Environmental Investigations

Members of the environmental response team are River Authority staff with a background in ecology, aquatic biology, water quality, stormwater, natural resources, and environmental management. The team’s mission is to protect human health and the ecology of waterways in the basin. Streams are patrolled frequently by helicopter or vehicle in search of negligent point-source pollution and habitat degradation.

The team collaborates with regulatory agencies to help reduce activity that cause considerable damage to the environment of a stream. To achieve this, the team joined the South-Central Texas Environmental Task Force (SCT-ETF), a group of agencies dedicated in enforcing our local, state, and federal environmental laws.

Report an Environmental Incident

To report any illicit discharge, illegal dumping, fish kills, water quality concerns, or emergency spills, please use our Environmental Incident form below.

Investigations include, but are not limited to:

If you see illegal dumping or fill material on private property or a public roadway, reported it to the city or county code-compliance office. In San Antonio, call the City’s Customer Service hotline 3-1-1. In Bexar County call, (210-335-6700).

Emergency Spill

Our agency is equipped to respond to a petroleum spill in our river. To ensure a quick and appropriate response River Authority staff use emergency kits to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading.

Spills involving dangerous chemicals should be reported to first responders such as the San Antonio Fire Department who are trained to oversee a serious incident.

If you see someone dumping pollutants (chemicals, fuel, or motor oil) in or near a stream, report it immediately to law enforcement. The officer responding to the incident will notify the appropriate agency.

Spills involving the release of sewage into the environment should be reported to the city or county in which you live in.  In San Antonio, call the City’s Customer Service hotline.  

Fish Kill

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the most common cause of fish kills is low dissolved oxygen. If there is not enough oxygen in the water, fish cannot “breathe.”  Low dissolved oxygen can be the result of human activities, but in many cases, it is a natural occurrence.

If you see numerous dead fish in our river, report the incident to the River Authority.

You can reach the River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or, toll free at 1(866) 345-7272.

Alerts

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!  

Gas Spill

The San Antonio River Authority and the City of San Antonio are actively working to contain a recent gas spill in the Downtown River Walk Loop area, which occurred earlier today. The source of the spill is unknown but has stopped. At this time, no environmental impacts have been observed, and teams are implementing measures to fully contain and remove the substance. We will provide updates as the situation develops.

West Bank Trail Closure Notice

Due to the construction of a new trail and bridge, the West Bank of the trail between Schiller St. and Newell St. will be closed for the next couple of months. The East Bank will also be intermittently closed on Monday, November 4th, to install the bridge. Please use caution when navigating around this area. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please refer to the map for reference. 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

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