US 190 Bridge Replacement: Mussel Relocation and ESA Consultation
Project Location:
Jasper County, Texas
Tyler County, Texas
Year Completed:
2025
Project Owner:
TxDOT
Services:
Freshwater Mussel Surveys & Relocation
Alligator Snapping Turtle Surveys
Biological Assessment
USFWS Consultation
Aquatic Resource Relocation Planning
Construction Monitoring
Project Type:
Transportation / Bridge
US 190 Bridge Replacement at B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir
Project Overview
TxDOT retained Zara Environmental to provide specialized aquatic biological and regulatory support for the replacement and widening of the US 190 bridge over B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir in Jasper and Tyler counties, Texas. The project required evaluation of potential impacts to protected aquatic species, including freshwater mussels and the alligator snapping turtle, while accommodating major bridge construction activities.
Zara supported the project from environmental investigations through formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and into construction. The work combined species surveys, habitat assessments, regulatory documentation, aquatic resource relocation planning, and construction-phase monitoring to address environmental requirements while helping the bridge project move forward.
Services Provided
Freshwater mussel surveys and relocations
Alligator snapping turtle habitat assessment
Alligator snapping turtle nesting surveys
Biological Assessments
USFWS formal consultation support
Aquatic Resource Relocation Plan (ARRP)
Aquatic construction monitoring
Species salvage and relocation
Results & Project Impact
Freshwater mussel investigations required Zara to address a large survey area with the potential for multiple protected species. Working with TPWD and USFWS, Zara helped develop a modified survey approach using subsampling and side-scan sonar to focus efforts on the best available habitat while avoiding unnecessary survey costs. Across survey and relocation efforts, Zara detected and relocated 1,335 live freshwater mussels, including the state-listed and federally proposed Texas heelsplitter.
Zara also completed one of TxDOT's early alligator snapping turtle habitat assessments and nesting surveys and prepared Biological Assessments to support formal conference with USFWS. When an emergency drawdown of Lake Steinhagen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers changed site conditions following the initial mussel surveys, Zara continued supporting consultation and project planning under the evolving conditions.
During construction, Zara implemented aquatic resource protection measures through monitoring, salvage, and relocation efforts. This combination of technical expertise, agency coordination, and construction support helped TxDOT address protected species requirements while advancing the bridge replacement project.
