Wednesday, October 30
9:00 a.m.
ANRA crews are currently out working on repairs to five water system leaks on Silva Road, Fern Street, FM 1818, and Buttermilk Road this morning.
We do not anticipate much, if any, interruption in water service, and we also do not expect to have to issue a boil water notice. However, please check for updates on this website, the Prairie Grove Water Customers Facebook page, and through ANRA’s text notification system.
Repairs are expected to be completed today. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at utilities@anra.org or 936-632-7795. Thank you!
Date Available: October 14, 2024
Date Closed: Open until filled
Position Title: Clean Rivers Program Coordinator
Position Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Employment Conditions:
Salary Range: $42,600.69 to $46,112.36 annual salary (depending on experience and qualifications)
Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, annual leave, sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and apparel programs. Must possess a valid class “C” driver’s license, pre-employment driving record approval and drug screen mandatory. ANRA is an equal opportunity employer.
General Duties:
ANRA is seeking a motivated individual to join our team in the role of Clean Rivers Program Coordinator. This position combines science, the outdoors, a strong interest in preserving the natural environment, and more. You will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the River Authority’s Clean Rivers Program, including environmental monitoring of rivers, lakes, and streams, data analyses, evaluation, and reporting, and assisting with organization of events to promote environmental awareness such as volunteer stream cleanups, the annual Neches River Rendezvous, and public meetings related to surface water quality in the Neches River Basin.
Ideal candidates will exhibit excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail and correctness, thrive in an outdoor setting, be comfortable on and in the water, and will be capable of transporting, launching, and operating watercraft.
Primary Duties:
- Coordinate ANRA field monitoring activities and supervise field technicians and/or interns. Develop a coordinated monitoring schedule for the Upper Neches River Basin and actively participate in the annual coordinated monitoring meetings
- Coordinate data collection activities and incorporate into the ArcView GIS database for the watershed inventories and spatial analysis. Develop GIS maps for monitoring plans, reports, ANRA web page, meetings and presentations.
- Review and analyze current and historical water quality data including chemical, biological and hydrological data. Compose technical reports of evaluated data points as needed.
- Manage the Upper Neches River Basin water quality data for inclusion in the Upper Neches River Basin Surface Water Quality Monitoring Database.
- Maintain ANRA data clearinghouse including the on-line water quality database (web page), watershed inventories, data inquiries, and data inclusions from other data collection sources.
- Coordinate ANRA public participation and outreach activities to include the volunteer monitoring program, public presentations, and ANRA exhibits.
- Prepare quarterly task reports, Basin Highlight Reports, and Basin Summary reports.
- Act as the Watershed Coordinator for all ANRA implemented Watershed Protection Plans (WPP).
- Identify and secure funding for new WPPs and implementation of portions of existing WPPs.
Desired Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for working in the outdoors, and the ability to relate well with people of all ages
- Bachelor’s in environmental science, biology, chemistry or other relevant field and/or at least three years working in a related environmental setting
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, observation skills, and evaluative skills
- Warm enthusiastic demeanor, outgoing personality, able to interact with people of all ages
- Prior experience writing technical and/or research findings and reports
- Capability to plan/coordinate the various aspects of monitoring activities
- Ability to manage projects, partnerships and professional relationships
- An ability to manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently, accomplishing long term goals by achieving short term strategies and objectives
- Ability to work closely with others in both a public office and field environment, provide project administrative duties as needed, and conduct outreach and educational activities
- Adaptable and willing to take on other job assignments
- Willingness to receive additional training to enhance knowledge and skills
The following customer notice is required by the TCEQ as a result of the non-compliances associated with Disinfection Byproducts Monitoring. This customer notice has also been mailed directly to every active water customer of the utility.
The following customer notice is required by the TCEQ as a result of the non-compliances associated with Disinfection Byproducts Monitoring. This customer notice has also been mailed directly to every active water customer of the utility.
The Angelina & Neches River Authority has issued a Notice to Proceed for a construction project for its North Angelina County Regional Wastewater Facility.
Project Name: Regionalization of the Angelina County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 (District) Wastewater Treatment Facility
Community Served: Rivercrest and Duncan Slough communities
State Agency Administration: Texas Water Development Board
Project Funding: Project was wholly or partially funded with State Revolving Funds funding through the EPA
Project Description: The project consists of decommissioning the existing Angelina County Fresh Water Supply District No.1 WWTF, installation of lift stations with associated line work to transfer flow to the ANRA’s North Angelina County Regional Wastewater Facility (NACRWF), and improvements to the chlorination and disinfection system at NACRWF as an additive bid option.
Water Quality Benefits: Regionalization of the project will take the District’s wastewater treatment plant offline and reroute that flow stream to a modern regional wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater treatment plant being offline and decommissioned is located approximately 300 yards from the Angelina River.
Date Available: September 16, 2024
Date Closed: Open until filled
Position Title: Truck Driver I
Position Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Employment Conditions:
Salary Range: $15.89-$21.38 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications)
Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, vision and dental insurance, annual leave, sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, uniform and apparel programs. All candidates must possess a valid Texas Class “A” Commercial driver’s license, with two years short haul experience. Experience with a Roll-off trailer Preferred. Successful passage of pre-employment background check and drug screen mandatory. ANRA is an equal opportunity employer.
General Duties:
ANRA is seeking a motivated individual to join our team in the role of Truck Driver I at our Neches Compost Facility located in Jacksonville Texas. This is an entry level position that reports to the Neches Compost Facility Director.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the ability to work with minimal supervision, possess organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail and correctness, ability to multi-task, positive attitude, ability to work well with others, strong initiative, ability to meet deadlines, and willingness to accept additional responsibilities.
Primary Duties:
- Assist with management of facility operations for collection and transportation of wastewater sludge, laboratory analysis, yard trimmings, grinding, and composting.
- Assist with maintaining biosolids collection and disposal activities in compliance with regulatory agencies stated guidelines.
- Utilize class “A” vehicles to collect Roll-off containers of biosolids for processing at the Facility and deliver finished product to customers as needed.
- Complete Waste Movement Records and any other related correspondence in a timely manner.
- Learn and know the purpose for collection and documentation of all samples collected associated with biosolids collection, transportation and disposal.
- Assist with maintaining ANRA’s equipment and vehicles to prolong the life of the fleet.
Desired Qualifications:
- Willingness and ability to learn new job skills and take on additional responsibilities.
- Must possess a valid Texas Class “A” Commercial driver’s license.
- Experience with a Roll-off trailer Preferred.
- Must be able to work with minimal supervision while following stated protocols.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to develop a rapport with varying audiences and the general public.
- A team player with an honest and mature attitude and professional appearance that has the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
- Possess a positive attitude and the ability to work well with others.
- A leader who challenges others to do their best work while providing the support necessary to maintain a successful working environment.
The Angelina & Neches River Authority (ANRA) will host its annual Texas Clean Rivers Program Steering Committee Meeting at 1:00 p.m. on July 30, 2024, at the Texas Forestry Association, located at 1903 Atkinson Drive, in Lufkin. An online option will be available to those unable to attend in-person.
The meeting will feature presentations from ANRA staff, Texas Water Resource Institute staff, Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful Director, Ashley Villarreal, Texas Conservation Alliance Community Conservation Coordinator, Jose Lopez, The Citizen Nac Building and Booking Manager, Sam Hernandez, and Independent Filmmaker, Curtis Craven.
ANRA’s Clean Rivers Program Coordinator, Andrew Henry, said, “This meeting is a chance for the public to get involved and voice their concerns about water quality in our basin and learn about what we’ve been doing, where, and what is planned for the future.”
Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, discuss water quality issues and potential solutions, and learn about ways that they can further become involved in decision-making, regarding these issues and solutions.
“Without stakeholder (public) input, ANRA must decide which watersheds to prioritize and conduct work in, and while we do our best to ensure we monitor and remediate the areas in our basin with the greatest need first, this has a possibility of not aligning with the priorities of the public. With stakeholder input, we can prioritize areas the public wants to see action in. Our stakeholders have the ability to steer ANRA toward water quality improvement projects they want to see done,” Henry said.
The Texas Clean Rivers Act of 1991 was enacted by the Texas State Legislature to ensure the comprehensive regional assessment of water quality in each river basin through a local, watershed-based approach. As a partner in the Texas Clean Rivers Program (CRP), the Angelina & Neches River Authority is the lead agency for regional water quality assessments in the Upper and Middle Neches River Basin Study Area.
The goal of the Clean Rivers Program is to maintain and improve the quality of water resources within each river basin in Texas through an ongoing partnership involving the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), other agencies, river authorities, regional entities, local governments, industries and citizens. Long-term goals, include: provide quality-assured data to the TCEQ for use in water quality decision-making, identify and evaluate water quality issues, promote cooperative watershed planning, inform and engage stakeholders, maintain efficient use of public funds, and adapt the program to emerging water quality issues.
The program’s watershed management approach is designed to identify and evaluate water quality issues, establish priorities for corrective action, work to implement those actions, and adapt to changing priorities.
Visit www.anra.org for more information about ANRA’s partnership with the Texas Clean River Program and water quality information in the Neches River Basin.
For more information about the meeting, call (936) 632-7795 or email ahenry@anra.org.
To join the meeting virtually, please use the Microsoft Teams link below.
Meeting ID: 231 605 367 943
Passcode: tmdpyc
June 5, 2024:
The Angelina & Neches River Authority (ANRA) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) for engineering services for design of water system improvements for its Central Heights Utilities.
Engineering services include the following:
- Design detail for preliminary engineering reports;
- Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Costs;
- Environmental and cultural resource assessments;
- Development of standard details and specifications for construction;
- Preparation of bid packet and contract documents;
- Field testing and inspections; and
- Other related tasks as may be required.
Statement of Qualifications shall include:
- Front cover and Section dividers
- Cover letter
- Detailed outline of the firms qualifications and competencies
- Organization Chart(s)
- Resumes of individuals anticipated to provide work
- Conflict of Interest Statement
SOQ’s shall only be submitted electronically in PDF format, via email at solicitations@anra.org or via USB thumb drive mailed to 2901 N. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin Texas 75904.
All SOQ submission must be received at ANRA’s Central Office no later than 12:00 noon on June 21, 2024. For more information, please contact Mr. Kelley Holcomb by phone at 936-632-7795 or by email at kholcomb@anra.org.
Printable version of this RFQ:
The 24th Annual Neches River Rendezvous, which was scheduled to be held on May 18, 2024, has been cancelled due to unsafe river conditions. The Neches River Rendezvous is a family-friendly 10-mile paddling adventure down the Neches River.
This is the first year that the Angelina & Neches River Authority was scheduled to host the event. It was previously hosted by the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. Held for the first time in 1997, it quickly became a popular annual event, with up to 300 people participating, however, due to Covid-19, weather conditions, and supply chain issues, the event had not been held since 2018.
“With unpredictable weather patterns in East Texas, it’s tricky trying to schedule a date for an event of this nature. There’s a short window of opportunity to host this event between weather extremes, flooding events and high heat indexes, so timing this event has proven to be challenging. By the time river conditions improve to a safe level, it will likely be too hot to hold the event, especially since most participants are novice paddlers,” Kelley Holcomb, the Authority’s general manager said. “While we are disappointed that we have to cancel the event in our first year, safety is our first priority.”
At the time of this release, the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services indicated that it could be weeks before river depth and discharge velocities decrease to safe enough levels for recreational activity. Both the event launch area, the Neches River at Anderson Crossing, between Houston and Cherokee counties, and the takeout area, the Neches River at Highway 7, in Angelina County are experiencing discharges of 20,200 cfs (cubic feet per second).
To put that into perspective, between the launch and takeout areas, the river is flowing at about 151,096 gallons per second. While there is not a river gauge at Anderson Crossing, the gauge at the Neches River at Highway 7, shows a depth of about 27 feet. While this location has limited historical data since it is a new gauge, the upstream gauge near Alto and the downstream gauge near Diboll, indicate major and minor flooding. The Alto gauge indicates a depth of 20.2 feet and rising. The record crest for this location is 28 feet in 1884. The Diboll gauge indicates 16.4 feet and rising. The record crest for this location is 21 feet.
The river is more than ½ mile out of its banks in some areas and has washed out the county roads leading to Anderson Crossing. In addition to high water levels and fast-moving currents, even getting to the river may prove to be difficult for quite some time until county officials can make repairs.
The Authority would like to thank all of the event sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and participants. First, Platinum Sponsor, Stella-Jones, Gold Sponsors; Kyncey Developments, LLC, Lufkin Gears, and Soil Therapy Compost; Silver Sponsor, Texas Conservation Alliance; Bronze Sponsors, Cadence Bank and Hackberry Bunkhouse and Kayak Rentals; Rendezvous Crew Sponsors, Sarabella’s Jewelry, Texas Conservation Alliance, River Bottom Cap Company, and the Law Office of Maira F. Carrillo, PLLC; and in-kind sponsors, Brookshire Brothers, Millenia Water & Ice, Mudbelly Outdoor Supply, Railblaza, and Visit Lufkin. Additional support is appreciated from Classic Country Willy 103.3, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Texas Master Naturalist – Longleaf Ridge Chapter, Dos Amigos Taco Truck, I’ve Got Your Dog, Heaven’s Rita, B&T Vans and Shuttles, Real Graphics, Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, and Angelina Beautiful/Clean.
The Authority would also like to thank the more than 140 volunteers that signed up to help with the event. “The eagerness we have seen from individuals in the community to help bring this event back has been absolutely astonishing and we cannot thank our volunteers enough for all the work they have put into the Rendezvous already, as well as the time and effort they were willing to give to make the Rendezvous happen on Saturday. It would’ve been an amazing event because of their volunteer spirit and I’m optimistic that next year will be the best Rendezvous yet,” Kimberly Wagner, the Authority’s communications director, said. Special appreciation goes out to the following local entities and volunteer organizations: International Paper’s North Boggy Slough, Deep East Texas Amateur Radio Club, Houston County EMS, Hudson Fire Department Search & Rescue Team, Five Rivers District – Boy Scouts of America, and Trail Life USA, Troop 1807.
Event registration maxed out with a total of 151 individual paddlers expected to launch in more than 100 kayaks and canoes on the river. “The enthusiasm for the comeback of this event was clear and while we are severely disappointed to have to cancel the event, we’re already making big plans for next year, so we encourage the public to stay tuned and follow us on social media,” Wagner said.
Registration fees and rental fees will be refunded to participants within the next 30 days. Participants and volunteers are also encouraged to come by the Authority’s office, located at 2901 N John Redditt Drive, in Lufkin, to pick up their t-shirts and goody bags – filled with great items from Rendezvous sponsors. Those that live out of town can contact the Authority if they would like to have their goody bag mailed to them. The Authority’s office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“All is not lost, even in cancelling the event. We’ve still been able to bring a lot of recreational and conservation awareness to the public’s attention and that’s the mission of the Rendezvous – awareness of what we have to lose if we don’t take care of our most important and beautiful natural resource – our rivers,” Wagner said. Once river conditions improve, for those who still want to enjoy a day on the river, contact one of the following East Texas area outfitters: Hackberry Bunkhouse and Kayak Rentals, Lake Livingston Kayak Adventures, and Tack-a-Paw Expeditions.
For more information, call the Authority’s Central Office Facility at (936) 632-7795, email recreation@anra.org, visit https://www.anra.org/conservatio…/neches-river-rendezvous/ , or find both the Authority and the Rendezvous’ event pages on Facebook.
Sunset Advisory Commission Invites Public Input on the Angelina & Neches River Authority of Texas
The Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the mission and performance of the Angelina & Neches River Authority of Texas (ANRA) and welcomes public comments on ideas to improve its operations and services. The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review ANRA and recommend whether to change state law to improve the authority’s efficiency and effectiveness. The Legislature ultimately will decide whether to adopt Sunset’s statutory recommendations. The Sunset Commission also may adopt management directives for ANRA that do not require statutory change.
The Sunset process has three stages. First, Sunset staff will evaluate ANRA, seek public input, and issue a report recommending solutions to problems found. Second, the Sunset Commission will hold two public meetings: a hearing on the staff report and the authority, and a decision meeting to adopt recommendations to the Legislature based on the report and public comments. Third, the Legislature will convene in January 2025 and will consider Sunset’s statutory recommendations in a Sunset bill for ANRA.
Here are several ways to provide comments and suggestions to Sunset staff on ANRA’s mission, operations, and services:
• Send an email to sunset(a)sunset.texas.gov
• Submit comments online at www.sunset.texas.gov
• Send a letter to Sunset Advisory Commission, Attn: ANRA, P.O. Box 13066, Austin, Texas 78711
• Call (512) 463-1300 to speak to Andrew McConnell, project manager of the ANRA review
Please provide your comments by September 12 to ensure Sunset staff can fully consider your input while conducting their review. Comments submitted before the staff report is published in November 2024 will remain confidential.
Stay informed! Visit www.sunset.texas.gov to sign up for email alerts on the Sunset staff report and the Sunset Commission’s public meetings on ANRA.