Abstract

Analysis of Impaired Waters for Multi-Sector General Permit Compliance
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: Betsi Chatham, Derek Senter

Since 2001, the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Multi-Sector General Permit has provided authorization for point source discharges of storm water associated with industrial activity. In 2011, the general permit included more comprehensive requirements regarding discharges to water quality impairment including waters with approved or established total maximum daily loads. The City of Fort Worth has been tasked with implementing these new standards, and has chosen Geographic Information Systems to set the foundation. The first step was to incorporate the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards data into the National Hydrography Dataset to identify impaired surface waters, and then categorize the watersheds by the severity of nonattainment. The overlay analysis provided the tools necessary to identify permitted industries located within drainage areas of nonattainment. Furthermore, it supports education of these industries to promote regulatory compliance and provide a higher level of awareness of their potential to impact already impaired surface waters.