Community Involvement

An outgrowth of GCA’s continuing interest in responsible environmental management has been an increasing effort to provide education programs that introduce the public, and especially school children, to environmental concerns and solutions. The program includes distribution of classroom teaching materials, environmental demonstrations, and participation in such events as as Galveston Bay Foundation’s Bay Day and Marsh Mania events, recycling and household hazardous waste collection events, and presentations before various groups and organizations. GCA also supports the annual Envirothon competition which is coordinated by the Environmental Institute of Houston at University of Houston’s Clear lake Campus.

Of special note is GCA’s longtime participation in the coordination and sponsorship of the annual River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous “Trash Bash®” cleanup.  Trash Bash is the largest lake and river cleanup in the state and has been the recipient of several prestigious environmental awards since its inception in 1994.

GCA staff also participates on many local, regional and state environmental committees and organizations such as the Galveston Bay Council – the governing body of the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, the Pasadena Citizens’ Advisory Council, the Bay Area Community Advisory Panel (BAYCAP), the Texas City – La Marque Community Advisory Council, the Galena Park-Jacinto City Community-Industry Partnership and several committees coordinated by the Houston-Galveston Area Council including the Natural Resources Advisory Committee, Bacterial Implementation Group (BIG), and the Clean Rivers Program. GCA has representation on the East Harris County Manufacturers Association’s Outreach Group and Environmental Committee.

GCA is also a longtime member of the Texas Water Conservation Association, the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies and their national associations.