Background / History

The San Jacinto River has been named as one of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. This is due to the unregulated sand mining companies releasing runoff from their operations. Since sand mining is not regulated in Texas, sand mining companies lease private property so that they will not have to apply for permits, follow regulations, or restore any of the land, once they have completed the mining. This is causing great harm to the river and all the ecosystems that surround it. Turbidity levels in the river are increasing from the run off that is being released near sand mining pits. High turbidity levels can cause fish gills to become clogged and limit the growth of vegetation in the river. When turbidity levels get higher in the river, this problem limits the amount of sunlight that aquatic plants can use.

Massive bank erosion is another effect of the sand mining operations. The riparian forests that exist along the banks of the San Jacinto River are important because they provide a buffer zone to the river. The buffer zones filter out runoff before it enters the river, and because more of the riparian forests are being cut down, that allows more sediments to enter the river. Animals are also being harmed because their habitats are being taken away from them. They have to find new homes and that causes competition for food among different species. Not only do plants and animals suffer from the sand mining operations but the people of Houston as well. The San Jacinto River feeds into Lake Houston and so do the problems that river carries. Lake Houston is Houston's biggest water supply and because this body of water is being contaminated, tax payers will have to pay more money to come up with methods that will filter and provide clean water


	Background / History The San Jacinto River has been named as one of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. This is due to the unregulated sand mining companies releasing runoff from their operations. Since sand mining is not regulated in Texas, sand mining companies lease private property so that they will not have to apply for permits, follow regulations, or restore any of the land, once they have completed the mining. This is causing great harm to the river and all the ecosystems that surround it. Turbidity levels in the river are increasing from the run off that is being released near sand mining pits. High turbidity levels can cause fish gills to become clogged and limit the growth of vegetation in the river. When turbidity levels get higher in the river, this problem limits the amount of sunlight that aquatic plants can use. Massive bank erosion is another effect of the sand mining operations. The riparian forests that exist along the banks of the San Jacinto River are important because they provide a buffer zone to the river. The buffer zones filter out runoff before it enters the river, and because more of the riparian forests are being cut down, that allows more sediments to enter the river. Animals are also being harmed because their habitats are being taken away from them. They have to find new homes and that causes competition for food among different species. Not only do plants and animals suffer from the sand mining operations but the people of Houston as well. The San Jacinto River feeds into Lake Houston and so do the problems that river carries. Lake Houston is Houston's biggest water supply and because this body of water is being contaminated, tax payers will have to pay more money to come up with methods that will filter and provide clean water