This is INSANE but there is a SANE PATH FORWARD. Yes, it is insane that the Lost Pines GCD is on the verge of permitting five and a half times (5.6) more water from the Simsboro aquifer than is available, however, Environmental Stewardship has provided a sane path forward …but it is up to you and your local elected officials to demand a sane path forward.
The total amount of Modeled Available Groundwater (MAG) from the Simsboro Aquifer by 2010 is 29,556 acre-feet/year per the Lost Pines Management Plan. Lost Pines is currently considering permit applications for 119,199 acre-feet/yr which is 4 times more water than is available for pumping. Adding the current 45,365 acre-feet/year already permitted brings the total to 164,884 acre-feet/yr which is 5.6 times the amount of water currently available (without considering Environmental Stewardship’s ecological concerns).
So far, the General Manager has recommended approval of ALL the applications that have been presented to the Board of Directors. See Permit Concerns for copies of GM Recommendations.
“By statute, the District bears a duty to consider such impacts. If the GAM is not a good tool for this purpose, then the District bears a duty to find a tool that enables a meaningful consideration. If more detailed information would allow the GAM to be used, then the District bears a duty to develop this information, either through its own efforts or by requiring that an application include such information,” opined Mr. Eric Allmon.
the Lost Pines Board of Directors. After the vote on April 17, the rest will be HISTORY
Provide your concerns in writing to your County Judge, County Commissioner, and the Lost Pines Board AND attend the meeting in Giddings, TX on April 17, 2013: Click on the email address below to make your comments directly. Please copy Environmental Stewardship at steward@environmental-stewardship.org.
Click here for list of Bastrop County Commissioners
908 Loop 230
PO Box 1027
Smithville, Texas 78957
(512)360-5088
FAX(512)360-5448
email:lpgcd@lostpineswater.org
Please make sure you put “Comments to LPGCD Board of Directors” in the subject fieldand address your comments to Mike Talbot and Board Members.
If you share our concerns below, please put
“I share Environmental Stewardship’s concerns” in the subject line.
will VOTE on the following applications at their next Board Meeting
LOST PINES GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
will hold a public hearing and vote on the following applications
End Op , LP
Giddings City Hall, 118 East Richmond St., Giddings, TX 78942
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A FEW FACTS From the Lost Pines Management Plan
– Total Available Groundwater (MAG) in the District by 2060 is 58,888 acre-feet/yr.
– Bastrop County projected water demand by 2060 is 65,266 acre-feet/yr.
– Lee County projected water demand by 2060 is 6,603 acre-feet/yr.
– Current discharge to surface waters from all aquifers is 78,612 acre-feet/yr.
– Net recharge to all aquifers (recharge – discharge) is 7,249 acre-feet/yr.
– Current pumping for all aquifers in the District is 47,811 acre-feet/yr (website)
– Current permits for all aquifers 73,000 acre-feet/yr (Austin-American Statesman)
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Click here for NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (April 17 meeting, 2 pages)
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