TBCD gives project updates, honors employees
Lawrence Davis, Jr. (left), Anthony Joseph and Elton Harmon, Sr., are recognized by Trinity Bay Conservation District General Manager Jerry Shadden for their contributions to the district. Not pictured is Rex Lewis, who was also recognized by the district.
WINNIE— Trinity Bay Conservation District met last week to discuss multiple projects happening around the district and to recognize employees helping with those efforts.
TBCD met on Wednesday, July 9, to discuss bond projects and a water meter project.
TBCD Board Attorney Kate Leverette provided an update on the bond application, saying there are just a few documents that need to be worked on before it can be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
As for the 20-inch waterline, pipes were delivered last week, but the district is still waiting on a few more items to begin the project.
TBCD General Manager Jerry Shadden said water tank design plans will likely be submitted to TCEQ on July 23, and once plans are approved by the TCEQ, construction can begin.
Shadden said under the best-case scenario, approval for construction would be late September.
Results for the westside wastewater evaluation study should be in by August, according to Shadden.
In compliance with House Bill 1522, the district will now send out meeting notices three business days before the meeting, rather than 72 hours prior.
District employee Amos Roy provided updates on drainage projects, noting that spray crews covered about 25 miles and nine ditches.
Crews completed cleaning up the Onion Bayou tributary and are currently working on Elm Bayou, Spindletop north of Interstate 10 and the Double Bayou tributary.
Roy provided a list of areas he would like to focus on next in preparation for hurricane season, including Oyster Bayou south of Fairview, parts of Double Bayou and its major tributaries, and Elm Bayou south of Fairview.
Also included in the list were floating barriers, swing gates at the south end of Robinson Lake and erosion at a residence, previously approved by the board.
Operations Coordinator David Hoyt provided utility updates, primarily focusing on water meters.
The meter project started about three weeks ago, and as of the meeting date, the contractor installed about 500 auto-read meters. By the end of the project, 2,700 meters will be installed.
TBCD crews have changed out 712 meters since October 2024.
TBCD recognized four individuals who have significantly helped with reading meters for the district. All were previously meter readers but have either moved up in their positions or retired.
Honored were Anthony Joseph, current plant operator; Lawrence Davis, Jr., current electrician technician; Elton Harmon, Sr., retired as a crew leader; and Rex Lewis, retired as a meter reader.