The EPA told the state of Texas they are concerned with how the state would allow dripping springs to discharge its wastewater.
They stated issues in a letter to TCEQ and asked for more information.
“The letter is called an interim objection. It is considered EPA comments to the proposed permits, not opposition. The state reviews those comments and makes a final decision on the permit. The state must issue a final permit that meets the requirements of federal law,” said David Gray, EPA Office of External Affairs Director in an email.
This is not a formal objection.
“EPA only issues a formal objection if the final permit doesn’t meet federal law. In that case, the state must correct the permit to meet federal law or EPA can issue the permit,” said Gray.
The discharge permit is to allow treated wastewater to be discharged into a creek which flows toward Onion Creek.
Downstream, Onion Creek contains recharge zones for our aquifers.
It’s considered sensitive because the creek water goes into the aquifer with little filtration.
TCEQ wouldn’t say what they’ll do exactly about this letter. They told KVUE they’re evaluating it.
“EPA’s review and comment on certain applications is part of the regular permitting process. The TCEQ is currently evaluating the EPA objection letter and cooperatively working with EPA to address the issues included in the letter. TCEQ will address the issues in a written response to EPA. Concurrently with the response to EPA, TCEQ will be evaluating numerous written comments received during the public comment period as well as oral comments received at the public meeting held on November 10, 2016. After the issues are resolved, the TCEQ will move the application and draft permit to the next stage of the permitting process and mail out the response to comments,” said TCEQ Spokeswoman Andrea Morrow in an email.
This is a typical process for issuing permits.
“When the state proposes a permit, EPA has 45 days to review and comment on water permits proposed by the state. The letter is our comments on the TPDES permit – which is a new permit to build a wastewater treatment plant,” said Gray. “I understand that there has been community interest in the state’s permit and future plant. The next step is for the state to review our comments and propose their final permit. I cannot speculate on that outcome.”
The KVUE defenders covered this topic in-depth. Watch the full report here.