Kimberly Wagner, Author at ANRA - Angelina & Neches River Authority

June 16, 2023

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Prarie Grove Utilities

Stage 5 Drought Contingency Implementation Notice Reminder for Prairie Grove Utilities

Good afternoon Prairie Grove: It’s officially summer. It’s hot and it’s dry, and lots of folks are spending time outside using water. Unfortunately, just like last summer, that means we’re exceeding the capacity of the system to supply water. Over the past week, the storage tanks at the Sherwood Forest well have been starting each day about a half foot lower than the day before – and the problem is accelerating. As we’ve said before, even without this increased usage, the well is unable to supply enough water for needs during the day, but it is generally able to recover overnight when usage is low. Unfortunately, as daily demand increases, it has outstripped the ability of the well to fully replenish the tank levels overnight. Unless we all begin immediately practicing the protocol in the Stage 5 Drought Contingency Plan that was implemented in the Summer of 2022 (which has remained active), then we will almost certainly have a system shutdown before the weekend is over. We’ve provided a graph of the Ground Storage Tank levels over the past two weeks (blue line). Based on this pattern and expected demand, we’ve projected (orange line) that levels will likely bottom out very quickly over the weekend. Once the system drops below eight feet (red line), we’ve reached the critical point and we must shut down the system to allow it to fully recover. We have partially closed the outgoing valves from the plant to approximately 15% of normal levels to attempt to slow the demand, but that will not be enough. It will take your help as well. Some things we MUST all begin doing immediately to prevent the system going into emergency operations mode, which will include temporary shutdowns of the system as we have seen over the past few […]

June 1, 2023

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Prarie Grove Utilities

Prairie Grove Utilities Rate Increase Notice

May 30, 2023 The Angelina & Neches River Authority (ANRA) has been the official owner of the Prairie Grove water system since July of 2022. Since ANRA’s initial involvement in September of 2020, crews have made numerous repairs and fixed dozens of water leaks. ANRA has spent a significant amount of time studying and learning the water system as we planned for upgrades that will ultimately create a new water system that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements. All during this process, ANRA has been open and transparent about the ongoing deficiencies and severely degraded condition of the current system as well as what has to happen to bring the water system into compliance. In order to accomplish this, ANRA has to replace the two water treatment plants and 85% of the distribution system. ANRA has worked very hard to secure grants that will enable customers to avoid having to pay for the majority of the costs of construction for the new water system. We have successfully secured a 70% grant for the project Future Improvements In January of this year, ANRA submitted the final components of the application for funding to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The final application amount was $7.7 million. The proposed project will contain the following elements: Construction of a new 8” water supply line and master meter from the City of Diboll; Construction of a new booster station capable of serving 500 residential water customers; Replacement of 85% of the existing distribution system; Creation of a looped distribution system by constructing water lines that connect from FM 1818 and Buttermilk Rd, down to the intersection CC Rd, and back to FM 1818; Installation of fire hydrants at key locations. It is important to note that the project has not yet been fully […]

May 31, 2023

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Job Opportunities

Maintenance Helper, Field Operations

Date Available: June 1, 2023 Date Closed: Open until filled Position Title: Maintenance Helper Position Classification: Part Time/Seasonal Employment Conditions: Salary Range: $12.10 per hour. Available to work 30-32 hours per week Monday-Friday. General Duties: ANRA is seeking a motivated individual to join our team in the role of Maintenance Helper. This is an entry level field position that reports to the Field Maintenance Manager. The Operations Division operates water and wastewater facilities to achieve compliance with state and federal regulations. Ideal candidates will possess the skills to assist with routine repairs and maintenance, preventative maintenance and emergency repairs for water and wastewater systems. The candidate will exhibit a positive attitude, ability to work well with others, strong initiative, and willingness to accept additional responsibilities. Primary Duties: Assist with repair and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities. Assist with repair and maintenance of ANRA Vehicles. Assist with routine repair and maintenance of ANRA Equipment. Assist with general grounds maintenance of facilities. Desired Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years of age or older. This would be a great opportunity for a High School or College student in Angelina County. Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License; Must be insurable for automotive insurance policies; Capable of working flexible hours and during inclement weather; Physical ability and agility to deadlift lift 100 lbs. waist high and lift 50 lbs. overhead, climb steps and ladders; Walk ½ a mile across fairly rugged terrain, including walk/climb steep slopes while carrying equipment; Routinely stoop, kneel, bend, and/or squat to install equipment, collect samples, perform tests, and take readings.

April 26, 2023

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Kickapoo Creek Public Stakeholder Meeting – May 2, 2023

Save the Date! Kickapoo Creek Public Stakeholder Meeting – May 2, 2023 In 2000, Kickapoo Creek in Henderson County, was identified for having bacteria concentrations that exceed the state water quality standards, therefore, a watershed protection plan is being developed to address causes and sources of pollution in the Kickapoo Creek watershed and to develop a stakeholder-driven watershed protection plan that will help improve the health of the water in Kickapoo Creek. TIAER will host a public stakeholder meeting May 2, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Edom Community Center, located at 150 VZCR 4800, in Edom, Texas. Draft versions of chapters 7-10 of the Kickapoo Creek Watershed Protection Plan will be presented and discussed at this meeting. To review the WPP, please visit the project website: https://www.tarleton.edu/tiaer/kickapoo-creek-wpp/ Since decisions made about Kickapoo Creek in Henderson County will affect landowners, citizens, industries, and municipalities, your participation is fundamental to the success of this project and the water quality of our water. Questions may be directed to ltaylor@tarleton.edu

April 6, 2023

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Scheduled Maintenance for Holmwood Utilities Customers

Attn: Holmwood Water Customers Holmwood Utilities recently purchased an emergency generator for the Holmwood Water Treatment Plant. Contractors will be performing a scheduled work activity on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, to finalize the necessary electrical connections for the generator installation. All work should be completed without any interruption to water service; however, there may be a brief period where water pressures could be lower than normal. If this occurs, operations crews will be working diligently to ensure water service returns to normal as quickly as possible. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (936) 632-7795.

March 30, 2023

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Water Main Break & Boil Water Notice Update #5

PGU Water Main Break & Boil Water Notice Update #5 Boil Water Notice Rescinded Thursday, March 30 – 1:15 p.m. On March 27, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required the Prairie Grove Utilities public water system (PWS ID Number 0030027) to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. Prairie Grove Utilities has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by Prairie Grove Utilities used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 30, 2023. If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Mr. Chris Key, P.E., Executive Manager, Utilities, Angelina & Neches River Authority at (936) 632-7795 or (800) 282-5634. If you wish to contact TCEQ, you may call (512) 239-4691.

March 27, 2023

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Water Main Break and Boil Water Notice Update #2

Water Main Break and Boil Water Notice Update #3 3:40 p.m. Monday Great news Prairie Grove! The repair has been completed and water has been restored. Our crew will continue flushing lines and on Tuesday morning, we will collect water samples in preparation of lifting the Boil Water Advisory. We expect that to be lifted on Wednesday. Everyone should have water, however, if you do experience any issues, please let us know. We will update again as needed over the next 24 hours and will notify all of you once we are able to life the Boil Water Advisory. Thank you for your patience and we hope all of you have a happy rest of your Monday!

March 27, 2023

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Prairie Grove – Notice of Water Main Break and Boil Water Notice – Update #1

Prairie Grove – Notice of Water Main Break and Boil Water Notice – Update #1 9:00 a.m. Monday: Summary: After a water main break at the Sherwood well, a Boil Water Notice has officially been implemented. Details: Due to low water pressures in the water distribution system caused by a water leak at the water treatment plant, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the Prairie Grove Utilities public water system (PWS ID Number 0030027) to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions. To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, Prairie Grove Utilities officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking or human consumption purposes. Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, Prairie Grove Utilities will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. […]

February 17, 2023

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Upcoming Public Meeting for Implementation Plan for five Total Maximum Daily Loads for Indicator Bacteria in Hillebrandt Bayou and Neches River Tidal

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has made available for public comment the Implementation Plan (I-Plan) for five draft Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for indicator bacteria in Hillebrandt Bayou and Neches River Tidal, of the Neches-Trinity Coastal Basin and Neches River Basin, in Jasper, Orange, and Jefferson counties. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the draft I-Plan for five assessment units: 0601_01, 0601_02, 0601_03, 0601_04 and 0704_02. After the public comment period, staff may make appropriate changes to the proposed I-Plan and will respond to public comments. Following the public comment period, the TMDL Program will request that the Commission consider approval of the final I-Plan. Upon approval, the final I-Plan and a response to all comments received will be made available on TCEQ’s website. The I-Plan, combined with the TMDL, provides local, regional, and state organizations with a comprehensive strategy for improving and maintaining water quality in an impaired watershed. The public meeting for the draft I-Plan will be held at Jefferson County Extension Office, 1225 Pearl St, Ste 200, Beaumont, Texas 77701-3642 on February 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting-related updates and documents are available on the project websites for Hillebrandt Bayou and Neches River Tidal. During this meeting, individuals will have the opportunity to present oral statements. An agency staff member will give a brief presentation at the start of the meeting and will be available to answer questions before and after all oral statements have been received. Written comments on the draft I-Plan may be submitted to Nicole Reed, Water Quality Planning Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, MC 203, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas, 78711-3087 or faxed to fax4808@tceq.texas.gov Electronic comments may be submitted at: https://tceq.commentinput.com/ All written comments must be received at TCEQ […]

February 17, 2023

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Upcoming Public Meeting for Implementation Plan for four Total Maximum Daily Loads for Indicator Bacteria in Tributaries of the Neches River below Lake Palestine

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has made available for public comment the Implementation Plan (I-Plan) for four draft Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for indicator bacteria in Tributaries of the Neches River below Lake Palestine, of the Neches River Basin, in Angelina County. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the draft I-Plan for four assessment units: 0604A_02, 0604B_01, 0604C_01, and 0604M_03. After the public comment period, staff may make appropriate changes to the proposed I-Plan and will respond to public comments. Following the public comment period, the TMDL Program will request that the Commission consider approval of the final I-Plan. Upon approval, the final I-Plan and a response to all comments received will be made available on TCEQ’s website. The I-Plan, combined with the TMDL, provides local, regional, and state organizations with a comprehensive strategy for improving and maintaining water quality in an impaired watershed. The public meeting for the draft I-Plan will be held at the Angelina County Extension Office, 2201 S Medford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75901 on February 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting-related updates and documents are available on the project website at: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/…/118-lufkinwatersheds-bacteria Written comments on the draft TMDLs may be submitted to Nicole Reed, Water Quality Planning Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, MC 203, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas, 78711-3087 or faxed to fax4808@tceq.texas.gov. Electronic comments may be submitted at: https://tceq.commentinput.com/ All written comments must be received at TCEQ by midnight on March 14, 2023, and should reference: Implementation Plan for four Total Maximum Daily Loads for Indicator Bacteria in Tributaries of the Neches River below Lake Palestine. For further information regarding the draft I-Plan, please contact Nicole Reed at Nicole.Reed@tceq.texas.gov. The draft I-Plan can be obtained via TCEQ’s website.