From P.A. Ucci:
Some clarity is required on the IN News septic tank causality on local bayou pollution. Septic tanks have been frequently cited as major factor. The UWF study covered the 25 month sampling period ending on 12-30-03, (i.e. almost a year before IVAN). It would be interesting to know the reason(s) and justification for the three year delay before the final report was issued.
During and subsequent to the test period hundreds of home owners have abandoned septic tanks and connected to the ECUA. A storm water fee was initiated by the city, who spent upwards of $ 2 million on studies and projects designed to improve Bayou Texar water quality. The expected results have not been positive. Since early spring 2004 and to date the frequency of “unacceptable” water quality in Bayou Texar has increased significantly. This suggests that the causative factors remain to be recognized.
However, the UWF study with delicate phrasing, “waterfront dog owners should be encouraged to clean up after their animals to brunt this source of run-off and infiltration of fecal matter”. The city building dog parks and bathing at Bayview Park may be the reason for the poorer water quality for the past two years.