Author: FBCMUD 194

Fort Bend MUD 194 has recently received reports of the presence of an alligator in the detention lake north of Tarpley Springs Drive. Fort Bend MUD 194 is monitoring the situation and following the guidance and regulations set by the Texas Parks Wildlife Department. We ask residents to adhere to Fort Bend MUD 194 park rules, State and local regulations, and the guidance outlined below while visiting District Parks.

THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

The American alligator is a semi-aquatic, armored reptile that is almost black in color.  Adult alligators will range from 6 – 14 ft. in body length.  They have prominent eyes and nostrils with coarse scales over their entire body.  The alligator has a large, long head and often floats or swims with only its eyes and nostrils exposed.  Alligators are carnivorous and feed on fish, turtles, snakes, small mammals, waterfowl, and other alligators.  Alligators are surprisingly quick on land and can run up to 35 miles per hours for short distances.  Alligators in Texas are mostly inactive from mid-October until early March when they brumate.  Springtime is when alligators are most active, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  Courtship and mating begin in late spring and continues through early summer. April through July are peak months for nuisance gator calls.

IF YOU SEE AN ALLIGATOR

Many Texans will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations, however, there are occasions when certain alligators become a “nuisance” and must be handled by the proper authorities. The current legal definition of a nuisance alligator is “an alligator that is depredating (killing livestock or pets) or a threat to human health and safety.”   Texas Parks and Wildlife is the only authority that can deem an alligator a nuisance because of their protected status.

The following are instances in which local authorities should be notified: If you see an alligator in the roadway; if an alligator is repeatedly following boats, canoes or other watercrafts, and/or maintains a close distance without submersing; or if you walk near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water.

Residents should be watchful of alligators, snakes, and other wildlife along waterways, follow posted signage and share these alligator tips:

• Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing, or possessing alligators.
• Never feed or entice alligators, it is dangerous and illegal.
• Never allow small children to play unsupervised near water.
• Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn when they are feeding.
• Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Keep your pet on a leash and in control when walking around the water.
• Don’t swim in areas not designated for swimming.
• Do enjoy viewing and photographing alligators from a safe distance of at least 30 ft. or more.
• If you hear an alligator hiss, it is a warning that you are too close.

Remember that alligators are an important part of Texas’s natural history, as well as an integral component of our wetland’s ecosystems. For more information about alligators, including safety tips for living near alligators, research reports and basic natural history, Follow the link below to TPWD Web site:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/safety/index.phtml

For questions specific to Fort Bend MUD 194, follow the link below or contact by phone: (832) 956-0868.

https://www.fbcmud194.org/contact/

Due to the approaching freezing weather, the Houston area GFL Environmental offices will be closed on Tuesday January 21st.

Trash Service missed that day will occur the next regular scheduled service day Friday, January 24th.

Please contact GFL Customer Service (281-491-7775) with any questions or concerns.

Dear Fort Bend MUD 194 Customer,

The Board of Directors for Fort Bend Municipal Utility District No. 194 has selected Si Environmental, LLC (“Si Enviro”) to be the Operator of your District’s water system effective November 1, 2024. Inframark will send the last invoice on or around November 5, 2024. Si Enviro’s first billing cycle will be performed on or around November 25, 2024, and will start billing customers with a monthly due date of January 3, 2025. We expect the transition to be transparent to the customers, but due to the account number, remittance address, and contact information changes we ask for your patience in advance.

Si Environmental, LLC takes great pride in our vision and experience to ensure all of your water utility service needs are met with enthusiasm and pride. Our goal is to ensure we provide the highest level of satisfaction.

After the first complete Billing Cycle by Si Enviro, you will be able to view your Billing History, Payment History and Pay Your Bill using your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or electronic check. We provide an online experience that is secure and convenient. More details about these new payment options as well as others are enclosed. We invite you to visit our website at www.sienviro.com.

Si Environmental’s Office Location & Remittance Address:

6420 Reading Road
Rosenberg, TX  77471

OR

Pecan Grove MUD’s Customer Service Office (payment drop off only)
751 Pitts Road
Richmond, TX  77406

Customer Care (832) 490-1600
After Hours Emergency (832) 490-1601

Enclosed, you will find a Payment Options Sheet and a How to Read Your Bill Insert. Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Care by phone or email customercare@sienviro.com with any questions and/or concerns. We are excited and look forward to serving you!

PAYMENT OPTIONS

• District’s Payment Location & Night Drop Box
  • 6420 Reading Road, Rosenberg TX 77471
    • Payments received are processed during business hours
  • 751 Pitts Road, Richmond TX 77406
    • Payments received are processed the next business day

NO CASH ACCEPTED (Cashier’s or Personal Checks & Money Orders)

• Payments By Mail (Checks sent via the United States Postal Service)
  • Remittance address: P.O. Box 4824, Houston TX 77210-4824
    • Payments are received during business days/hours and processed upon receipt

• Monthly Auto Draft
  • Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express (3% Convenience Fee*)
  • Electronic Check ($1.00 transaction fee*)
    • Posts automatically to account on due date or date selected

• Online Bill Pay Through Your Financial Institution
  • Please be sure to include your complete account number listed on your water bill when setting up Online Bill-Pay through your banking institution. (ex: 90xxx-xxxxxxxxxx)
    • Processing time by your financial institution is either 24-48 electronically or 5-8 business days if mailed
  • If a check is mailed, be advised that your banking institution may utilize a third party company to create a paper check that is sent to the specified remittance address. Your Municipal Utility District nor Si Environmental, LLC. will have control over the check creation and the mailing process for this banking institution service.
    • Remittance address: P.O. Box 4824, Houston TX 77210-4824
      • All payments received are processed within (1) business day of receipt

• Pay-By-Phone
  • Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express (3% Convenience Fee*)
  • Electronic Check ($1.00 transaction fee*)
    • All payments post to account next business day

• Online Website
• Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express (3% Convenience Fee*)
  • Posts next business day
• Electronic Check ($1.00 transaction fee*)
  • Posts to account next business day

(*) These charges are third party transaction charges that are not associated or collected by Si Environmental, LLC. or your water utility district.