May 2023

Welcome to TRA’s monthly newsletter!

With a focus on people, places, processes and projects, inTRA will highlight the faces of TRA, the communities we serve and the innovative processes and projects that drive the Authority toward its mission to promote conservation, reclamation, protection and development of the natural resources of the Trinity River Basin for the benefit of the public.

During the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, held on April 26, a wide range of topics, including project updates, financial reports and employee achievements were presented. This summary highlights some of the key discussions.

Central Regional Wastewater System

The board approved an engineering services agreement between the Authority and Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. for the second phase of the CRWS Bear Creek Interceptor Relief project. The project involves replacing 9,900 linear feet of parallel unlined reinforced concrete pipes, which are in poor condition due to corrosion, with a single 84-inch fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipeline from Hunter Ferrell Road to just west of Belt Line Road in Irving. This will increase the capacity of the system to handle more wastewater and make it more reliable. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

The Board approved an engineering services agreement between TRA and Gresham Smith for the new Analytical Laboratory Services Complex Project. The complex will house advanced equipment, consolidate the environmental services department and provide storage and safety training facilities.

Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System

The Board approved an engineering services agreement with Mead and Hunt, Inc. for the final design of the 15CB-1 Cade Branch Lift Station, East Leg Interceptor, and Force Main Improvements Project. This project aims to relocate and improve the lift station to facilitate the expansion of the DCRWS.

The Board approved an engineering services agreement with Plummer Associates, Inc. for the final design of the Air Release Valve Replacements, Phase II project. This project aims to replace 10 air vacuum release valves within the DCRWS system. The existing valves are made of ductile iron, which can corrode. The new valves will be made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

Northern Region

The Board approved an engineering services agreement with Brown and Caldwell to develop a new surcharge model for the wastewater systems in TRA's Northern Region. The new model will monitor biological oxygen demand and total suspended solids, as well as chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus, fats, oils, grease and volumetric loading. This will help track the quality of wastewater being discharged into the system. The surcharge model will also assist TRA in recovering the costs associated with excessive industrial discharges.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be June 28.

Governor Abbott Appoints Five to Trinity River Authority Board of Directors

TRA Employees Win Top Industry Awards at

Annual Texas Water Conference

Matt Jalbert, Northern Region executive manager, was honored with the prestigious Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the Water Environment Association of Texas. Jalbert is a longtime member of the organization and has served in various roles including president from 2022 to 2023.

Taylor Huynh, executive manager of administrative services, was presented with the esteemed Workforce Development Award for her exceptional contributions at TRA. With more than two decades of dedicated service, Huynh has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of TRA's apprenticeship program, making a significant impact on the organization's workforce development initiatives.

The Ten Mile Creek Regional Wastewater System was honored with the prestigious Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year Award in Category 3. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the exceptional dedication of the staff who consistently go beyond expectations in their commitment to safety and compliance. The Ten Mile Creek System's remarkable achievement of 21 consecutive years winning platinum awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies highlights its track record of excellence. Congratulations to the entire team at Ten Mile Creek!

Mike Young, senior manager of systems operations and maintenance at CRWS, has been honored with the prestigious Earnest Gloyna Pillars of the Profession Award. With an impressive tenure of 46 years at CRWS, Young has made remarkable contributions to enhancing wastewater treatment processes at both the state and national levels. He is a teacher, mentor, and a source of inspiration. He has left an indelible mark on the industry. Congratulations to Mike Young for this well-deserved recognition!

Jason Turner, senior chemist at CRWS, was honored with the esteemed Water Environment Federation Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award. Since joining TRA in 2019, Turner has demonstrated outstanding leadership by organizing and leading various improvement initiatives in the laboratory. Congratulations!

Texas OPS Challenge Highlights from Texas Water!

Excellence in Financial Reporting

We extend our congratulations to TRA's Finance Department for their remarkable recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The department has been awarded two prestigious accolades. The department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the seventh consecutive year, showcasing TRA's commitment to the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting. Additionally, the department earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2023 budget by meeting all the rigorous criteria for an effective budget presentation. We applaud Budget Manager Tishia Jordan, CFO Christine Epps and the entire Finance Department for their outstanding accomplishments.

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The cover photo was taken by TRA employee Megan Etchegaray, operator I at MCRWS.

Biological Monitoring Training Session

The Technical Services and Basin Planning team, partnered with the city of Fort Worth Code Compliance Department's Environmental Quality Division for a training session on biological monitoring at Marine Creek in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

The session's main objective was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) surface water quality monitoring procedures for biological monitoring, specifically focusing on proper fish collection and identification techniques. The training incorporated TCEQ guidelines and involved practical methods like backpack electrofishing, fish measurement, species identification and data collection, before safely releasing the fish back into their natural habitat. These techniques helped gather vital information about the fish and the overall population in the waterway.

Lake Livingston Project Raises Funds for Local Children's Nonprofit

Bags flew at the Lake Livingston Project on Saturday, April 29, as TRA employees battled it out in a cornhole tournament. The event, which also featured a crawfish boil and raffle, served as the Lake Livingston Project's spring fundraiser. Thanks to the efforts and generosity of the staff, $3,750 was raised to donate to the Polk County Childrenz Haven. The nonprofit provides a variety of services to children who suffer from abuse or neglect. This is the second year in a row LLP has raised funds for the nonprofit, as last year they contributed $6,300.

TRA's Steve Metzler Joins the Hydraulic Institute Standards Committee

Steve Metzler, construction services manager, has been selected by the prestigious Hydraulic Institute to join two of their standards committees. One committee focuses on crafting national pumping standards, and the other involves participating in the creation of international (ISO) pumping standards in the United States.

For more than a century, the Hydraulic Institute has been the central repository for pump standards and a driving force behind improving pump performance. The Institute offers a diverse range of committees that cater to the specific needs of industries such as food processing, petrochemical, mining and water resources.

As the TRA representative, Metzler will play a crucial role in establishing the standards for pump design, fabrication and utilization within the water resources industry. This involvement not only gives TRA a voice in shaping the future of the pumping industry but also grants us voting membership, influencing standards both nationally and internationally. Congratulations on this opportunity!

TRA Celebrates Earth Day through Community Events

April was an incredible month for the Trinity River Authority as we actively participated in various community events, spreading awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainability.

TRA took part in five community Earth Day events, starting with the River Legacy Earth Festival, followed by the Grand Prairie Earth Day, UTA Earth Day, UNT EarthFest and concluding with Earth Day Mansfield. These events gave TRA the opportunity to engage with nearly 4,000 people in the communities it proudly serves.

The highlight of the Earth Day celebrations was the three-day EarthX Expo held at Fair Park. This event brought together a staggering audience of 60,000 people from across the state, country and around the world.

In addition, TRA hosted two facility tours. Northwest ISD students toured the Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System where they gained valuable insights about TRA water management practices. Tarrant County Water Supply Project partnered with the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Chamber of Commerce to provide a comprehensive tour for local business leaders and community members, and TRA had the opportunity to discuss our mission and work with Daughters of the American Revolution, during their meeting held at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

These experiences further strengthened TRA's commitment to water sustainability and inspired us to continue making a positive difference in the communities we serve.

Summer in Texas brings soaring temperatures and dry weather conditions, presenting unique challenges for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. However, with a few planting tips and water conservation practices, you can keep your garden healthy and vibrant all summer long. Read More

TRA Focuses on Mental Health

Meet TRA's “Paper Cop” Beverly Murphy

In honor of Internal Auditor Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate the exceptional work and dedication of our internal auditor, Beverly Murphy! Since joining TRA in 2017, she has played a vital role in helping to ensure the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of our operations.

Beverly enjoys working with different departments and learning about all aspects of the organization. As a self-proclaimed “Paper Cop,” she loves analyzing data and identifying patterns. Her key lessons include the mantra of “trust but verify” and the importance of curiosity and persistence. Beverly believes in researching on behalf of management to provide valuable insights.

Being an auditor across different industries has enriched Beverly's understanding and her network. Her motto is clear: Trust is not an internal control. While she values trust among colleagues, she emphasizes the need for skepticism and verification. Not only does Beverly analyze data, but she also visits different sites to observe processes firsthand. She believes it's always better to see things in action.

Beverly cherishes her career in internal auditing, which she initially saw as a temporary career path. However, after 27 years, it’s clear her passion lies in helping organizations navigate risks and ensure compliance. She feels grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

"Back to the Trinity," by David Villasenor, field tech I, CRWS

Debbie Foxworth, lab tech I at Lake Livingston Project, celebrates 35 years at TRA.

Lesly Wilkinson, maintenance mechanic II at Lake Livingston Project, celebrates 10 years at TRA.

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Southern Region staff members Rick Davis, Kim Kayser, Kristie Munoz and Bill Holder met with city of Houston Water staff for a tour of the saltwater barrier at Wallisville.

Riley Jax, the first-born grandchild of Cora Burns, LLP receptionist in the permit administration department, graduated from kindergarten. Congratulations, Riley!

Brooke Munoz, daughter of Kristie Munoz, assistant manager at LLP, is the defending Region III 3A 300m hurdle champion and qualified for the UIL State Track and Field meet in Austin May 11-13. She placed fourth in 100m hurdles and third in long jump, setting personal records in both.

Sara Pierce, daughter of Wes Pierce, hydraulics system administrator, is set to graduate from high school on May 29. She has plans to enroll at Tarleton State University in the fall. Congratulations to Sara on reaching this important milestone.