Gulf coast waste disposal authority: A regional approach to water quality management

Abstract

The Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority is a regional public agency created by the State of Texas to design and implement water quality management systems in three counties surrounding Galveston Bay. The water quality management strategy is outlined for a highly industrialized and populated region. Regional treatment and public and private sector cooperation are presented as a management objective for muncipal and industrial waste disposal. A description of the background and operations of the Authority is included along with examples of joint or combined wastewater treatment. The pressing problem of hazardous waste management in Texas is discussed. The Authority's experiences with facility siting and public reaction are summarized and a new approach to help resolve these issues is presented. The article concludes with some thoughts on strategic planning for public managers