NewsDrop-Dec-2024

EAA LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

AQUIFER SCIENCE | PROJECT WEIR

By: Erica Martinez, Maddison F. Orquiz, & Sue Ellen Gibbs-Huerta

AT THE EAA FIELD RESEARCH PARK OBSERVING LAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

LARRY JACKSON MEET

Figure 1. Interns Maddison, Sue Ellen, and Erica (left to right) assist with weir construction at the FRP.

OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR EXTERNAL & REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Figure 2. Locations and respective areas of the two sub-watersheds for Project Weir on the western tract of the Field Research Park.

Scientists at the EAA are observing the effects of land management techniques on runoff within two small watersheds at the EAA Field Research Park (FRP), in a study known as Proj ect Weir. With this project, EAA scientists aim to observe potential changes in runoff dynam ics before and after applying nature-based solutions like brush and rock berms within the sub-watersheds. As with many of the FRP projects, data for Project Weir will be collected across multiple seasons and meteorological conditions. The development of land manage ment practices has the potential to slow and spread runoff, allowing additional time and “WEIR” EVALUATING LANDSCAPES

avenues for recharge to the aquifer. Runoff will be measured continuously by two weirs at the base of the sub-watersheds. Weirs are physical structures resembling small dams with a notch that can control water flow within a drainage or stream channel and are used to accurately measure streamflow. You may remember from your high school math classes that calculating the volume of a simple shape like a cube was much easier than finding the volume of an uneven shape with mixed dimensions. In the first case, sim ple geometry could be used to solve for a

volume, while the latter required calculus to find a solution. In hydrology, a weir capitalizes on this principle by channeling water through a basic shape (a rectangle or V-shaped notch) of known dimensions, making flow calcula tions simple and accurate. EAA scientists will use pressure sensors installed in the weir structures to track and monitor flow after rain events. They will com pare potential changes in the volume and duration of flow from similar storms before and after applying land management prac tices to the project area.

Who will lead a team managing the EAA’s permitting, conservation, and regulatory programs while providing support to the EAA in activities related to the federally approved Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.

Growing up in the central Texas region, Larry enjoyed spending time with family in parks, floating down rivers, camping, hiking, and bik ing across the Texas Hill Country. These expe riences shaped his appreciation for nature and the environment and led him to become pas sionate about sustainability. He is thrilled to be a part of our agency, and passionate about preserving the Edwards Aquifer for genera tions to come.

communications, regulatory affairs, and water utility operations. Prior to joining the EAA, he worked as the Director of Customer Ser vice and Communications for The Texas Water Company. In this capacity, he was responsi ble for managing the customer contact cen ter and service operations; overseeing field service and new water service operations; leading internal and external communications, community outreach, and regulatory relations; and recruiting and training staff. In his ten ure at the Texas Water Company, he was also responsible for developing and implementing

strategic goals, improving software systems to enhance customer experience, and maintain ing public and media relations. His strong belief in providing service to the communities in our region, and his dedica tion to our mission bring a renewed sense of regulation through education to our External & Regulatory Affairs Department. Please join us in welcoming Larry Jackson to our agency, as we collectively work together to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

WHAT IS TO COME?

Currently, the weir structures are in the final phases of construction. Once completed, sci entists will begin gathering baseline data and will continue to monitor the watersheds with out any changes. After sufficient storm data

have been accumulated, researchers will add land management practices and monitor for any changes in runoff. This project, and oth ers like it, will allow the EAA to better under stand recharge mechanisms in karst aquifers

and assess the potential benefits of land man agement for recharge enhancement. There will be much to learn as we move further along with this project, but don’t worry, “weir” going to update you along the way!

Larry comes to the EAA with over 30 years of experience in customer service,

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