Complying with TCEQ requirements for Work Over the Edwards Aquifer

The TCEQ administers the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP) to prevent pollution of the Edwards Aquifer to protect groundwater use and maintain Texas surface water quality standards. If work involves soil disturbing construction activities in areas identified as the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, and Edwards Aquifer Transition Zone in the following eight counties, EAPP compliance may apply: Medina, Bexar, Comal, Kinney, Uvalde, Hays, Travis, and Williamson.
In order to comply with the EAPP, TxDOT must:
  • Obtain any required EAPP approvals via required submittals such as a Water Pollution Abatement Plan (WPAP) or Contributing Zone Plan (CZP) from the TCEQ before work begins.
  • Review the commitments made in the WPAP, CZP or other EAPP approval in the EPICs section in the PS&E. A copy of the approval will also be kept in the SWP3 Binder for easy access and reference.
  • Ensure that the contractor adheres to the stipulations of the EAPP approval including associated BMPs and performance of the work in accordance with contract requirements.
  • Ensure that the contractor has the necessary information to recognize subsurface voids in bedrock. This information is available from the
    District Environmental Staff
    . If a subsurface void is encountered, the contractor must notify the TxDOT
    District Environmental Staff.
     The void must be protected until an evaluation is completed and the contractor is cleared to continue work near the void.
  • When contractor-initiated changes in the construction methodology affect the previously compliant impacts to the Edwards Aquifer, including encountering subsurface voids, immediately notify the district environmental
    staff
     and EAPP engineer, who may then need to notify the TCEQ and/or assist in obtaining a revised EAPP approval or void closure authorization. Contractor initiated changes will be the responsibility of the contractor, such as “In this situation, no claims for schedule delays are allowed.”