Wastewater

Canyon Ranch Wastewater Issue
 
CRITICAL ACTION REQUESTED: Public Comment Deadline Approaching — June 2
 
Community participation matters.
 
Residents in neighboring communities have demonstrated that strong public involvement can significantly increase agency review and scrutiny of major wastewater projects. A large number of detailed, thoughtful comments helps ensure that regulators fully evaluate community concerns and environmental impacts.
 
At this time, relatively few written comments have been submitted regarding the Canyon Ranch wastewater permit. We encourage Mystic Shores residents to participate before the close of the June 2 public meeting.
 
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS OR A FORMAL PROTEST

Please submit comments online through the official TCEQ public comment portal: https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/
 

Permit Number: WQ0015866001
 
  • Important Guidance
    • Use your own words. Personalized comments carry far more weight than copied or form-letter submissions.
    • Focus on impacts that matter to you personally. Explain how the project may affect your property, neighborhood, drainage, recreation, wildlife, access, nature preserve use, property values, or overall quality of life.
    • Specific observations are more effective than general statements. If you have personally observed flooding, erosion, wildlife activity, standing water, drainage problems, traffic concerns, odors, or recreational use in the affected areas, describe those observations clearly.
    • Consider submitting separate comments for separate concerns. Addressing one major topic per submission (for example: flooding, wildlife, preserve impacts, archaeological concerns, odors, or infrastructure risks) can help ensure each issue receives individual review.
    • Be respectful and factual. Comments that are clear, specific, and professional are generally the most effective.
    • Supporting documents may be attached if relevant. TCEQ accepts attachments in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
 
TOPICS RESIDENTS MAY WISH TO ADDRESS
Below are examples of issues residents may choose to discuss based on their own observations and concerns.
  • Local Terrain & Drainage Concerns
    • The proposed discharge route currently functions as a normally dry drainage corridor except during rainfall events.
    • Portions of the channel experience rapid stormwater flow during heavy rains.
    • Residents have concerns regarding erosion, culvert capacity, pooling, and flooding impacts downstream.
  • Wildlife & Environmental Concerns
    • Residents have observed significant wildlife activity within the corridor and nearby preserve areas.
    • Concerns have been raised regarding long-term impacts to habitat, water quality, and the surrounding ecosystem.
    • Some residents have also raised concerns regarding potential impacts to sensitive species and natural limestone features.
  • Odor, Mosquitoes & Quality of Life
    • Residents may wish to address concerns about standing water, odors, algae growth, insects, and nuisance conditions during extended summer heat periods.
    • Comments regarding recreational use of nearby areas, trails, and community spaces may also be relevant.
  • Devil’s Hollow & Nature Preserve Impacts
    • Devil’s Hollow and the surrounding preserve are important community assets used for hiking, recreation, and nature activities.
    • Residents may wish to express concerns regarding impacts to preserve land, archaeological resources, drainage features, and long-term maintenance costs.
  • Questions Regarding Wastewater Management Alternatives
    • Residents may also ask:
      • Whether additional on-site reuse or irrigation alternatives were evaluated;
      • Whether the discharge route will remain open-channel or partially piped;
      • How future expansion of the system may affect downstream flows;
      • What long-term maintenance and monitoring plans are proposed.
      • Photos may be included within attachments. Maps, drainage photos, wildlife photos, preserve photos, or flooding documentation may be helpful.
        • If you have multiple documents, maps, or field photographs to submit, combine them all into a single, multi-page PDF document before uploading, or submit them across separate, individual comments.
      • Cloud storage links may also be included if public access is enabled (such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive).
      • Submit comments before the close of the June 2 public meeting. Waiting until the last minute may create technical submission issues or delays.
PUBLIC RECORD ACCESS
Residents who wish to review previously submitted comments and official filings may search the TCEQ Commissioners’ Integrated Database (CID) - https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eCID/index.cfm?clear=Y
Use Permit Number: WQ0015866001
When searching:
Check the boxes labeled:
  • “Include all Filings on this Item”
  • “Include all correspondence from the public on this Item”
Then click Search below “Step Three” section.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE

The June 2 deadline is approaching quickly.
Thoughtful public participation helps ensure that potential impacts to Mystic Shores, Devil’s Hollow, the Nature Preserve, nearby infrastructure, and downstream properties receive careful review before any final permit decision is made.
 
May 18 Meeting
Slide Shows:
Video
 
Important Links:
Handouts from May 18 Meeting
Engage with Our Elected Officials 
Let them know why this issue is important to you so that they can help to advocate for you.
Jen Crownover - County Commissioner
Kristen Hoyt - County Judge
Carrie Isaac - Texas House of Representatives
Donna Campbell - State Senate, District 25