The San Antonio River Authority has been conducting workshops throughout the San Antonio River Watershed area and is working on a holistic watershed master plan for Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties.
SARA officials said its new best practices handbook is another element in providing residents and community leaders with ideas that have worked for other communities going through sudden and rapid growth associated with oil and gas exploration.
According to a recent study performed by the Center for Community and Business Research at UTSA’s Institute for Economic Development, oil production alone tripled from 2011 to 2012.
SARA General Manager Suzanne Scott said sustainable practices can balance costs and support the ecosystem of the rivers and creeks within the San Antonio River Watershed.
The handbook outlines best practices to preserve and enhance water quality:
- Land use practices to manage stormwater quality and quantity while preserving the natural watershed
- Road infrastructure
- Floodplain land use and development
SARA will distribute the handbook to the area’s elected leaders and government staffs throughout the three counties.
