Southeast Texas RC&D Area

"Serving Southeast Texas since 1966"

Counties Served

Chambers East Galveston Hardin Jasper Jefferson Liberty

Newton Orange Polk San Jacinto Tyler

For Information Contact: Southeast Texas RC&D Area John Davidson, Coordinator 510 Pan American Drive Livingston, TX 77351 Phone (936) 327-6408 Fax (936) 327-6415

Saltwater Intrusion Barriers Protect Marsh Ecosystem

In 1962, a series of saltwater intrusion barriers were installed within the East Bay Bayou Watershed of the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. These structures were necessary to regulate the salinity of the water entering the marsh and estuaries from the Intracoastal Waterway. There are over 12,000 acres of estuaries protected by these structures which are part of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Through the years, the levees deteriorated and eroded a large amount of fill material, in some places up to 10 feet wide. This has significantly weakened the structures and have placed them in danger of failure. This is a result of high tidal movements and swift currents adjacent to the gate structures. Without the two saltwater barriers, unregulated salt water from the intracoastal waterway would completely change the marsh ecosystem.

Through the cooperative efforts of the Southeast Texas RC&D Area, Trinity Bay Conservation District, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and special funding from the Coastal Coordination Council of the Texas General Land Office; this project is providing for the restoration of the material for the levee, and also for the protection of the levees with rock and matting.

In 1962, a series of saltwater intrusion barriers were installed within the East Bay Bayou Watershed of the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. These structures were necessary to regulate the salinity of the water entering the marsh and estuaries from the Intracoastal Waterway. There are over 12,000 acres of estuaries protected by these structures which are part of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Through the years, the levees deteriorated and eroded a large amount of fill material, in some places up to 10 feet wide. This has significantly weakened the structures and have placed them in danger of failure. This is a result of high tidal movements and swift currents adjacent to the gate structures. Without the two saltwater barriers, unregulated salt water from the intracoastal waterway would completely change the marsh ecosystem. Through the cooperative efforts of the Southeast Texas RC&D Area, Trinity Bay Conservation District, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and special funding from the Coastal Coordination Council of the Texas General Land Office; this project is providing for the restoration of the material for the levee, and also for the protection of the levees with rock and matting. Saltwater Intrusion Barriers Protect Marsh Ecosystem

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