Spills and Dumping Action Plan
 The Spills and Dumping Action Plan supports ongoing efforts in debris reduction and hazardous materials spill prevention and response. In order to avoid duplication of the work already proceeding, spill contingency planning and response are not the main focus of this action plan. In general, the plan focuses on the following targets:
- Natural Resource Damage Assessments
- Spill Management
- Trash Control
The Natural Resource Uses Subcommittee of the Galveston Bay Council is charged with facilitating implementation of the Spills and Dumping Action Plan through our GBEP Partners.
Results!
- The Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) program has made very important contributions to progress on the Spills and Dumping Action Plan. NRDA trustees and partners have greatly facilitated the process of turning environmental damage into habitat conservation opportunities.
- Texas Sea Grant has developed a Clean Marina Program for Texas and is working cooperatively with the GBEP to address boater waste issues.
- The implementation of Phase I and II of the NPDES Storm Water Program under the Clean Water Act will have major positive impacts on spills and solid waste associated with runoff.
- Public attention has been focused on this estuarine debris through the successful Trash Bash events, now coordinated by the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Public recognition of the pollution problems associated with runoff could change our vision of what it means to be environmentally responsible. This new focus could lead to increased partnerships with local governments, thus increasing our effectiveness.
Spills and Dumping Action Plan implementation highlights:
Trash Bash - The Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority's Annual Trash Bash event, involving citizens in shoreline and near shore trash cleanup at select sites in the bay watershed, has been successful both in the amount of trash removed and the number of people involved.
Search for other Galveston Bay Plan implementation projects.
See more information on the Spills and Dumping Action Plan in The Galveston Bay Plan.
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