Coalition Asks that Desired Future Conditions be Protected in Permits

PERMIT THIS NOT BANKRUPTCYThe Forestar, End Op, and LCRA applications will harm existing permitted wells, the environment, and are far in excess of the DFC and MAG (defined below).  We, a coalition of Environmental Stewardship, Neighbors for Neighbors, Lost Pines Sierra Club, and Groups United to Advocate Responsible Development “GUARD,” believe that, if permitted at all, individual permits should first be reduced to levels actually supported by the application and then all permits reduced overall as necessary to an aggregate level that, including existing permits, protects the Adopted Desired Future Conditions.  In summary, if permitted at all, Forestar and End Op qualify for less than 5% of the water they are seeking.  In addition, the District needs to factor in the impact of existing permits before issuing any new permits. This has not been done. …

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Environmental Stewardship, Groundwater, Groundwater Districts, Simsboro Aquifer, , , , , ,

Draw-down Maps obtained by Environmental Stewardship

PERMIT THIS NOT BANKRUPTCY

PRINT FLYER

What does “draw-down” resulting from groundwater pumping look like on a map?  As you may know, the Desired Future Conditions are established in terms of the draw-down, in feet, of aquifers in Bastrop and Lee counties and throughout the District.

Recently, Environmental Stewardship obtained visual images based on the Groundwater Availability Model (GAM) used by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District to evaluate the impact of proposed pumping from current permit applications on the Simsboro Aquifer.  Draw-down, measured in feet, is indicated on the contour lines of the maps below.

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Environmental Stewardship, Groundwater, Groundwater Districts, Simsboro Aquifer, ,

Board Sets Contested Hearing for Forestar, End Op and LCRA

Hearingphoto-1_2Here are the results of the meetings held over the last two nights.  We had an overflow crowd at the Wednesday meeting which delayed the start of the hearing for about 20 minutes; we estimate 200-300 people showed up to comment.  Lines of people were able to que up for comments and the combined hearing and board meeting lasted until about 10:30 p.m.   The End Op Hearing on Thursday had very good citizen attendance – likely another 200-300 people – and lasted 3 1/2 hours.  During the Board deliberations after the hearing we learned that Aqua Water Supply Corporation is also contesting the End Op permit application.
 

Hearingphoto

The Board of Directors  has HEARD THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.  Both Judges were at the Wednesday night meetings … THANK YOU JUDGES PAPE and FISCHER.
THE BEST VOICE OF THE PEOPLE … IS THE FACE AND TESTIMONY OF THE PEOPLE.

 

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP and COMMENTING!

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Environmental Stewardship

Lost Pines Changes Location and Time of End Op Hearing

There are several new developments we need to inform you about.  Please help us spread the word.
1)  There is a change in the DATE and LOCATION of the End Op hearing.
2)  The Manville hearing will be held along with the regular Lost Pines Board of Directors meeting as previously announced.
3)  Environmental Stewardship has provided a letter to the Board with its rationale in support of the Bastrop Commissioners Resolution.  
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Environmental Stewardship

ES Challenges Recommendations and Offers Sane Path Forward

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. 

BE REASONABLE!   BE CONSERVATIVE!
DO NOT PERMIT MORE WATER THAN IS AVAILABLE!
Demand that the Board deny these permits until they have
adequate legal findings to support an informed decision. 

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Environmental Stewardship

Will Lost Pines GCD Follow or Skirt the Law in their Permitting Process?

 As Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District moves back into groundwater permitting, Environmental Stewardship is once again concerned about the impact of groundwater pumping on the aquifers, surface waters, and water permit holders (both groundwater and surface water). Secondarily, we will watch with interest to see how Lost Pines handles the many well permits that were…

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1 CommentEnvironmental Stewardship, Groundwater, Groundwater Districts, Public Policy, ,

Lost Pines to Permit 5.6 Times More Water than Available

This is INSANE.   Lost Pines GCD is on the verge of permitting five and a half (5.6) times more water from the Simsboro aquifer than is available.  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. 

LOST PINES GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

will VOTE on the following applications at their next Board Meeting

Heart of Texas Suppliers, LP
Lower Colorado River Authority
Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc. 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013, 
Regular Board Meeting 6:00 P.M.
Giddings City Hall, 118 East Richmond St., Giddings, TX 78942

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
LOST PINES GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
will hold a public hearing and vote on the following applications
End Op , LP
Manville WSC

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013 
Hearing 7:00 P.M.
Giddings City Hall, 118 East Richmond St., Giddings, TX 78942
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Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, Colorado River, Groundwater, Groundwater Districts, Public Policy, Simsboro Aquifer, Surface Water, , , ,

Alcoa applies for 25,000 acre-feet of groundwater per year

New Alcoa wells (blue dots) in Milam County along Lee County border.

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

ALCOA HEARING
RE-SCHEDULED
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
5:30 P.M.
Milano Civic Center
120 West Ave. E
Milano, Texas 76556

Citing concerns expressed by local landowners concerning the recent notices issued by ALCOA, ALCOA today requested that the hearings scheduled by the District, to consider applications filed by ALCOA on March 13, 2012, be re-scheduled for a later date.

Originally, the District had set these hearings for August 14, 2012, 5:30 pm, at the District’s offices. It is anticipated that new notices in local newspapers and to landowners will be issued in time for hearings to be held on these applications at the regular Board of Director’s meeting of September 11, 2012. It is further anticipated that these re-scheduled hearings will be held at the Milano Civic Center, 120 West Ave. E, Milano, TX. Please see actual notices, for actual locations, dates, and times.

The Board of Directors of the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of receiving public comments on the following applications for amendments to existing permits.  If you have a well or spring near the Alcoa site you are encouraged to attend. Click here for copy of hearing notice.

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2 CommentsGroundwater,

Steward of the Year

Dale Morrison awarded Steward of the Year

Master trail steward Dale Morrison was recently awarded the “Steward of the Year” award for 2012.  Dale has been the driving force behind development of many miles of hike and bike trails in Bastrop County over the past several years.  Working with other Texas Master Naturalists from the Lost Pines Chapter, they have built trails in Lost Pines Nature Trails, the Colorado River Refuge, and are …

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1 CommentEnvironmental Stewardship, Outreach & Education, , , ,