Sabine River Authority
of Texas
Big Cow Creek in Newton County
Sabine River Basin
Highlights 2011 & Big Cow Creek
Watershed Characterization

Prepared in Cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Under the Authorization of the Texas Clean Rivers Act
www.sratx.org
Sabine River Authority of Texas
P.O. Box 579
Orange, TX 77631
Phone (409) 746-2192
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Sabine River Watershed Management Program
The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA-TX) takes a holistic approach to water management and recognizes
that quality and quantity are inherently interdependent. SRA-TX has maintained a proactive role in water quantity
and quality matters since initial operational activities began in 1954 and has expanded its services to meet
increasing needs throughout the Sabine River Basin. The SRA-TX water quality management program was
established in 1972 and is reviewed annually to help protect and manage the essential water resources in the
Sabine Basin.
The Texas Clean Rivers Program (TCRP) is a collaborative effort between Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ), Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), the TCRP Partners, agencies, local entities, and the
public. This integrated approach to water quality management reduces duplication of effort and provides for the
best use of limited resources. The goal is to maintain and improve the quality of water resources within each river
basin in Texas through regional assessments of watersheds. The SRA-TX collects and analyzes water quality
data in the Sabine Basin to identify and prioritize water quality concerns and the causes of pollution. The SRA-TX
is the planning agency for all TCRP activities in the Sabine Basin.
Sabine River Below Toledo Bend Reservoir
The fixed monitoring program for 2011 included 40 sampling sites that were monitored monthly for routine
physical and chemical parameters. Selected sites are also monitored annually for metals in water. Monthly water
quality reports, Basin Highlights and Basin Summary reports are available at www.sratx.org. Additional
information on the Sabine River Watershed Management Program is also available from the web site. Monitoring
will continue at the routine fixed stations. Special Studies to address concerns about previous toxicity tests at
three locations in the Sabine Basin will also continue. Preliminary data indicates no toxicity concerns at the sites
monitored to date.
This report also includes a summary of water quality conditions from the long-term, routine monitoring sites. The
water quality data from these sites were summarized for the past year and compared to the previous seven years
of water quality data. A listing of the parameters monitored and their significance can be found in the 2008
Sabine Basin Summary Report
(http://www.sratx.org/srwmp/tcrp/state_of_the_basin/summary_reports/default.asp). The data summaries were
also compared to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (WQS) established by the TCEQ. The Clean Water
Act in Section 303(d) requires that water bodies not meeting established water quality standards be listed as
impaired. Support for the designated uses of the water bodies was determined by examining minimum and
maximum values and calculating the percent of compliance with the WQS for the parameters of pH, dissolved
oxygen, E. coli, and Enterococci. A minimum of ten samples for a parameter is required to perform the
comparison. Numeric criteria have also been established for total dissolved solids, chloride, and sulfate. These
parameters are examined as annual averages.
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Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Sabine Basin Water Quality
Overall water quality in the Sabine Basin continues to remain high and meets the water quality standards
established for the designated uses except in a few locations. The primary water quality issues identified in the
Sabine Basin are sporadic elevated bacteria levels and a few isolated reservoir sites of elevated pH values. The
elevated bacterial counts were generally associated with significant rainfall events with elevated turbidity levels
suggesting runoff as the probable reason for these elevated counts. These episodic elevated values do not
appear to significantly impact the designated use of the water body. Isolated sites of elevated pH values appear
to be due to natural conditions that exist in reservoirs in the late summer or fall and were possibly exacerbated
due to the extreme drought conditions. Depressed dissolved oxygen values have historically been observed in
some small tributary streams and these continue to be listed as impaired. Remaining regulatory and nonregulatory water quality parameters measured in 2011 were within WQS. Extreme drought conditions were
observed within the basin over the last year. Elevated temperatures, historic low lake levels and greatly reduced
flows were observed. These drought-induced factors have, and will continue to have, an effect on water quality
within the basin.
Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
The 2010 revisions of the Texas Surface Water Quality
Standards were adopted by TCEQ on June 30, 2010 and
became effective as a state rule on July 22, 2010 as
codified in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30,
Chapter 307. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has finalized the first round of approvals and
disapprovals of the 2010 Standards in an action letter dated
June 29, 2011. Outstanding portions of the rule still under
review include nutrient numeric criteria for reservoirs and
numeric criteria for the protection of aquatic life.
For the next triennial review, TCEQ is considering a variety
of possible revisions including nutrient criteria and sitespecific uses and criteria for individual water bodies. In
addition to TCEQ staff recommendations, revisions will also
be contributed by the Surface Water Quality Standards
Advisory Workgroup. This open-participation group
provides guidance on the Procedures to Implement the
Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, RG-94
(Implementation Standards).
Orange County TMDL Project
The Orange County Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) Project is addressing the water quality
impairments in Adams Bayou (Segment 0508)
and Cow Bayou (Segment 0511). The
impairments included low dissolved oxygen,
elevated bacteria, and low pH. In response to
these conditions, a TMDL project was initiated
to determine the measures necessary to
restore water quality in these bayous. The nonpoint sources include large populated areas
using on-site sewage treatment systems that
have historically functioned poorly in this area.
The TCEQ adopted the TMDL Reports and
EPA approved the TMDL Reports. The reports
are now part of the state's Water Quality
Management Plan. An implementation plan is
now being finalized that will guide the efforts to
restore the water quality of these water bodies.
More information can be found at
www.sratx.org.
Toledo Bend Hydroelectric Operations
The Toledo Bend Project’s existing fifty year Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the
hydroelectric operations expires in September 2013. The SRA-TX and Sabine River Authority, State of
Louisiana are utilizing the Integrated Licensing Process. This activity began in September 2008 and all of the
water quality data and aquatic life sampling studies have been completed. The data indicate a healthy
ecosystem in the Sabine River downstream from the project. The knowledge base collected to date includes
substantial existing and new information relevant to the Project; including project background, relicensing
process and schedule, operations, engineering, environmental and natural resources, recreation, cultural
resources, and socioeconomics. For complete details please visit the website:
www.tbpjo.org/PublicRelicensing.
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Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
The Big Cow Creek
Watershed is largely a rural
area with no major industries
or cities and will probably
remain largely rural for the
near future. The watershed
covers parts of Jasper and
Newton counties with the
largest population center
being the City of Kirbyville
(population 1,940), which is
located in the watershed of
Trout Creek, a tributary to
Big Cow Creek.
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Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Big Cow Creek Watershed
For this Sabine Basin Highlights Report, a watershed characterization of the Big Cow Creek Watershed was
developed. This watershed includes Segment 0513 and was selected for its unique characteristics and
because of its importance as a major tributary in the lower Sabine Basin. The US Geological Survey gage
08020000, located on Big Cow Creek, is one of five described measurement points in the Sabine Basin for the
Environmental Flow Standards adopted by TCEQ on April 20, 2011.
The defined segment in this watershed reaches from the confluence with the Sabine River in Newton County to
a point 4.6 kilometers (2.9 miles) upstream of R 255 in Newton County. The watershed includes 349 square
miles and is located in the Western Gulf Coast Plain Ecoregion. Big Cow Creek derives a portion of its flow
from the spring fed branches in the area. In the upper reaches, it flows through an area of rolling sand hills,
open mixed forests, and scattered pine groves. The lower section flows through a bottomland area composed
of mixed hardwood and pine. Water flow is sufficient on most of the lower section for recreational use,
however, the primary section utilized for recreational activity is from SH 87 crossing (2 miles southeast of
Newton) to the Sabine River.
Big Cow Creek at FM 1416 south of Bon Wier, Texas
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Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Big Cow Creek Water Quality
Big Cow Creek has been monitored since 1972 and has included an active USGS gage since
1952. The TCEQ’s designated uses for Big Cow Creek are primary contact recreation, high
aquatic life use, and public water supply.
Over the last seven year period, no major water quality issues or concerns have been identified.
The stream fully supports all water quality criteria and designated uses. Routine water quality
sampling in the segment consists of monthly sampling at FM 1416 South of Bon Wier (#10465,
BCC1).
The TCEQ e-flow standard for the measurement point on Big Cow Creek was adopted on April 20,
2011, utilizing data prior to the extreme drought the watershed experienced during 2011. The eflow standard for the summer season is 20 cubic feet per second (cfs) for subsistence flows. The
previous record low flow for the gage site was 14 cfs, however a record low of 1.4 cfs for the
mean daily flow occurred on August 23, 2011. In response to extreme drought conditions, 24
hour diel monitoring was conducted for two week periods in May, June, July, and August of 2011
at the USGS gage site on SH 87 (#10466). During these four months the average daily flow was
less than 20 cfs for 117 days and above 20 cfs only 6 days. The water quality always met WQS
and the average dissolved oxygen for every 24-hour period was well above the 24-hr. mean
WQS of 5 mg/L.
Throughout the monitoring history, fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates, habitat assessments, and
ambient toxicity screening tests have been conducted in the Big Cow Creek watershed. All of the
results indicated no toxicity and no biological impairments. The Index of Biotic Integrity was
intermediate/high to high with a total of twenty-four fish species collected. Tolerant species
comprised a low percentage of individuals collected. The only issue in the segment over the last
seven years has been sporadic elevated E.coli results, usually associated with rainfall events and
runoff.
Over bank flows were observed in Big Cow
Creek on October 10, 2006.
Page 6
Low flows were observed in Big Cow Creek
on October 11, 2011.
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Big Cow Creek is unique in this
area of the Sabine Basin having
numerous spring flows that results
in clear, cool water. Over the past
year Big Cow Creek had an
average water temperature of 19.4º
C, average specific conductance of
44µS/cm, and average TDS of 28
mg/L. The nearest upstream
Sabine River station, SR3
(#10398), had an average water
temperature of 21.8º C, average
specific conductance of 128µS/cm,
and average TDS of 162 mg/L.
Page 7
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Summary of Water Quality Conditions for FY2011
Segment 0501 - Sabine River Tidal
Overall the water quality in this segment meets the WQS with the exception of elevated bacteria. The
Enterococcus results in the segment have been elevated in the past several years, particularly since
September 2005. E.coli sampled in this segment at the same time as Enterococcus shows only
sporadic elevated results during the past year with no impairments.
Segment 0502 - Sabine River Above Tidal
The water quality in this segment meets all WQS with no impairments observed during the past year.
Segment 0503 - Sabine River Above Caney Creek
Water quality in this segment was within WQS on the main-stem of the river during the past year.
Elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) were observed on one occasion in a Louisiana tributary during
summer low flow conditions.
Segment 0504 - Toledo Bend Reservoir
While routine water quality parameters show excellent conditions in Toledo Bend Reservoir, the
Texas Department of State Health Services fish consumption advisory is still in effect for largemouth
bass and freshwater drum due to elevated levels of mercury in fish tissue. Mercury in fish tissue has
been found in several waterbodies in Texas as well as other southern states and is believed to be
primarily a result of atmospheric deposition. For more information please see:
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/comm_exec/pubs/sfr/085.pdf. Low reservoir levels and
drought conditions may have contributed to elevated pH values observed occasionally at some sites
in the reservoir.
Segment 0505 - Sabine River Above Toledo Bend Reservoir
All water quality parameters measured in this segment in the past year were within acceptable WQS.
Only one site has been included on the 303(d) List for bacteria levels. A reduction in the frequency of
elevated levels of bacteria at this site has been observed. The elevated counts were generally
associated with rainfall events suggesting runoff as a probable cause of these elevated levels. A
special study to address toxicity concerns at a single location has been suspended due to drought
and low flow conditions. Previously collected samples have shown no toxicity.
Segment 0506 - Sabine River Below Lake Tawakoni
No impairments in water quality were found and the water quality conditions fully support all
designated uses for main stem sites. Water quality parameters measured were within WQS even
though elevated bacteria levels were recorded a few times during the past year.
Segment 0507 - Lake Tawakoni Reservoir
Water quality parameters measured were within WQS. One reservoir site has been included on the
303(d) List for elevated pH, however additional monitoring has shown that pH values meet standards.
While chlorophyll a levels are close to the proposed standard, no water quality concerns were noted.
Page 8
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Segment 0508 – Adams Bayou Tidal
The data collected in this segment is being used to obtain background data while the Orange County
TMDL Implementation Plan is completed. Elevated levels of Enterococcus were found and exceeded
the WQS Criteria. One elevated E.coli result was also found, but the geometric means were within
the WQS Criteria.
Segment 0509 – Murvaul Lake
Water quality parameters measured in this segment were within WQS. Concerns were demonstrated
for the proposed chlorophyll a standard. Possible sources for these concerns may be related to
agricultural and residential non-point sources.
Segment 0510 – Lake Cherokee Reservoir
Water quality parameters measured were within WQS. While chlorophyll a levels exceeded the
proposed standard, no water quality concerns were noted. Depressed pH values have been recorded
on the reservoir following periods of extended drought. These depressed values in Lake Cherokee
and Tiawichi Creek have been investigated by SRA-TX, TCEQ, and City of Longview personnel and
appear to be related to local geology.
Segment 0511 – Cow Bayou Tidal
Monitoring conducted in this segment is being used to obtain background data while the Orange
County TMDL Implementation Plan is completed. Elevated levels of Enterococcus and E.coli were
found and the results exceeded the WQS Criteria for both.
Segment 0512 - Lake Fork Reservoir
Water quality parameters measured were within WQS. While chlorophyll a levels are close to the
proposed standard, no water quality concerns were noted. Although elevated bacteria levels have
been detected in tributaries to this segment, no samples exceeded WQS in the segment.
Segment 0513 - Big Cow Creek
All water quality parameters indicate excellent conditions with no impairments found during the past
year.
Segment 0514 - Big Sandy Creek
Water quality parameters measured are within acceptable WQS. Elevated bacteria levels have been
detected over the previous seven years and this segment has been included on the 303(d) List for
bacteria levels from previous data. The elevated bacteria levels appear to be from non-point sources.
Segment 0515 - Lake Fork Creek
Water quality parameters measured were well within WQS and screening criteria. Elevated bacteria
levels have been detected in this segment sporadically over the last seven years, but no impairments
in water quality were found and the water quality conditions fully support all designated uses.
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Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Designated Segments in the Sabine Basin
Segment
0501
0502
0503
0504
0505
0506
0507
0508
0509
0510
0511
0512
0513
0514
0515
Page 10
Description
Sabine River Tidal - from the confluence with Sabine Lake
in Orange County to West Bluff in Orange County
Sabine River Above Tidal - from West Bluff in Orange
County to the confluence with Caney Creek in Newton
County
Sabine River Above Caney Creek - from a point
immediately upstream of the confluence with Caney Creek
in Newton County up to Toledo Bend Dam in Newton
County
Toledo Bend Reservoir - from Toledo Bend Dam in Newton
County to a point immediately upstream of the confluence
of Murvaul Creek in Panola County, up to the normal pool
elevation of 172 feet (impounds Sabine River)
Sabine River Above Toledo Bend Reservoir - from a point
immediately upstream of the confluence of Murvaul Creek
in Panola County to a point 100 meters (110 yards)
downstream of US 271 in Gregg County
Sabine River Below Lake Tawakoni - from a point 100
meters (110 yards) downstream of US 271 in Gregg County
to Iron Bridge Dam in Rains County
Lake Tawakoni - from Iron Bridge Dam in Rains County up
to the normal pool elevation of 437.5 feet (impounds Sabine
River)
Adams Bayou Tidal - from the confluence with the Sabine
River in Orange County to a point 1.1 kilometers (0.7 mile)
upstream of IH 10 in Orange County
Murvaul Lake - from Murvaul Dam in Panola County up to
the normal pool elevation of 265.3 feet (impounds Murvaul
Bayou)
Lake Cherokee - from Cherokee Dam in Gregg/Rusk
County up to the normal pool elevation of 280 feet
(impounds Cherokee Bayou)
Cow Bayou Tidal - from the confluence with the Sabine
River in Orange County to a point 4.8 kilometers (3.0 miles)
upstream of IH 10 in Orange County
Lake Fork Reservoir - from Lake Fork Dam in Wood County
up to the normal pool elevation of 403 feet (impounds Lake
Fork Creek)
Big Cow Creek - from the confluence with the Sabine River
in Newton County to a point 4.6 kilometers (2.9 miles)
upstream of R 255 in Newton County
Big Sandy Creek - from the confluence with the Sabine
River in Upshur County to a point 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles)
upstream of SH 11 in Hopkins County
Lake Fork Creek - from the confluence with the Sabine
River in Wood County to Lake Fork Dam in Wood County
SRA Monitoring
Stations for FY2011
Major Cities
(>5,000)
4 (2 off Segment)
2
1
0
3 (2 off Segment)
0
9
2
5
6
3
1
3
1
1 (TMDL in
progress)
1
0 (2 sites monitored
by TCEQ)
0
0 (2 sites monitored
by City of Longview
& TCEQ)
0
1 (TMDL in
progress)
1
3
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
SabineBasinWaterQuality
2011
0512
0507
pH
0514
E. coli
0505
E. coli
0506
0510
0515
0504
pH
0509
0503
Key
Water Quality Parameters
pH – Acid Balance
DO – Dissolved Oxygen
Temp. – Temperature
Cl – Chloride
TDS – Total Dissolved Solids
Entero. – Enterococci
E. coli – Escherichia coli
SO4 – Sulfate
Full Support #
0513
Impairment
or Concern
0502
Partial Support
0508
E. coli
DO
0511
E. coli
DO
Page 11
0501
Entero
Sabine Basin Highlights 2011
Sabine River Watershed Management Program
Water Quality
 Public Participation and the Basin Steering Committee
The Sabine Basin Steering Committee allows stakeholders to have an active role in addressing water quality issues in the Sabine Basin. The
Basin Steering Committee meetings are held throughout the Basin to encourage participation from all of the stakeholders.
 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
This document includes the details about the SRA-TX monitoring programs, the project definition and background, and the quality assurance
requirements to ensure the data collected are accurate. The QAPP also ensures that the data collected are representative of the water body
being sampled.
 Data Collection, Management, and Analysis
The collection, management, and analysis of water quality data is accomplished through an integrated program that includes a comprehensive
monitoring program, a data management plan, and statistical analyses of historical and current data. Historical monitoring reports are available at
www.sratx.org.
 Geographic Information System (GIS)
The SRA-TX GIS provides analysis and spatial representation of the factors that influence water quality, such as point source locations, land use,
and watershed characteristics. Inventories of factors that can impact water quality for the Sabine Basin are incorporated as GIS layers as they
become available. Water quality monitoring data from each watershed are interpreted using GIS. New monitoring is prioritized based on the
specific factors within the watershed.
Sabine River Near Burkeville, Texas
Water Quantity
 Water Supply Planning
Management of the Basin’s water resources is part of SRA-TX’s responsibility to ensure that water is available to meet the Basin needs and to
protect the value of the resource. After meeting the long-term needs of the Basin, the SRA-TX is responsible to provide water for broader use by
the State of Texas.
 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Planning
SRA-TX views water conservation and drought contingency planning as an integral part of meeting near-term and long-term water supply needs.
Water conservation and drought contingency planning is necessary to extend existing supplies and ensure the wise use of available resources.
 Environmental Flows
Environmental flows encompass instream flows and estuarine freshwater inflows. The SRA-TX has assumed a leadership role in water
management planning efforts in Texas through participation in water-related committees, workshops, and development and implementation of
water quality monitoring programs within the watersheds of the Sabine River. SRA-TX is confident the balance between man’s water supply
needs and those of the environment can be achieved and that we have an opportunity for a win/win long-term solution in meeting those needs.
Page 12