Take Care of Texas News You Can Use - July 2013

Landscaping with Less Water With Texas suffering frequent, widespread drought, planting a landscape naturally adapted to dry conditions is one way to both conserve water and care for your yard. Water conservation becomes particularly critical in the summer, when water use can surge anywhere between 30 to 60 percent, of which lawn and garden watering typically gulp up nearly 40 percent. Moreover, many cities are implementing mandatory water restrictions in order to conserve already stretched local supplies. Such restrictions can limit landscape irrigation to two days a week, or frequently less. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has outlined several actions you can take to comply with public conservation practices by strengthening your yard’s tolerance to drought. Mulch all planted areas. Mulch keeps soil moist and slows evaporation. Plant drought-tolerant plants. Using native and adaptive plants reduces the amount of landscape water needed. Mow your lawn at a higher setting. Taller grass can create shade and reduce evaporation. Check each sprinkler head to ensure each is functioning properly. Consider installing a drip irrigation system, which can be much more efficient than spray irrigation. Calling a licensed irrigator may be a wise first step, too. For details about drought proofing your landscape, visit Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Dallas and Take Care of Texas landscape publications. Watch the Water Conservation Story About Fort Bliss National Cemetery on TCEQNews Fort Bliss National Cemetery, winner of the 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Water Conservation, is a wonderful example of how drought- tolerant landscapes can save water and remain beautiful. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Extends Public Comment Period Deadline for comments is July 8, 2013. Thursday, June 20, 2013 - The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council has extended the period for formal public comment on the Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy and accompanying Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment to July 8, 2013. The Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan provides a framework to implement a coordinated region-wide restoration effort in a way that restores, protects, and revitalizes the Gulf Coast region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. You may submit your input and comments to the council. If you have already submitted comments, you need not submit them again. For more information on the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and the Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan, visit RestoretheGulf.gov. Requests for Water Quality Grant Applications The TCEQ is accepting requests for grant applications  through July 31, 2013, for projects that improve water quality. The TCEQ administers federal grants for projects that assist in implementing the State of Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program. The NPS Management Program includes multiple strategies for addressing NPS pollution; however, the TCEQ is specifically seeking projects that implement measures with a high probability of restoring impaired water bodies or achieving significant pollutant-load reductions.  In addition, projects that include conducting watershed planning activitiesalso will be given the highest priority for funding.  All nonprofit organizations and all state agencies or political subdivisions of the state of Texas are eligible. Private organizations are encouraged to participate in projects as partners or contractors, but may not apply directly for funding.  Grants are awarded annually and fund projects for up to three years.  See descriptions of current and recent projects funded. In This Issue: Landscaping with Less Water Fort Bliss National Cemetery on TCEQNews Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Extends Comment Period New! Household Hazardous Waste Resources Request for Grant Applications TCEQ Seminars and Workshops Don't Forget... TCEQ Seminars and Workshops Dam Safety Workshop The TCEQ is holding a series of one-day workshops around the state for dam owners. Thursday, July 18, 2013 – New Braunfels Civic Convention Ctr. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013 – Brownwood 4-H Conference Ctr. Registration is available online. Questions? Send us an e-mail. ............................................................ TCEQ 2013 Water Quality/Stormwater Annual Seminar Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3-4, 2013DoubleTree Hotel —Austin Registration will be available online. Questions? Send us an e-mail. Don't Forget... Please share your water conservation story! Visit Take Care of Texas. .... 2014 Tues. and Wed., May 6-7, 2014 Austin Convention Center—Austin Receive e-mail announcements as soon as we update information on the event............................................................ View videos: 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners  TCEQ invites you to join us in celebrating the successes made by citizens, communities, businesses, and organizations to preserve and protect Texas’ natural resources............................................................. New! Household Hazardous Waste Program Resources We’ve updated the TCEQ Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program Web pages! The new pages feature information for both residents and collection organizers on safely managing hazardous household chemical products, such as pesticides, corrosive cleaners, and solvents, as well as other products, like paint, used motor oil, and antifreeze that can be recycled. You can find details about: programs available in your city or county, general information about HHW, including how to decrease your home usage, tips for planning a collection event, other program areas and agencies that may impact current HHW managers as well as expanded guidance for programs across the state. For general inquiries or questions about the program, contact the HHW Program Coordinator at 512-)239-3143 or send us an e-mail: recycle@tceq.texas.gov . Please connect with Take Care of Texas to find out about environmental events and tips from fellow Texans.............................................................

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