Victory for Clean Water: TCEQ Takes Stand Against River Pollution

Last Thursday, the TCEQ Commissioners voted to limit the amount of phosphorus in the City of Liberty Hill’s wastewater discharge into the South San Gabriel River to 20 micrograms per liter. The decision came after a years long battle between residents along the South San Gabriel River and the City to stop pollution coming from the City’s wastewater treatment plant that made the river unusable and unsafe for recreation.

The problems faced by the San Gabriel River threaten all of our Texas Hill Country streams. The streams have very low levels of phosphorus, somewhere around 5 to 9 micrograms per liter. And decades of scientific research on the streams has shown that harmful nuisance algae blooms and changes in the aquatic ecosystems occur when phosphorus levels reach 15 to 20 micrograms per liter. Even with this science and the law prohibiting the degradation of the streams, TCEQ has routinely issued wastewater discharge permits that allow the discharge of wastewater containing phosphorus levels as high as 150 microgram per liter, 500 micrograms per liter, and sometimes even 1000 micrograms per liter. TCEQ’s practice of permitting high levels of phosphorus pollution in wastewater discharges has led to some Hill Country streams, like the South San Gabriel River, being choked with algae blooms that harm wildlife and people.

SOS is hopeful that TCEQ’s decision on the City of Liberty Hill permit will protect the river and will set an example of following the law and science to limit wastewater discharges and phosphorus pollution into our Texas Hill Country streams. However, SOS will not stop working to challenge wastewater discharge permits until polluting our streams becomes an outdated relic of the past.
With your help, we can continue to push for clean water and hold polluters accountable. Please consider a donation today to support this important work!
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Recently, South Austinites have witnessed the gradual degradation of Mystery Creek, a small tributary of Little Turtle Creek—a waterway that eventually merges into Williamson Creek. A critical moment for Mystery Creek is eminent, and we need your help.
On Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00 PM, the City Planning Commission will review Rastegar Development's request to rezone the area through which Mystery Creek flows.
Approval of this rezoning would allow the diversion of Mystery Creek into the City’s Storm Drain system, paving the way for construction right on top of its natural path—an action we strongly oppose. That surface water belongs in Little Turtle Creek, not in concrete, underground.
There are two pending cases:

1. NPA-2023-0020.02: Seeks to amend the South Congress Combined Neighborhood Plan to change zoning from Single Family to Mixed Use for 106 Red Bird Lane.
   
   • Case Manager: Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, [email protected]
2. C14-2023-0034: Aims to designate five lots for a 270 unit/9600 sq/ft project under the Mixed Use Combining District (MU) to utilize the City’s Density Bonus Program (DB-90).
   
   • Case Manager: Nancy Estrada, 512-974-2695, [email protected]

We strongly object to both cases, particularly case #1. Once the zoning change occurs, it becomes permanent, regardless of project approval, effectively excising Mystery Creek from our neighborhood and the Neighborhood Plan.
Your voice matters. Please sign up to speak at the hearing by Noon on Monday, April 8th. Time is of the essence, and although the notice is short, your participation is crucial in preserving our community.
Below is the Planning Commission’s response form for your convenience. If you can spare a few minutes to submit the short form, let them know you want to Save Mystery Creek and deny the zoning changes until a determination on Mystery Creek has been made. 
Even the tiniest tributary of Williamson Creek is still precious. Nature is not the enemy. Thank you for your swift action in protecting our precious streams.

Trinity Aquifer Overuse
The Proposed Silver Creek/Lunaroya Development from Nashville area Southern Land Company (SLC) has requested to withdraw 37 acre feet per year from the Lower Trinity aquifer, for 29 homes and a community space. The large ask is because they want to run the entire water supply through reverse osmosis filtration, wasting an estimated 65% of what they draw out, and producing effluent so full of mineral salts that it is toxic to plants and becomes a disposal problem. The groundwater district's recent study shows the Lower Trinity is ancient water, with no recharge at all.  
 
Hays Trinity Groundwater District's draft permit, due to be discussed at a public hearing TODAY, Thursday, April 4th at 5 pm at Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, proposes to supply only 3.2 acre feet/year. We would love a strong turnout to let SLC know we are paying attention to water overuse, and to thank HTGCD for being a strong advocate for our aquifer. The TX legislature is watching the GCDs to see how far they can take their authority; public support really matters.
 
SLC has secured a surface water backup contract with West Travis County PUA, contingent upon the Double L/Anarene neighborhood being built out. It may be years before the lines are available to get the water to them, if at all, so they are likely to contest this draft permit. We are pleased the groundwater district is taking a hard stand on this, and would like to give them a public show of support for their protection of our groundwater. If you are able to attend, are concerned about your own well, and/or are willing to speak about that, or on behalf of either the district's prudence or the viability of rainwater use instead of groundwater, please do!
 

1. Either way, come and show your appreciation for these public servants. 

We hope to see you in person at one of these upcoming events!
Thursday, April 4th, 5 pm, Public Hearing: Hays Trinity Groundwater District Draft Permit Location: Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 4000 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Proposed supply of 3.2 acre feet/year versus the request for 37 acre feet per year. Strong turnout needed to address water overuse concerns and support HTGCD's advocacy efforts.
Tuesday, April 9th, 6 pm, City Planning Commission Reviewing Mystery Creek Rezoning Request, Location: City Hall, Council Chamber. Rezoning approval would divert Mystery Creek into the storm drain system for construction. Zoning changes permanent, sign up to speak by Noon on Monday, April 8th to preserve Mystery Creek! 
Friday and Saturday, April 12 & 13, 7pm, Forklift Danceworks Presents The Way of Water: Onion Creek, Performance highlighting Onion Creek watershed and stewardship efforts, featuring immersive audio walk and dance on restored urban floodplain. Directed by Allison Orr and Krissie Marty. Read more and purchase tickets or sign up to volunteer at this link
Sunday, April 21st, 1-6 pm, Mystery Creek & Lost Creeks Block Party Location: 300 block of Red Bird Lane. Featuring live music, solar-powered stage, food & drink, kid’s area. Special guest Jim Franklin supplying artwork for event t-shirt.
Saturday, April 27th, 9am-12:30pm, SOS Eco-tour with Ed Crowell (Author of Barton Creek) Discover the hidden stories and environmental challenges of Barton Creek with longtime resident and journalist Ed Crowell as we hike the Hill of Life and swim in the refreshing flows of Sculpture Falls. SOS charters another fun-filled hike / swim adventure. Purchase Eco-tour tickets here!
This month is bustling with activity, and we're truly grateful for your continued engagement and support. Thank you for being an integral part of this thriving community of activists and water lovers. Together, we achieve so much more. 
With heartfelt appreciation,
SOS Alliance