The Science of Instream Flows A Review of the Texas Instream Flow Program (2005) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-15
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-- to develop a state program for instream flows to support a "sound ecological environment" on priority rivers by the end of 2010. In response, the agencies drafted a proposed instream flow program that is described in two documents: the Programmatic Work Plan (PWP; TPWD, TCEQ, and TWDB, 2002)
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. However, current trends in instream flow programs are moving away from these single values and towards comprehensive river science.
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This report recommends instream flow programs be designed to incorporate several key characteristics. First, instream flow programs need welldefined and measurable goals to frame instream flow studies and evaluate program progress.
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explain how indicators will be selected and used for specific river basins and statewide. Sound Ecological Environment The Texas instream flow program is predicated on legislative language in Texas Senate Bill 2 (2001)
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Indeed, a statewide and state-sanctioned process for conducting individual studies would help ensure consistent method applications and consistent interpretation of instream flow recommendations. As written, the PWP provides a very limited structure to ensure consistent or comparable instream flow studies across the priority study sites.
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The PWP should present clear and specific goals for the state-wide instream flow program and recognize the need to develop individual subbasin goals that nest within the state-wide instream flow programmatic goal(s)
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Executive Summary 7 Set Goals Study Design Analyze existing information and conduct reconnaissance studies Develop conceptual model of system Refine goals if necessary Determine geographic scope Develop interdisciplinary study plan specific for the basin Detailed Technical Evaluations Hydrology and Hydraulics Water Quality Biology Physical Processes Integrate Technical Studies and Develop Instream Flow Recommendations Study Report Implementation Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management FIGURE ES-1 Recommended flowchart for instream flow studies.
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The PWP flowchart for instream flow studies should be revised to include several important steps in planning and conducting an instream flow study as suggested in Figure ES-1. Indicators Indicators can measure progress towards achieving goals.
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Adaptive management will be an important characteristic of an effective instream flow program, and the use of measurable indicators to monitor progress towards a sound ecological environment in Texas river basins is encouraged. However, the TOD makes little distinction among individual basins and presents its methods as though each method is equally applicable across highly variable river basins.
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Instream flow considerations are not the focus of the state's water quality programs. Therefore, the instream flow program's elements that describe water quality must be aligned with the existing water quality programs, so as to avoid conflicting requirements for maintaining sound ecological environments in Texas rivers.
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Despite the difficulty in doing so, the various components of a study need to be compatible in terms of spatial scale. Overall, the biological, physical processes, water quality, and hydrology and hydraulics instream flow studies should be designed at commensurate spatial and temporal scales to improve the ability to integrate findings from the various technical evaluations into a single flow recommendation.
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At a minimum, the existing aquatic life use goals could be considered in implementing instream flow recommendations to avoid conflict or establish support between the instream flow and water quality programs. Integrating the instream flow program with existing water quality and quantity programs will provide clear and consistent direction for both decision makers and stakeholders.
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Implementation of a statewide instream flow program will involve many agencies, significant resources, and time; nevertheless, the program will provide enormous benefits to the state over the next several decades and beyond. The Texas instream flow program will need to be flexible to meet the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the state's rich mixture of river ecosystems, culture, water law, and water development.
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3) The PWP should present clear and specific goals for the state-wide instream flow program and recognize the need to develop individual subbasin goals that nest within the state-wide instream flow programmatic goal(s)
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10) The creation of an independent, interdisciplinary, periodic peer review process for the instream flow program is recommended.
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