NewsDrop-July-August-2026

EXTERNAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS | FEATURED STORY

BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO FACILITY LOCATION DATA AND DRAINAGE INFORMATION, THE FRMP HELPS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS BETTER MANAGE AND CONTAIN FIREWATER RUNOFF AT THE SOURCE.

The FRMP reflects the EAA’s commitment to proactive stewardship of the Edwards Aquifer — not only through regulatory over sight, but through practical tools that empower community partners to respond effectively when it matters most.

This sample map reflects the typical layout available to first responders. Detail levels vary by site based on the volume of regulated substances, proximity to known sensitive geographic features (sinkholes, caves, etc), and the level of engagement with local emergency personnel.

Figure 1: A map detailing recharge zone protection sites.

Program Development | FRMP evolved through a deliberate, multi-year process:

Mapping the Recharge Zone

This capability has broad implications for emergency response outcomes. Accurate, accessible mapping data supports: • More targeted containment strategies during emergency events • Reduced environmental impact on the Recharge Zone • Lower remediation and cleanup costs following an incident

2017 EAA staff began systematically documenting the types and volumes of regulated substances stored on the Recharge Zone, establishing a foundational inventory of 38 regulated facilities within Bexar County.

2019 Formal mapping efforts were initiated. Under EAA rules, facilities exceeding the 1,000-gallon storage threshold are required to submit detailed facility maps to the EAA. These maps were then digitized using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to create accurate, standardized digital records that can be readily shared with first responders.

2026 The FRMP has expanded its reach outside of Bexar County and now works to map any Subchapter F regulated facilities located on the Recharge Zone and within the jurisdiction of the EAA. As shown in Figure 1 , there are currently 62 regulated facilities in Bexar, Comal, Hays, Medina, and Uvalde counties.

GIS mapping is central to the FRMP’s effectiveness. By capturing drainage routes, stormwater infrastructure, and other site-specific conditions in a digital format, the program enables first responders to anticipate how firewater runoff may behave during an active incident — before it reaches sensitive environmental areas.

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