EPA signs off on plan for SMR watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accepted the Upper San Marcos Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) developed by The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University and the San Marcos Watershed Initiative (SMWI) Stakeholder Committee.
The Upper San Marcos WPP is designed to ensure the future health of the San Marcos watershed by addressing biodiversity, population growth, recreational use and changing water quality. The plan outlines strategies to mitigate nonpoint source pollutants, protect springflow and improve water quality in the watershed.
“The Upper San Marcos WPP was a collaborative effort, resulting from many hours of hard work and the diligence, perseverance and vision of stakeholders and partners,” Watershed Services Program Manager Jenna Walker said. “Creating this plan would not have been possible without the level of community involvement and dedication we have seen from individuals and organizations who are dedicated to the protection of the San Marcos River.”
The Upper San Marcos watershed spans 94.6 square miles and contains 4.5 miles of the Upper San Marcos River. A majority of the flow in the Upper San Marcos River is comprised of groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer, which emerges through hundreds of springs that form Spring Lake and the headwaters of the San Marcos River.
“Because the San Marcos River is a groundwater driven system, stakeholders identified groundwater and spring flow protection as a high priority goal,” Walker said.
While land use is predominantly rangeland and undeveloped land, dense urbanization occurs in the southeastern portion of the watershed. Rapid urbanization and development of the San Marcos area have led to water quality concerns including bacteria and contaminants such as oil and grease.
“The main stem of the Upper San Marcos River lies within the city of San Marcos, making it vulnerable to the effects of urbanization such as pollution, bank erosion and flooding,” Walker said. “The plan will address water quality impairments brought on by this urbanization.”
Initial implementation activities will focus on coordinating efforts, employing on-the-ground best management practices, protecting undeveloped land necessary for recharge and mitigating stormflow in urban areas. For more information about the Upper San Marcos Watershed Initiative and to read the Upper San Marcos WPP, visit thier website.
