LARGE-SCALE WETLAND RESTORATION DRIVEN BY PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES, BAHIA GRANDE SOUTH TEXAS

Since the opening of the Brownsville Ship Channel in 1934, the Bahia Grande wetlands have been hydrologically isolated from communication with Lower Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico. For the approximately 70 years the Bahia Grande has functioned as a playa lake. Aside from intermittent periods of freshwater accumulation, the Bahia Grande and surrounding wetlands are a continuing source of air pollution for the neighboring communities in Cameron County, Texas. The Bahia Grande Unit of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 23,000 acres, of which 11,000 acres are below mean sea level. Currently, the Bahia Grande is being restored into a functioning estuary.

The issues relating to human health include: large dust storms that form when the strong prevailing southeasterly winds of the South Texas coastal region blow, especially during periods of drought or low precipitation. The source of the air pollution is the large amount of very fine clastic sediment available for transport from the dry bay beds. The particulate matter lifted from the Bahia Grande, Little Laguna Madre and Laguna Larga has affected the nearby towns of: Laguna Vista, TX, Laguna Heights, TX, Port Isabel, TX, as well as other local municipalities. Asthma, respiratory illnesses, throat, eye irritations and reduced visibility are common side affects of prolonged exposure to particulate matter air pollution.

County and municipal governments of South Texas have joined with state and federal agencies to address these concerns. The Bahia Grande wetlands restoration is the result of these efforts. This partnership is working together to maintain the ecosystem services that the Bahia Grande Wetlands provide. Ecosystem services including ambient air quality control, habitat for endangered species including the Texas Tortoise, White Pelican, Aplomado Falcon and the Ocelot, and future eco-tourism.