can be used to normalize chemical concentrations. Accordingly, grain
             size is an essential element of sediment sampling and analysis.

             4.2.1     Data Use and Limitations

             Grain size data often explain the temporal and spatial variability in biological
             assemblages; changes in sediment grain size often affect an infaunal organism's
             ability to build tubes, capture food, and escape predation. Grain size can be used to
             account for some of the variation found in biological assemblages.

             Grain size data may be used to:

                     Monitor rates of recovery following environmental interventions
                     Evaluate the. condition of benthic habitats
                     Assist in providing early warnings of potential impacts to the estuarine
                     ecosystem.

             Sediment grain size composition is often temporally stable, although some slight
             seasonal variability may be present. Changes are usually associated with seasonal
             patterns of benthic turbulent mixing and sediment transport phenomena. The
             frequency of sampling should be related to the expected rate of change in grain size
             composition. A consistent sampling period is recommended in order that spatial and
             temporal comparisons may be conducted.

             4.2.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

                   Recommended Methods

             Recommended sampling techniques are discussed in Section 4.1 (Sediment
             Collection). If seasonal variations are exhibited, it is recommended that direct
             comparisons between samples collected during different seasons be avoided. Studies
             investigating interannual variation in the grain size composition should conduct
             sampling during the same season (preferably the same month) each year.

             Sediment grain size may be* expressed in either millimeter (mm) or j (phi) units.
             These scales are related according to the equation:

                -1092 (mm)

             Data should be converted to phi units before calculation of grain size parameters.
             Sediments are broadly classified into three size classes: silts and clays are less than
             0.064 mm (4 j) in diameter, sands range from 0.064 mm (4 j) to 1 mm (0 j) in



                                                   225








              diameter, and gravels are larger than 1 mm. Grain size is normally reported as the
              mean, although the median grain size is sometimes used. Sorting is a m easure of
              the spread of the grain size distribution.

              NOAA's Sampling and Analytical Methods of the National Status and Trends
              Program National Benthic Surveillance and Mussel Watch ProYects 1984-1992
              (NOAA, 1993) NOS ORCA 71 and
              EMAP Estuaries Laboratory Methods Manual. (USEPA, 1993) EPA/600/4-91/024,
              provide a review of the methodological and statistical analysis of sediment grain
              size.

              Particle size determination can either include or exclude organic material. If organic
              material is removed prior to analysis, the "true" particle size distribution is
              determined. If organic material is included in the analysis, the "apparent" particle
              size distribution is ascertained. Most organic material is in the silt/clay size range
              and can be removed from the sediment either by acid washing or ashing. If organic
              material is left in the sediments, it will tend to bias the results toward a smaller
              mean size. Because true and apparent distributions differ, detailed comparisons
              between samples. analyzed by these different methods are questionable. It is
              therefore recommended that measures of sediment grain size be examined using
              only one of these methods. A standardized grain size analysis will allow all
              comparisons between samples.

              Particle-size analysis of a sediment sample will often require the use of two or more
              methods because of the wide range of particle sizes encountered. Sieves are
              recommended for separation of the coarser fractions, electronic particle counters or
              pipette methods for the finer particle fractions. Detailed instructions for both
              methods are presented in Plumb (1981) and PSEP (1986).

              4.2.3     QA/QC Protocols

              It is recommended that triplicate analyses be conducted on one of every 20 samples,
              or on one sample per batch if less than 20 samples are analyzed. It is also
              recommended that the analytical balance, drying oven, and temperature bath be
              inspected daily and calibrated at least once per week. More detailed QA/QC
              procedures are outlined in the two references cited above and in Plumb (1981) and
              PSEP (1986).


              4.3       BENTHIC INFAUNA SAMPLING

              Benthic infauna are important mediators of nutrient cycling and important prey for
              species at higher trophic levels - especially for large epibenthic invertebrates and
              fish, many of which are of recreational or commercial importance. Benthic infauna
              are also exceptional indicators of benthic conditions because they:

                      Are generally sedentary - observed effects are in response to local
                      environmental conditions





                                                    226









                     Are sensitive to habitat disturbance - communities undergo. dramatic
                     changes in species composition and abundance in response to
                     environmental perturbations

                     Often mediate the transfer of energy and toxic substances in the ecosystem
                        via bioturbation and as important prey organisms

            Benthic infauna monitoring will provide information to support a determination of
            whether the following Resource Management Objectives are being attained:

                  HP-5:     Restore natural functions and values to 50 percent of degraded
                            wetlands within 20 years

                  WSQ-1:    Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediments by
                            2014.


            Monitoring of the benthic community will also support evaluation of progress
            towards the Species Population Protection Management Goal:

                     Reverse the declining population trend for affected species of marine
                     organisms, and maintain the populations of other economic and ecologically
                     important species.

            4.3.1      Data Use and Limitations

            Benthic infauna community data can provide in situ measures of sediment quality
            and biotic condition. In addition to assessing sediment quality, the collection of
            benthic infauna data serves a number of uses, including assessing wetland quality
            and determining the condition of estuary biota.
            Recommended measurements of community structure include:

                     Biomass
                  ï¿½  Number of individuals
                  ï¿½  Number of species
                  ï¿½  Species dominance
                  ï¿½  Abundance of contaminant-sensitive species
                  ï¿½  Abundance of opportunistic and contaminant-tolerant species.

            Typically, areas of severely degraded sediment quality are characterized by low
            numbers of individuals and species. Highly degraded areas are dominated by a few,
            highly-abundant populations of small-bodied opportunistic or contaminant-tolerant
            species. Areas of superior sediment quality are characterized by many small
            populations of competitively dominant species (Pearson and Rosenberg, 1978).
            These measures of community structure have proved useful over various habitats
            and regions (USEPA, 1992).





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             4.3.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

             Directly relating changes in benthic communities to levels of sediment-adsorbed
             contaminants has been difficult because infauna appear to be highly sensitive to a
             number of dynamic physical and chemical factors. Of significant importance is their
             sensitivity to changes in grain size - some benthic organisms appear to be more
             sensitive to changes in sediment grain size than to concentrations of sediment-
             adsorbed contaminants (Long et al., 1990). To accurately explain changes in the
             distributions or loss of specific benthic organisms, measurements of grain size in
             conjunction with concentrations of sediment contaminants must be collected.

             Infaunal sampling is normally performed with either an Ekman dredge, Surber
             sampler, or kicknet, depending on the water depth and substrate type. Although,
             other types of grabs have been used for sediment sampling (see section 4.1.2), an
             Ekman dredge, as used by TNRCC, is recommended for both sediment collection
             and benthic sampling.

                    Recommended Methods

             Collection Procedures: For consistency in sampling through the Ekman dredge
             is recommended as the preferred sampling mechanism. Field procedures for the
             Ekman dredge are described in Section 4.1.

             Wash sediments overboard through a sieve bucket, mesh size 0.5 mm, by dunking
             the bucket gently. Wash material retained on bucket screen onto a wide-mouthed
             container. Check the screen for organisms trapped in or wound around the mesh
             wires and back-wash the screen into the container with a high pressure spray to
             dislodge any sediment grains that may be caught in the mesh. Add relaxant (7
             percent M92CI in sea water) to a depth of 3 cm, completely covering the sample
             (narcotization of the sample will aid in the subsequent identification of soft-bodied
             species).

             After the sample has been narcotized for at least 0.5 to 1 hour, add a 10 percent
             borax-buffered formalin solution to the sample container - samples containing
             large amounts of fine grained sediments, peat, or wood plant material may require
             higher concentrations. The volume of the fixative should be at least twice the
             volume of the sample. Rose-bengal can be added to the formalin solutio  'n to assist in
             separating organisms from sediment in the laboratory. Add the fixative solution
             until the container is completely filled to minimize abrasion during shipping and
             handling. Label the sample bottle with the name of the collector, station number,
             date, time, number of dredges composited, depth of collection, and preservative
             used. Store samples in the dark at moderate temperatures. After being stored for
             approximately 1 hour, samples should be inverted several times to ensure adequate
             mixing.

             The following information should be recorded in the field notebook at the time of
             sampling:

                      Sample identification code



                                                   228










                  ï¿½   Name of collector
                  ï¿½   Location
                  ï¿½   Date
                  ï¿½   Time
                  ï¿½   Habitat
                  ï¿½   Water depth
                  ï¿½   Weather conditions
                  ï¿½   Type of sampler used
                  ï¿½   Preservative used
                  ï¿½   Sample description
                      -    area and volume of sample
                      -    effort and duration of the sampling effort
                      -    color
                      -    odor
                      -    presence of sheen
                      -    consistency/texture
                      -    gross grain size
                      -    obvious organisms or plants, and unusual objects.

             This procedure is described in more detail in Water Quality Monitoring Procedures
             Manual. Draft. TWC, 1993.

             Laboratory Procedures: Sort, identify, and enumerate organisms found in the
             sample in the laboratory within two weeks, and preserve in 70 percent ethyl alcohol
             solution. Samples should remain in the formalin-seawater solution for a minimum
             of 24 hours to allow proper fixation; a maximum fixation period of 7 to 10 days is
             recommended to reduce the risk of decalcifying molluscs and echinoderms. After
             fixation, wash samples on a sieve with mesh openings half the size (at most) of those
             used in the field. For long-term storage of crustaceans, substitute glycerine for some
             of the water (70 percent ethyl alcohol, 25 percent water, 5 percent glycerine).
             Glycerine keeps the exoskeleton supple, facilitating examination and manipulation.

             Gently flush the sample with large quantities of fresh water, being careful not to
             splash any sample material. Allow rinse water to completely drain from the sieve
             and lightly rinse the sample with a 70 percent ethyl alcohol solution. Wash sample
             into a sample jar filling it no more than three quarters full. Rinse the last bit of
             material into the jar using a squirt bottle. Fill the jar with 70 percent ethyl alcohol.
             Gently shake and invert jar to ensure mixing.

             Using a 10x power dissection scope, systematically sort the sample by removing
             each organism and placing it into a petri dish. Care must be taken that enough
             liquid is present in the petri dish to completely cover the sample. Sort each petri
             dish twice to ensure that all organisms are removed. Using an analytical balance,
             measure biomass by taking the difference between a beaker filled with preservative
             before and after organisms are placed in the beaker. Do not blot organisms prior to
             weighing. This technique appears to introduce the least amount of variation into the
             weighing process.




                                                    229








              After biomass estimates are completed, identify and count organisms. Unless
              otherwise specified, identifications should be to the lowest practical taxonomic unit.
              Generally, it is necessary to only speciate the dominant organisms. If possible, at
              least two references should be used for each species identification. Moreover, each
              species identification should be checked against a reference specimen from a
              verified reference collection. After completing taxonomic identification, place all
              organisms in vials containing 70 percent ethyl alcohol solution. Label each vial (see
              reporting information given above). Store all vials for a single sample in common
              jars and immersed in 70 percent ethyl alcohol solution.

              Each taxonomist should initial identifications and counts in a notebook which also
              include notes and comments on the organisms in each sample. Have the
              taxonomists sign and date sample data sheets.

              4.3.3     QA/QC Protocols

              Sample Analysis: It is recommended that at least 20 percent of each sample be re-
              sorted for QA/QC purposes. Re-sorting is the examination of a sample that has been
              sorted once and is considered free of organisms. Re-sorting should be conducted by
              an individual other than the one who sorted the original sample. To ensure that
              identifications are correct, 5 percent of all samples identified by one taxonomist
              should be re-identified by another taxonomist.

              Send at least three individuals of each taxon to recognized experts for verification.
              Place the verified specimens in a permanent reference collection. Label all
              specimens in the reference collection and segregate by species and sample. Archive
              reference specimens alphabetically within major taxonomic groups. Have the
              laboratory staff participate in a regional taxonomic standardization program (if
              available) to ensure regional consistency and accuracy of identifications.

              At a minimum, calibrate the analytical balances used for biomass determinations
              weekly. Service all balances and microscopes at regular intervals. Annual service
              and inspection is adequate in most cases, unless the manufacturer recommends
              otherwise.



              4.4       SEDIMENT TOXICS

              The parameters of primary concern in sediments include the full range of organic
              substances designed to control undesirable organisms (e.g., insecticides, fungicides,
              etc.), a range of organic substances that were not intended to be toxic as a product
              but which have toxic effects (e.g., PCBs, dioxin, tributyltin, etc.), a wide range of
              organic compounds associated with development (e.g., polycyclic aromatic
              hydrocarbons, etc.) and trace metals. All of these are particle- adsorbing to some
              degree, making them tend to be concentrated in areas of recent sediment deposition.
              As a result of being concentrated, it is much easier to detect the substances in the
              sediment. For that reason, most efforts at toxics monitoring are focused on sediment
              analyses, with enough water analyses to provide an accurate documentation of
              levels and to assure the absence of a problem.


                                                    230










             Sediment monitoring is routinely performed in Galveston Bay by both the TNRCC
             and by the Corps of Engineers. In addition, a wide range of special studies of
             sediment characteristics are conducted by several federal agencies (NOAA Status
             and Trends; USEPA EMAP). The TNRCC monitors a wide range of stations while
             the Corps concentrates on sediments in navigation channels that are proposed for
             dredging.

             The list of chemicals of concern for the Galveston Bay Program is based on those
             selected by the USEPA EMAP program (Table 4-1). This will provide a comparison
             of results against the EALAY data for consistency and will provide some additional
             data for the evaluation of Resource Management Goals.

             4.4.1      Data Use and Limitations

             The collection of bulk sediment chemical data will be used to support the evaluation
             of the following Resource Management Objective:

                  WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Galveston Bay water and sediments by
                         2014,

             and the effectiveness of associated Galveston Bay Plan Management Actions:

                   ï¿½ Reduce contaminant concentrations to meet standards and criteria

                   ï¿½ Determine sources of ambient toxicity in water and sediment.

             Parameters for the measurement of sediment toxicity have been selected to
             determine the effectiveness of actions related to the Resource Management
             Objective. Information on concentration levels is needed to assess the trends in
             toxicity and the possible effect of elevated concentrations on the living resources
             within Galveston Bay. Determinations of sediment contaminant levels, along with
             bioassay testing and benthic community evaluations will provide information
             needed to assess the effects on living resources.

             The primary limitation is that while a wide range of substances which are
             potentially toxic tend to adsorb to particles and accumulate in the sediment, the
             actual biological effect of such materials is highly variable due to the chemical form
             of materials in the sediment and the effect of natural complexing agents. The net
             effect is that it is quite difficult to define relationships between toxic concentrations
             in sediments and biological effects. Alternatives, including bioassay testing for
             particular purposes such as dredged material disposal, and benthic assessments of
             ambient sediments, are discussed under Alternative Methods.








                                                     231










              Table 4-1.SEDIMENT CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN FOR THE
                           GALVESTON BAY PROGRAM


                   PAHs                                                  4,4'DDE
                                                                         2,4'DDT
                   Acenaphthene                                          4A'DDT
                   Acenaphthylene                                        Aldrin
                   Anthracene                                            alphr--BHC
                   Benzo(a)anthracene                                    beta-BHC
                   Benzo(a)pyrene                                        delta-BHC
                   Benzo(b)fluoranthene                                  alpha-chlordane
                   Benzo(e)pyrene                                        gamma-chlordane
                   Benzo(g,h,i)perylene                                  Dieldrin
                   Benzo(k)fluoranthene                                  Endrin
                   Biphenyl                                              Heptachlor
                   Chrysene                                              Heptachlor epoxide
                   C1, C2, C3, C4 Chrysene                               Methoxychlor
                   Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene                                Lindane
                   Dibenzothio                                           Toxaphene
                   C1, C2, C3-dibenzothio                                Malthion
                   Fluoranthene                                          Parathion
                   C 1-fluoranthpyrene                                   Diazinon
                   Fluorene                                              Endosulfan
                   C1, C2, C3-fluorene                                   Mirex
                   Naphthalene                                           Total BHCs
                   C1, C2, C3, C4-naphthalene
                   Perylene                                              Inorganics
                   Phenanthrene
                   C1, C2, C3, C4-phenanthrene                           Aluminum
                   Pyrene                                                Antimony
                   1,2,3-c,d-pyrene                                      Arsenic
                   1-methy1naphthalene                                   Cadimum
                   2-methy1naphthalene                                   Chromium
                   2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene                            Copper
                   2,6-Dinethylnaphthalene                               Iron
                   1-methyulphenanthrene                                 Lead
                   High Molecular Wt. PAH's                              Manganese
                   Low Molecular Wt. PAH's                               Mercury
                   Total PAH's                                           Nickel
                                                                         Selenium
                   PCBs                                                  Silver
                                                                         Tin
                   Pesticides                                            Zinc
                                                                         Tri-butyl tin
                   2A'DDD
                   4,4'DDD
                   .2)4'DDE




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           4.4.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

           Monitoring of selected parameters in sediments is required under the Galveston
           Bay Plan and will be performed. However, because part of the reason that sediment
           chemical (toxics) monitoring is conducted is to try to explain some observed
           degradation of a sediment, it is recommended that sediments be examined
           concurrently for the health and diversity of the benthic community and for toxicity
           effects on appropriate indicator species.

                . Recommended Methods

           Table 4-2 provides a list of analytical techniques for metals and organic compounds
           and the respective EPA Method numbers. Methods for sediment analyses are



           Table 4-2. LIST OF EXISTING ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES (U.S. EPA, 1986a)


           Metals/Metalloids

                                                                  Atomic         Absorption
           Spectrophotoietry (AAS)                                USEPA Method 7000 series
                                                                  - flame
                                                                  - graphite furnace (GFAA)
                                                                  - cold vapor USEPA
           Method 7470
                                                                  - gaseous          hydride
           (HYDAAS) USEPA Methods 7060 and 7740
           Emission     ;SEPA Method 6010                         Inductively Coupled Plasma
                                                                     Spectrometry (ICP)

           Organics

                                                                  Gas Chromatography (GC)
                                                                  - with electron capture
           detection (GC/ECD)                                     USEPA Method 8080
                                                                  - with mass spectrometry
           (GC/MS)      USEPA Methods 8240 and 8270


           ICP -        Al, Sb, As, Ba, Be, B, Cd, Ga, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, K,
           Se, Sn, Ag, Na, TI, V, and Zn
           AAS-         A12 Sb, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, K,
           Se, Ag, Na, TI, Sn, V, and Zn




                                                233








             generally based on those described by Plumb (1981). Variations and improvements
             are being developed continuously and can be found in more recent publications. As
             an overall guide, it is recommended that the latest EPA method or equivalent
             acceptable method be used. Either USEPA regional laboratories, or other
             laboratories working within the USEPA Contract Laboratory Program are
             recommended to perform the required analyses for routine monitoring.

             Dissolved Metals: Sample collection methods have been discussed in Section 4.1.
             Appropriate sample handling methods require that samples be frozen and kept at
             -200C (USEPA, 1987). Although specific holding times have not been recommended
             by USEPA, a maximum of 6 months (8 days for mercury, ASTM, 1991) would be
             consistent with holding times for water samples. A summary -table for holding
             times, container types, and preservation methods is given in Table 4-3.

             ,Selection of analytical methods is based on a trade-off between full-scan analyses,
             which are economical but cannot provide sufficient sensitivity for some compounds,
             and alternate methods that are more sensitive for specific compounds but can
             require greater analytical costs.

             For sample preparation, the USEPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) requires
             the use of HN03.H202 for metal digestion (USEPA, 1991c). Because dissolved
             metals are the focus of the monitoring, and not total metals, more complete
             digestion procedures are not required. A combination of atomic absorption
             spectrophotometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission
             spectroscopy is proposed for the detection and quantification of trace metals.
             Analyses for aluminum, chromium, copper, nickel, silver, and zinc will be conducted
             using ICP emission spectroscopy. Analyses for arsenic, cadmium,jead, and
             selenium will be conducted using graphite furnace atomic absorption
             spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Mercury will be analyzed using cold vapor AAS
             (USEPA, 1986a).

             Acid Volatile Sulfides (AVS) concentration has been shown to be a useful tool for
             predicting bioavailability of metals in anoxic sediments. While the focus of sediment
             sampling is in the aerobic zone, AVS analyses are recommended to extend the
             assessment of sediment quality. Analysis of (AVS) is recommended to be conducted
             in accordance with draft EPA method (USEPA, 1991c) using GFAAS. Total Organic
             Carbon (TOC) will be measured using a Coulometer TOC analyzer. Both of these
             parameters are recommended to be used to normalize metallic and organic
             contaminants, respectively.

             Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds: The isotope dilution technique, which
             requires spiking the sample with a mixture of stable isotope labeled analogs of the
             analytes, is proposed because reliable recovery corrections can be made for each
             analyte with a labeled analog or a chemically similar analog (USEPA, 1986a).
             Holding times, container types, and preservation methods for organic compounds
             can be found in Table 4-3.







                                                   234








                 Table 4-3. SAMPLING CONTAINERS, PRESERVATION REQUIREMENTS,
                                    AND HOLDING TIMES FOR SEDIMENT SAMPLES


                 Contaminant                                          Containera          Preservation                Holding Time


                 Metals


                 Chromium VI                                              P, G              Cool, 4*C                    40 hours
                 Mercury                                                  P, G                                            8 days
                 Metals, except above                                     P, G                                           6 months


                 Organic Compounds

                 Extractables (including phthalates,              G, teflon-lined cap       Cool, 4*C            7 days (until extraction)
                 nitrosamines, organochlorine pesticides,                                                        30 days (after extraction)
                 PCBs, nitroaromatics, isophorone,
                 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,
                 haloethers, chlorinated hydrocarbons
                 and TCDD)


                 Extractables (phenols)                           G, teflon-lined cap       Cool, 4*C            7 days (until extraction)
                                                                                                                 30 days (after extraction)
                 Purgeables (halocarbons and aromatics)             G, teflon-lined         Cool, 4*C                    14 days
                                                                        septum


                 Purgeables (acrolein and acrylonitrile)            G, teflon-lined         Cool, 4*C                     3 days
                                                                        septum


                 Pesticides                                       G, teflon-lined cap       Cool, 4'C            7 days (until extraction)
                                                                                                                 30 days (after extraction)


                 Chlorinated organic compounds                    G, teflon-lined cap       Cool, 4*C            7 days (until extraction)
                                                                                                                 30 days (after extraction)

                 a Polyethylene (P) or Glass (G)
                 SOURCE: American Society for Testing and Materials, 1991



                 A combination of capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection
                 (CGC/ECD), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and compound-
                 specific analyses is proposed for the detection and quantification of semi-volatile
                 organic compounds (USEPA, 1986a). Analysis of pesticides will be conducted using
                 CGC/ECD. CGC/ECD provides greater sensitivity relative to using GC/MS, however
                 CGC/ECD does not provide positive compound identification. Confirmation of
                 pesticides by GC/MS, when sufficient concentrations occur, is recommended. PCB
                 congener-specific analyses are recommended because they provide more accurate
                 identification and quantification of PCBs and eliminate the necessity of subjective
                 decisions on the part of the analyst. Analysis of all other semi-volatile compounds


                                                                       235








              will be conducted using GC/MS. These methods and t         he equivalent EPA Method
              numbers are summarized in Table 4-2.

              Volatile Organic Compounds: Analyses of volatile organic compounds will be
              conducted using purge and trap CGC/ECD techniques (USEPA, 1986a). When
              sufficient concentrations occur, GC/MS is recommended. These methods and the
              equivalent EPA Method numbers are summarized in Table 4-2.

              Detection Limits: Accurate measurement of bioavailable concentrations are
              required to evaluate hazards due to bioaccumulation of sediment contaminants.
              Over 80% of the available measurements of sediment organics are below detection
              limits. Selection of more sensitive state-of-the-art analytical methods should be
              considered for those parameters where there are toxicological data indicating the
              potential for effects at concentrations lower than obtained with routine methods. On
              the other hand, if there is no indication of adverse effects at present detection levels,
              there is no reason to reduce the detection limits.

                     Alternative Methods

              AVS analyses, mentioned above, are recommended to be included in the routine
              suite of parameters to be monitored. Continuing developments in metal and organic
              analyses, especially in a saltwater matrix, should be tracked and considered for
              inclusion in the overall analytical program. This is especially true of methods that
              provide more robust analyses with lower detection limits.

              4.4.3     QA/QC Considerations

              Appropriate QA/QC procedures for collection and analysis can be found in several
              documents, including specific QA/QC guidance documents and also within the
              analytical methods documents. Each analytical laboratory should, as part of its
              overall QA/QC program, follow prescribed QA/QC procedures for each type of
              analysis performed. Some appropriate QA/QC references are:

                 Guidance for Sampling of and Analyzing for Organic
                 Contaminants in Sediments. U.S. Environmental Protection
                 Agency, 1987. EPA 440/4-87-010.

                 Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples.
                 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991. EPA 600-4-91-010.

                 Sampling and Analytical Methods of the National Status and
                 Trends Program National Benthic Surveillance and Mussel Watch
                 Projects 1984-1992. NOAA, 1993. NOS ORCA 71.

                 EMAP-Estuaries Louisianian Province: Quality Assurance Project
                 Plan for 1993. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Heitmuller
                 and Valente, 1993). EPA/600/X-93/XXX.





                                                     236









            For analyses of metals, samples should be frozen and kept at -20'C (USEPA, 1987).
            Although specific holding times have not been recommended by USEPA, a
            maximum of 6 months (8 days for mercury; ASTM, 1991) would be consistent with
            holding times for water samples (Table 4-3).

            For analyses of volatile compounds, samples should be stored in the dark at 40 C.
            Analyses of volatile compounds should be performed within 14 days of collection
            (USEPA, 1987). If analyses of semivolatile compounds will not. be performed within
            the recommended 7-day holding time, freezing of the samples at -20' C is advised.
            Holding times for frozen samples has not been established by EPA (Table 4-3).

            Samples for determination of TOC and AVS should be analyzed as soon as possible.
            If not analyzed immediately, TOC samples should be refrigerated and their pH
            brought below 2 by addition of phosphoric acid. Acidification is recommended only
            when inorganic carbon is below detection limits (APHA, 1992). AVS samples should
            be stored in airtight containers under an inert atmosphere and analyzed as soon as
            possible.

                  Field QA1QC Checks

            Travel blanks can indicate whether contamination was introduced by reagents in
            the field or introduced during shipping of samples. Rinsate blanks are designed to
            verify the absence of contamination that can be carried over from one sample to
            another due to inadequate cleaning of field equipment. Field splits, treated and
            identified as separate samples, may be sent to the same laboratory for analysis or
            one sample may be sent to a "reference" laboratory for comparison. Standard
            reference material should be placed in a sample container at the time of collection
            and sent "blind" to the laboratory. Every 20th sample should be employed as a field
            blank.

                  Instrument QA1QC Checks

             Calibration standards should be analyzed at the beginning of sample analysis, and
            should be verified at the end of each 12-hour shift during which analyses are
            performed (USEPA, 1987). The concentration of calibration standards should
            bracket the expected sample concentrations, otherwise sample dilutions or sample
            handling modifications (i.e., reduced sample size) will be required.

                  Method QA1QC Checks

            Tables 4-4 and 4-5 provide a summary of sample/replicate/blank QA/QC procedures
            for laboratory analyses. Analysis of method blanks should be conducted to
            demonstrate the absence of contamination from sampling or sample handling in the
            laboratory. At least one method blank must be included with each batch of samples
            and should constitute at least five percent of all samples analyzed.






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              Table 4-4. SUMMARY OF QUALITY CONTROL SAMPLE

              Sample Type                Recommended Frequency of Analysis

              Surrogate spikes        Required in every sample - minimum 3 neutral, 2 acid spikes,
                                      plus 1 spike for ppsticide/PCB analyses, and 3 spikes for
                                      volatiles. Isotope dilution techniques (i.e., with all available
                                      labeled surrogates) is recommended for full scan analyses
                                      and to enable recovery corrections to be applied to data.

              Method blank            One per extraction batch (semivolatile organics). . One per
                                      extraction or one per 12-hour shift, which ever is most
                                      frequent (volatile organics).

              Standard reference      <50 samples: one per set of samples submitted to lab.
              materials               >50 samples: one per 50 samples analyzed.

              Matrix spikes           Not required if complete isotope dilution technique used.
                                         <20 samples: one per set of samples submitted to lab.
                                         >20 samples: 5 percent of total number of samples.

              Spiked method           As many as required to establish confidence in method before
              blanks                  analysis of samples (i.e., when using a method for the first
                                      time or after any method modification).

              Analytical replicates   <20 samples: one per set of samples submitted to lab
                                      @!20 samples: one triplicate and additional duplicates for a
                                      minimum of 5 percent total replication.

              Field replicates        At the discretion of the project coordinator.





              Spike recovery analyses are recommended to assess method performance for the
              particular sample matrix. Spike recoveries serve as an indication of analytical
              accuracy, whereas analysis of standard reference materials (SRM) measure
              extraction efficiency. Recommended control limits include 75 to 125 percent
              recovery for spikes and 80 to 120 percent recovery for SRM.

              Replicates are recommended to assess the precision of laboratory analyses. A
              minimum of five percent of the analyses should be laboratory replicates. The
              acceptable variation among replicates is 20 percent or less.







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               Table 4-5. SUMMARY OF WARNING AND CONTROL LIMITS FOR QUALITY
                                CONTROL SAMPLE


                                                           Recommended                            Recommended
               Sample Type                                 Warning Limit                          Control Limit

               Surrogate Spikes                            10 percent recovery                    50 percent recovery

               Method Blank
                  Plithalate,                              30 percent of the analyte              5 gg total or 50
                  Acetone                                                                         percent
                                                           of the analyte

                  Other Organic                            I [tg total or 5 percent               2.5 gg total or 5
                   Compounds                               of the analyte of the                  percent of the analyte

               Standard                                    95 percent                             95 percent confidence
               Reference Materials                         confidence interval                    interval for Certified
                                                                                                  Reference Material

               Matrix spikes                               50-65 percent recovery                 50 percent recovery

               Spiked Method Blanks                        50-65 percent recovery                 50 percent recovery

               Analytical Replicates                                                              ï¿½100, percent
                                                           coefficient of variation


               Field Replicates

               Ongoing Calibration                                                                25 percent of
                                                                                                  initial calibration




               4.5         SEDIMENT BIOASSAYS


               Toxicity monitoring supports the evaluation of attaining the Resource Management
               Objective:

                    WSQ-1: Eliminate ambient toxicity in Gal                veston Bay water and sediments by
                             2014.

               The purpose of bioassay testing is to detect any adverse effect on aquatic organisms
               that might not otherwise be identified from direct chemical measurements or to
               correlate contaminant concentrations with acute or chronic observable biological
               effects. For example, bioassays are widely used in monitoring of permitted effluents
               to detect toxic effects that would not be shown in routine chemical monitoring.




                                                              239










              4.5.1     Data Use and Limitations

              Toxicity of bay sediments will be evaluated using sediment elutriate tests adopted
              from USEPA acute toxicity methods. Both a vertebrate and invertebrate species will
              be evaluated for responses to exposure to bay sediments. Marine tests are the 9-day
              embryo-larval and tetrogenicity chronic test for Inland Silversides (Menidia
              beryllina) and the 96-hour acute test for mysids (Mysidopis bahia). These test
              species are included in the USEPA list of recommended acute toxicity test
              organisms (USEPA, 1991d). They are easily cultured in the laboratory, are sensitive
              to a variety of pollutants, and are generally available throughout the year from
              commercial sources. These tests, conducted by the USEPA Region 6 laboratory for
              the TNRCC, have been shown to provide valuable information on bay-area sediment
              quality.

              Sediment elutriate testing, as opposed to whole sediment testing, was chosen
              because the Galvbston Bay system is a shallow estuary in which the waters are
              frequently subject to moderate wind conditions, resulting in significant sediment
              resuspension. This method is used in support of the National Pollutant Discharge
              Elimination System permitting program within USEPA Region 6. It is planned that
              the method and test species will be evaluated over a two-year period to determine
              the value of the results. The procedures and test species are subject to modification
              after this time to improve the monitoring program and the assessment of progress
              toward the Resource Management Objective and associated action plans.

              4.5.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

                    Recommended Methods

              The recommended method is identical to that developed by the USEPA Region 6
              laboratory in Houston, and is adapted from USEPA (1988) and USEPA and USACE
              (1991). Sediment elutriates are prepared by combining a sub-sample from the
              homogenized sediment sample with the appropriate culture water ratio of 1:4 on a
              volume basis. After the correct ratio is achieved, the mixture is tumbled end-over-
              end for approximately 24 hours, after which time the mixture is allowed to settle for
              an additional 24 hours at 3-4'C. After settling, the supernatant is siphoned off
              without disturbing the settled material. If fine particulate matter is present and
              would prohibit the observation of the test organisms, the elutriate is then passed
              through a 1.5 micron glass fiber filter before testing is initiated.

              Laboratory culturing, holding, and handling protocols for the test organisms are
              described in:

                 Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving
                 Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms. 4th ed. USEPA, 1991.

              Laboratory procedures for acute toxicity testing and subsequent data analysis are
              also addressed in the same document.






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                   Alternative Methods

             Because these procedures and test species are under evaluation as to their utility
             for the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program for the next two years, no
             changes are recommended. Once sufficient results from the bioassay testing have
             been accumulated, an analysis of those results may provide indications as to how
             the methods or species may be improved.

             4.5.3     QA/QC Considerations

             Quality assurance protocols applicable to facilities and equipment, test organisms,
             elutriate sampling and handling, and acceptability of acute toxicity test results are
             discussed in detail in the procedures document cited above (USEPA, 1988).





































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              CHAPTER 5
              HABiTAT DiSTRIBUTION AND CONDITION

              Monitoring habitat distribution and condition in and around the Galveston Bay
              estuary will provide data necessary to directly or indirectly assess attainment of the
              following Resource Management Objectives:

                   HP-3: Sustain no net loss of wetland areas.
                   HP-4: Create or restore 15,000 acres of vegetated wetlands.within 10 years.
                   HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                          20 years.

              This Chapter is divided into two sections. Section 5.1 (Areal Extent, Distribution,
              and Classification) addresses methods that are used to monitor changes in the
              amount and distribution of habitats. Section 5.2 (Habitat Function and Value)
              describes methods that are used to evaluate the condition of habitats based on their
              suitability for serving various ecological functions and values assigned them.

              The Habitat Protection Task Force identified freshwater marsh, emergent estuarine
              marsh, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) as candidate indicators of habitat
              distribution and condition in Galveston Bay.


              5.1       AREAL EXTENT, DISTRIBUTION, AND CLASSIFICATION

              The Galveston Bay estuary is composed of a variety of habitat types which support
              a diverse group of plant and animal species. The continued health and productivity
              of the Estuary depends on maintaining these diverse, high-quality habitats.
              Ensuring the protection of habitats in the Galveston Bay estuary is a major concern
              of the Galveston Bay National Estuary Program.

              5.1.1      Data Use and Limitations

              Monitoring the areal extent and distribution of selected habitats provides
              information that directly supports a determination of whether the following
              Resource Management Objectives are being met:




                                                      243










                   HP-3: Sustain no net loss of wetland areas.
                   HP-4: Create or restore 15,000 acres of vegetated wetlands within 10 years.

               The methods used to classify Galveston Bay habitats and monitor their areal extent
               must be capable of differentiating various wetland types and quantifying their
               extent with an acceptable level of accuracy. To ensure that valid comparisons can be
               made with existing data, the classification system used should also be comparable
               with previously identified wetland types in Galveston Bay and be consistent with
               that used in monitoring wetland function and value (Section 5.2). This will allow
               net changes in wetland function and value to be estimated on an estuary-wide basis.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

               In 1991 the TNRCC defined wetlands and included them as waters of the state thus
               providing these areas protection under the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
               (TNRCC, 1994). The TNRCC identifies six wetland categories in the Standards:
               Tidal Wetlands, Brackish Wetlands, Isolated Wetlands, Playa Lakes, Riparian
               Wetlands, and Forested Wetlands. The following revisions to the standards
               proposed in the 1994 triennial review (TNRCC, 1994) also are relevant to regional
               monitoring of wetland aerial extent and distribution:

                    ï¿½ Site-specific assessment of uses and standards in response to any TNRCC
                       permitting action

                    ï¿½ Numerical criteria to protect aquatic life from acute toxicity and additional
                       numerical toxic criteria where appropriate.

               TNRCC (1994) states that the wetland standards are particularly pertinent to:

                    ï¿½ State reviews of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits for dredge and fill
                       operations

                    ï¿½ Delegation and implementation of the Texas Coastal Zone Management
                       Program.


               5.1.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

               This subsection begins with a brief description of sampling and analytical methods
               that have been used to measure the areal extent and distribution of habitats in
               Galveston Bay. The Regional Monitoring Steering Committee has selected a
               monitoring approach from among these alternatives for use in the Galveston Bay
               Regional Monitoring Program.

                     Existing Monitoring Programs

               The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
               and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coast Watch



                                                      244









            Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) measure the extent and distribution of habitats
            in Galveston Bay. In addition, GBNEP has sponsored research directed at mapping
            the extent and distribution of various wetland types in Galveston Bay, based on
            NWI data. Although several investigators have measured the extent and
            distribution of SAV in Galveston Bay, there is no routine monitoring of this habitat
            in the estuary.

            The USFWS NWI is establishing a database on the extent and characteristics of
            wetlands in the United States based on aerial photographs. Under this program
            wetlands are mapped on 7.5 - or 15 - minute U.S. Geological Survey topographic
            maps and classified according to the USFWS Classification of Wetlands and
            Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al., 1979; USFWS, 1990).
            Photo interpretation, cartographic, and digitizing conventions have been adopted by
            the USFWS to ensure consistency and aid workers in photo interpretation and
            mapping (USFWS, 1990; USFWS, 1994a; USFWS, 1994b).

            Eventually the entire USFWS NWI system will be computeriz            'ed into digital
            geographic information systems (GIS) to provide continuous, detailed monitoring of
            the extent of wetlands described according to the Cowardin et al. (1979) system
            (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1993). Because NWI maps use the classification system of
            Cowardin et al. (1979), the wetland types to be monitored must be compatible with
            this system or additional photo interpretation will be required. The NWI is
            presently preparing status and trends reports for a number of regions in the United
            States, including coastal Texas (Warren Hagenbuck, personal communication).

            National Wetland Inventory maps are suitable for determining the general location
            of various types of wetlands and for estimating large scale changes in the extent of
            wetlands. However, identifying specific boundaries will require site-specific
            measurements since even a fine line drawn on the 1:24,000 scale NWI maps
            represents approximately five meters (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1993). National
            Wetland Inventory maps have been used extensively during the EIS process to
            identify projects potentially impacting wetlands and to describe trends in the extent
            of wetlands in specific geographic regions (Dennis Peters, personal communication).

            The NOAA C-CAP is developing standardized approaches to classifying and
            monitoring coastal habitats from satellite thematic mapping (TM) imagery (Pulich
            and Hinson, 1992). The classification system used by NOAA C-CAP includes
            Wetland, Open Water, and Upland classes that are further divided into a
            hierarchical system based on attributes such as water salinity, plant morphology,
            and landscape structure. Digital satellite imagery data covers larger areas and is
            available at relatively. frequent intervals allowing comparisons to be made over
            shorter time periods than with aerial photography. Impacts due to catastrophic
            events as well as long term trends in the extent and distribution of habitats can
            therefore be evaluated.

            The objectives of the GBNEP trends and status project were to: 1) identify specific
            Galveston Bay wetland plant communities associated with wetland signatures on
            aerial photographs, and 2) assess the status and trends of wetland and aquatic
            habitats in Galveston Bay based on mid-1950s, 1979, and 1989 photographs (White



                                                 245








              and Paine, 1992). Information obtained by the GBNEP sponsored efforts to evaluate
              wetland loses in the estuary since 1959 will establish a baseline estimate of wetland
              extent in the area. Surveys conducted in 1990 and 1991 (White and Paine, 1992) can
              be used to determine how well the Cowardin et al. (1979) system describes wetlands
              in Galveston Bay.

              Pulich and White (1991) studied historic changes in the aerial extent of submerged
              vegetation in West Bay using aerial photography from 1956, 1965, 1975, and 1987.
              Other researchers (e.g., White et al., 1985) have also successfully mapped areas of
              submerged vegetation in Galveston Bay based on aerial photography (Pulich et al.,
              1991). Although the NWI is based on aerial photography, submerged vegetation has
              not consistently been identified on the NWI maps. Additional analyses could be
              conducted, however, following the USFWS photo interpretation, cartographic, and
              digitizing conventions (USFWS, 1990; USFWS, 1994a; USFWS, 1994b) using
              existing aerial photography.

                    Recommended Monitoring Approach

              Pulich and Hinson (1992) used C-CAP methodologies to classify and inventory
              wetland habitats over an area of 170 km2 in lower West Galveston Bay. White et al.
              (1993) used NWI maps to classify and inventory wetland and aquatic habitat areas
              throughout the Galveston Bay estuary. Results from each of these studies indicate
              that either method would be suitable for monitoring the extent and distribution of
              freshwater marsh and emergent estuarine marsh in Galveston Bay. Although it
              may be possible to measure the aerial extent of submerged vegetation using these
              methods, neither will provide suitable species composition data for this habitat
              type. It is strongly recommended that the distribution and abundance of individual
              submerged vegetation species be monitored.

              Because of the ability to provide more frequent analysis, the Regional    Monitoring
              Steering Committee selected the C-CAP methodologies for use in the Galveston Bay
              Regional Monitoring Program. Pulich and Hinson (1992) developed a set of
              classification methodologies based on C-CAP specifically for application along the
              upper Texas coast. These methodologies are recommended for all monitoring of
              habitat extent and distribution under the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
              Program. The classification system used by Pulich and Hinson (1992) includes nine
              Level 1 subclasses of wetland and upland habitat found in the Galveston Bay area
              (Table 5-1).

              5.1.3     QA/QC Considerations

              Hinson et al. (1994) provides an evaluation of two methods used for determining the
              accuracy of wetland and landcover classification based on TM imagery. Ground-
              truthing techniques demonstrated that accuracy exceeding 85% could be achieved
              for 10 major landcover classes using satellite TM imagery. Routine ground-truthing
              of satellite TM imagery mapping should be conducted to ensure that this level of
              accuracy is maintained during all habitat monitoring under the Regional
              Monitoring Program.




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             Table 5-1. CANDIDATE INDICATORS AND MEASUREMENTS FORHABITAT
                          PROTECTION


                       Indicator Habitats                Measurement
                       Marsh
                         All marsh types                 Areal extent and distribution
                                                         % emergent vegetation
                                                         % open water dominated by aquatic
                                                         vegetation
                                                         Marsh edge and interspersion
                                                         Water duration
                                                         Open water depth
                                                         Salinity\
                                                         Aquatic organism access
                         Brackish marsh                  Change in relative sea level-
                                                         subsidence/erosion
                         Salt marsh                      Percent Spartina alterniflora

                       Submerged Vegetation              Areal extent and distribution
                            Sea grasses                  Biomass
                                                         Vegetation spp composition
                                                         PAR
                                                         Salinity

                       Oyster reefs                      Areal extent and distribution

                       Colonial waterbird nesting        Number of colonies and distribution
                          habitat                        # nesting pairs
                                                         Abundance of predators (e.g., raccoons)
                                                         Elevation above sea level
                                                         Connectivity to mainland
                                                         Indications of human disturbance


             White et al. (1993) identify seven species of submerged aquatic vegetation found in
             the Galveston Bay estuary.         Two of these species, turtlegrass (Thalassia
             testudinum) and clovergrass (Halophila engelmannii), are extremely limited in their
             distributions and may warrant special attention. Because the species composition
             of submerged aquatic vegetation cannot be determined from aerial photographs or
             TM imagery, extensive ground truthing will be necessary for this habitat type.


             5.2       HABITAT FUNCTION AND VALUE

             Function, particularly when referring to wetland habitats, represents the ecological
             benefits that a habitat provides. Wetland functions, for example, include fish and
             wildlife habitat, nursery areas, and food web support, among others. Habitat values
             are a measure of the human benefits that are provided by a habitat.@ Wetland values
             include flood control, shoreline protection, and recreational opportunities.


                                                   247








               Quantifying habitat function and value allows managers to monitor trends in
               habitat quality that could not be measured by extent and distribution alone.
               Presently no agency monitors habitat function or value in Galveston Bay on a
               routine basis.


               5.2.1     Data Use and Limitations

               Monitoring the function and value of habitats in Galveston Bay provides
               information directly supporting a determination of whether the following Resource
               Management Objective is being met:

                   HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands, within
                           20 years.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

               The TNRCC is responsible for protecting the quality of the state's surface water and
               groundwater resources. To accomplish this the TNRCC develops water quality
               standards, and regulates point and nonpoint pollution sources. Monitoring data is
               used by the TNRCC to:

                    1. Describe existing water quality in streams, reservoirs, and bays

                    2. Monitor the impact of industrial, municipal, and agricultural point source
                       discharges on water quality

                    3. Assess water quality impacts resulting from spill events

                    4. Assess long-term trends in water quality

                    5. Compare existing water quality and established water quality standards
                       (waste load allocations, water quality standards)

                    6. Conduct activities and make management decisions pertaining to the Texas
                       Water Code and Federal Clean Water Act (permits, waste load allocations,
                       water quality standards, etc.) (Guillen, 1991).

               Revisions made to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards in 1991 provided a
               definition of wetlands and included them as waters of the state. In 1994, the
               TNRCC proposed six categories of wetlands and revisions to the standards
               applicable to wetlands that include:

                    1. Narrative criteria for aesthetic, radiological, toxic, nutrient, and salinity
                       parameters

                    2. Numerical limitations for thermal elevations

                    3. Fecal coliform limits considered appropriate for contact recreation



                                                       248








                  4. Site-specific assessment of uses and standards in response to any TNRCC
                     permitting action

                  5. A description of the antidegradation policy and procedures

                  6. Numerical criteria to protect aquatic life from acute toxicity and additional
                     numerical toxic criteria where appropriate (TNRCC, 1994).

             Existing surface water quality standards are intended to protect the chemical
             conditions of the water. However, future revisions to the standards that would
             address the protection of wetland vegetation and habitat are being considered
             (TNRCC, 1994). In addition to these changes, the TNRCC is in the process of
             developing biocriteria for state waters based on existing aquatic life subcategories.
             Biocriteria may require more quantitative measures of aquatic life attributes (e.g.,
             habitat characteristics, species assemblages, and diversity) that are described for
             the aquatic life subcategories. Quantitative measures of habitat condition could be
             used in developing and applying biocriteria.


             5.2.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

                   Existing Assessment Techniques

             A number of standardized techniques have been used for assessing habitat function
             and value including the Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET), Habitat Evaluation
             Procedure (HEP), and the Wetland Value Assessment Methodology and Community
             Models. In addition to these generalized procedures for habitat assessment,
             regionally specific methods have also been developed for some areas. The
             Chesapeake Bay Program, for example developed the Habitat Requirements for
             Chesapeake Bay Living Resources which establish habitat criteria for the protection
             of selected species in the Chesapeake Bay area.

             The Wetland Evaluation Technique assesses the suitability of wetland habitat for
             14 waterfowl species groups, 4 freshwater fish species groups, 120 species of
             wetland- dependent birds, 133 species of saltwater fish and invertebrates, and 90
             species of freshwater fish. It does not, however, evaluate other important wildlife
             resources such as game and furbearing mammals (USEPA, 1992). Wetland
             functions and values are measured by characterizing the physical, chemical, and
             biological attributes and processes of the wetland (Adamus et al., 1987).
             Assessments based on WET also include consideration of a wetland's social
             significance, effectiveness (ability to perform a function), and opportunity to perform
             a function.

             The Habitat Evaluation Procedure was developed by the USFWS for measuring the
             quality and quantity of habitat available for selected wildlife species. The relative
             value of a habitat is evaluated based on a comparison of either: 1) the value of
             different areas at the same point in time; and 2) the value of the same area at
             different points in time. By combining the two types of comparisons, the impacts on,
             or improvement in habitat quality as a result of proposed or anticipated land and


                                                   249








              water use changes on wildlife habitat can be quantified (Leonard and Clairain,
              1986). The evaluation involves using the same key habitat components to compare
              existing habitat conditions and the optimum conditions for the species of interest
              (USFWS, 1980).

              The Wetland Value Assessment (WVA) methodology was developed by the USFWS
              for use in prioritizing project proposals submitted for funding under the Coastal
              Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act. This technique quantifies
              changes in wetland quality and quantity that are projected to be brought about as a
              result of a proposed project. The WVA is based on HEP, but rather than the species
              oriented approach of HEP, WVA utilizes a community based approach (USFWS,
              1991). The WVA was developed specifically for application to the following coastal
              Louisiana wetland types: fresh marsh (including intermediate marsh), brackish
              marsh, saline marsh, and cypress-tupelo swamp (USFWS, 1991).

                     Recommended Monitoring Approach

              All of the above described habitat assessment methodologies would require revisions
              to adapt them to the specific needs of GBNEP. Because WVA was developed for
              habitats similar to those found in the Galveston Bay estuary, this method has been
              selected for use in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program. Procedures for
              conducting habitat evaluations using WVA are described in Coastal Wetland
              Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act: Wetland Value Assessment Methodology
              and Community Models (USFWS, 1991).

              The WVA operates under the assumption that optimal conditions for a coastal
              wetland can be characterized, and that any existing or predicted condition can be
              compared to that optimum to provide an index of wetland quality (USFWS, 1991).
              The quality component of a wetland is estimated or expressed through the use of a
              mathematical model developed specifically for each wetland type. Each model
              consists of 1) a list of variables that are considered important in characterizing the
              particular wetland type, 2) a Suitability Index graph for each variable, which
              defines the assumed relationship between wetland quality and the variable, and 3)
              a mathematical formula that combines the quality value (Suitability Index) for each
              variable into a single, overall value for wetland quality; that single value is referred
              to as the Habitat Suitability Index, or HSI. Use of WVA requires developing a list
              of variables characterizing the various wetland types found in Galveston Bay and a
              Suitability Index for each of those variables.

              The Wetland Value Assessment models have been developed for determining the
              suitability of Louisiana coastal wetlands in performing or providing a diverse array
              of functions and values including, but not limited to: providing resting, foraging,
              breeding, and nursery habitat to a diverse assemblage of fish and wildlife species;
              providing storm-surge protection, flood water storage, and water quality functions;
              and serving in nutrient import/export. Those functions are loosely equated to
              wetland "quality" in that a wetland that provides or performs those functions and
              values better or to a greater degree than another may be considered to be of higher
              "quality" (USFWS, 1991).



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           5.2.3    QA/QC Considerations

           Field testing will be required before the Wetland Value Assessment Methodology
           can be applied in the Galveston Bay area. Optimal conditions should be
           characterized for each of the selected indicator habitat types.












































                                             251










            CHAPTER 6
            SPECIEs DISTRIBUTION AND CONDITION

            Monitoring the distribution and abundance of selected species provides information
            to be used in assessing the following Resource Management Objectives:

                SP-1:   At a minimum, maintain fish and crustacean population levels within
                        50% of 1975-1985 mean levels.
                SP-2:   At a minimum, maintain oyster population levels within 50% of 1983-
                        1993 levels.
                SP-3:   Reduce bycatch within the estuary by 50% by the year 2007, accounting
                        for seasonal patterns.
                SP-4:    Reduce current levels of fish mortality caused by
                         impingement/entrainment by 50% by the year 2007.
                SP-5:    Increase populations of endangered and threatened species.
                SP-6:    By the year 2005 reduce the abundance of selected exotic species,
                         including nutria and grass carp, by 10%.

            Information obtained from species population monitoring will also support
            assessments of four additional Resource Management Objectives:

                HP-5:    Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands
                         within 20 years.
                HP-6:    Improve and protect habitat on 10 major colonial bird nesting sites
                         within 5 years.
                WSQ-2:   By the year 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the
                         estuary are in     compliance with established dissolved oxygen
                         standards.
                FW-2:    Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

            For example, although species population data is not directly applicable to
            determining compliance with dissolved oxygen (DO) standards, such information
            will be needed to determine the applicable standard in some areas. The Texas
            Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) is in the process of adopting
            DO standards based on aquatic life categories (TNRCC, 1994). Placement in an
            aquatic life category is based on a characterization of the community of organisms
            supported in a given waterbody. Results of species population monitoring could be
            used in assigning a waterbody to one of the aquatic life subcategories which will in
            turn determine what the appropriate DO standard is.

            Chapter 6 is divided into 10 sections. Each addresses monitoring of a different
            community, species, or group of species. Sections 6.1 through 6.5 describe methods


                                                 253








              for monitoring various species that are recognized for their ecological importance.
              Sections 6.6 and 6.7 describe methods for monitoring commercially important
              finfish species and oysters, respectively. Section 6.8 describes the methods used in
              monitoring fisheries losses due to impingement and entrainment at water intake
              structures. Monitoring populations of introduced species is described in Section 6.9
              and monitoring populations of threatened and endangered species is discussed in
              Section 6.10.

              Specific indicator species have been selected for monitoring pelagic invertebrates
              (Section 6.2), finfish populations (Section 6.5), and finfish commercial harvest
              (Section 6.6). A list of these species is provided in each section. Finfish populations
              and finfish commercial harvest were separated because of the distinctly different
              methods used to monitor each of these groups and differences in the objectives for
              the two types of monitoring. However, for some species monitoring data are
              obtained through both programs. Three introduced species and four threatened or
              endangered species were selected for monitoring and methods are described
              separately for each.


              6.1       PHYTOPLANIKTON BIOMASS

              Phytoplankton plays an important role as a primary producer in most estuarine
              ecosystems, including Galveston Bay. As such, changes in phytoplankton abundance
              often lead to corresponding changes in the abundance of phytoplankton consumers,
              particularly filter feeding zooplankton and benthic communities. Because of this
              relationship, information on phytoplankton biomass is often useful for interpreting
              changes in these other communities.

              Phytoplankton communities are susceptible to a number of anthropogenic
              influences such as excess or deficient nutrient input and changes in salinity that
              could be associated with flow diversion. The relatively short life span and high
              growth potential characteristic of this group means that changes in environmental
              quality can lead to rapid changes in abundance and biomass. Because different
              species are favored under various environmental conditions (e.g., differences in
              salinity and nutrient availability) changes in community structure can provide an
              early indication of changing conditions in an area. Therefore measures of both
              community structure and biomass are useful for assessing ambient water quality
              conditions.

              Phytoplankton biomass is most frequently estimated through the measurement of
              chlorophyll-a concentration. Chlorophyll-a typically constitutes approximately 1.5
              percent of the dry weight of organic matter in phytoplankton and total biomass can
              be estimated by multiplying chlorophyll-a content by 67 (APHA, 1992). The ratio of
              chlorophyll-a to pheophytin-a (a degradation product of chlorophyll-a) is often used
              as an indicator of the physiological condition of phytoplankton.

              6.1.1     Data Use and Limitations






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             Phytoplankton monitoring provides information indirectly supporting
             determinations of whether the following three Resource Management Objectives are
             being met:

                 HP-5:    Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands
                          within 20 years.
                 WSQ-2:   By the year 2004, ensure that all water quality segments within the
                          estuary are in      compliance with established dissolved oxygen
                          standards.
                 FW-2:    Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

             For example, it is inappropriate to estimate annual and seasonal freshwater inflow
             needs (Objective FW-2) based solely on historic levels. Such an estimate should be
             based on the condition of various communities found in the estuary under different
             levels of inflow. Because the phytoplankton community responds quickly to changes
             in salinity, nutrient availability, or water temperature, this group would provide an
             excellent indicator of the effects that various levels of freshwater inflow have on the
             health of the estuary. Changes in the phytoplankton community can provide a
             similar indirect measure of wetland function and aid in determining the cause of
             low dissolved oxygen concentrations in a water quality segment. Information from
             the phytoplankton component of the Regional Monitoring Program can also be
             useful for selecting appropriate actions necessary to reach these objectives.

                   Agency MandateslObjectives

             The TNRCC is responsible for protecting the quality of the state's surface water and
             groundwater resources. To accomplish this the TNRCC develops water quality
             standards, and regulates point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Monitoring data
             are used by the TNRCC to:

                  1. Describe existing water quality in streams, reservoirs, and bays

                  2. Monitor the impact of industrial, municipal, and agricultural point source
                     discharges on water quality

                  3. Assess water quality impacts resulting from spill events

                  4. Assess long-term trends in water quality

                  5. Compare existing water quality and established water quality standards
                     (waste load allocations, water quality standards)

                  6. Conduct activities and make management decisions pertaining to the Texas
                     Water Code and Federal Clean Water Act (permits, waste load allocations,
                     water quality standards, etc.) (Guillen, 1991).

             The TNRCC is primarily concerned with measuring the physical/chemical
             characteristics of water for comparison with state standards and criteria and permit
             limitations. Biological data, however, serve a number of purposes that include



                                                   255








              identifying appropriate designated uses, assessing water quality standards and
              criteria, and measuring the ecological impact of changes in water quality. In
              addition, the TNRCC is presently working to develop biocriteria based on
              quantitative biological indices used to define aquatic life categories (TNRCC, 1994).
              Phytoplankton condition and biomass are useful measures of environmental
              condition provided sufficient long-term data are available for analysis.

              Phytoplankton monitoring provides important ancillary information necessary to
              properly interpret the results of other monitoring program components. It is
              important that this monitoring effort be coordinated with other program
              components and that the phytoplankton monitoring data be readily available. This
              is discussed in greater detail in Section 6.1.2 and in sections describing the methods
              for these other components of the Regional Monitoring Program (e.g., Section 5.2
              Habitat Function and Value).

              6.1.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              This subsection begins with a brief description of monitoring or research programs
              that measure phytoplankton biomass in Galveston Bay. A monitoring approach has
              been selected from among these alternatives for use in the Galveston Bay Regional
              Monitoring Program. The selection was based on an evaluation of data
              comparability, costs, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and robustness of the various
              methods.

                    Existing Monitoring Programs and Special Studies

              Presently the TNRCC is the only agency conducting phytoplankton monitoring in
              Galveston Bay. Data collected under this program are stored in the Surface Water
              Quality Monitoring Data Base. The program presently measures chlorophyll-a and
              pheophytin-a, but in the past has also measured community structure through
              direct species counts. Chlorophyll-wa and pheophytin-a are measured at 55 stations
              four times a year through spectrophotometric analysis of water samples.
              Community structure was assessed twice a year at 10 stations; however, because of
              staffing limitations this has not been performed for several years.

              Buskey and Schmidt (1992) identify ten short-term st        udies of phytoplankton
              communities in Galveston Bay and provide a brief summary of these studies. The
              majority were conducted during the 1970s and there has been no phytoplankton
              research since 1985 . Armstrong and Hinson (1973) provides one of few studies
              describing species composition over a wide area of the Galveston Bay estuary. Other
              studies have been very limited in their spatial coverage and most were designed to
              investigate local conditions.

                     Recommended Monitoring Approach

              Chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a concentration should be used to monitor
              phytoplankton biomass for the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program. The
              methods used by TNRCC are suitable for assessing attainment of the Resource
              Management Objectives described above and to meet the general objectives of the


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            Regional Monitoring Plan. Computerized data from this program are available for
            some stations in Galveston Bay from as far back as 1968 (Guillen, 1991) providing a
            suitable long-term data set for assessing trends. The TNRCC monitoring program
            follows procedures outlined in the Draft Water Quality Procedures Manual (TWC,
            1993) and Method 10200 H from Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
            and Wastewater (APHA, 1992).

                  Sample Collection and Handling

            The collection and handling of phytoplankton samples for the Galveston Bay
            Regional Monitoring Program will be done in accordance with the methods used by
            TNRCC. Three separate collection techniques to obtain samples for analysis of
            community structure and biomass are described in the TWC (1993). Samples may
            be collected using either a plankton net or a Kemmerer or Van Dorn. sample bottle.
            The appropriate collection technique is determined by plankton density and
            whether or not the sample is to be used for measuring nannoplankton (organisms <
            40 microns in diameter) abundance.

            Samples for analysis of chlorophyll-a concentration should be collected using a
            Kemmerer or Van Dorn sample bottle as described in the TWC (1993). However, no
            fixatives should be applied to the samples and they should be kept in the dark at 40
            C to prevent the chlorophyll values from being altered during transport and storage.

                  Sample Analysis

            Chlorophyll-a concentrations should be measured through spectrophotometric
            analysis of samples as described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
            and Wastewater (APHA, 1992).

                  Supporting Ancillary Information

            The TNRCC program collects samples for the analysis of a suite of water quality
            and biological parameters at the same time that phytoplankton samples are
            collected. Water column variables that are measured as part of the TNRCC
            program, and should therefore be included in the Galveston Bay Regional
            Monitoring Program, are listed in Table 6-1. These ancillary data are important for
            properly interpreting changes in the phytoplankton community and for making
            comparisons with existing data. The methods to be used in measuring these other
            parameters are described in the Draft Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual












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              Table 6-1. PHYTOPLANKTON MONITORING PARAMETER LIST

                        Secchi Depth                         Orthophosphate
                        pH                                   Nitrite-N
                        Water Temperature                    Nitrate-N
                        Dissolved Oxygen                     Ammonia-N
                        Salinity                             Total Phosphorus
                        Biochemical Oxygen Demand            Pheophytin-a
                        Total Suspended Solids               Chlorophyll-a



                    Additional Considerations

              It is recommended that phytoplankton community structure be measured
              periodically, particularly if significant changes in nutrient availability, zooplankton
              community structure, or benthic infauna community structure are detected. Such
              sampling should be done at all stations where phytopiankton biomass is measured
              in conjunction with that sampling. It is recommended that community structure be
              measured through the identification and counting of individuals as described in
              TWC (1993). A minimum of three subsamples should be drawn from each sample
              and analyzed in a 1-ml plankton chamber. Standard taxonomic references, to be
              used in community descriptions are listed in the TWC (1993).

              It is important to coordinate the phytoplankton monitoring program with
              measurements of the Bay's physical/chemical and biological characteristics.
              Phytoplankton communities in Galveston Bay show considerable seasonal and long-
              term variability and are characterized by a series of small blooms that occur
              throughout the year (Buskey and Schmidt, 1992). This variability may be influenced
              by any of a number of factors including light availability, nutrients, and water
              temperature. These factors are in turn influenced by a suite of other environmental
              factors. By coordinating sampling among the various Regional Monitoring Program
              components, the value of the data for making management decisions will be greatly
              enhanced.

                    Alternative Monitoring Approaches

              Spectrophotometric measurement of chlorophyll-a provides a relatively fast, simple,
              and cost effective determination of the active photosynthetic pigments in
              phytoplankton. Although the method provides reproducible results, sensitivity and
              accuracy are effected by accessory pigments present at variable levels in different
              species of phytoplankton. Despite variability due to the presence of these accessory
              pigments, spectrophotometric determinations provide greater accuracy than
              alternatives such as cell counts, total cell volume estimates, protein estimates, and
              dry weight determinations.

              Two alternative analytical techniques, fluorometry and high-performance liquid
              chromatography (HPLC), can be used to measure chlorophyll-a concentrations.


                                                    258









            HPLC can also be used to obtain additional information about the major.taxonomic
            groups in a sample based on the relative proportions of different pigments
            characteristic of the groups (Buskey and Schmidt, 1992).

            Fluorometric Analysis: Submersible fluorometers enable in situ measurement of
            chlorophyll concentration, eliminating the need to transport samples back to the
            laboratory for analysis. Fluorometric techniques are also are more sensitive than
            spectrophotometry (APHA, 1992). The use of a submersible fluorometer will allow
            for faster data collection, integrated electronic storage of the data, simultaneous
            collection of associated water column data (such as, transmissivity, dissolved
            oxygen, depth, temperature, and conductivity), and, in most cases, lower cost.
            Submersible fluorometers are available from Sea Tech, Inc., Corvalis, OR at a cost
            of about $10,000.

            Because both fluorometric and spectrophotometric methods measure chlorophyll-a
            concentrations, the resulting data are comparable. However, samples analyzed
            using different techniques should not be combined for statistical analysis. If the
            analytical technique is changed, it is recommended that samples be analyzed using
            both methods for at least one year.

            Fluorometric analysis of chlorophyll-a as a measure of phytoplankton biomass
            provides the following advantages over spectrophotometric methods presently being
            used:


                 1. lower cost
                 2. in situ measurement
                 3. faster data collection
                 4. greater sensitivity.

            These benefits should be balanced against the following disadvantages of changing
            to fluorometric analysis:

                 1. inability to statistically compare results with historic data
                 2. initial costs for new equipment and training
                 3. increased maintenance costs of field equipment.

            High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLQ: A second alternative to
            spectrophotometric methods is to use HPLC analytical techniques. Although this
            method provides the most accurate measurement of chlorophyll, it is also the most
            expensive. With HPLC, measurements of phytoplankton pigments can be made to
            estimate the relative composition of major taxonomic groups in the samples (Buskey
            and Schmidt, 1992). This type of analysis can be performed more quickly, and
            therefore less expensively, than direct counts of species and individuals. Some of the
            additional cost may be offset if this provides a suitable estimate of community
            composition. Detailed information on per sample costs and specific statements. of
            program objectives ( i.e., what level of taxonomic change indicates a change in
            Galveston Bay) would be necessary to evaluate the cost advantages of using this
            HPLC method.





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              High-Performance Liquid Chromatography measurements of chlorophyll
              concentration provide the following advantages over the approach presently being
              used:

                   1. measurement of various pigments present in phytoplankton (allows
                      determination of major species groups present in the sample)

                   2. a lower cost measure of community structure than direct species count
                      methods.

              These benefits must be balanced against a significantly higher overall cost for
              analysis.

              6.1.3     QA/QC Considerations

              Phytoplankton sampling conducted under the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
              Program will be subject to the Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures
              outlined in the Draft Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual (TWC, 1993).
              The program includes annual quality assurance visits by the Water Quality
              Monitoring Unit, an annual Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, the collection of
              field and laboratory quality control samples, and data entry quality assurance
              checks. The TNRCC quality assurance program for laboratories analyzing water
              quality monitoring samples is described in a separate document.

              Annual quality assurance visits will be conducted at any office participating in the
              Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program to ensure that personnel are using
              acceptable monitoring procedures and that these procedures are consistent with
              those selected by GBNEP.
              Quality control is provided through the analysis of split and duplicate samples. Split
              samples, made by splitting the contents of a 2-1/2 gallon sample at the time of
              collection, are used to assess variability introduced during preservation, transport,
              and analysis. Field duplicates are samples collected sequentially at a station.
              Differences between these samples indicate the amount of variability due to field
              handling and transport procedures. One split sample and one duplicate sample are
              to be collected and analyzed for every 40 samples collected in the field. More specific
              procedures for collecting these samples and submitting them for analysis are
              contained in the Draft Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual (TWC, 1993).

                     Additional Considerations

              A high level of natural variability is typically observed among phytoplankton
              samples. Variability in measurements due to field heterogeneity is quantitatively
              determined by the analysis of replicate field samples. Analysis of replicate samples
              is necessary for assessing the reliability of spatial and temporal comparisons. It is
              recommended that a minimum of three replicate samples be collected at each
              station (U.S. EPA, 1992).

              Laboratory performance and calibration should be verified at the beginning and
              periodically (every 20 samples) during the time analyses are performed through the


                                                      260









             use of standards or blanks. Chlorophyll quality control samples can be obtained
             from the U.S. EPA Environmental Monitoring Support Laboratory in Cincinnati,
             Ohio. Standards can be used to evaluate performance without interference from
             natural variability. The Interim Guidance on Quality Assurance lQuality Control
             (QA1QQ for Estuarine Field and Laboratory Methods (U.S. EPA, 1985) provides a
             standard procedure for chlorophyll measurements.


             6.2       IINVERTEBRATE SPECIES

             A diverse group of invertebrates are present in the Galveston Bay estuary. Many
             are important for their commercial/recreational value or their role as intermediate
             consumers in the ecosystem. The Species Population Protection Task Force of
             GBNEP has identified the following three species as indicators for this group:

                  ï¿½ white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus)
                  ï¿½ brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus)
                  ï¿½ blue crab (Callinectes sapidus).

             Many species of invertebrates are dependent on wetland habitats during a critical
             period of their life cycle (e.g., spawning, juvenile stages). Changes in the extent and
             quality of wetlands may therefore lead to changes in the abundance of many
             invertebrate species (particularly their juvenile stages). Members of this group
             frequently exhibit planktonic larval stages whose survival and dispersal can be
             strongly influenced by the magnitude and timing of freshwater inflow.

             6.2.1    Data Use and Limitations

             Monitoring invertebrate populations provides information directly supporting a
             determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
             met:

                 SP-1: At a minimum, maintain fish and crustacean population levels within
                        50% of 1975-1985 mean levels.

             Invertebrate data will also support determinations of whether the following
             Resource Management Objectives are being met:

                 SP-3:  Reduce bycatch within the estuary by 50% by the year 2007, accounting
                        for seasonal patterns.
                 SP-4:  Reduce      current     levels    of fish      mortality     caused       by
                        impingement/entrainment by 50% by the year 2007.
                 HP-5:  Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                        20 years.
                 FW-2:  Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

             For example, evaluating the impacts of byeatch or impingement/entrainment on
             populations must include consideration of changes in the abundance of the species
             being considered. Invertebrate data can also support assessments of wetland


                                                   261








              function because many of these species are dependent on wetland habitats for all or
              part of their life. Similarly, because many of these species are strongly influenced
              by changes in freshwater inflow, changes in their abundance can be used to
              determine annual and seasonal inflow needs.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

              The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) monitors populations of selected
              invertebrates as part of its Resource Monitoring Program. The objectives of that
              program are:

                   ï¿½ Develop long-term trend information on finfish and shellfish population
                       abundance and stability

                   ï¿½   Monitor environmental factors which may influences finfish and shellfish
                       availability

                   ï¿½   Determine growth, mortality and movement of selected species through
                       recapture of tagged fish and by scale analysis.

              The NMFS Baseline Production Program is administered                 by that agency's
              Galveston Laboratory. Research is conducted at the Galveston Laboratory to study
              relationships between various habitats in Galveston Bay and fisheries production.
              Ongoing projects address (Zimmerman et al., 1992):

                   ï¿½ Measuring habitat utilization by selected fish and pelagic invertebrate
                       species

                   ï¿½   Identifying factors that affect juvenile abundance for selected fish and
                       pelagic invertebrate species

                   ï¿½   Creating salt marshes that benefit important fisheries species

                   ï¿½   Developing an estuarine information and data inventory.

              6.2.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              This subsection begins with a brief description of sampling and analytical methods
              that have been used to measure the abundance and distribution of invertebrate
              species in Galveston Bay. A monitoring approach has been selected from among
              these alternatives for use in the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program. The
              selection was based on an evaluation of data comparability, costs, sensitivity,
              accuracy, precision, and robustness of the various methods.

                     Existing Monitoring Programs

              Presently the TPWD Resource Monitoring Program and the NMFS Baseline
              Production Program measure invertebrate populations in Galveston Bay. The
              TPVv'D Resource Monitoring Program collects 45 gill net, 20 trawl, and 20 bag seine



                                                     262









            samples in Galveston Bay monthly. Trawl and bag seine samples are collected
            monthly, gill net samples are collected semiannually. Sampling sites are randomly
            selected from a grid system. Data collected include species name, number of
            individuals, size, weight (occasionally), sex, and maturity. Osborn et al. (1992)
            provide a description of data collected by the Resource Monitoring Program and
            detailed statistical analyses for a large portion of this data.

            The NMFS Baseline Production Program collects samples at various stations in
            West Bay marshes using drop traps. Sampling is conducted between March and
            July on a biweekly basis. Data collected includes the species name, number of
            individuals, and biomass of selected target species. In the future this program will
            be expanded to sample 30 stations located throughout Galveston Bay.

                  Recommended Monitoring Approach

            The methods used by the TPWD Resource Monitoring Program are best suited for
            meeting the Resource Management/CCMP Objectives stated above. The Resource
            Monitoring Program provides the best long-term data available for assessing
            Species Population Objective, SP-1. Standardized methods have been used for gill
            net sampling since 1975, for bag seine sampling since 1977, and for otter trawl
            sampling since 1982 (Osborn et. al., 1992).

            It is recommended that invertebrate sampling for the Galveston Bay Regional
            Monitoring Program be conducted in accordance with the methods used by TPV%TD's
            Resource Monitoring Program. Four alternative sampling techniques (18.3 ni long
            bag seine, 60.9 m long beach seine, 182.9 in long gill net, or 6.1 m wide otter trawl)
            are available. Detailed descriptions of each gear type and its operation are
            contained in the Marine Resources Monitoring Operations Manual (TPV%TD, 1993a).

            Sampling stations are selected randomly from a grid system to ensure an equal
            chance of sampling each section of shoreline and open bay water. The appropriate
            sampling technique is selected based on the time of year and location of the
            sampling station. Sampling periods and environmental conditions (e.g., water
            depth, amount of obstruction, etc.) under which each sampling technique is to be
            used are described in the Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual (TPV%TD,
            1993a).

            All organisms greater than 5 min in length are to be identified to the species level
            and counted. If an organism can not be identified within two hours it is to be
            identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and preserved for later
            identification to the species level. For bag seine and beach seine samples, 19
            randomly selected individuals of each pelagic invertebrate species are to be
            measured. For gill net samples 19 randomly - selected individuals of each pelagic
            invertebrate species from each mesh size are to be measured.

            Information to be recorded at the beginning and completion of sampling are listed in
            Table 6-2. This ancillary information is necessary to properly interpret changes in
            the abundance and distribution of invertebrate species and ensures that valid
            comparisons are made when the data is evaluated.


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             Species abundance data is recorded on a Marine Resource Monitoring Data Sheet
             and ancillary information is recorded on a Marine Resource/Harvest Investigation
             Meteorological and Hydrological Data Sheet. Example copies of these data sheets
             are included in the Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual (TPWD, 1993a).
             Codes for identifying sampling grid locations, species, sex and age of individuals,
             and the collection method used are also contained in the Operations Manual.

                    Alternative Monitoring Approaches

             Osborn et al. (1992) recommend stratifying gill net and bag seine sampling by
             location as a means of improving program results. Although this issue is related to
             sampling strategy rather

             Table 6-2. INVERTEBRATE MONITORING PARAMETER LIST


                       Cloud Cover
                       Lighting Conditions (i.e., day, night, twilight)
                       Wind Speed and Direction
                       Barometric Pressure
                       Rainfall (y or n) and Fog (y or n)
                       Wave Height
                       Tide Condition (slack-high, slack-low, ebb, flood, spring, neap)
                       Shallow Water Depth (nearest 0.1 m)
                       Deep Water Depth (nearest 0.1 m)
                       Maximum Water Depth at Station (nearest 0. 1 m)
                       Water Temperature (nearest 0.1'3 C)
                       Dissolved Oxygen (nearest 0.1 ppm)
                       Salinity (nearest 0.1%)
                       Turbidity (NTU)
                       Bottom Type (clay, silt, sand, shell, gravel, rock)


             than sampling method, it is an important consideration for the Galveston Bay
             Regional Monitoring Program. By stratifying invertebrate sampling efforts, a
             certain level of comparability with other Regional Monitoring Program components
             could be ensured. Furthermore, by stratifying sampling efforts it may be possible to
             ensure that the data gathered is suitable for use by other agencies (e.g., TNRCC
             wetlands sampling) so that cost sharing is possible.

             Future monitoring under the Regional Monitoring Program may require sampling
             inside vegetated wetland habitats to better assess wetland function. The methods
             used by the TPWD Resource Monitoring Program are suitable for meeting the above
             stated objectives, but would be difficult to apply in these areas. Two alternative
             sampling techniques, drop traps and flume nets, might be appropriate for future
             sampling of invertebrates in vegetated areas.





                                                  264








             Drop traps have been successfully used to sample a variety of shallow water
             habitats including marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, and bare
             mud and sand bottoms (Zimmerman et al., 1992).

             Kneib and Wagner (1994) used flume weirs to investigate the use of intertidal
             marshes by fish and invertebrates on Sapelo Island, Georgia. The system they used
             consisted of a series of wooden support posts defining a pentagon-shaped sampling
             area of 100 m2 (Kneib and Wagner, 1994). Removable screen panels (1.2 min square
             mesh) were inserted between the posts to enclose the sampling area and capture
             nekton in the marsh. Pits fitted with removable screen baskets were installed at the
             lower apex of the, pentagon to capture nekton as they moved out of the enclosure
             during the ebbing tide. Marsh use during different tidal stages could be assessed by
             installing the panels at different tidal stages. Kneib (1991) provided details on
             flume weir construction and operation.


             6.2.3    QA/QC Considerations

             Population data collected using nets of any form is only comparable if net mesh size
             and fishing effort are standardized. Gill net, trawl, beach seine, and bag seine data
             are standardized by catch per unit effort based on the size of the area sampled and
             fishing time. It is also desirable to standardize sampling by tidal stage and time of
             day to the extent practicable as most estuarine invertebrate species demonstrate a
             great deal of tidal and diurnal movement that must be accounted for. Although
             noise introduced to the data due to these behavioral patterns can be accounted for, a
             much larger data set will be required to achieve the same level of accuracy in
             estimates.

             Consistency in the taxonomic identification of invertebrates can best be achieved
             through initiating a regional taxonomic program and establishing a reference
             collection. Regional taxonomic workshops should be conducted on a regular basis
             (e.g., biennially) with all agencies participating in the Galveston Bay,Regional
             Monitoring Program attending. The TPWD should be responsible for establishing a
             reference collection including, at a minimum, examples of all species included in
             their coding system.

             The TPVTD Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual describes protocols for
             data submission and editing that should be followed during all pelagic invertebrate
             sampling conducted as part of the Regional Monitoring Program. The Operations
             Manual also describes computer data field checks that provide additional quality
             assurance. Routine equipment checks should be conducted at the beginning and
             completion of each sampling effort.


             6.3      BIRD POPULATIONS

             The Galveston Bay estuary is home to a num          ber of important bird species
             throughout the year. The area also provides important nesting and wintering
             habitat for a large number of migratory species. Birds fill a variety of roles in the


                                                  265








               trophic structure of an ecosystem and may, depending on the species, be primary
               consumers, secondary consumers, or top carnivores. Because of their -div      ersity and
               the wide range of ecological roles filled by birds, monitoring of this group is essential
               to measuring the health of the estuary.

               Three functional groups (shorebirds, migratory waterfowl, and colonial nesting
               waterbirds) have been identified for monitoring bird populations in the Galveston
               Bay area. Although species will be counted separately, similarities among the
               members of these groups make it reasonable to conduct surveys of their abundances
               simultaneously using the same techniques. The aerial extent and condition of
               colonial nesting waterbird habitat will also be monitored under the Regional
               Monitoring Program. This group has very specific nesting habitat requirements
               and typically will return to specific sites each year to nest. For this reason they are
               very susceptible to development and habitat loss.

               6.3.1     Data Use and Limitations

               Information on the abundance and distribution of bird populations and the extent
               and condition of colonial nesting waterbird habitat will be used to determine
               whether the following Resource Management Objective is being met:

                   SP-5: Increase populations of endangered and threatened species.

               Results from this component of the Regional Monitoring Program will also support a
               determination of whether the following Resource Management Objectives are being
               met:

                   HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                           20 years.
                   HP-6: Improve and protect habitat on 10 major colonial bird nesting sites
                           within 5 years.
                   FW-2: Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

               For example, measurement of wetland use by certain bird species can provide a
               measure of wetland function. Similarly, certain bird species use freshwater
               habitats for nesting and/or feeding and changes in their abundance could provide
               one measure for estimating freshwater inflow needs.

                      Agency MandateslObjectives

               The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), in conjunction with the U.S.
               Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) and the Texas Colonial Waterbird Society
               (TCWS), conduct an annual survey of colonial nesting waterbirds along the Texas
               Coast. The Texas Colonial Waterbird Census (TCWC) is intended to provide:

                    1. Comparative data suitable for identifying specific areas that deserve more
                        intensive study
                    2. An annual indicator of conditions at known nesting sites (Wagner and
                        Lange, undated).


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             6.3.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

                   Existing Monitoring Programs

             Colonial Nesting Waterbirds: The Texas Colonial Waterbird Census (TCWC)
             provides the best existing monitoring information for the colonial nesting waterbird
             functional group. The TCWC has censused breeding pairs at colonial waterbird
             nesting sites within 15 km of the Texas coast since 1973. Surveys are conducted
             annually during a two-week period beginning the last week of May. Standardized
             procedures have consistently been followed during the censuses and established
             data forms have been used for recording results since 1986. Most surveys in the
             vicinity of Galveston Bay are ground counts made by two to four people viewing
             colonies on foot or from a boat. Aerial surveys have also been conducted at a
             number of sites (Slack et al., 1992).

             Shorebirds: Until recently, the U.S. FWS, Clear Lake office, conducted irregular'
             monthly surveys of shorebird feeding habitats in the vicinity of Bolivar Flats. This
             sampling, because it was conducted monthly, provides much more reliable estimates
             of population size than annual surveys (Slack et al., 1992).

             Migratory Waterfowl: TPWD in conjunction with U.S.FWS, has conducted an
             annual Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey since 1973. This survey consists of one
             systematic census conducted along transects, and another less systematic census of
             counting birds at selected locations. These data provide information on waterfowl
             abundance by species and transect or location. Such information can be used as an
             index of changes in the relative abundance of species and to assess trends in use
             patterns within the Galveston Bay area.

             Colonial Nesting Waterbird Habitat: Colonial nesting waterbirds utilize two
             general types of habitat for nesting. Ground nesting species prefer more open areas,
             often beaches or gravel bars. Tree and shrub nesting species prefer dense thickets
             of vegetation, often stands of emergent vegetation or large woody vegetation.
             Presently there is no monitoring of either habitat type in Galveston Bay.

                   Recommended Monitoring Approach

             Colonial Nesting Waterbirds: It is recommended that colonial nesting waterbirds
             be monitored according to the TCWC protocols.

             Shorebirds: It is recommended that shorebirds be monitored according to the
             protocols used in the shorebird surveys at Bolivar Flat. It is further recommended
             that sampling be reinstated at Bolivar Flat and that additional sites be selected for
             monitoring. These should include, but not be limited to, San Louis Pass and the Big
             Reef area.

             Migratory Waterfowl: It is recommended that migratory waterfowl populations be
             monitored according to the protocols used in the annual Mid-winter Waterfowl
             Survey.



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              Colonial Nesting Waterbird Habitat: It is recommended that ten percent of the
              colonial nesting waterbird sites surveyed during the TCWC be selected for
              measuring the aerial extent and condition of both types of colonial waterbird
              nesting habitat (i.e., ground nesting and tree/shrub nesting sites). It is suggested
              that only sites which are at least 25-meter long and 10-meter wide be sampled and
              that sites be selected randomly each year. The recommended survey period is
              between the second Monday in February and the second Monday in March, prior to
              the start of the nesting season.

              Measuring aerial extent and establishing transects: The first task at each site will
              be defining site boundaries and measuring the aerial extent of the site. It is
              recommended that boundaries be defined by evidence of the previous year's use
              (e.g., old nests). After boundaries are established, transects perpendicular to the
              long axis of the site can be marked by stakes placed at 5-meter intervals along
              opposite boundaries. It is recommended that the transects to be sampled are
              selected at random from among all available transects such that 10 percent of the
              transects are sampled, with no fewer than 5 total. It is also recommended that at
              least two stations be sampled along each transect. These stations can be selected at
              random along the length of the transect. It is suggested that ground cover
              measurements be based on 0.5-meter square plots placed at the centerpoint of each
              station.

              Table 6-3 provides an initial list of suggested parameters to measure at each site.
              This initial list may be modified by the Species Population Protection Task Force as
              additional information indicating other important variables becomes available.
              Height above high tide line should be determined by measuring the vertical
              distance between the base of the nesting site and the upper limit of the debris line.



              Table 6-3. COLONIAL NESTING WATERBIRD HABITAT PARAMETER LIST


                     Ground Nesting:
                            Percent cover
                            Predominant plant species present (>10 %)
                            Substrate type (sand, gravel, etc.)
                            Height above high tide line
                            Distance from water

                     TreelShrub Nesting.
                            Percent cover
                            Predominant plant species present (>10 %)
                            Diameter breast high (large woody vegetation only)
                            Substrate type (sand, gravel, etc.)
                            Height above high tide line
                            Distance from water





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            In addition to the parameters listed in Table 6-3, any potential nest predators or
            signs of nest predators observed during the survey should be noted. This includes
            fire ants or fire ant nests found in the area. If fire ants are numerous an estimate of
            their density should be made. Fire ant colonies should be identified and their
            location in the nesting area described on a map of the area.

                   Additional Considerations

            Slack et al. (1992) found data from the TCWC to be suitable for trend analysis of
            species regularly encountered during the surveys. They note, however, that the
            program does not provide a measure of observer effort. Future monitoring
            conducted as part of the Regional Monitoring Program should include measures of
            the time and area censused by observers.

            As more species specific information on colonial nesting waterbirds becomes
            available it may be desirable to stratify sampling by species and focus efforts on
            selected species (e.g., listed threatened or endangered species). A list of habitat
            requirements for these species could be developed based on available literature and
            used to identify additional parameters to be measured and to help prioritize
            sampling.

            6.3.3 QA/QC Considerations

            It is recommended that anyone -participating in bird surveys as part of the Regional
            Monitoring Program participate in taxonomic identification workshops prior to
            surveys. These workshops could provide instruction in call identification as
            appropriate. It is also recommended that workshops describing colonial nesting
            waterbird habitat sampling be conducted to familiarize participants with techniques
            used to measure the selected parameters, identify key plant and animal species, and
            record data.



            6.4       ALLIGATOR POPULATIONS

            The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large, wetland dependent,
            commercially important, vertebrate predator. As such, alligator populations are
            very much influenced by a variety of human activities including development of
            wetlands, pollution, and over hunting. @arge predators, feeding at higher trophic
            levels, are also more susceptible to the impacts of biomagnifying pollutants that
            might be present in the environment. Because changes in the abundance and
            distribution of alligator populations reflect habitat condition and a number of
            anthropogenic impacts, this species was selected as an indicator species in the
            Galveston Bay Monitoring Plan.

            6.4.1     Data Use and Limitations

            Information obtained from monitoring alligator populations will support an
            assessment of the following Resource Management Objective:



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                  HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                          20 years.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

              The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for regulating the annual
              alligator harvest in Texas. This requires information on the present status of
              alligator populations and their recruitment rates.

              6.4.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              The TPWD conducts night count surveys of alligators and helicopter surveys of
              alligator nests along the Texas coast. Established transects are located in the
              marshes adjacent to East Bay and Trinity Bay (Slack et al., 1992). Surveys were
              conducted annually from 1980 to 1984 and triennially since 1985. Night counts are
              conducted by two observers using spotlights to locate individuals from a boat. Nest
              counts are made along 91 m wide transects of variable length from an altitude of 91
              m. Transects are spaced at 1.6 km or 4.8 km intervals. Surveys are conducted in
              May when vegetative growth in the marshes is low. During night counts efforts are
              made to standardize lighting equipment.

                     Recommended Monitoring Approach

              The TPWD nest count and night count survey methods are suitable for monitoring
              changes in alligator populations in the Galveston Bay estuary. However, greater
              standardization of transect locations and sampling effort during nest counts would
              provide more meaningful data for little additional cost. The number and location of
              transects surveyed during nest counts was not consistent preventing direct
              temporal comparisons of the transects (Slack et al., 1992). Reducing the frequency
              of sampling from annual to triennial (due to funding limitations) limits the ability of
              the monitoring program to rapidly detect changes in alligator populations.

              The following procedures for nest count surveys of alligator populations conducted
              as part of the Regional Monitoring Program are required:

                    ï¿½  Sampling Locations - detailed description (include maps) of transect
                       locations

                    ï¿½  Transect Specifications - transects are 91 m in width. Lengths vary in
                       accordance with habitat extent

                    ï¿½  Flight Procedures - altitude is 91 m. Speed and minimum acceptable
                       visibility are to be specified

                    ï¿½  Survey Procedures - a detailed description of how nests are identified (i.e.,
                       presence of alligators, minimum size of depression, etc.), number of
                       surveyors on plane, responsibilities of surveyors, record keeping procedures
                       are to be specified.



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            For night alligator count surveys, these parameters and procedures must be
            established:

                  9 Sampling Locations - detailed description (include maps) of transect
                    .locations

                  e Transect Specifications - description of the length and width of transects

                  * Boat Operation - boat speed, navigational method, distance and water depth

                  e Survey Procedures - lighting (power, number of lamps), number of
                     surveyors, responsibilities of surveyors, record keeping procedures are to be
                     specified.

            All individuals or nests observed within the defined transect area are counted. The
            size of individuals should be estimated to the nearest 0.5 m during night counts.
            Any distinguishing characteristics are to be noted. The condition of individuals
            should be recorded when alligators show evidence of disease or physical damage.
            The information listed in Table 6-4 should be recorded on the standard Alligator
            Night Count data sheet for each individual observed.


            Table 6-4. ALLIGATOR MONITORING PARAMETER LIST


                      Air Temperature*
                      Water Temperature
                      Location
                      Predominant Vegetation
                      Activity (resting, hunting, feeding, etc.)

            *Taken only at beginning and completion of sampling.


                   Additional Considerations

            Conducting multiple surveys during each sampling year is recommended as a way
            to increase the ability of the program to detect meaningful changes in alligator
            populations (Slack et al., 1992).

            6.4.3     QA/QC Considerations

            Population estimates based on direct observations in the field are subject to a great
            deal of variability associated with differences among samplers and environmental
            conditions at the time of sampling (i.e., weather/visibility). At least two surveyors,
            each making independent counts, should be present during every survey. Sampling
            protocols (e.g., transect width and length, boat speed) should be strictly adhered to.




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              6.5        FINFISH POPULATIONS

              Monitoring fish community structure provides in situ measures of the estuarine
              habitat and provides a powerful tool for evaluating spatial and temporal effects of
              anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Fish community data can be used to assess
              the effectiveness of pollution abatement programs and monitor long-term trends in
              environmental quality. Information about the population characteristics of finfish
              species is needed to evaluate regulations and management programs.

              The Species Population Protection Task Force of GBNEP identified the following
              three fish species to be monitored as indicators for this group:

                    ï¿½ bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)
                    ï¿½ Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
                    ï¿½ gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus)

              6.5.1      Data Use and Limitations

              Finfish population monitoring provides information directly supporting a
              determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
              met:

                    SP-1: At a minimum, maintain fish and crustacean populations within 50% of
                          1975-85 mean levels.

              Meeting this objective will require monitoring data of sufficient precision to detect
              changes of the indicated magnitude (i.e., 50 percent) and a comparable estimate of
              historic (1975-85) population size. Data must therefore be collected using methods
              that are comparable with historic data.

              Finfish population monitoring also provides information supporting determinations
              of whether the following Resource Management Objectives are being met:

                    HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                         @ 20 years.
                    FW-2: Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

              The TPWD monitors finfish populations as part of its Resource Monitoring
              Program. The objectives of that program are:

                    ï¿½ Develop long-term trend information on finfish and shellfish population
                       abundance and stability

                    ï¿½ Monitor environmental factors which may influence finfish and shellfish
                       availability





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                     Determine growth, mortality and movement of selected species through
                     recapture of tagged fish and by scale analysis (McEachron, 1991).

            The TNRCC is responsible for protec    ting the quality of the state's surface water and
            groundwater resources. To accomplish this TNRCC develops water quality
            standards, and regulates point and nonpoint pollution sources.

            The TNRCC is primarily concerned with measuring the physical/chemical
            characteristics of water for comparison with state standards and criteria and permit
            limitations. Biological data, however, serve a number of purposes that include
            identifying appropriate designated uses, assessing water quality standards and
            criteria, and measuring the ecological impact of changes in water quality. In
            addition, the TNRCC is presently working to develop biocriteria based on
            quantitative biological indices used to define aquatic life categories (TNRCC, 1994).
            Changes in finfish populations provide a useful measure of environmental condition.

            The USEPA Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) was
            developed to periodically assess and document the condition of the Nation's
            ecological resources with a regional scope appropriate to large-scale environmental
            problems. The goals of EAUY are to:

                     Estimate the current status, trends, and changes in selected existing and
                     newly-developed indicators of the condition of the Nations ecological
                     resources


                     Estimate the distribution and extent of the Nation's ecological resources

                     Identify associations between selected indicators of natural and
                     anthropogenic stresses and indicators of the condition of ecological
                     resources (Tetra Tech, 1994).

            The NMFS Baseline Production Program is administered by that agency's
            Galveston Laboratory. Research is conducted at the Galveston Laboratory to study
            relationships between various habitats in Galveston Bay and fisheries production.
            Ongoing projects address:

                  ï¿½ Measuring habitat utilization by selected fish and invertebrate species

                  ï¿½  Identifying factors that affect juvenile abundance for selected fish and
                     pelagic invertebrate species

                  ï¿½  Creating salt marshes that benefit important fisheries species

                  ï¿½  Developing an estuarine information and data inventory (Zimmerman et
                     al., 1992).







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              6.5.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

                    Existing Monitoring Programs

              The TPWD Resource Monitoring Program collects 45 gill net, 20 trawl, and 20 bag
              seine samples in Galveston Bay monthly. Trawl and bag seine samples are collected
              monthly, gill net samples are collected semiannually. Sampling sites are randomly
              selected from a grid system. Data collected include species name, number of
              individuals, size, weight (occasionally), sex, and maturity. Large live fish are tagged
              and released for growth and mortality estimates (Tetra Tech, 1994). Osborn et al.
              (1992) provide an analysis of results from the Resource Monitoring Program
              including detailed statistical analyses for a large portion of the data.

              The TNRCC nekton sampling program samples 10 stations twice each year and
              three additional stations annually. A variety of methods are used to collect samples
              including: fishing rod, trotline, throwline, or handline; twenty-foot minnow seine
              (1/4 inch mesh); gill net; fish traps; trawl; cast net; water intake ser  eens;backpack
              electrofisher; and boat mounted electrofisher. Data collected include identification of
              species and number of individuals. Samples may be retained for later identification
              or analysis of tissue contaminant concentrations.

              The NMFS Baseline Production Program collects samples at various stations in
              West Bay marshes using drop traps. Sampling is conducted between March and
              July on a biweekly basis. Data collected include species name, number of
              individuals, and biomass of selected target species. In the future this program will
              expand to sample 30 stations located throughout Galveston Bay.

                    Recommended Monitoring Approach

              The TPVVD Resource Monitoring Program provides the most complete data set
              describing fish community and population characteristics for the Galveston Bay
              estuary. Gill net samples have been collected in the estuary since 1975, bag seines
              since 1977 and otter trawl samples since 1982. The methods used in TPWD's
              Resource Monitoring Program should be followed during all fish community and
              population monitoring conducted as part of the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
              Program. These methods are described in detail in the Marine Resource Monitoring
              Operations Manual (TPVV`D, 1993a).

                     Sample Collection and Handling

              Sampling conducted to monitor changes in the abundance and distribution of finfish
              populations for the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program should be done in
              accordance with the methods of TPWD's Resource Monitoring Program. Four
              alternative sampling techniques (18.3 m long bag seine, 60.9 m long beach seine,
              182.9 m long gill net, or 6.1 m wide otter trawl) are available. Detailed descriptions
              of each gear type and its operation are contained in the Marine Resource Monitoring
              Operations Manual (TPWD, 1993a).




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            Sampling stations are selected randomly from a grid system to ensure an equal
            chance of sampling each section of shoreline and open bay water. The appropriate
            sampling technique is selected based on the time of year and location of the
            sampling station. Sampling periods and environmental conditions (e.g., water
            depth, amount of obstruction, etc.) under which each sampling technique is used are
            described in TPVV`D (1993a).

                  Sample Analysis

            All organisms greater than 5 mm in length should be identified to the species level
            and counted. If an organism can not be identified within two hours it should be
            identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and preserved for later
            identification to the species level. For bag seine and beach seine samples 19
            randomly selected individuals of each fish species should be measured. For gill net
            samples 19 randomly selected individuals of each fish species from each mesh size
            should be measured. Special processing procedures are described for tarpon, snook,
            striped and hybrid bass, and grass carp in the Marine Resource Monitoring
            Operations Manual (TPWD, 1993a).

                  Supporting Ancillary Information

            Information to be collected at the beginning and completion of sampling are listed in
            Table 6-5. This ancillary information is necessary to properly interpret changes in
            the abundance and distribution of fish species and ensures that valid comparisons
            are made when the data is evaluated.


            Table 6-5. FISH COMMUNITY MONITORING PARAMETER LIST


                      Cloud Cover
                      Lighting Conditions (i.e., day, night, twilight)
                      Wind Speed and Direction
                      Barometric Pressure
                      Rainfall (y or n) and Fog (y or n)
                      Wave Height
                      Tide Condition (slack, ebb, flood)
                      Shallow Water Depth (nearest 0. 1 m)
                      Deep Water Depth (nearest 0.1 m)
                      Maximum Water Depth at Station (nearest 0.1 m)
                      Water Temperature (nearest 0. 1 0 Q
                      Dissolved Oxygen (nearest 0.1 ppm)
                      Salinity (nearest 0.1%)
                      Turbidity (NTU)
                      Bottom Type (clay, silt, sand, shell, gravel, rock)








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                    Data Reporting

              Species abundance data are recorded on Marine Resource Monitoring Data Sheets
              and ancillary information is recorded on Marine Resource/Harvest Investigation
              Meteorological and Hydrological Data Sheets. Example copies of these data sheets
              are included in TPWD (1993a). Codes for identifying sampling grid locations,
              species, sex and age of individuals, and the collection method used are also
              contained in the Operations Manual.

                    Alternative Monitoring Approaches

              Osborn et al. (1992) recommend stratifying gill net and bag seine sampling by
              location as a means of improving program results. Although this issue is related to
              sampling strategy rather than sampling method, it is an important consideration
              for applying these methods to the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program. By
              stratifying fish sampling efforts, a certain level of comparability with other Regional
              Monitoring Program components could be ensured. Furthermore, by stratifying
              sampling efforts it is possible to ensure that data are suitable for use by other
              agencies (e.g., TNRCC wetlands sampling) so that cost sharing is possible.
              Future monitoring under the Regional Monitoring Program may require sampling
              inside vegetated wetland habitats to better assess wetland function. The methods
              used by the TPVVD Resource Monitoring Program are suitable for assessing the
              above stated objectives, but would be difficult to apply in these areas. Two
              alternative sampling techniques, drop traps and flume nets, might be appropriate
              for future sampling of fish in these areas.

              Drop traps have been successfully used to sample a variety of shallow water
              habitats including marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, and bare
              mud and sand bottoms (Zimmerman et al., 1992). Existing data for Galveston Bay is
              available through the NMFS Baseline Production Program.

              Kneib and Wagner (1994) used flume weirs to investigate the use of intertidal
              marshes by fish and invertebrates on Sapelo Island, Georgia. The system they used
              consisted of a series of wooden support posts defining a pentagon-shaped sampling
              area of loo m2 (Kneib and Wagner, 1994). Removable screen panels (1.2 min square
              mesh) were inserted between the posts to enclose the sampling area and capture
              nekton in the marsh. Pits fitted with removable screen baskets were installed at the
              lower apex of the pentagon to capture nekton as they moved out of the enclosure
              during the ebbing tide. Nekton were collected from the baskets after the tide
              receded from the marsh surface. Marsh use during different tidal stages could be
              assessed by installing the panels at different tidal stages. Kneib (1991) provided
              details on flume weir construction and operation.

              6.5.3     QA/QC Considerations

              Population data collected using nets of any form is only comparable if net mesh size
              and fishing effort are standardized. Gill net, trawl, beach seine, and bag seine. data
              are standardized by catch per unit effort based on the size of the area sampled and
              fishing time. It is also desirable to standardize sampling by tidal stage and time of


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            day to the extent practicable as in ost estuarine fish species demonstrate a great
            deal of tidal and diurnal movement that must be accounted for. Although noise
            introduced to the data due to these behavioral patterns can be accounted for, a
            much larger data set will be required to achieve the same level of accuracy in
            estimates.


                  Additional Considerations

            Consistency in the taxonomic identification of fish can best be achieved through
            initiating a regional taxonomic program and establishing a reference collection.
            Regional taxonomic workshops should be conducted on a regular basis (e.g.,
            biennially) with all agencies participating in the Galveston Bay Regional
            Monitoring Program attending. The TPWD should be responsible for establishing a
            reference collection including, at a minimum, examples of all species included in
            their coding system.

            The TPWD Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual describes protocols for
            data submission and editing that should be followed during all fish sampling
            conducted as part of the Regional Monitoring Program. The Operations Manual also
            describes computer data field checks that provide additional quality assurance.
            Routine equipment checks should be conducted at the beginning and completion of
            each sampling effort.



            6.6      FINFISH COMNERCUL HARVEST

            Although not directly related to any of the Resource Management Objectives,
            information on the commercial and recreational value of fish and shellfish
            harvested from Galveston Bay is important for a number of reasons. First it
            provides the primary means for assessing the economic value of fisheries. Such
            assessments are important for measuring the costs and benefits of human activities
            that impact the fisheries. Second, this information allows regulators to evaluate the
            effect of management actions (e.g., changes in regulations) on the resource. Three
            species are identified by the Species Population Protection Task Force as indicators
            of the condition of fish populations in Galveston Bay and whose commercial and
            recreational harvest should be monitored under the Regional Monitoring Program.
            These three species are:

                 ï¿½ bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)
                 ï¿½ Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
                 ï¿½ gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus)

            Bycatch includes all non-target species kept or discarded by fisherman and target
            species that are discarded. The amount of bycatch taken in Galveston Bay is
            another concern related to commercial and recreational fisheries and specific
            management objectives related to bycatch have been identified. Because there are
            extensive commercial and bait shrimp trawl fisheries operating in Galveston Bay
            the potential to impact a number of important fisheries exists. In the following
            discussion, methods are described for monitoring commercial harvests, recreational



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              harvests, and the types and quantities of species taken in the bycatch of commercial
              and bait shrimp trawlers.

              6.6.1    Data Use and Limitations

              Monitoring the species and numbers of finfish taken in the bycatch of commercial
              and bait shrimp trawlers will provide information directly supporting a
              determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
              met:

                  SP-3: Reduce bycatch within the estuary by 50% by the year 2007, accounting
                         for seasonal patterns.

              Monitoring commercial and recreational finfish harvests will provide information
              supporting determinations of whether the following Resource Management
              Objectives are being met:

                  SP-1: At a minimum, maintain fish and crustacean populations within 50% of
                         1975-85 mean levels.
                  HP-5: Restore natural function and values to 50% of degraded wetlands within
                         20 years.
                  FW-2: Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.

              The commercial harvest of finfish in Galveston Bay has been monitored since 1880
              providing one of the most long-term data sets describing Bay fisheries available
              (Osborn et al., 1992). Although inconsistencies in data collection techniques prevent
              its use for statistical analyses of trends or changes in populations, it does provide
              valuable information about historical changes in community structure (i.e., the
              relative abundance of species).

                    Agency MandateslObjectives

              The TPWD, in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service, monitors the
              commercial harvest of finfish in Galveston Bay. The objectives of the TPWD
              program are:

                   ï¿½  Determine the live weight and ex-vessel value of finfish, crabs, oysters,
                      shrimp, and other marine life purchased by seafood dealers from
                      commercial fishermen as an indication of harvest (fishing mortality) by
                      commercial fishermen to comply with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
                      (TPWD) Code (1985-86), Sections 61.051, 66.209, 66.217, 77.004, and 77.005

                   ï¿½ Publish results in report form which will assist managers and legislators in
                      effectively managing the coastal fisheries of Texas (TPWD, 1989).

              The TPWD Texas Marine Sport Harvest Monitoring Program collects information
              on recreational fishing throughout Texas. The objectives of that program are:




                                                   278








                 ï¿½ Determine estimates of total daylight marine resource landings, catch per
                     unit of effort, and size composition by species for:
                          - Bay and Gulf private-boat sport fishermen
                          - Bay and Gulf party-boat (10 people or fewer) sport fishermen.

                 ï¿½ Publish results in report form which will assist ecosystem and fishery
                     managers in effectively regulating harvest (TPWD, 1993b).

             6.6.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

                   Existing Monitoring PrograinslSpecial Studies

             The TPWD Coastal Resource Harvest Commercial Landings Program monitors
             commercially harvested finfish, shrimp, crab, oyster, and other marine resources.
             Licensed seafood dealers are required to report information about all edible
             saltwater products purchased from commercial fishermen in Monthly Marine
             Products Reports submitted to TPWD or the National Marine Fisheries Service
             (NMFS). Data collected includes total weight or number of individuals, price per
             pound, and the name of the water body where the seafood was collected. Data from
             this program are stored on magnetic tape in a mainframe computer located in
             Austin.

             The TPWD Coastal Resource Harvest Recreational Landings Program monitors
             recreational finfish harvests in Galveston Bay. Under this program on-site, trip-end
             interviews are conducted at 125 boat access survey sites. A total of 133 surveys are
             conducted each year. Data collected include specifics about the fishing effort of each
             boat interviewed, the number and species of fish landed, total length of fish landed,
             species sought, and fishing method.

             Galveston Bay National Estuary Program sponsored work by NMFS to characterize
             bycatch associated with trawl shrimp fisheries in Galveston Bay. To accomplish this
             NMFS reviewed existing bycatch studies from Galveston Bay and conducted new
             sampling efforts to characterize the species composition and abundance of bycatch
             taken throughout the Bay. Historical information was found to be quite limited,
             consisting of several studies conducted during the 1980s. Furthermore, these
             studies were limited in their spatial and temporal coverage and frequently focused
             on a single species or small group of selected species. Martinez et al. (1993) describe
             three of the most prominent studies and discuss their results.

             Twenty-five shrimp vessels (both commercial and bait trawlers) were se       lected by
             NMFS to participate in a study of bycatch in Galveston Bay. Nineteen of these 25
             were randomly selected to provide samples from their operations for analysis of
             bycatch. Samples were collected by on-board observers during normal fishing
             operations and captains were paid up to $200 per sampling trip (Martinez, et al.,
             1993). Sampling was stratified by dividing the Bay into three fishing zones, Trinity
             Bay, Upper Galveston and East Bays, and Lower Galveston and West Bays.





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                    Recommended Monitoring Approach

              The methods used in the TPWD Coastal Resource Harvest Commercial Landings
              Program and Coastal Resource Harvest Recreational Landings Program are
              suitable for monitoring commercial and recreational finfish harvests, respectively.
              Data from past monitoring conducted under these programs provide valuable
              historic information that can be used to assess trends in commercial and
              recreational harvests. These methods should be applied during all commercial or
              recreational finfish harvest monitoring conducted as part of the Regional
              Monitoring Program.

              Methods for monitoring byeatch in the commercial and bait shrimp trawl industry
              are described in Martinez et al. (1993). These methods are based on the work
              conducted by NMFS but may be modified to provide a more complete sampling of all
              commercial and bait shrimp vessels.

                    Commercial Harvest

              Any individual applying for or renewing a seafood dealers license must indicate
              whether or not saltwater products will be purchased from commercial fishermen. A
              list of all license holders is maintained by TPWD. All licensed seafood dealers are to
              submit a Monthly Marine Products Report (MMPR) to TPWD. The MMPR covers
              the preceding month's transactions including total weight (or total number of
              individuals), price per pound, and the name of the water body where the catch was
              taken. Shrimp landings may either be reported directly to NMFS or by submitting a
              MMPR to TPWD. Details on the Coastal Resource Harvest Commercial Landings
              Program methods are contained in the Commercial Harvest Field Operations
              Manual (TPWD, 1989).

                    Recreational Harvest

              The TPVVD Coastal Resource Harvest Recreational Landings Program surveys the
              catch of sport-boat fishing landings throughout Texas. Estimates of fishing pressure
              are obtained through counts of trailers and empty wet slips at boat access sites.
              Survey sites are selected randomly but selection is weighted according to mean rove
              counts, adjusted for trailer location, percent bay and pass pressure, and percent
              angling parties. Landing rates and size composition of the catch by species are
              obtained through on-site interviews of boaters completing their trips.

                    Bycatch

              TPWD has recently begun a bycatch monitoring program based on the work by
              NMFS. It is recommended that bycatch monitoring conducted as part of the
              Regional Monitoring Program follow the protocols developed for the TPWD
              monitoring program. The TPWD protocols call for collecting a sample of
              approximately 25 pounds (4 gallons of sample weighed to the nearest pound) after
              the total weight of the catch from a commercial shrimp trawl drag is obtained
              (TPWD, 1994). Samples are only collected from licensed commercial bay shrimp



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            vessels. Samples are returned to a TPWD field station to obtain information on
            species composition, size, number, and weight.

            Martinez et al. (1993) stratified sampling by location and time of year. It is
            recommended that sampling under the Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring
            Program be similarly stratified until available data indicates a change in sampling
            effort is justified. A detailed description of on-board procedures is provided in
            Appendix 3 of Martinez et al. (1993). Example data sheets for recording bycatch
            information and sample descriptions are included in Appendix 3 of Martinez et al.
            (1993).

            6.6.3     QA/QC Considerations

            A program that relies on public input for data is susceptible to significant error due
            to inconsistencies in reporting. The amount of error is minimized by providing
            participants in the program with detailed instructions on data tabulation and
            reporting procedures. The Commercial Harvest Field Operations Manual (TPWD,
            1989) provides such instructions. Quality control can best be achieved through spot
            checks (i.e., boat visits) in which agency personnel conduct separate tabulations for
            later comparison withdata submitted by the seafood dealers. Aerial surveillance
            could also be used as a means of verifying the location of harvests reported by
            commercial fishermen.



            6.7      OYSTER POPULATION

            Oysters are an economically important species in Galveston Bay that has been
            commercially harvested since the 1800s. Because of their sessile nature, changes in
            the abundance and distribution of oysters provides an excellent means for assessing
            environmental conditions in an area. Monitoring oyster populations is important
            both because of their economic value and their ecological significance.

            Monitoring the condition of Galveston Bay oyster populations involves
            measurement of both the extent of oyster reefs and the density and condition of the
            oysters themselves. Throughout much of the following discussion these two aspects
            of monitoring oyster populations are treated separately. The discussion on data use
            and limitations is applicable to oyster population monitoring as a whole. There are,
            however, somedistinct difference between the sampling and analytical methods and
            the QA/QC procedures used in measuring the aerial extent of oyster reefs and the
            density and condition of the oysters themselves.

            6.7.1    Data Use and Limitations

            Information on the abundance and distribution of oyster populations will be used to
            determine whether the following Resource Management Objective is being met:

                SP-2: At a minimum, maintain oyster population levels within 50% of 1983-
                       1993 levels.





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              Monitoring oyster populations will also provide information to support a
              determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
              met:

                  FW-2: Determine annual and seasonal inflow needs to the Bay by 1995.


              6.7.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

              This subsection begins with a brief description of sampling and analytical methods
              that have been used to measure the aerial extent of oyster reefs and the abundance
              of oysters in Galveston Bay.

                    Existing Monitoring Programs

              The TPV%rD is the only agency presently conducting routine monitoring of oyster
              abundance in Galveston Bay. As part of that agency's Resource Monitoring
              Program, 30 samples are collected each month using a 495 mm wide by 241 mm
              high oyster dredge. Sampling sites are selected randomly prior to each sampling
              event from among 126 areas known to contain oyster reefs.

              No agency is presently monitoring the extent of oyster reefs in Galveston Bay. A
              survey of the location, relief, and areal extent of oyster reefs in Galveston Bay has
              been sponsored by GBNEP. Seismic survey techniques were used to identify and
              map the extent of oyster reefs and ground-truthing was conducted (using tong or
              dredge to collect samples) to verify the presence of oyster reefs (Powell and Soniat,
              1991). A global positioning system (GPS) navigational system was used to precisely
              map the location of reefs and ground-truthing samples.

                    Recommended Monitoring Approach

              Only TPVTD presently conducts routine monitoring of oyster population density in
              Galveston Bay. The methods used by that agency are suitable for assessing
              attainment of the Resource Management Objectives described above and to meet
              the general objectives of the Regional Monitoring Plan.

              The methods and equipment used by TPWD are described in detail in the Marine
              Resource Monitoring Operations Manual (TPWD, 1993a). Samples are collected
              only from known oyster reefs that are at least 0.2 m higher than the surrounding
              bay bottom, 91.4 m long, 0.5 m wide, and below the mean low tide line on nautical
              charts. All oyster shell equal to greater than 25 mm in length should be considered
              in the sample. If shells of live and dead oysters can be culled (separated) then each
              should be considered separately in counts. If live and dead oysters can not be culled,
              then only attached live oysters should be counted. For each sample, 19 live oysters
              should be randomly selected for measurement and the remainder should be counted.
              Five individuals should be selected from among the 19 live oysters selected
              measured and the spat (5-25 mm) on one randomly selected side of each should be
              counted. Five randomly selected dead shells should be selected and the spat
              similarly counted.


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            The acoustic profiling techniques described by Simons et al. (1992) and applied in a
            GBNEP sponsored survey of oyster reefs in Galveston Bay are recommended to be
            used to measure the areal extent of oyster reefs for the Regional Monitoring
            Program. These methods provide accurate and precise mapping of oyster reefs at a
            relatively low cost. The methods have already been used successfully in Galveston
            Bay, thus providing base line data for future comparisons. However, it is
            recommended that the accuracy and precision of mapping efforts be increased by
            running more transects than during the GBNEP survey.

            It is recommended that bathymetric data be standardized to a constant datum and
            processed for analysis by a Geographic Information System compatible with that
            used for the Habitat Monitoring component of the Regional Monitoring Program.

                  Additional Considerations

            It may also be desirable to monitor oyster condition and infection of dermo.
            Methods for measuring dermo infection are described in Ray (1966) and Wilson, et
            al. (1990). It is recommended that a condition index be developed following the
            methods of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National
            Status and Trends Program.

                  Data Reporting

            Species abundance data are recorded on Marine Resource Monitoring Data Sheets
            and ancillary information recorded on Marine Resource/Harvest Investigation
            Meteorological and Hydrological Data Sheets. Example copies of these data sheets
            are included in the Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual (TPWD, 1993a).
            Codes for identifying sampling grid locations, species, sex and age of individuals,
            and the collection method used are also contained in the Operations Manual.

            6.7.3    QA/QC Considerations

            The Marine Resource Monitoring Operations Manual outlines procedures for data
            coding, data submission, and specific computer programmed data checks. All oyster
            population monitoring data recording should follow these procedures and be subject
            to the described data checks. Routine equipment inspections should be conducted at
            the outset and upon completion of each sampling event to prevent equipment failure
            in the field and ensure proper operations.


            6.8      FISHERIES LOSSES DUE TO IMPINGEMENT AND
                     ENTRAINMENT

            Existing information indicates that significant numbers of fish and crustaceans are
            lost each year due to impingement and entrainment at water intake structures. In
            1978 more than 87 million organisms weighing nearly 450',000 kg were impinged at
            five Houston Lighting and Power (HL&P) generating stations (Palafox, 1993). A
            number of commercially and recreationally important species were among those


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              most frequently affected. These include white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), brown
              shrimp (Penaeus aztecus), blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), Gulf menhaden
              (Brevoortia patronus), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), sand seatrout (Cynoscion
              arenarius), spotted seatrout (Leiostomus xanthurus), and Atlantic croaker
              (Micropogonias undulatus) (Palafox, 1993).

              6.8.1     Data Use and Limitations

              Monitoring fisheries losses due to impingement and entrainment at water intake
              structures provides information directly supporting a determination of whether the
              following Resource Management Objective is being met:

                  SP-4: Reduce       current levels         of fish     mortality      caused      by
                          impingement/entrainment by 50% by the year 2007.

              To determine whether this objective is being met the monitoring data must be
              capable of detecting changes of the indicated magnitude (i.e., 50 percent) in
              statistical comparisons with existing information. Results from this component of
              the Regional Monitoring Program should also provide information that could be
              used in selecting appropriate actions for reducing losses if the objective is not being
              met.

                    Agency MandateslObjectives

              The TNRCC is responsible for protecting the quality of the state's surface water and
              groundwater resources. To accomplish this TNRCC develops water quality
              standards, and regulates point and nonpoint pollution sources.

              The TNRCC is primarily concerned with measuring the physical/chemical
              characteristics of water for comparison with state standards and criteria and permit
              limitations. Biological data, however, serve a number of purposes that include
              identifying appropriate designated uses, assessing water quality standards and
              criteria, and measuring the ecological impact of changes in water quality.
              Information on fisheries losses due to impingement and entrainment at water
              intake structures would assist TNRCC in developing permit restrictions for these
              structures.

              This component of the Regional Monitoring Program should provide information on
              the affects of water temperature and season on impingement and entrainment
              rates. Existing information suggests that these factors influence survival and the
              number of individuals impinged or entrained. Such information could be used to
              select appropriate management options for reducing mortality due to impingement
              and entrainment.










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            6.8.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

                  Existing Monitoring Programs

            The only agency that presently conducts routine monitoring of impingement and
            entrainment at water intake facilities is TNRCC. Under the TNRCC program two
            locations (one power plant and one industrial) are sampled twice each year. Past
            monitoring has also been conducted by Houston Light and Power (HL&P) at five
            HL&P cooling structures in the Galveston Bay area.

                  Recommended Monitoring Approach

            The TNRCC/HL&P monitoring program provides the most complete data set
            available describing fisheries losses due to impingement and entrainment at water
            intake structures. Because of the existing data and the fact that only TNRCC has
            established protocols, the methods used in that program are recommended for all
            impingement and entrAinment data collection conducted as part of the Galveston
            Bay Regional Monitoring Program. These methods are described in detail in the
            TNRCC Impingement and Entrainment Monitoring Protocols (G. Guillen, TNRCC,
            personal communication). Results of the fisheries and invertebrate monitoring
            programs will provide population estimates to be used in evaluating the impacts of
            impingement and entrainment on selected species.


            6.9      INTRODUCED EXOTIC SPECIES

            Several introduced exotic species present in the Galveston Bay estuary system.
            threaten to displace native species and reduce habitat quality. Monitoring the
            abundance and distribution of introduced exotic species is necessary to protect these
            species and their habitat and to provide managers with the information required to
            develop workable control plans. The Species Population Protection Task Force
            selected the following three introduced exotic species to be monitored as part of the
            Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program:

                 ï¿½ Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
                 ï¿½ Nutria (M@ocastor coypu)
                 ï¿½ Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.)

            Monitoring populations of each species will require different methods and each is
            therefore treated separately in the following discussion. Grass Carp and fire ant
            populations will be monitored in conjunction with other components of the Regional
            Monitoring Program.

            6.9.1    Data Use and Limitations

            Information on the abundance and distribution of introduced exotic species will be
            used to determine whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
            met:





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                  SP-6: By the year 2005 reduce the abundance of selected exotic species,
                         including nutria and grass carp, by 10%.
              Results from this component of the Regional Monitoring Programwill also support a
              determination of whether the following Resource Management Objective is being
              met:

                  HP-6: Improve and protect habitat on 10 major colonial bird nesting sites
                         within 5 years.

              6.9.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

                    Existing Monitoring Programs

              Grass Carp: Grass carp were introduced to the United States in 1963, primarily to
              control the growth of aquatic vegetation. In 1967, concerns over possible
              detrimental effects on ecosystems led the State of Texas to prohibit the introduction
              of grass carp, however, illegal introductions were reported in the early 1980s. In
              1981 the Texas Legislature approved an experimental introduction of triploid
              (functionally sterile) grass carp (Trimm et al., 1989). Recent evidence suggests that
              grass carp, originating from either illegal introductions or triploid stockings, have
              successfully spawned in the Trinity River (Robert Howells, personal
              communication). Furthermore, samples of juvenile individuals collected at a number
              of locations in Galveston Bay indicate that successful recruitment has also occurred
              in the estuary.

              Presently there is no routine monitoring of grass carp populations in Galveston Bay.
              The TPWD sampled ichthyoplankton in the Trinity River to determine whether
              successful reproduction of grass carp is occurring in the area. Sampling was
              conducted during the spring and summer of 1992 and 1993 at three locations below
              Lake Livingston. Samples were collected using a 0.5 m conical plankton net cast
              from a bridge or boat (Robert Howells, personal communication). In addition,
              juvenile and adult grass carp have been collected during routine fisheries
              monitoring and fish kill monitoring conducted by TPWD, and incidentally by sport
              and commercial fisherman. Grass carp data from these sources are summarized by
              Trimm et al. (1989).

              Nutria: Wild populations of nutria first became established in the United States in
              the 1940s (Kinler et al., 1987). Populations were kept in check in most areas by
              trapping due to the heavy demand for their pelts in Europe. However, the market
              for nutria fur declined dramatically in the 1980s and populations are now
              increasing in many areas. High densities of nutria can cause damage to
              agricultural crops, levees and shoreline, and marsh vegetation. Recent surveys in
              Louisiana identified approximately 12,000 acres of marsh that had been damaged
              by nutria (Greg Linscombe, personal communication). No routine monitoring of
              nutria populations is presently conducted in the Galveston Bay estuary.

              Fire Ants: Fire ants are thought to have been first introduced to the United States
              in the early 1900s, possibly in ballast or dunnage discarded from ships (Lofgren,



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            1986). Despite efforts to control their populations, fire ants now occur throughout
            much of the southern United States from Texas to Florida and as far north as
            Tennessee. Fire ants are extremely aggressive, stinging insects with a voracious
            appetite and high reproductive capacity. They have been found to prey on the eggs
            and young of a number of bird and reptile species and have caused extensive
            damage to several agricultural crops. In some.instances fire ants are believed to
            have caused local decreases in populations of prey species (Adams, 1986).

            Presently there is no routine monitoring of fire ant populations in the Galveston
            Bay estuary. The Species Population Protection Task Force is concerned about
            possible impacts of this species on colonial nesting waterbirds in the area. However,
            no studies to estimate the extent of impacts from fire ant predation on these
            populations have been conducted.

                  Recommended Monitoring Approach

            Grass Carp: Data collected under the finfish monitoring component of the
            Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program may provide information for
            measuring changes in the abundance and distribution of adult grass carp in
            Galveston Bay. However, grass carp are extremely efficient at avoiding nets and do
            not respond well to shocking (Robert Howells, personal communication).
            Conventional methods for estimating their population size would probably meet
            with little success.

            A second concern about this species, whether or not it.is successfully reproducing in
            the estuary, is difficult to address based solely on that type of information.
            Additional sampling to assess reproductive success and recruitment is necessary.
            Larval sampling would provide the best, most cost effective means of determining
            whether a viable population exists, and would also provide information about their
            reproductive life cycle useful for designing control measures if they become
            necessary. Data from larval sampling could also be used to generate an index of
            population size in the future.

            To determine whether grass carp are successfully reproducing in the Galveston
            estuary it is necessary to sample ichthyoplankton for viable eggs and larvae.
            Samples should be collected using a 0.5 m conical plankton net with 1.0 mm mesh.
            Because the eggs and larvae of this species are slightly negatively buoyant, samples
            should be collected with an oblique tow from the near-bottom waters (within 0.25 m
            of the bottom) to the surface (Robert Howells, personal communication).

            After allowing the net to completely drain, the cod-end cup should be emptied into
            the sample container. The cod-end cup should be reattached to the net, the net
            rinsed from the outside, and the contents of the cup added to the sample container.
            Samples should be preserved using a solution of 3 to 5 percent buffered (borax or
            calcium carbonate to a pH of 6.5-7.5) formalin and labeled (Howells, 1985). Sample
            jars should be filled to prevent eggs and larvae from being splashed onto the sides of
            the container during transport.




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              Samples should be processed as described in Howells (1985). All grass carp eggs and
              larvae should be identified and counted. Descriptions of grass carp larvae are
              provided in Kilambi and Zdinak (1981) and Conner et al. (undated).

              Nutria: Monitoring the size of nutria populations over any large area is difficult
              due to the habitat these animals are found in and their behavior (Greg Linscombe,
              personal communication). Nutria have a small home range and their densities
              fluctuate greatly depending on habitat type (Kinler et al., 1987). Mark and
              recapture methods are therefore only useful for small areas where relatively
              continuous habitat conditions exist. It is recommended that population monitoring
              focus on tracking changes in the relative abundance of nutria by developing an
              index based on some measure of their activity in selected areas.

              Except during periods of extreme cold, nutria are most active at night (Kinler et al.,
              1987; Dwight LeBlanc, personal communication). Changes in their relative
              abundance could be monitored' using transect or point count methods by
              spotlighting at night, perhaps in conjunction with alligator surveys. However, in
              areas of dense vegetation, visual counts would be extremely difficult and could
              provide inconclusive or misleading data. Alternatively, an index could be
              established based on some other indicator of their activity such as scat counts,
              active trail counts, or evidence of feeding activity (Kinler et al., 1987). It is
              recommended that a special study be undertaken to determine which of these
              methods would be best suited for the Galveston Bay estuary.

              If number of individuals is used as the measure of nutria activity it is recommended
              that transects or counting stations be located between 1.5 and 2 kni apart. It is
              suggested that transect width and/or the area to be censused at counting stations be
              determined based on the maximum range of sight in the densest cover to be
              monitored. Counting time at each station or speed along the transects should be
              standardized. For other measures of nutria activity (e.g., scat counts, active trail
              counts, or evidence of feeding activity) it is recommended that sampling be done
              along established transects (2 kni apart). It is recommended that specific criteria
              for counting any measure other than number of individuals be established (e.g., for
              determining whether a trail is active).

              Fire Ants: A major concern surrounding the abundance and distribution of fire
              ants centers around their impact on colonial nesting waterbirds. Monitoring of this
              group, therefore, should be done in conjunction with the colonial waterbird nesting
              habitat component of the Regional Monitoring Program.

              Two methods can be used to determine the extent of the impact of fire ants on
              colonial nesting waterbirds. It is recommended that their abundance and
              distribution be monitored by counts of their mounds in the vicinity of waterbird
              nesting colonies. Mounds should be counted annually prior to the nesting season
              during colonial waterbird nesting habitat surveys. It is also recommended that the
              impact of fire ants on these colonies be estimated by surveys for the carcasses of
              juveniles and eggs preyed upon by the fire ants. These surveys should be conducted
              at selected nesting colonies, at the end of the nesting season.




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                   Available Alternative Monitoring Approaches

            Grass Carp: Grass carp spawn during a narrow temperature range (18-20' Q and
            demonstrate rapid development until hatching (approximately 24 hours) and
            through the yolk sac stage (24-36 hours) (Robert Howells, personal communication).
            During early development the eggs and larvae move with the current down stream
            from the spawning area. Frequent sampling should be conducted during the period
            when spawning and early development are likely to be occurring (i.e., when water
            temperatures are near 18-20' Q. Several stations should be sampled in areas where
            spawning is likely to occur and downstream of these locations. Although 0.5 m
            plankton nets are suitable for collecting grass carp eggs and early larval stages,
            individuals larger than 12 mm are collected less frequently by this method and may
            be able to avoid the net (Robert Howells, personal communication). Bongo nets are
            designed to reduce net avoidance by eliminating the need for a harness that extends
            in front of the net. These nets consist of paired conical plankton nets that are rigged
            adjacent to one another by a rigid frame. A single line is attached between the two
            nets and weighted at its bottom allowing the net to be fished at any selected depth
            without the need for harnesses extending in front of the mouth of the nets.

            .Nutria: Rather than monitoring changes in nutria populations it may be desirable
            to focus on monitoring the extent of nutria damage in marshes surrounding
            'Galveston Bay. Such an approach has been used successfully for monitoring
            marshes in Louisiana by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (Greg
            Linscombe, personal communication). Six-hundred miles of transects are flown by
            helicopter and the positions of damaged areas are fixed using a global positioning
            system (GPS). On-site surveys are made to assess the severity of the damage.
            Damage is classified in one of three categories, heavy feeding, moderate damage, or
            heavy damage. In May and December of 1993 marsh damage surveys were
            conducted as part of the Barataria-Terreb.onne National Estuary Program in
            Louisiana.

            6.9.3     QA/QC Considerations

            Grass carp eggs and larvae can be difficult to identify and are si miilar to other
            native species occurring in the Galveston estuary in many respects. Samples should
            be sent to Heart of the Hills Fisheries Research Station or the Larval Fish
            Laboratory, Colorado State University for verification.


            6.10      THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

            A number of Federally listed threatened or endangered species occur in the
            Galveston Bay estuary. Because of the additional protection afforded these species
            under the Federal Endangered Species Act, information on their abundance and
            distribution is particularly important to regulators. Species whose populations    ' are
            in. danger of extinction due to human activities are valuable indicators of
            environmental condition. Management          actions taken to protect threatened or
            endangered species or their habitat are      easily evaluated by changes in species
            abundance.



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               The Species Population Protection Task Force identified the following species as
               indicators for threatened and endangered species in Galveston Bay:

                   * brown pelican
                   0 southeastern snowy plover
                   * Kemp's Ridley sea turtle
                   9 Texas diamondback terrapin

               Although the bird population monitoring described in Section 6.3 will likely provide
               some data on brown pelican and southeastern snowy plover populations, additional
               sampling of these species is recommended. Similar methods could be used to census
               either of these species and suggested methods are therefore described jointly (i.e.,
               bird populations). Monitoring Kemp's Ridley sea turtle and Texas diamondback
               terrapin populations require different methods and each is treated separately in the
               following discussion.

               6.10.1 Data Use and Limitations

               Information on the abundance and distribution of threatened and endangered
               species will be used to determine whether the following Resource Management
               Objective is being met:

                   SP-5: Increase populations of endangered and threatened species.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives

               The Endangered Species Act provides protection for species that are in danger of
               .extinction over all or a significant portion of their range or are likely to become so
               within the foreseeable future. Section 9 of the Act makes it unlawful for any person
               subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take, import, export, possess, sell,
               deliver, carry, transport, or ship any listed species. "Take" includes harassing,
               harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing,
               collecting, or attempting to collect. Furthermore, Section 4 of the Act requires the
               National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
               develop Recovery Plans for all listed species. Monitoring the abundance and
               distribution of threatened and endangered species provides information that will be
               helpful in making decisions regarding the listing or delisting of species.

               6.10.2 Sampling and Analytical Methods

                     Existing Monitoring Programs

               Kemp's Ridley sea turtle: Presently there is very little organized monitoring of
               sea turtles along the Texas coast and most records have probably resulted from
               opportunistic sightings rather than organized sampling (Charles Caillouet, personal
               communication). Surveys to locate stranded sea turtles along the southeast coast of
               the United States are conducted by the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network
               (STSSN). These surveys represent the only ongoing, long-term effort to monitor sea


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            turtle populations along the Texas coast. The NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science
            Center, Galveston Laboratory maintains records of strandings, sightings, and
            incidental catches of shrimp trawls and hook and line fisheries (Manzella and
            Williams, 1992). Efforts have been made to increase public reporting of sea turtle
            sightings by placing signs describing various sea turtle species and providing
            contact information.

            Texas A&M University and NMFS have recently begun a tagging study in
            Galveston Bay to investigate the impact of dredging activities on the Kemp's Ridley
            sea turtle. Up to 20 individuals will be tagged with radio (12) or satellite (8) tags so
            that their movements along the Texas coast can be tracked. In addition, Texas
            A&M University will establish sea turtle capture/monitoring stations at three
            locations along the coast, including Bolivar Roads. Pilot studies to determine the
            population status of Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in these areas will also be initiated
            (Andre Landry, personal communication).

            Texas diamondback terrapin: A public information and reporting system has
            recently been established for reporting the occurrence of Texas diamondback
            terrapin in crab traps. Efforts to encourage the public to use crab trapping methods
            that are less likely to impact terrapin have also begun. Prior to these efforts there
            was no monitoring of Texas diamondback terrapin abundance or distribution in
            Galveston Bay.

            Bird populations: Three existing monitoring programs that census bird
            populations in the Galveston Bay estuary are described in Section 6.3. In addition
            to these programs, the National Audubon Society conducts an annual Christmas
            Bird Count (CBC) in the area. The CBC tallies all birds within a 24-km diameter
            area by species at five areas surrounding the Galveston Bay estuary. Four of these
            count areas (Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston, Houston, and Old River) have been.
            censused on a nearly continuous basis since 1965 (Slack et al., 1992). The fifth
            count area (Armand Bayou) has been censused since 1982. Slack et al. (1992) found
            that the brown pelican was frequently reported in the CBC and feel that the data
            would be suitable for analysis of trends in that species.

            None of the existing monitoring programs recorded southeastern snowy plover
            frequently enough to provide reliable population estimates for that species.

                   Recommended Monitoring Approach

            Kemp's Ridley sea turtle: Due to their low population levels and migratory
            nature, quantitative measures of Kemp's Ridley sea turtle abundance and
            distribution would require extensive sampling. The methods used by the STSSN to
            collect information on sea turtles could provide useful information on the occurrence
            of Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in Galveston Bay. In the long term such monitoring
            would provide an index of relative population size. Information about the
            distribution of Kemp's Ridley sea turtle within the Galveston Bay estuary will allow
            managers to identify high use areas and see that these areas are protected from
            human impacts.




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              It is recommended that a program be initiated to increase public awareness and
              knowledge of sea turtles and thereby increase public reporting of stranded turtles
              throughout the Galveston Bay estuary. Information displays could be constructed
              at public access points in areas were stranded sea turtles have most frequently been
              observed (e.g., based on Manzella and Williams, 1992). Such displays would
              encourage public participation and increase awareness. Visitors could be requested
              to provide information about the amount of time they spent in an area, any turtles
              observed, and other pertinent information.

              It is recommended that    information about public use patterns in the vicinity of
              displays also be collected. This will enable investigators to assess whether changes
              in the number of reportings are due to changes in sea turtle distributions or to
              changes in the level of human activity in an area.

              Texas diamondback terrapin: It is recommended that a public reporting
              program be initiated to provide information on   'the number of Texas diamondback
              terrapin occurring in crab traps. Although this information could not be used to
              generate an estimate population size, it would provide an index of population size
              and could also provide valuable information on the significance of the impact crab
              trapping is having on terrapin populations.

              Reporting cards could be made available at boat launches and public access areas.
              It is recommended that a display describing the Texas diamondback terrapin and
              its ecology along with instructions for filling out reports be provided. The display
              should stress the importance of filling out and submitting the report cards
              regardless of whether terrapin were caught. Table 6.6 lists suggested information
              to be requested in the volunteer reporting program.

              Table 6-6. TERRAPIN REPORTING INFORMATION


                   Date
                   Fishing location
                   Number of traps
                   Time fishing was begun
                   Time fishing ended
                   Total fishing time (hours)
                   Approximate time each trap was fished before being checked (hours)
                   Number of Texas diamondback terrapin caught
                   Type of bait


              Bird populations: It is recommended that brown pelicans and southeastern snowy
              plover be censused using the point count method. Point counts are conducted by
              visiting a designated point and counting, either through direct counts or call counts,
              the number of species and individuals observed within a specified time period. To
              generate an accurate estimate of population size using this method individuals
              must be randomly distributed within the defined habitat and the area being
              censused must be representative of that habitat as a whole. An estimate of the
              aerial extent of a species habitat must also be available to estimate population size


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            using this method. Without a measure of the total extent of habitat, this method
            provides an index of population size that can be used for estimating relative changes
            in a population.

            It is recommended that sampling points for brown pelican and southeastern snowy
            plover be established at known high use areas for these species. Existing or
            proposed sampling locations for the Shorebird Surveys, Texas Colonial Waterbird
            Counts (see Section 6.3), or the CBC, should be considered as sampling locations. It
            is recommended that sampling be conducted during morning low tides of the spring
            tide cycle each month that sampling is conducted. As both of these species are
            migratory with regard to there use of Galveston Bay it is suggested that efforts be
            focused on establishing an index to track relative changes in population size rather
            than providing an estimate of population size.

                  Available Alternative Monitoring Approaches

            Kemp's Ridley sea turtle: Intensive studies could be conducted using telemetry to
            track the movement of individual turtles in the Estuary. It is recommended that
            any such work follow the methods being used in the joint Texas A&M University'
            and NMFS study. Turtles can be captured using entanglement nets or standard
            bait casting nets deployed along the jetties and in other areas where sea turtles are
            known to occur in Galveston Bay. Radio tagging of captured individuals will allow
            their movements to be tracked throughout Galveston Bay.

            It is recommended that tagging only be undertaken if results of the Texas A&M
            University-NMFS study indicate that such methods could provide data suitable for
            estimating population size. Although useful information about the movement of
            Kemp's Ridley sea turtles in Galveston Bay could be gained through a limited
            tagging program, estimating population size would require a significantly greater
            effort. The potential for harming individuals needs to be carefully considered before
            subjecting an endangered species to such an intensive sampling program.

            6.10.3    QA/QC Considerations

            Kemp's Ridley sea turtle: In public access areas where permanent employees are
            stationed, training/orientation should be provided so that these employees are able
            to confirm reported sightings.














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            CHAPTER 7
            PUBLIc HEALTH

            The Galveston Bay estuary is the largest source of seafood in Texas, and one of the
            major oyster producing areas in the country. Commercial and recreational fishing
            represents an almost one-billion dollar industry, and molluscan shellfish (e.g.,
            oysters) and other seafood (e.g., crabs, shrimp, and finfish) harvested from
            Galveston Bay are consumed by millions of individuals. Maintenance of adequate
            public health standards of estuarine seafood is essential for the protection of the
            consuming public, and is critical for the long-term stability of seafood-derived
            industries within Texas.

            Consumption of bioaccumulated toxicants and bacterial pathogens in fish and
            shellfish tissue and contact with bacterial pathogens during water-based
            recreational activities are the three major public health concerns associated with
            the environmental management of Galveston Bay. Because oysters are often eaten
            raw, contaminated oysters can threaten human health because they are often eaten
            raw, contaminated oysters have the potential to pose a serious threat to human
            health. Consumption of other fish, in which toxic contaminants have
            bioaccumulated can also lead to adverse health effects for the consumer. Contact
            and non-contact recreational activities in contaminated waters (e.g., swimming,
            boating) can also present hazards to human health.

            Three Resource Management Objectives have been developed in the Galveston Bay
            Plan to support public health protection:

                 PH-1: By the year 2000, reduce the,risk of consumption of Galveston Bay
                        seafood containing tissue concentrations of toxic substances above risk
                        level standards established by the Texas Department of Health (TDH).

                 PH-2:  Increase the oyster reef areas open to harvest by 25 percent on a spatial
                        and temporal basis by August 1995, as compared to a 1988 baseline.

                 PH-3:  By the year 2000, establish a contact recreation advisory program in all
                        areas of the estuary commonly used for contact recreation.

            Monitoring of levels of fecal coliforms in Galveston Bay waters and concentrations of
            contaminants in the edible tissue of target fish and shellfish are necessary to fulfill
            these monitoring objectives.


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              7.1       PATHOGENS

              It is not possible to routinely identify and enumerate the many different human
              pathogens that can be found in estuarine waters. Thus, indicator groups have been
              used to monitor health risks. In the past, total coliform bacteria, and more recently,
              fecal coliforms have been used as indicator organisms.

              Other microbiological organisms, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal
              streptococcus, and enterococcus have been used or recommended as indicators in
              either USEPA guidance or state water quality standards (Jensen and Su, 1992).
              However, the Texas water quality criteria for contact and non-contact recreational
              waters, and the water quality criteria for shellfish growing waters, as defined by the
              National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) use only fecal coliform bacteria as
              indicators.

              7.1.1     Data Use and Limitations

              The assessment of pathogen contamination is an essential component of a
              monitoring program concerned with risks to human health and economic viability of
              an estuary. Monitoring of fecal coliform concentrations provides essential
              information relating the temporal and spatial distribution of pathogens to
              regulatory actions, such as issuing contact health advisories and -closing shellfish
              growing areas to harvesting. Furthermore, monitoring of effluent discharges can be
              used to identify potential sources of pathogens and to support the attainment of
              water quality standards.

              Although fecal coliform monitoring methods have been widely accepted for many
              years by public health authorities, it is by no means an ideal indicator. One major
              limitation of the test is that it is subject to many false positive results (that is, it
              may indicate that a health risk exists when one does not exist). On the other hand,
              the test does not directly measure several of the naturally occurring pathogens,
              such as E. coli and Vibrio vulnificus, which may be harmful if contacted or
              consumed.

              Monitoring of fecal coliform levels in Galveston Bay will provide data to support the
              determination of whether the following Resource Management Objectives are being
              attained:

                  PH-2: Increase the oyster reef areas open to harvest by 25 percent on a spatial
                          and temporal basis by August 1995, as compared to a 1988 baseline.

                  PH-3: By the year 2000, establish a contact recreation advisory program in all
                          areas of the estuary commonly used for contact recreation.

                     Agency MandateslObjectives




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            With respect to the human health consequences of seafood processing a               nd
            consumption, the TDH's Division of Shellfish Sanitation Control (DSSC) is
            responsible for monitoring and harvesting activities within the State of Texas under
            Chapter 436 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Hadden and Riggin, 1993). The
            chapter authorizes the DSSC to monitor and ensure the public safety of fish and
            shrimp, shellfish (oysters, mussels, and clams), and crabs taken from Texas water
            for human consumption. The current DSSC monitoring procedures follow the
            National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of Operations, published by the
            Shellfish Sanitation Branch of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA and
            ISSC, 1990).

            In part, the procedures require a sanitary survey and classification as to the
            suitability of the areas to produce shellfish fit for human consumption. The sanitary
            survey consists of three components:

                 0  a survey of the shoreline to evaluate all actual and potential pollution
                    sources
                 *  an evaluation of hydrographic (water dynamics, dispersion) and
                    meteorlogical (quantity and frequency of rains, effects of winds) effects
                 0  the collection and analysis of water samples for fecal coliform
                    concentrations.

            All three components are used to determine the status of harvest areas as either
            approved, conditionally approved, or prohibited for harvesting. The most variable
            parameters are rainfall, river flow, and coliform count. Rainfall and river stage are
            collected daily from the National Weather Service. Fecal coliform concentrations are
            estimated from water samples collected by TDH from about 112 sampling stations
            throughout the bay, each one of which is monitored 12 to 30 times a year (Jensen
            and Su, 1993).

            Bacteriological monitoring, using fecal coliform counts, is also performed by the
            TNRCC, as part of its responsibility for protecting the quality of the state's surface
            water and groundwater resources. A wide suite of parameters are measured in
            conjunction with the coliform concentration estimates to monitor ambient water and
            sediment conditions. Each year, approximately 240 samples are collected by the
            TNRCC from 68 stations for coliform and other physical and chemical analyses.

            Bay waters are deemed unacceptable for recreational use if fecal coliform
            concentrations exceed USEPA and State of Texas water quality critera of 200
            colonies/100 mL for contact recreation and 2000 colonies/100 mL for noncontact
            recreation. However, no contact recreation advisory program is currently in place
            within the bay.










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              7.1.2    Sampling and Analytical Methods

                    Collection methods

              Collection of near-surface water samples is a straightforward procedure that can be
              performed with hand-held glass or plastic containers. Procedures that are used by
              TDH and TNRCC differ mainly in'the location and timing of the collections. TDH,
              charged with the protection of public health, is concerned with forming "a profile for
              periods defining adverse pollution conditions that reflect adverse meteorological,
              hydrographic, seasonal, and point sources of pollution," (USFDA and ISSC, 1990).
              TNRCC monitoring data is used, in part, to assess long-term trends in water
              quality, and thus are concerned with ambient conditions, and not potential worse-
              case conditions.

              Procedures followed by TDH are outlined in:

                 National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of Operations.
                 USFDA and ISSC, 1990.

              This manual specifies that: Recommended Procedures for the Examination of
              Seawater and Shellfish. (APHA, 1970) shall be followed for the collection,
              transportation, and examination of samples of shellfish and shellfish waters.
              Methods and techniques described are reported to be identical to those of Standard
              Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th ed. (APHA, 1992).

              Ancillary data collected during field sampling includes water, temperature,
              dissolved oxygen concentration, and salinity. Observations of weather conditions
              (air temperature, wind direction and speed) are recorded as well. Rainfall data and
              river stage information for the Trinity River are updated daily. Based on statistical
              analyses of historical studies, the TDH uses this data to determine if closures of
              specific areas are to be made (Hadden and Riggin, 1993).

              TNRCC sample collection protocols for bacterial determinations are defined in the
              Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Section 307.9 (15 TexReg 7495). Again,
              procedures for the collection and preservation of samples are required to be in
              accordance with Standard Methods.

                    Analytical methods

              Both TDH and TNRCC stipulate the same reference, Standard Methods, but
              different analytical procedures to determine fecal coliform counts. The multiple-tube
              most probable number test (MPN) is performed by the THDH, as required by the
              NNSSP. The membrane filter (MF) method is used by the TNRCC. Complete details
              of the two laboratory test procedures are found in Standard Methods (APHA, 1992)
              and a concise summary of each is presented in Appendix B of Jensen and Su (1992).

              While Standard Methods indicates the two procedures produce equivalent results,
              TDH follow the NSSP requirement to use the MPN procedure. This requirement
              resulted from NSSP comparisons of the two methods that found the MF procedure



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            yields lower colony counts in turbid water. Apparently high suspended solids
            content can reduce the ability of the growth media to reach bacteria that would
            otherwise become countable colonies (Jensen and Su, 1992).

                  Recommended Monitoring Method

            Both methods are required to provide the necessary data to assess the two Resource
            Management Objectives. The TDH MPN method is required by state and federal
            regulations, the TNRCC method using the membrane filter method will continue to
            be used to as an ambient monitoring method to support Galveston Bay Regional
            Monitoring Program. Although TNRCC results cannot be used directly to
            supplement NSSP monitoring requirements, both datasets can be used for
            monitoring the status and trends of fecal coliform. bacteria within the bay.

                  Alternative Monitoring Approaches

            In the case of human health protection monitoring, alternative approaches focus on.
            .different indicator species than alternative methods of collection or analysis. The
            use of other indicalors of human pathogens have been studied extensively and a
            brief description of the characteristics of two candidate bacteria are discussed.

            E. coli is a member of the coliform bacteria population that may be used to indicate
            ,fecal sources. It is a normal and dominant inhabitant of the mammalian digestive
            tract. However, the use of E. coli as an indicator organism is somewhat hampered
            by the facts that it is not a single species; itcan be found outside the human
            intestinal tract; other organisms found in water that do not represent fecal pollution
            possess some of the attributes of E. coli; and identical genera are found in human
            and other animal intestinal tracts (Jensen and Su, 1992).

            Enterococci belong within the fecal streptococcus group, whose normal habitat is the
            gastrointestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, and their presence in surface
            waters is an indication of fecal contamination. Studies at marine and fresh water
            bathing beaches indicated that swimming- associated gastroenteritis was directly
            related to the quality of. the bathing water and that enterococci were the most
            efficient bacterial indicator of water quality (Cabelli et al., 1982). USEPA
            recommends enterococci as the only bacterial indicator for marine water in. its 1986
            Wate,r Quality Criteria (USEPA, 1986b).

            Both of these bacteria possess some advantages over fecal coliforms as indicator
            organisms. But the regulatory mandates of the TDH to follow procedures described
            in the NSSP effectively prevent changes in methods. Therefore, for the foreseeable
            future'the fecal coliform group is likely to continue to be the basis for much of the
            water quality testing and regulatory decision making regarding both shellfish
            harvesting and contact recreation. However, members of the GBNEP Public Health
            Task Force have strongly recommended that the use          'of other bacteriological
            indicators (e.g., enterococcus, E. coli) be considered for inclusion into the regional
            monitoring program at a later date.




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              7.1.3     QA/QC Considerations

              TDH guidelines require that samples be collected, transported, and analyzed in
              accordance with standard methods as found in the following documents:

                  Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
                  16th ed. Washington, DC. American Public Health Association,
                  American Water Works Association, Water Pollution Control
                  Federation; 1985. (The latest edition is the 18th, published in 1992).

                  Bacteriological Analytical Manual of the Division of Microbiology,
                  Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 6th ed. Washington,
                  DC. US Food and Drug Administr* ation, 1984.

                  Official Methods ofAnalysis of the Association of Official Analytical
                  Chemists, 14th ed. Arlington, VA. Association of Official Analytical
                  Chemists, 1984.

              The NSSP further specifies that the state shellfish control agency (TDH, in this
              case):

                   a. Provide an internal monitoring program to evaluate laboratory facilities,
                      equipment, and materials

                   b. Participate in FDA-sponsored proficiency testing programs and on-site
                      laboratory evaluations.

                   c. Provide proper training and supervision for laboratory personnel.

                   d. Maintain records of analytical performance, analytical results, and
                      equipment operations and maintenance.

                   f. Evaluate laboratories supporting state shellfish programs pursuant to
                      established NSSP guidelines.

              TNRCC has established QA procedures for the entire range of sampling and
              analytical efforts conducted by the agency. For example, all sample collection is
              required to be conducted according to procedures found in the latest edition of.

                  Standard Methods (APHA, 1992), or

                  Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. 3rd Ed.
                  EPA 600/4-79-020. Washington, DC. US Environmental Protection
                  Agency,1983,or

                  Biological Field and Laboratory Methods for Measuring the Quality
                  of Surface Waters and Effluents. Washington, DC. US
                  Environmental Protection Agency, 1973.




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             Sample handling procedures, and physical, chemical, and microbiological analytical
             procedures for effluents are required to meet the specifications of Standard Methods
             and the regulations published in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136, pursuant
             to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Required interlaboratory quality control
             practices are as recommended in the latest edition of the manual:

                Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water and Wastewater
                Laboratories. EPA 600/4-79-019. Cincinnati, OH. US
                Environmental Protection Agency, 1979.


             7.2       TOXIC CONTAMINANTS

             Contamination of aquatic resources by toxic chemicals is a well-recognized problem.
             Each year, millions of pounds of fish and shellfish, caught by commercial and sport
             fishermen in Galveston Bay are consumed. However, little or no testing of edible
             tissues for toxic contamination by heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pesticides
             has been conducted to assess or monitor public health risks resulting from
             bioaccumulation (Brooks et al., 1992).

             Toxic contamination And bioaccumulation monitoring can provide data to directly
             support and monitor the attainment of the Public Health Resource Management
             Objective as stated below:

                 PH-1: By the year 2000, reduce the risk of consumption of Galveston Bay
                        seafood containing tissue concentrations of toxic substances above risk
                        level standards established by the Texas Department of Health (TDH).

             The regulatory framework for ensuring that fish are safe to eat is similar to that for
             oysters. Testing procedures are governed exclusively by state laws. At present, there
             are no FDA regulations addressing pollution levels for fish consumption. In Texas,
             as for shellfish, the DSSC oversees human health aspects of the consumption and
             processing of fish under Chapter 436 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (Hadden
             and Riggin, 1993).

             7.2.1     Data Use and Limitations

             Health problems and regulation of fish differ in significant ways from
             bacteriological contamination of oysters. With the exception of fish that have not
             been properly stored, the human health consequences from eating contaminated
             fish are usually long-term and subtle, in contrast to the immediate effects of eating
             bad oysters. Fish are mobile, while oysters are immobile. Thus, while the safety of
             oyster consumption can be indicated by sampling the surrounding waters, the same
             is not true for fish. As well as having to test the tissue of the fish itself, it is also
             necessary to test for a wide suite of possible contaminants. To add to the complexity,
             a number of fish and a number of different species of fish must be tested before
             reasonable decisions can be made as to the safety of a species for human
             consumption.



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             No routine ambient monitoring of toxic contaminant levels in fish tissue is presently
             being carried out in Galveston Bay. TNRCC and TDH do collect and sample tissue
             on an episodic basis, in response to oil spills, toxic leaks, and other accidental
             releases into the bay, although the focus of each agency is different. TNRCC's effort
             is in support of water quality monitoring, while the primary concern of TDH is
             human health risk. Part of the reason for the lack of routine monitoring is the cost
             associated with tissue analyses, which can range from $1,200 to $2,500 per sample,
             depending on the suite of parameters tested.

             NOAA's Status and Trends Mussel Watch Program is designed to monitor the
             current status and long-term trends of selected environmental organic and trace
             metal contaminants along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of the U.S. by
             measuring the concentrations of these contaminants in bivalves. Six sites within
             Galveston Bay are sampled every two years. The data from this program is designed
             to monitor large-scale trends throughout the nation and is too sparse to provide
             detailed information on ambient conditions within Galveston Bay.

             7.2.2     Sampling and Analytical Methods

             Tissues are sampled for a variety of reasons, including the assessment of human
             health risk and the investigation of pollution sources. However, tissue sampling and
             analysis are costly and time consuming, and decisions based on these data can have
             significant impacts on different sectors of society. For these reasons it is important
             to maximize the comparability of data derived from tissue analysis by strictly
             following sampling guidelines for every sampling event (DSSC, no date). These
             guidelines should be made available to all agencies and organizations that may be
             involved in tissue sampling efforts, whether for human health concerns or species
             propagation and health studies. Both TDH and TNRCC have existing and similar
             protocols for tissue collection and preparation (DSSC, no date; TWC, 1993).

                    Recommended Methods

             The TDH protocols, Tissue Sampling Guidelines (DSSC, no date), are specifically
             designed for the sampling of edible tissues and so are recommended to be used for
             monitoring efforts focusing on human health issues.

             Table 7-1 lists those indicator species recommended by the Public Health Protection
             Task Force members.

             As discussed above, TDH laboratories perform (or supervise contract laboratories)
             all the analyses for toxic contaminants in fish and shellfish tissue for samples
             collected in Galveston Bay. The continued use of these existing laboratory methods
             is recommended to support the public health Resource Management Objectives.








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            Table  7-1. RECOMMENDED INDICATOR SPECIES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
                         PROTECTION


                 Shellfish
                 Blue crab
                 Oyster
                 Fish
                 Black Drum
                 Southern Flounder
                 Atlantic Craoker
                 Seatrout
                 Redfish


            USEPA-reconimended analytical methods are used for all tissue analyses. For
            determinations of trace metal concentrations, the references used are:

               Methods for the Determinations of Metals in Environmental
               Samples. EPA 600-4-91-010. Cincinnati, OH. US Environmental
               Protection Agency, 1991.

               Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 3rd ed.
               EPA 600/4-79-020. Cincinnati, OH. US Environmental Protection
               Agency,1983.

            For specific metals, the following methods are used (S. Dubois, 1994):

            Preparation and digestion        200.3 (for all except mercury)
            Mercury                          245.6
            Arsenic                          206.3 (hydride method)
            Cobalt and zinc                  200.7 (using ICP-inductively coupled plasma
                                              spectroscopy)
            Lead                             239.2 (graphite furnace).

            USEPA has published interim      procedures for sampling and analysis of priority
            pollutants in fish tissue (USEPA, 1981); however, official USEPA-approved methods
            are available only for the analysis of low parts-per-million concentrations of metals
            in fish and shellfish tissue (USEPA, 1991b).

                  Alternative Methods

            It is recommended that the fish sampling and analysis guidance presented in
            Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories
            (USEPA, 1993b) be incorporated in the tissue collection and preparation protocols
            issued by TDH. The advantage of more detailed and more rigorous QA/QC methods
            will enhance the quality and comparability of data, especially when collected by
            staff from different agencies.



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            7.2.3   QA/QC Considerations

            QA procedures sample collection and preparation are documented in the DSSC
            sampling guidelines (DSSC, no date). The majority of EPA-approved analytical
            methods include method-specific QA procedures. For overall laboratory QA/QC
            procedures, TDH follow EPA guidelines described in:

              Interim Guidelines and Specifications for Preparing Quality
              Assurance Project Plans. QAMS-005/80. Washington, DC. US
               Environmental Protection Agency, 1980.








































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                      Appendix B









           Thematic Layer Name-             LandCover-TM

           Thematic Layer Description- LandCover-TM is a Landsat Thematic Mapper
           (TM) based Land cover/Land use classification developed by the National Oceanic
           and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal-Change Analyses Program (C-
           CAP) and modified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The
           classification system is a hierarchical system combining characteristics from the
           National Wetland Inventory system (Cowardin et al., 1979) and the Anderson Land
           cover/Land use system (Anderson et al., 1976) customized for satellite derived data.

           Data Structure-

           Field                Defined               Type                Length
           I                    Name                  C                   25
           2                    Division              1                    3
           3                    Super-Class           1                    3
           4                    Class                 1                    3
           5                    Sub Class             I

           The Field 1 character string corresponds to the Land Cover Type (i.e. UPLANDS,
           Urban Woodlands, etc.). The integer value in remaining fields are the Class
           Number.

           Attribute Descriptions- LandCover-TM is structured as follows:

                        X            DIVISION
                        XX           Super Class
                        X.XX         Class
                        XXXX         Sub Class

                  C-CAP/TPWD Coastal Land Cover Classification System

           CLASS               LAND COVER
           NUMBER              TYPE


           1                   1.0 UPLANDS

           2                   1.1 Developed Lands
           3                   1.11 High Intensity
           4                   1.12 Low Intensity
           81                  1.13 Urban Woodlands

           5                   1.2 Cultivated Lands
           6                   1.21 Croplands (Active, vegetated)
           7                   1.22 Agricultural wetlands (Rice Fields)
           8                   1.23 Fallow crop lands

           9                   1.3 Grasslands
           10                  1.31 Managed pastures



                                                319











             11                1.32 Prairie

             12                1.4 Woody Lands (Shrub-Scrub/Forested
             13                1.41 Deciduous
             14                1.42 Evergreen
             15                1.43 Mixed


             16                1.5 Bare Lands
             17                1.51 Unvegetated non-saline lands
             18                1.52 Levees and Spoil Deposition

             19                2.0 WET1JUqDS (Defined to exclude Bottoms, Reefs,
                               Nonpersistent Emergent Wetlands, and Aquatic Beds, all of
                               which are covered under 3.0, Water and Submerged Land)

             21                2.2 Marine/Estuarine Unconsolidated Shore (Beach, Flat, Bar)
             23                2.22 Sand (Salt and Sand Flats)
             24                2.23 Mud/organic Flats
             25                2.24 Algal Flats

             26                2.3 Estuarine Emergent Wetland
             27                2.31 Haline (Salt Marsh)
             28                2.311 Low Salt Marsh
             29                2.312 High Salt Marsh
                               2.32 Mixohaline (Brackish March)
             31                2.321 Low Brackish Marsh
             32                2.322 High Brackish Marsh
             33                2.33 Oligohaline (Intermediate March)
             34                2.331 Low Intermediate Marsh
             35                2.332 High Intermediate Marsh
             36                2.34 Salt Prairie

             37                2.4 Estuarine Woody Wetland (Shrub-Scrub/Forest)
             38                2.41 Deciduous
             39                2.42 Evergreen
             40                2.43 Mixed

             49                2.7 Palustrine Unconsolidated Shore (Beach, Flat, Bar)
             51                2.72 Sand
             52                2.73 Mud/Organic
             53                2.8 Palustrine Emergent Wetland
             54                2.81 Permanent
             55                2.82 Wet Prairie

             56                2.9 Palustrine Woodv Wetland (Shrub-Scrub/Forested)
             57                2.91 Bottom land/Riparian Woodland
             58                2.92 Swamps Cypress-Tupelo
             59                2.93 Deciduous Shrub-Scrub (Tallow-Baccharis)




                                                320










           60                3.0 WATER AND SUBMERGED LAND (Defined to include
                             wetland deep water habitats with surface water but lacking
                             trees, shrubs, and emergent vegetation)

           61                3.1 Water (Bottoms and undetectable reefs, aquatic beds
                             nonpersistent emergent wetlands

           82                3.10 Shallow Water

           67                3.2 Marine/Estuarine Aquatic Bed
           69                3.32 Rooted Vascular (e.g. seagrass)
           70                3.321 Dense Beds
           71                3.322 Sparse Beds


             Mapping resolution is based on 28 meter pixels. Minimum mapping unit is .4 ha.
           Italicized Class Number values represent classes developed through interpretation
           of aerial photography and produced at a scale of 1:24,000.































                                              321










              TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT C-CAP LAND COVER
              DESCRIPTIONS (modified from "NOAA COAST WATCH CHANGE ANALYSIS
              PROJECT GUIDANCE FOR REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION" Ver. 1.0).


              NAME,CLASS
              DESCRIPTION

              1.0 UP1.,ANDS, Class #1
              The Uplands division consists of five super-classes: Developed lands, Cultivated
              Lands, Grasslands, Woody Lands and Bare Lands. Upland classes are adapted
              from Level I classes in the USGS Land Use/Land Cover Classification System
              (Anderson et. al., 1976). Refined through manual delineation of imagery.

              1.1 Developed Lands, Class #2
              Includes areas of intensive anthropogenic use. Much of the land is covered by
              structures and impervious surfaces.
              1.11 High Intensity Developed Land, Class #3, contains little or no vegetation.
              This includes industrial sites, large buildings, interstate.
              1.12 Low Intensity Developed Land, Class #4, contains mixes of structures,
              bare lands and vegetated lands. Typically suburban settings.
              1.13 Urban Woodlands, Class #81, contains mixes of domesticated woodlands and
              ornamentals largely influenced by woody vegetation within suburban landscapes.

              1.2 Cultivated Lands, Class #5
              Includes herbaceous croplands, rice fields and fallow fields. Seasonal spectral
              signatures, geometric field patterns and road network patterns help identify this
              land cover type. Always associated with agricultural land use. Refined through
              manual delineation of imagery.
              1.21 Croplands (vegetated and active), Class #6, are non-flooded vegetated
              field, active or stubble. Typified be sorghum, milo, oats, cotton' etc.
              1.22 Agricultural Wetlands, Class #7, are flooded rice fields, active or senescent.
              Spectrally similar to naturally occurring wetlands.
              1.23 Fallow Croplands, Class #8, plowed or exposed agricultural croplands.
              Spectrally similar to Bare Lands and some Developed Lands.

              1.3 Grasslands, Class #9
              Differs from Rangeland in Anderson et. al., (1976) by excluding shrub-brush lands.
              Managed grasslands are maintained by human activity such as fertilization and
              used for grazing or for growing and harvesting hay for animal feed. Managed
              grasslands are spectrally similar to some cultivated lands. Prairie is naturally
              occurring grasses and forbs which are not fertilized, cut, tilled or planted regularly
              but often burned.      Managed pastures refined through manual delineation of
              imagery.
              Class 1.31 Managed pastures, Class #10, spectrally separated from croplands as
              having less biomass and tends to be associated within developed sites. Typically
              vegetated roadsides, improved bermuda pastures, fields in developed settings, etc.
              Often referred to as lightly vegetated sites.



                                                    322









            Class 1.32 Prairie, Class #11, non-wet grasslands areas broken out by standard
            classification in undeveloped sites. Prairie is moderate to heavily vegetated
            (herbaceous) non-cropland sites and is distinguished from wetlands due to restricted
            hydrology. Prairie sites are often the drier sites within Coastal Prairie or Salt
            Prairie associations and used as rangeland.

            1.4 Woody Lands, Class #12
            Includes non-agricultural trees and shrubs. The category alleviates the problem of
            separating various sizes of trees and shrubs using satellite remote sensor data. The
            three classes are distinguished by spectral values.
           .1.41 Deciduous (non-coniferous), Class #13 dominated (>70%) by upland broad
            leaf woody vegetation such as Ulmus crassifolia, Celtus laevigata, Quarcus alba
            Quarcus virginiana (while not deciduous is included), etc.
            1.42 Evergreen (coniferous), Class #14 predominantly (>70%) one or more of
            four pine species Pinus teada, P. elliotti, P. palustris and P. echniata in the
            southeast.
            1.43 Mixed, Class #15 Mixed associations exhibiting spectral values between the
            deciduous and evergreen classes.

            1.5 Bare Lands, Class #16
            Composed of bare soil, sand, silt, gravel. Defined by the absence of vegetation
            without regard to inherent ability to support life. Vegetation, if present, is more
            widely spaced and scrubby than that in the vegetated classes. Bare land due to
            agricultural practices are classed as Cultivated Lands. Wet, non vegetated lands
            not created by spoil depositions are classes as Wetlands.
            1.51 Unvegetated non-saline lands, Class #17, are often associated within
            urban settings.
            1.52 Levees and Spoil Depositions, Class #18, are Bare Lands found within
            spoil compartments.

            2.0 Wetlands Class #19
            Wetlands are lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor determining
            soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil
            and on its surface (Cowardin et al., 1979). A characteristic feature shared by all
            wetlands is the soil or substrate that is at least periodically saturated with or
            covered by water. The upland limit of wetlands is designated as 1) the boundary
            between land with predominantly hydrophytic cover and land with predominantly
            mesophytic or xerophytic cover; 2) the boundary between soil that is predominantly
            hydric and soil that is predominantly non-hydric; or 3) in the case of wetlands
            without vegetation or soil, the boundary between land that is flooded or saturated at
            some time during the growing season each year and land that is not (Cowardin et
            al., 1979). The majority of all wetlands are vegetated and are found on soil.
            2.2 Marine/Estuarine Unconsolidated Shore, Class #21 unvegetated flats in
            the estuarine zone.
            2.22 Sand (Salt and Sand flats), Class #23 High reflectance flats. Flats are
            largely unvegetated with occurrences of plants such as Monanthocloe littoralis.
            2.23 Mud/organic Flats Class #24 unvegetated mud flats.




                                                 323








              2.3 Estuarine Emergent Wetland, Class #26 herbaceous emergent estuarine
              wetlands both tidal and non-tidal. Hydrology a function of tides, rainfall and marsh
              management practices. The same vegetation species can be found in all classes of
              estuarine marsh, but differ in overall composition and dominants.
              2.31 Haline Marsh (Salt Marsh), Class #27 is estuarine marsh with an average
              salinity exceeding 18 ppt.
              2.311 Low Salt Marsh, Class #28 permanently flooded, tidally influenced salt
              marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora.
              2.312 High Salt Marsh, Class #29 marsh not normally tidally inundated and
              within the saline zone. Commonly occurring species in the upper tidal zone include
              Salicornia virginica, Batis maritima, and Distichlis spicta.
              2.32 Mixohaline (Brackish Marsh), Class #30, is estuarine marsh with an
              average salinity ranging from 4 VVt - 15 ppt. Brackish Marsh species composition
              varies considerably from west Galveston Bay to Sabine Lake.
              2.321 Low Brackish Marsh, Class #31, is flooded marsh (can be tidally flooded)
              dominated by Juncus roemerianus, Distichlis spicta, Spartina patens, Scirpus
              maritimus.
              2.321 High Brackish Marsh, Class #32, is marsh not inundated and within the
              brackish zone. Species include Spartina patens, Juncus roemerianus, Spartina
              spartinea, Borrichia frutescens.
              2.33 Oligohaline (Intermediate Marsh) Class #33, is estuarine marsh which can
              be dominated by saline or fresh water species depending on previous hydrologic
              conditions of site. Average salinity ranges from .5 ppt - 4 ppt. This type of marsh
              can be the primary wetland type from Trinity river and east Galveston Bay to
              Louisiana.
              2.321 Low Intermediate Marsh, Class #34, is flooded marsh (can be tidally
              flooded) dominated by Spartina patens, Alternanthera philoxeroids, Eleochris spp.,
              Scripus olneyi, and Scirpus americanus, Phragmites australis, Scirpus californicus,
              Zizaniopsis miliacea.

              2.322 High Intermediate Marsh, Class #35 is marsh not inundated and within
              the intermediate zone. Dominant species include Spartina patens, Spartina
              Spartinea, Aster spp., Paspalum vaginatum..
              2.343 Salt Prairie, Class #36, are infrequently inundated sites dominated by
              Spartina spartinea, Fimberstylus spp., and Spartina patens.. Salt Prairie sites are
              normally bounded by Saline Marsh to Brackish Marsh and Coastal Prairie or
              Uplands.

              2.4 Estuarine Shrub-Scrub, Class #37, Seasonally and tidally flooded shrub-
              scrub wetlands.
              2.41 Deciduous, Class #38, seasonally flooded and occasionally tidally flooded
              shrub-scrub wetlands dominated by Iva frutescens and Baccharis grandufolia.
              Dense herbaceous vegetation such as Phragmites australis, and ScIrpus californicus
              are spectrally similar to woody vegetation and occasionally included in this class.
              2.42 Evergreen, Class #39, Frequently flooded woody vegetation mostly associated
              with Avicennia germinas.
              2.43 Mixed, Class #40, mostly deciduous shrubs.





                                                   324









            2.7 Palustrine Unconsolidated Shore (Beach, Flat, Bar), Class #49,
            unvegetated flats in the Palustrine zone.
            2.72 Sand (Salt and Sand flats), Class #51, High reflectance flats. Flats are
            largely unvegetated with occurrences of seasonal vegetation.
            2.73 Mud/organic Flats, Class #52, mud flats with occurrences of seasonal
            vegetation. Vegetation when present is non-persistent and often not detected in the
            fall when most imagery is captured.
            2.8 Palustrine Emergent Wetland, Class #53, herbaceous persistent emergent
            wetlands (fresh marsh). Salinity ranges between 0 ppt and 0.5--ppt. Hydrology a
            function of rainfall, episodic flooding and marsh management practices. The same
            plant species can be found in all classes of Palustrine marsh, but differ in overall
            composition and dominants.
            2.81 Permanent, Class #54 Permanently flooded marsh dominated by obligate
            wetland and aquatic vegetation. Permanent wetlands are the most diverse
            wetlands.
            2.82 Wet Prairie, Class #55 are infrequently/seasonally inundated sites
            characterized by mixed associations of wetland and upland vegetation on hydric
            soil. Hydrology is primarily a function of rainfall. Wet Prairie is spectrally similar
            to Salt Prairie and often grades into Estuarine Wetlands or Prairie Uplands.

            2.9 Palustrine Woody Wetland (Shrub-Scrub/Forested), Class #56, woody
            freshwater wetlands dominated by facultative to obligate wetland woody vegetation.
            2.91 Bottomland/Riparian Woodland, Class #57 Woody wetlands situated along
            rivers, drainages and creeks. Hydrology as function of episodic flooding and general
            influence of permanent riparian water source. Common species include, Carya
            illinoensis, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Taxodium distichum, Quarcus aquatica, Salix
            nigra, Liquidamber styraciflua etc.
            2.92 Swamps Cypress-Tupelo, Class #58, frequently flooded woodlands
            (Swamps) dominated by Taxodium distichum, Nyssa aquatica etc.
            2.93 Deciduous Shrub-Scrub (Tallow-Baccharis), Class #59, wet woodlands
            often found on coastal prairie, spoil and former agricultural sites. On the upper
            Texas coast these sites are dominated by Sapium sabiferum, Baccahris grandufolia,
            and dense herbaceous stands of vegetation which can be spectrally similar to woody
            vegetation. Herbaceous vegetation that can be included in this class include Typha
            spp., Arundo spp. and Phragmites australls.

            3.0 WATER AND SUBMERGED LAND, Class #60

            3.1 Water (Bottoms and undetectable reefs, aquatic beds or nonpersistent
            emergent wetlands), Class #61, open water
            3.10 Shallow Water, Class #82, shallow water spectrally separated. This class,
            depending on tidal regime is strongly correlated with mud flats and sand flats.

            3.2 Marine/Estuarine Aquatic Bed, Class #69, submerged aquatic vegetation.
            3.32 Rooted Vascular (e.g. seagrassl, Class #70, submerged seagrass but can
            include Rupla sp., and Vallisnaria sp.
            3.321 Dense Beds, Class, #71, solid SAV meadows.
            3.322 Sparse Beds. Class #72, intermittent and clumped grass beds.



                                                  325

















                     Appendix C









           Sample Locations for Galveston Bay NEP Monitoring 1995-1998

           YEAR = 1


           OBS   SAMPLE         HEXNUM      LAT LATMIN            LONG LONGMIN


            1    95GBO34            248     29         8.8479     95          5.7916
            2    95GBO33            267     29         9.2862     95          8.9850
            3    95GBO32            230     29       14.9545      95          0.0174
            4    95GBO31            231     29       15.0985      94         57.5400
            5    95GBO30            192     29       19.0006      94         52.3352
            6    95GBO29            194     29       20.6618      94         45.2893
            7    95GBO28            193     29       21.4870      94         48.0890
            8    95GBO27            173     29       23.9746      94         47.4655
            9    95GBO26            172     29       24.8141      94         52.3801
           10    95GBO25            171     29       26.9258      94         54.8094
           11    95GBO24            154     29       27.4358      94         42.4297
           12    95GBO23            151     29       28.2514      94         56.3255
           13    95GBO22            156     29       28.4116      94         37.7737
           14    95GBO21            152     29       29.0966      94         50.7610
           15    95GBO20            153     29       29.2501      94         49.9598
           16    95GBO19            155     29       29.5606      94         38.4883
           17    95GBO18            132     29.      30.3162      94         52.6826
           18    95GBO17            136     29       30.4966      94         36.6161
           19    95GBO16            131     29       31.6406      94         55.9328
           20    95GBO15            133     29       31.8360      94         49.1249
           21    95GBO13            135     29       32.7776      94         38.6668
           22    95GBO14            129     29       32.7827      95          0.9050
           23    95GBO12            110     29       34.4741      94         57.5418
           24    95GBOll            112     29       35.8838      94         50.2542
           25    95GBO10            113     29       36.0045      94         46.2218
           26    95GBOO9            ill     29       37.1051      94         54.8639
           27    95GBOO8             92     29       37.9396      94         49.2375
           28    95GBOO7             94     29       39.0510      94         43.0829
           29    95GBOO6             90     29       39.7697      94         59.3747
           30    95GBOO4             74     29       40.8682      94         43.5562
           .31   95GBOO5             93     29       41.0069      94         47.9855
           32    95GBOO2             73     29       44.0336      94         46.0853
           33    95GBOO3             72     29       44.0876      94         50.0368
           34    95GBOOl             54     29       45.1915      94         44.0529













                                             329











              YEAR = 2


              OBS   SAMPLE          HEXNUM       LAT LATMIN             LONG LONGMIN

              35    96GBO36             287      29         4.1029      95          11.3837
              36    96GBO35             267      29         6.7340      95           8.9974
              37    96GBO34             248      29         9.4502      95           7.3114
              38    96GBO33             249      29       11.9978       95           2.3030
              39    96GBO32             251      29       12.8033       94          56.9856
              40    96GBO31             192      29       20.1031       94          50.1361
              41    96GBO30             194      29       21.4055       94          44.9460
              42    96GBO29             193      29       23.2816       94          48.0748
              43    96GBO28             172      29       24.9549       94          49.9704
              44    96GBO27             175      29       26.1134       94          42.5560
              45    96GBO26             173      29       26.2742       94          46.0432
              46    96GBO24             154      29       27.6717       94          45.3484
              47    96GBO25             152      29       27.7715       94          51.5044
              48    96GBO23             153      29       27.8011       94          46.7917
              49    96GBO22             155      29       29.1696       94          38.7245
              50    96GBO20             134      29       29.7796       94          42.9565
              51    96GBO21             132      29       .30.0515      94          52.0972
              52    96GBO19             136      29       30.6413       94          35.9189
              53    96GBO18             130      29       31.4204       94          59.3299
              54    96GBO16             137      29       32.1578       94          32.3717
              55    96GBO17             133      29       32.5659       94          48.7505
              56    96GBO15             131      29       33.3985       94          54.2706
              57    96GBO14             112      29       35.7704       94          52.8374
              58    96GBO13             110      29       37.0188       94          59.2781
              59    96GBO12             109      29       37.1013       94          59.7926
              60    96GBOll              92      29       37.1066       94          51.6458
              61    96GBO10             113      29       37.2101       94          48.4506
              62    96GBOO9              90      29       38.3626       95           0.1753
              63    96GBOO8             ill      29       38.4949       94          53.4778
              64    96GBOO7              94      29       38.8912       94          42.8705
              65    96GBOO6              93      29       40.2859       94          48.2854
              66    96GBOO5              72      29       41.5725       94          49.3621
              67    96GBOO4              74      29       43.0508       94          43.0678
              68    96GBOO3              73      29       43.4447       94          47.8967
              69    96GBOO2              69      29       43.9352       95           3.0949
              70    96GBOOl              54      29       45.8448       94          43.7526













                                                   330












           YEAR = 3


           OBS   SAMPLE         HEXNUM       LAT LATMIN            LONG LONGMIN

           71    97GBO35            268      29        5.4836      95          7.5439
           72    97GBO34            248      29        9.9765      95          8.3720
           73    97GBO33            249      29      12.1934       95          2.0764
           74    97GBO32            230      29      13.5078       95          1.3971
           75    97GBO31            212      29      18.1444       94         53.2580
           76    97GBO30            192      29      21.5050       94         53.2201
           77    97GBO28            193      29      22.9646       94         47.2792
           78    97GBO29            172      29      22.9788       94         50.4772
           79    97GBO27            173      29      25.3559       94         48.5820
           80    97GBO2.5           154      29      27.0239       94         46.0922
           81    97GBO26            171      29      27.1564       94         53.9246
           82    97GBO24            152      29      28-1561       94         50.6355
           83    97GBO23            153      29      28.4216       94         47.6834
           84    97GBO22            155      29      30.5651       94         41.7476
           85    97GBO20            136      29      31.1619       94         39.0834
           86    97GBO21            132      29      31.4918       94         52.5636
           87    97GBO18            138      29      32.1761       94         29.8283
           88    97GBO19            130      29      32.6708       94         57.6700
           89    97GBO17            137      29      33.2552       94         34.6614
           90    97GBO16            133      29      33.7850       94         46.0204
           91    97GBO13                     29      34.5812       94         52.4227
           92    97GBO15            131      29      34.6127       94         55.4681
           93    97GBO14            110      29      34.7503       94         58.7059
           94    97GBO12            113      29      35.5220       94         48.2011
           95    97GBO12            ill      29      38.0006       94         55.9058
           96    97GBOll             93      29      38.7204       94         47.7566
           97    97GBOO9             94      29      39.0985       94         42.7940
           98    97GBO10             90      29      39.3776       94         56.6043
           99    97GBOO8             91      29      39.7687       94         56.4262
           100   97GBOO7             92      29      39.9715       94         51.7181
           101   97GBOO6             95      29      40.1985       94         42.1161
           102   97GBOO5             74      29      41.9529       94         45.3795
           103   97GBOO4             72      29      43.6991       94         50.2551
           104   97GBOO3             73      29      44.2487       94         46.9826
           105   97GBOO2             69      29      44.9764       95          3.7271
           106   97GBOOl             54      29      47.2500       94         43.4011












                                              331











             YEAR = 4


             OBS   SAMPLE         HEXNUM       LAT LATMIN            LONG LONGMIN

             107   98GBO38            269      29        9.1636      95          4.1812
             108   98GBO37            250      29      11.0377       95          0.8158
             109   98GBO36            230      29      14.0902       95          0.2115
             110   98GBO35            192      29      18.5749       94         51.3886
             111   98GBO34            213      29      18.6326       94         49.2659
             112   98GBO33            193      29      23.6791       94         48.9139
             113   98GBO32            172      29      24.4825       94         50.8232
             114   98GBO31            174      29      25.6080       94         45.2458
             115   98GBO30            173      29      26.1129       94         48.2153
             116   98GBO29            154      29      27.7736       94         43.3127
             117   98GBO28            152      29      28.4173       94         51.7237
             118   98GBO27            153      29      28.7188       94         49-6051
             119   98GBO26            151      29      29.4688       94         54.4070
             120   98GBO25            132      29      30.4668       94         49.7909
             121   98GBO23            133      29      31.6445       94         48.8630
             122   98GBO24            130      29      31.7094       94         58.6802
             123   98GBO22            134      29      31.8350       94         42.2278
             124   98GBO21            136      29      32.3639       94         35.9866
             125   98GBO20            138      29      32.4836       94         30.2183
             126   98GBO19            131      29      33.5314       94         54.4885
             127   98GBO18            110      29      34.5711       94         58.8309
             128   98GBO17            112      29      34.8262       94         50.8493
             129   98GBO16            114      29      35.2982       94         45.1932
             130   98GBO15            109      29      36.7958       95          1.4360
             131   98GBO14            ill      29      37.2993       94         56.0779
             132   98GBO12            113      29      38.4181       94         48.3092
             133   98GBO13             92      29      38.4271       94         50.5064
             134   98GBOll             94      29      39.5136       94         44.2424
             135   98GBO10             90      29      39.9549       94         57.1431
             136   98GBOO9             93      29      40.1767       94         49.3295
             137   98GBOO8             72      29      42.0808       94         48.8223
             138   98GBOO6             74      29      42.4342       94         41.7737
             139   98GBOO7             68      29      42.5825       95          3.3110
             140   98GBOO5             73      29      44.9522       94         46.0341
             141   98GBOO3             54      29      45.4433       94         45.3388
             142   98GBOO4             69      29      45.8324       95          3.2277
             143   98GBOO2             53      29      45.9521       94         46.7514
             144   98GBOOl             55      29      49.2727       94         40.0763











                                                 332









                           Appendix D
















 i








  I


 1 ;









                                    Power Analysis Calculations


            Power analyses are used to determine the probability of getting a significant result
            as the function of a set of defined test parameters. The power is a function of the
            unknown parameter values tested, the sample size, and the unknown residual error
            variance. There are two important uses of power analyses in statistical sampling
            design. These uses are; 1) prospective- where the analysis is used to predict the
            most effective sampling design; and 2) retrospective- where we use the power
            analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing monitoring program. The
            Galveston Bay Regional Monitoring Program will utilize power analyses in both of
            the ways identified above. This discussion is intended to describe the use of Power
            Analysis capability in evaluating design parameters for this program.

            As previously defined the power of a statistical test is the probability that an F
            achieves its (x- critical value given a noncentrality parameter related to the-
            hypothesis (SAS, 1994). The noncentrality parameter is zero when the null
            hypothesis is true, i.e. when the effect size is zero. The noncentrality parameter X
            can be factored into three components through the power formula:

                   @,-V82 / CT2


            Where sigma (a) is the standard error of the residual error in the model. When
            available the calculated root mean square error (RMSE) from the model is the best
            estimate for sigma (USEPA, 1987b); Delta (8) is the raw effect size to be evaluated;
            and number (n) is the sample size. The power increases with X, which means it
            increases with sample size n, and raw effect size 8, and decreases with error
            variance G2.

            For purpose of this analysis, the Galveston Bay historicaldata sets created by Ward
            & Armstong were utilized to produce a model for estimating parameters of variance
            in the data sets. The parameters TOC, Ammonia-N, and Total Zinc were selected
            for detailed power evaluations. They were selected because: they represented a
            wide selection of variability in the data sets; there was extensive data available; and
            because they are important parameters for management concerns. Data to generate
            the design model was limited to data collected from 1986-1990. This should provide
            a more accurate estimate of the 5-year variability. A 5-year trend estimate is
            consistent with the stated goals of the monitoring program. Statistical analyses
            were run for each of the parameters above and the results are displayed as power
            curves in the following pages. SAS Institute JMP@ Statistical Analysis software
            was used to complete these analyses.

            The reduced data sets were input into the JMP Fit Model option. This command
            allows the construction of linear models using a number of complex effects. A
            Standard Least Squares model option was selected for these analyses. Some


                                                  335








              results of these analyses are shown in the following pages. Tables and plots
              generated by this program include summary statistics, parameter estimates, effect
              tests, and analysis table and leverage plot for the multiple regression model, and
              analysis tables and leverage plots for the effect parameter.

              Once the model is generated the Power Details command for the effect parameter
              is selected to access the Power Details Dialog Box. In this dialog block, for each
              of the four variables alpha, n, sigma, and delta, you can fill in a single value, two
              values, or the start, stop, and increment for a sequence of values. The JMP@ power
              analysis program then calculates power as a function of every combination of alpha,
              sample size, sigma and delta value specified. It can also calculate the LSN (least
              significant number) and LSV (least significant value) for each of these combinations
              of parameters.

              A significance level of 0.05 was used for all analyses. JMP@ automatically calculates
              the RMSE as the recommended estimate of sigma, for these analyses the estimate
              generated from the model was used. For sample size, n, a range from 20 to 140 at
              increments of 20 were used. With 5 stations per segment and four samples per year
              (TOC and Ammonia-N), each 20 station increment equals 1 year of sampling. For
              total zinc sampling will be conducted only once per year. in this example a sample
              size of 5 is equivalent to a year. The effect size, delta, was calculated and expressed
              as a percentage of the historical mean (e.g.. mean = 11.7, 10% = 1.17). This was
              input as a range, usually 10-50%. The results of this analysis are shown in the
              attached Power Details plots and tables.

              The results of these power tables can be plotted in a number of ways. The following
              plots express the Power of the F-test vs. the Minimum Detectable Difference that
              can be achieved, expressed as a percent of the sample mean. Each curve shows the
              response for a different number of samples, expressed as years (20 samples equals 1
              year). For example, the TOC Power Plot on the following page shows that a
              minimum difference of approximately 16% (from the historical mean of 10.3 mg/1),
              or 1.65 mg/l, can be detected in the proposed 5-year sampling program. For total
              zinc the 5-year minimum detection is approximately 18% of the mean. Conversely,
              the Power Plot for Ammonia-N shows that at best the minimum detectable
              difference for a five year program, as defined here, would be approximately 70% of
              the mean.


              It should be stated that the values for variance used in these evaluations will
              provide conservative estimates of detection levels. In calculating the estimates of
              variance no consideration was given to the effect of between segment or seasonal
              effects on variance. General estimates of variance such as standard deviation, when
              looked at on a segment by segment basis, show that variance may be lower or
              higher than the estimates used in this exercise.








                                                     336
















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                              l< l<


                                     m  M
                                        0-


                                        -4
                                     sz
                                     0
                                      h CO
                                           'INN

















                                                        Power, Probability of Detection
                                                 p     p      p     p      9
                                                 0     r-i    4     C"     00    C)
                                                 C)    C)     0     0            0








                                               0-
                                           0
                                            h
                                           x2.
                                           cS3
     to                                    a)C
                                            3
                                  a x  +




                              0 0 0  0 0
                          0 0 0
                                            CD
                                            0
                                               0-
                                            0










                                                    Power Analysis Details for TOC, mg/l

                                                                     Summary of Fit
                                                           RSquare                                 0.397099
                                                           RSquare Adj                             0.396406
                                                           Root Mean Square Error                  4.899137
                                                           Mean of Response                           10.3138
                                                           Observations (or Sum Wgts)                     872

                                                                         Effect Test
                                          Source        Nparm DF               Sum of Squares         F Ratio        Prob>F
                                         Date                  1      1              13753.462        573.0241         0.0000

                                                                 Analysis of Variance
                                           Source            DF        Sum of Squares         Mean Square           F Ratio
                                           Model                1              13753.462               13753.5      573.0241
                                           Error             870               20881,340                   24.0      Prob>F
                                           C Total           871               34634.803                               0.0000


                                                                               Date


                                                        40-




                                                        30-




                                                  E
                                                        20-
                                                  U
                                                  0
                                                  F-

                                                        10 -       ---------   ---------       ......r .........



                                                           0-


                                                           860000 870000 880000 890000 900000
                                                                               Date Leverage


                                                                         Effect Test
                                                           Slim of Squares          F Ratio DF            Prob>F
                                                                     13753.462     573.0241        1        0.0000














                                                                           340










                                                          Power Details for TOC
                                                                     Test Date
                                                                       Power
                                                  Alpha          Sigma          Delta    Number       Power
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03          20     0.1447
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03          40     0.2540
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03          60     0.3602
                                                  0.0500     4.899137-           1.03          80     0.4592
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03         100     0.5485
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03         120     0.6272
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            1.03         140     0.6951
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06          20     0.4287
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06          40     0.7362
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06          60     0.8930
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06          80     0.9603
                                                  .0.0500    4.899137            2.06         100     0.9862
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06         120     0.9955
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            2.06         140     0.9986
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09          20     0.7604
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09          40     0.9730
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09          60     0.9978
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09          80     0.9998
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09         100     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09         120     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            3.09         140     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.894137            4.12          20     0.9445
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12          40     0.9994
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12          60     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12          80     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12         100     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12         120     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            4.12         140     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15          20     0.9934
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15          40     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15          60     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15          80     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15         100     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15         120     1.0000
                                                  0.0500     4.899137            5.15         140     1.0000

                                                       Least Significant Number
                                                   Alpha          Sigma          Delta      Number(LSN)
                                                   0.0500      4.899137           1.03            89.36652
                                                   0.0500      4.899137           2.06            24.28933
                                                   0.0500      4.899137           3.09            12.36227
                                                   0.0500      4.899137           4.12            8.283542
                                                   0.0500      4.899137           5.15            6.448558













                                                                     341









                                              Power Details for Ammonia-N, mWI
                                                            Summary of Fit
                                                    RSquare                            0.006138
                                                    RSquare Adj                        0.005659
                                                    Root Mean Square Error             0.922698
                                                    Mean of Response                   0.382256
                                                    Observations (or Sum Wgts)              2076

                                                                Effect Test
                                    Source       Nparm DF          Sum of Squares        F Ratio      Prob>F
                                    Date               1     1            10.904908       12.8086       0.0004

                                                         Analysis of Variance
                                      Source         DF       Sum of Squares      Mean Square        F Ratio
                                      Model             1               10.9049           10.9049      12.8086
                                      Error         2074              1765.7435            0.8514     Prob>F
                                      C Total       2075              1776.6484                         0.0004


                                                                    Date




                                                 13


                                                 11
                                                 10-
                                           E
                                                    8-
                                                    7-
                                           0
                                           E
                                           E        5              L
                                           <

                                                    3
                                                    2   p
                                                    I LiNisim     ............ ---------  .........
                                                    0-

                                                    860000 870000 880000 890000 900000
                                                                    Date Leverage


                                                                Effect Test
                                                    Sum of Squares       F Ratio DF         Prob>F
                                                           10.904908      12.8086      1      0.0004
















                                                                 342










                                                  Power Details for Ammonia-N
                                                                  Test Date
                                                                    Power
                                                Alpha         Sigma         Delta     Number      Power
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038           60    0.0614
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038           80    0.0653
                                                0.0500     0.9226@98        0.038          100    0.0693
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038          120    0.0732
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038          140    0.0772
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038          160    0.0812
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038          180    0.0853
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.038          200    0.0893
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076           60    0.0962
                                                0.0500     6.922698         0.076           80    0.1125
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          100    0.1290
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          120    0.1456
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          140    0.1623
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          160    0.1790
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          180    0.1958
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.076          200    0.2125
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114           60    0.1560
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114           80    0.1937
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          100    0.2314
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          120    0.2689
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          140    0.3060
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          160    0.3424
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          180    0.3779
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.114          200    0.4126
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152           60    0.2411
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152           80    0.3072
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          100    0.3713
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          120    0.4826
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          140    0.4903
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          160    0.5443
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          180    0.5942
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.152          200    0.6400
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19          60    0.3480
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19          80    0.4441
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         100    0.5315
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         120    0.6093
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         140    0.6771
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         160    0.7353
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         180    0.7846
                                                0.0500     0.922698           0.19         200    0.8259
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228           60    0.4691
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228           80    0.5882
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          100    0.6868
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          120    0.7657
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          140    0.8273
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          160    0.8742
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          180    0.9094
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.228          200    0.9354
                                                0.0500     0.922698         0.266           60    0.5933





                                                                  343












                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266          80    0.7213
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         100    0.8145
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         120    0.8794
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         140    0.9232
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         160    0.9520
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         180    0.9704
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.266         200    0.9820
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304          60    0.7087
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304          80    0.8291
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         100    0.9036
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         120    0.9473
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         140    0.9720
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         160    0.9854
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         180    0.9926
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.304         200    0.9963
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342          60    0.8060
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342          80    0.9056
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         100    0.9564
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         120    0.9806
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         140    0.9917
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         160    0.9965
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         180    0.9986
                                                  0.0500     0.922698         0.342         200    0.9994
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38          60    0.8804
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38          80    0.9533
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         100    0.9829
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         120    0.9940
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         140    0.9980
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         160    0.9994
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         180    0.9998
                                                  0.0500     0.922698          0.38         200    0.9999

                                                       Least Significant Number
                                                    Alpha         Sigma        Delta     Number(LSN)
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.038           2267.316
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.076              568.65
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.114           254.0887
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.152           143.9998
                                                    0.0500     0.922698          0.19          93.05255
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.228           65.38597
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.266           48.71252
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.304             37.8994
                                                    0.0500     0.922698        0.342           30.49442
                                                    0.0500     0.922698           0.38         25.20591

















                                                                    344










                                           Power Details for Total Zinc, mg/l
                                                        Summary of Fit
                                                RSquare                           0.169099
                                                RSquare Adj                       0.120223
                                                Root Mean Square Error            24.98504
                                                Mean of Response                  37.85263
                                                Observations (or Sum Wgts)               19

                                                            Effect Test
                                Source       Nparm DF           Sum of Squares     F Ratio      Prob>F
                                Date               1     1           2159.7411        3.4597       0.0803

                                                    Analysis of Variance
                                  Source         DF      Sum of Squares      Mean Square        F Ratio
                                  Model            1              2159.741           2159.74      3.4597
                                  Error           17            10612.286             624.25    Prob>F
                                  C Total         18            12772.027                         0.0803


                                                                Date

                                             100-




                                             80-




                                             60
                                       E



                                      76     40 - ---- ------   ---------------------------------
                                       0                             ................I-------------

                                             20-




                                               0
                                             860000 862500 865000 867500 870000 87250
                                                                Date Leverage


                                                            Effect Test
                                                Siam of Squares      F Ratio DF        Prob>F
                                                       2159.7411      3.4597      1     0.0803
                                                        ------  ------------------------------------












                                                             345











                                                                Power Details
                                                                    Test Date
                                                                      Power
                                                  Alpha         Sigma         Delta    Number      Power
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          15    0.3730
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          20    0.4879
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          25    0.5885
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          30    0.6739
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          35    0.7447
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         11.39          40    0.8022
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          15    0.5861
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          20    0.7291
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          25    0.8287
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          30    0.8947
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          35    0.9367
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         15.18          40    0.9628
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          15    0.7758
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          20    0.8943
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          25    0.9529
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          30    0.9799
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          35    0.9918
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         18.97          40    0.9967
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          15    0.9028
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          20    0.9705
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          25    0.9917
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          30    0.9978
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          35    0.9995
                                                  0.0500     24.98504         22.76          40    0.9999

                                                       Least Significant Number
                                                    Alpha         Sigma         Delta     Number(LSN)
                                                    0.0500      24.98504        11.39          21.06918
                                                    0.0500      24.98504        15.18          13.09589
                                                    0.0500      24.98504        18.97          9.460748
                                                    0.0500      24.98504        22.76            7.52478




























                                                                    346













                      Appendix E









                Appendix E. Criteria Values, Used To Characterize Degraded Sediments (from
                Long and Morgan, 1990). NA= Not Available.

                                                                                 10% Effect          Median Effect
                PAH (ppb)                                                    Concentration 1 Concentration 2

                Acenaphthene                                                        150                    650
                Acenaphthylene                                                      NA                     NA
                Anthracene                                                           85                    960
                Benzo(a)anthracene                                                  230                   1600
                Benzo(a)pyrene                                                      400                   2500
                Benzo(b)fluoranthene                                                NA                     NA
                Benzo(e)pyrene                                                      400                   2500
                Benzo(g,h,i,)perylene                                               NA                     NA
                Benzo(k)fluoranthene                                                NA                     NA
                Biphenyl                                                            NA                     NA
                Chrysene                                                            400                   2800
                Cl, C2, C3, C4 Chrysene                                             400                   2800
                Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene                                               60                    260
                Dibenzothio                                                         NA                     NA
                Cl,C2, C3 -dibenzothio                                              NA                     NA
                Fluoranthene                                                        600                   3600
                Cl-fluoranthpyrene                                                  NA                     NA
                Fluorene                                                             35                    640
                C I, C2, C3 fluorene                                                 35                    640
                Naphthalene                                                         340                   2100
                Cl, C2, C3, C4- naphthalene                                         340                   2100
                Perylene                                                            NA                     NA
                Phenanthrene                                                        225                   1380
                C I, C2, C3, C4-phenanthrerie                                       225                   1380
                Pyrene                                                              350                   2200
                1,2,3-c,d-pyrene                                                    NA                     NA
                1-methyinaphthalene                                                 NA                     NA
                2-methylnaphthalene                                                 NA                     NA
                2,3,5- Trimethyinaphthalene                                         NA                     NA
                2,6- Dinethylnaphthalene                                            NA                     NA
                I- methyIphenanthrene                                               NA                     NA
                High Molecular Wt. PAH's                                            NA                     NA
                Low Molecular Wt. PAH's                                             NA                     NA
                Total PAH's                                                        4000                   3500

                PCB's (ppb)

                Total PCB's                                                         400                    NA
                Individual congerners                                                25                    NA

                Pesticides (ppb)

                2,4'DDD                                                             2.0                     20
                4,4'.DDD                                                            2.0                     20
                2,4'DDE                                                             2.0                     20
                4NDDE                                                               2.0                     20
                2,4'DDT                                                             2.0                     20
                4,4'DDT                                                             2.0                     20





                                                                   349









                    Appendix E. Criteria Values Used To Characterize Degraded Sediments (from Long and
                    Morgan, 1990). NA= Not Available. (cont'd).

                                                                                      10% Effect           Median Effect
                                                                                    Concentration 1       Concentration 2

                    Aldrin                                                               NA                      NA
                    alpha-BHC.                                                           NA                      NA
                    beta-BHC                                                             NA                      NA
                    delta-BHC                                                            NA                      NA
                    alpha- chlordane                                                      .5                         6
                    gamma- chlordane                                                      .5                         6
                    Dieldrin                                                             .02                         8
                    Endrin                                                               .02                      45
                    Heptachlor                                                           NA                      NA
                    Heptachlor epoxide                                                   NA                      NA
                    Methoxychlor                                                         NA                      NA
                    Lindane                                                              NA                      NA
                    Toxaphene                                                            NA                      NA
                    Malathion                                                            NA                      AN
                    Parathion                                                            NA                      NA
                    Diazinon                                                             NA                      NA
                    Endosulfan                                                           NA                      NA
                    Mirex                                                                NA                      NA
                    Total BHCs                                                           NA                      NA'

                    Metals (pprn)

                    Aluminum                                                             NA                      NA
                    Antimony                                                                 2                    25
                    Arsenic                                                               33.,                    85
                    Cadmium                                                                  5                       9
                    Chromium                                                              80                     145
                    Copper                                                                70                     390
                    Iron                                                                 NA                      NA
                    Lead                                                                  35                     110
                    Manganese                                                            NA                      NA
                    Mercury                                                              .15                         1
                    Nickel                                                                30                      50
                    Selenium                                                             NA                      NA
                    Silver                                                                   1                       2
                    Tin                                                                      1                       3
                    Zinc                                                                 120                     270


                      Concentration where biological effects occurred 10% of the time.

                    2 Median concentration for effects to occur.












                                                                        350









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