TCEQ Pristine Streams Stakeholder Meeting – Aug. 31, 1:30-4:30

On March 30, 2022, TCEQ Commissioners voted to deny the Pristine Streams Rule Change Petition, but they opened the door for continued discussion with staff and stakeholders on how to better protect Texas’ pristine streams.  Nearly 5 months later, TCEQ is holding a Pristine Streams Stakeholders Meeting, so staff can present and hear from the public.

The meeting is in person at TCEQ, but will also have a web link, so stakeholders can watch virtually.  The TCEQ Statekholder Meeting Agenda 08.31.22 was recently released.

Pristine Streams Stakeholder Meeting event details.

Map from TCEQ

Background

From January 31 to March 30, over 1200 comments were submitted on the TCEQ Pristine Streams rule change petition.  This had great impact on the Commissioners as they met on March 30th to hear public comments and take action on the petition.  Over an hour of eloquent, heart-felt, researched comments made a lasting impression.

Blanco City Council and the Blanco Water Reclamation Task Force efforts to find alternatives to direct discharge were highlighted as major successes and lauded as the sustainable path forward for the Hill Country.  The Highland Lakes were also spotlighted for the existing protections.  “TCEQ prohibited new discharge permits around the Highland Lakes in 1986,” said Zabcik. “We have 36 years of knowing that you can do development without discharge because anyone who’s been in those lakes knows that development hasn’t stopped there.” (quote from Fox 7 News Segment)

Note:  Rulemaking petition starts at timestamp 1:30 on the March 30 TCEQ Commissioners Meeting YouTube archive.

Ultimately, Commissioners Niermann and Lindley voted to deny the rulemaking petition; Commissioner Janecka opposed the denial.  Commissioner Niermann made the motion to deny the rulemaking petition and issue the Executive Director’s proposed Order, with the modification to state the single reason for the denial as follows: the TCEQ already addresses the concerns raised in the petition with a legally adequate program for assessing and protecting stream segments under Texas surface water quality standards at 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 307 and the Agency’s TPDES Permitting Program.

While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, the Commissioners openly discussed the need to develop a stakeholder committee and evaluate options to better protect streams through existing rules or a recommendation to Legislature.

The impact the written comments, in-person comments, and involvement from so many stakeholders was evident.  The Commissioners acknowledged work needs to be done. TCEQ staff will present at a future meeting to answer questions about existing tools and options to protect water quality in streams.  So, stay tuned and THANK YOU for your help!

News and Reports of Interest: