May 2024

Welcome to TRA’s Monthly Newsletter!

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

Technical Services and Basin Planning

The board approved three resolutions related to water conservation. Resolution No. R-1159-4 adopts a new Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan for Navarro Mills, Bardwell, and Joe Pool Lakes. Resolution No. R-1162-4 updates the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the Tarrant County Water Supply Project. Lastly, Resolution No. R-1163-4 updates the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan for the Lake Livingston and Wallisville Saltwater Barrier projects, the Huntsville Regional Water Supply System, the Trinity County Regional Water Supply System, and the Livingston Regional Water Supply System. These plans are crucial for managing Texas water supply during droughts. They are required by a 1997 state law to reduce water usage and prepare for shortages. The plans are updated every five years.

Central Regional Wastewater System

The board approved an engineering services agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for the CRWS On-Site Storage and Equalization Basins Rehabilitation project. This project aims to repair damage and enhance cleaning to reduce odors. A 2022 report identified minor leaks in the basins caused by cracks in the walls. The project will address these leaks using chemical grout and water cannons to help remove debris from the basin floors.

The board approved an amendment to the engineering services agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for the CRWS Stage IX Odor Control Improvement project. This project will add bioscrubber units to reduce odors at key points in the plant. The amendment includes updates to the design due to changes in odor control needs for one of the junction boxes.

Red Oak Creek Regional Wastewater System

The board approved the first amendment to the engineering services agreement for the ROCRWS Interceptor Rehabilitation, Segment 40RO-1, Phase 2 project. This project involves replacing around 6,800 linear feet of 27-inch unlined reinforced concrete pipe with a larger non-corrosive pipeline capable of handling the projected 2070 flow demands.

Tarrant County Water Supply System

The board approved an engineering services agreement between the Authority and Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., for the TCWSP Raw Water Transmission Improvements, Phase 1. This project will replace an aging 30-inch raw water pipeline, which has exceeded its intended lifespan. The new 72-inch line will enhance the capacity and resilience of the raw water transmission system, capable of transporting up to 106 million gallons per day of raw water from Lake Arlington to the TCWSP plant.

The board granted contracts for the TCWSP Murphy Drive Pump Station Ground Storage Tank Nos. 2 and 3 Rehabilitation project. This pump station plays a vital role in distributing potable water to several areas, including Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, and North Richland Hills. Ground storage tanks Nos. 2 and 3 require rehabilitation to extend their operational lifespan. Archer Western Construction, LLC, was awarded the contract, while Freese and Nichols, Inc. was awarded the engineering services and materials testing services agreements.

Huntsville Regional Water Supply System

The board approved an engineering services agreement between the Authority and Lockwood, Andrews, and Newman, Inc., regarding the Huntsville Raw Water and Transmission Main Improvements. The project will evaluate the condition and capacity requirements of the HRWSS raw water and treated water transmission systems.

The next board meeting is Wednesday, June 26, at the General Office, 5300 S. Collins, Arlington.

What is the Authority Doing to Mitigate PFAS?

The Trinity River Authority of Texas is taking a proactive approach to meeting the EPA requirements, which includes developing a timeline to complete initial sampling and testing by 2027. In addition, TRA will be required to be in compliance with the listed PFAS limits in the rule by 2029. To accomplish this, TRA has invested in laboratory equipment to test for PFAS compounds, and TRA will begin pilot programs to test several treatment technologies to treat PFAS in drinking water. Read More

Sunset Advisory Commission Invites Public Input on the Trinity River Authority of Texas

The Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the mission and performance of the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) and welcomes public comments on ideas to improve its operations and services. The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review TRA and recommend whether to change state law to improve the authority’s efficiency and effectiveness. The Legislature ultimately will decide whether to adopt Sunset’s statutory recommendations. The Sunset Commission may also adopt management directives for TRA that do not require statutory change. Read More

Authority Managers Inform Roanoke Residents about Wastewater Treatment

The Trinity River Authority held a community meeting on Tuesday, May 7, to educate people who live near TRA’s Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System plant about the services provided at the location. Senior Operations and Compliance Manager Jennifer Moore and DCRWS Plant Manager Karl Moellering discussed the plant in detail, including the technology involved in treating wastewater and future expansion plans to meet the needs of a growing population. Read More

On May 15, the Authority was honored with the 2024 Texas Environmental Excellence Award in Technology from the TCEQ for its digital twin project. This project, led by the IT and operations teams, is transforming the way the organization manages wastewater and water treatment. Learn more about the project.

TRA addresses concerns over water release from Lake Livingston Dam amid ongoing flooding

CRWS Honors Bill Tatum and Jason Crawley With Plaque and Memorial Trees

TRA’s Central Regional Wastewater System unveiled a special plaque to honor the remarkable legacy of Bill Tatum, who dedicated more than 50 years to the Authority before his untimely passing last year. At the entrance, two trees were planted: one for Bill and one for Jason Crawley, a valued Freese and Nichols associate and honorary member of the TRA family, who also passed away last year.

High School Interns Share their Experiences at the Authority During Presentation Day

On April 25, Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep students delivered presentations on their internship experiences at the Authority during this school year. The 2023-2024 academic year marks the first year of the partnership between the Authority and Cristo Rey, providing students with practical, real-world experience. The participating students—Arturo Melendez, Jairo Jimenez, Miguel Garcia, and Mauricio Aguilar—were assigned to various departments, including IT, Northern Region, Technical Services and Basin Planning, and the Tarrant County Water Supply Project. During their presentations, they discussed what they learned, recounted memorable moments, outlined their future goals, and shared appreciation with their mentors and peers.

Learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas at Stop Invasives.

Visit Wolf Creek Park

If you are searching for a serene getaway, look no further than Wolf Creek Park. This hidden gem is an ideal spot for nature lovers and thrill seekers, with plenty of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, camping, ﬁshing, and boating. It provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend escape, Wolf Creek Park promises a memorable experience for everyone. The park is open annually from March to November, so book your spot by clicking HERE.

Follow this link for information about the WCP 2024 Photo Contest.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

“Sunset at CRWS,” submitted by Brandon Allen, CRWS operator III.

Brandon Allen, operator III at CRWS, earned his Wastewater Treatment Operator B license and was promoted to his current position on April 16. Allen also celebrates his son, who is also graduating high school in May.

James Barbas, electronic tech II at TMCRWS, earned his Wastewater Treatment Operator C license.

Melissa Travis, operator I at TCWSP, earned her Water Operator D license.

The Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System is celebrating its employees for their commitment to obtaining wastewater treatment certifications. Between October 2023 and May 2024, numerous staff members have acquired new licenses or advanced to higher levels, reflecting the facility's leadership and dedication. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Wastewater Treatment Operator B license:

Randal Hasten, operator II
Chad Thomason, maintenance mechanic II

Wastewater Treatment Operator C license:

Rachel Bouvier, operator II
Colby Voth, operator II

Wastewater Treatment Operator D license:

James Gotliebson, operator I
Jordan Fansler, operator I
Joseph Connelly, operator I

Gladys Garcia (Gigi), an environmental specialist at CRWS, graduated with her Geographic Information Systems certification on May 16. She will continue her education with an online master's degree in geography and geospatial science from Oregon State University. Congratulations!

Arthur Henderson, sr. maintenance mechanic celebrates his retirement following 35 years of dedicated service at the LLP. Wishing him congratulations and a joyful retirement!