Greta Jimenez
Galveston Bay is a shallow bay with an average depth of 10 feet. The bay has been plagued by pollution from a variety of sources, including industry, roads, agriculture, septic tanks, and urban development. In 2007, Texas discharged over 13 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the bay, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The Houston Ship Channel, which connects to Galveston Bay, has been found to contain elevated concentrations of metals such as mercury and organic compounds such as PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Trash and litter, including plastics, are also abundant pollutants in the bay, causing malnutrition, toxic exposure, and death in animals that ingest them. In addition, bacteria such as enterococcus and vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria) can be found in the bay, especially after heavy rain, and can cause illness if they enter the body through ingestion or open wounds. Oil spills and chemical discharges have also been reported in the bay, further contributing to the pollution problem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil spills | 22,000 barrels of oil were released during Hurricane Harvey |
| Trash and litter | Plastics are harmful to animals that ingest them |
| Organic compounds | PCBs, PAHs, and Acenaphthylene |
| Metals | Mercury, arsenic, chromium, and lead |
| Bacteria | Enterococcus |
| Septic systems | 80,000 failing septic systems in the area |
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![Followup meeting of the conference in the matter of pollution of the navigable waters of Galveston Bay and its tributaries held at Houston Texas December 5 1972; transcript of proceedi [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nNKsF6dYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Mercury, PCBs, and other toxic chemicals
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are another major concern in Galveston Bay. PCBs are synthetic chemicals that were commonly used in industrial and commercial applications before being banned in the 1970s due to their toxic effects. However, PCBs persist in the environment for a long time, and they continue to be detected in the bay's sediments. Like mercury, PCBs can accumulate in the food web, posing a risk to both wildlife and humans who consume contaminated fish and shellfish. PCBs have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues.
In addition to mercury and PCBs, other toxic chemicals contribute to the pollution of Galveston Bay. Organic toxics, such as pesticides and motor oil by-products, have been detected in the water and sediments. These toxins can have harmful effects on aquatic life and can also contaminate the food chain. Dioxins, another type of toxic chemical, are monitored in the Houston Ship Channel as part of the San Jacinto Waste Pit superfund site. However, there is insufficient data to assess their impact on the bay fully.
The presence of these toxic chemicals in Galveston Bay poses significant risks to both the environment and human health. They can accumulate in the food web, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, where toxins concentrate at higher levels of the food chain. This can have particularly severe impacts on aquatic life, birds, and other wildlife in the bay, as well as humans who rely on the bay for food sources. It is crucial to address and mitigate the sources of these toxic chemical pollutants to protect the health and ecological balance of Galveston Bay.
To address the issue of mercury, PCBs, and other toxic chemicals in Galveston Bay, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, strict regulations and emissions controls on industrial activities and waste incineration can help reduce the release of these pollutants into the environment. Secondly, improved waste management practices, including proper disposal of hazardous wastes and the promotion of natural-ingredient cleaning products, can minimize the presence of toxic chemicals in the bay. Additionally, public education and awareness campaigns can encourage individuals to report possible toxic pollution incidents and properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. Finally, systematic monitoring programs can help track the levels of these pollutants in the bay and guide targeted remediation efforts. By implementing these strategies, the negative impacts of mercury, PCBs, and other toxic chemicals on Galveston Bay can be mitigated, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.
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Oil spills and tarballs
One of the most notable oil spills in recent memory is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which had significant impacts on the Gulf region, including Galveston Bay. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, it is estimated that 22,000 barrels of oil, refined fuels, and chemicals were released into the Houston metropolitan area and Galveston Bay. The timing of pollutant release is crucial, as post-storm releases can have a more prolonged impact on water quality and the ecosystem.
Tarballs, which are globules of hardened tar or asphalt, are another pressing issue for Galveston Bay. These tarballs are formed from the natural seepage of oil from underground deposits in the Gulf of Mexico, which then wash up on the beaches of Galveston Bay. While tarballs may be less dramatic than oil spills, they can still have detrimental effects on marine life and the aesthetic appeal of the beach. Tarballs can entangle or be ingested by marine organisms, leading to injury or illness.
The presence of oil and tar in Galveston Bay poses a threat to the health of both the environment and humans. Oil spills can contaminate water, making it unsafe for swimming or drinking. The ingestion of oil or exposure to oil-contaminated water can have adverse health effects, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. Additionally, oil spills can destroy habitats, disrupt food chains, and lead to a loss of biodiversity in the bay.
To address the issue of oil spills and tarballs, it is essential to implement preventive measures and response plans. Regular maintenance and safety protocols should be enforced in industrial facilities to minimise the risk of oil spills. In the event of an oil spill, prompt reporting to authorities, such as the Texas General Land Office (GLO) Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program, is crucial. Community education and participation are also vital. Individuals can help by securing trash, picking up litter, and reporting dumping incidents to the Galveston Bay Action Network.
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Litter and trash
Galveston Bay is heavily polluted by trash and litter, which are widely recognised as serious issues for the bay and its tributaries. Plastics are particularly harmful to animals that ingest them, causing malnutrition, toxic exposure, and even death.
There is currently no systematic bay-wide monitoring to reduce this kind of pollution. However, there are efforts to improve the monitoring and removal of litter and trash from the bay and its watershed. Three priority strategies for a cleaner bay include:
- Securing trash and picking up litter, teaching children to do the same.
- Entering litter cleanup data in the Texas Litter Database.
- Reporting dumping online using the Galveston Bay Action Network.
The Galveston Bay Action Network also encourages the reporting of pollution, whether deliberate or accidental, to the proper authority to help protect the bay. Joining or starting a movement to ban single-use plastic bags and organising cleanups for local neighbourhoods, parks, streams, or shorelines are other ways to reduce litter pollution. Using reusable bags and creating or joining partnerships to find best practices are also recommended.
In addition to litter and trash, other major pollutants in Galveston Bay include toxic chemicals, industrial waste, and high bacteria levels. Urban development near the bay has contributed to increasing runoff pollution from industry, roads, agriculture, and septic tanks. During Hurricane Harvey, a large quantity of pollutants, including raw sewage and oil, was released into the bay, damaging the coastal ecosystem.
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High bacteria levels
Galveston Bay is a popular destination for recreation and a source of jobs for local Houston/Galveston area residents and visitors. However, the bay faces significant challenges due to high bacteria levels, threatening its ecological integrity and the well-being of those who depend on it.
One of the primary sources of bacterial pollution in Galveston Bay is the failing septic systems in the area. Environment Texas reported that there are approximately 80,000 failing septic systems, contributing to the dangerously high bacteria levels in 32 waterways in the Houston-Galveston region. This issue is so severe that it prompted Environment Texas to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to take action and enforce rules to restore the Clean Water Act and reduce sewage overflows.
The presence of high levels of bacteria in the bay can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. For instance, bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or open wounds, potentially causing illnesses. To address this, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) actively participates in the Texas Beach Watch program, routinely testing 52 beach sites for a bacterial indicator called Enterococcus. When levels of Enterococcus exceed the safe swimming standard, an advisory is issued to warn the public of the potential health risks. These advisories are communicated through signs on the beaches and online platforms, ensuring that visitors are informed about the water quality.
In addition to septic systems, other factors contributing to high bacteria levels in Galveston Bay include urban development and runoff pollution from industry, roads, and agriculture. The increased impervious surfaces from urbanisation can lead to more significant water pollution as rainwater washes away various contaminants into the bay. This runoff pollution can carry harmful chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins, further exacerbating the bacterial problem in the bay.
To address the issue of high bacteria levels in Galveston Bay, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes improving sewage infrastructure, enforcing stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural runoff, and promoting sustainable urban development practices. Additionally, public education and awareness play a crucial role in reducing the impact of bacterial pollution. By understanding the risks associated with swimming in contaminated water, individuals can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Local communities can also contribute by properly disposing of waste, participating in litter cleanup efforts, and supporting initiatives aimed at restoring and preserving the ecological health of Galveston Bay.
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Industrial waste
Galveston Bay is a shallow body of water, with an average depth of around 10 feet. The bay is located near urban and industrial areas, which has contributed to its pollution. Industrial waste is a significant issue for the bay, with a range of toxic chemicals and hazardous materials being discharged into the water.
In 2007, Texas discharged over 13 million pounds of toxic chemicals into waterways, including Galveston Bay. Of these toxins, more than 87,000 pounds were cancer-causing chemicals such as arsenic, chromium, and lead. These toxic chemicals have severe ecological and environmental impacts, damaging marine life habitats and posing risks to human health. The bay is also affected by steadily increasing runoff pollution from industry, roads, agriculture, and septic tanks.
The Houston Ship Channel, which connects to Galveston Bay, has been monitored for various pollutants. Elevated concentrations of metals such as mercury and organic compounds, including PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been found in the sediment. Acenaphthylene, a type of PAH, is now the most common organic toxin found in the channel's sediments. The persistence of legacy pollutants like PCBs and dioxins in the sediments poses a long-term threat, as they can remain in the environment for decades and work their way up the food chain.
In addition to the routine pollution, major weather events can also cause significant pollution. During Hurricane Harvey, a large quantity of pollutants was released from the Houston metropolitan area into Galveston Bay. This included raw sewage, oil, refined fuels, and chemicals, which had a detrimental impact on the water quality and coastal ecosystem. The timing of pollutant discharge also plays a crucial role, as post-storm releases can be more damaging to water quality and the ecosystem due to the slower exit rate of pollutants from the bay.
The pollution in Galveston Bay has led to health concerns for swimmers and those engaging in recreational activities. While the majority of swimmers do not experience issues, there are risks associated with bacterial infections, especially when individuals have open wounds or cuts. High levels of enterococcus, a type of bacteria, can cause illness if they enter the body through ingestion or open wounds. Advisories are issued for beaches when enterococcus levels exceed the safe swimming standards, and routine testing is conducted to monitor these levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Galveston Bay in Texas is plagued by a variety of pollutants, including:
- Trash and litter, especially plastics
- Oil spills
- Industrial waste
- Hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury
- High bacteria levels from failing septic systems
- Agricultural runoff
- Sediment containing elevated concentrations of metals and organic compounds
The pollutants in Galveston Bay have had a detrimental impact on the health of the bay and its surrounding environment. The high levels of bacteria have resulted in health advisories against swimming at certain beaches, and the loss of seagrass beds has damaged marine life habitats. The bay has also experienced multiple chemical and petroleum spills, endangering the coastal ecosystem.
The pollutants in Galveston Bay can pose risks to human health. High levels of bacteria in the water, such as enterococcus, can cause illness if ingested or if they come into contact with open wounds. Additionally, toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the water can be harmful to humans if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Efforts are being made to monitor and reduce pollution in Galveston Bay. Monitoring programs, such as Texas Beach Watch, routinely test the water quality and issue advisories when bacteria levels are too high. There are also initiatives to reduce litter and trash pollution, such as cleanup programs and campaigns to ban single-use plastic bags. To address sewage overflows and reduce pollution from septic systems, advocacy groups have urged the implementation and enforcement of environmental protections, such as the Clean Water Act.
