Copy
View this email in your browser
March 10, 2022

Help Spread the Word

A friendly reminder - today is the last day to submit comments before the Executive Director of TCEQ makes his recommendation on Friday!

Tomorrow, TCEQ's Executive Director will announce his recommendation to the Commissioners on whether to accept or reject the Pristine Streams Petition. Filed January 31, this petition requests the TCEQ to accept a new rule that prohibits wastewater discharge into 22 stream segments where the addition of phosphorus will degrade water quality.

The rule would protect several of the Hill Country's most iconic streams, including portions of the Blanco, Llano, and Nueces Rivers, as well as smaller streams like Barton, Cypress, and Hondo Creeks. Supported by landowners, community groups, conservationists and local governments, this proposal is a fair, balanced and necessary action to protect the last pristine streams in Texas. We need your help submitting comments of support for the filed petition to the TCEQ by this Friday, March 11, 2022. 

If you want to help, please take a few minutes to:

  1. Submit a public comment in support of revisions to Pristine Stream Petition No. 2022-014-PET-NR.
  2. Tell your friends and neighbors!

If you have already submitted a public comment - thank you! 

Write your own comments or use the template below:

March 7, 2022

TCEQ Chief Clerk
Mail Code 105
P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087

Re: Pristine Streams Petition No. 2022-014-PET-NR

Dear Chief Clerk, 

I [ or your business or organization] strongly urge the TCEQ's commissioners to accept the Pristine Streams Petition and create the recommended rule.

Only 22 classified stream segments in Texas remain clean, clear, and pristine. These streams support the state’s vibrant tourism and recreation-based economies and contribute known value to the lands surrounding them, both public and private. 

(Insert a personal story/connection to a pristine stream or a stream that has been impacted by wastewater discharge) 

These stream segments naturally carry very low phosphorus levels, which contributes to their pristine nature. Even highly treated domestic wastewater effluent carries levels of phosphorous and other nutrients that far exceed the natural levels found in these 22 Texas stream segments. The proposed rule will prohibit wastewater discharge into these streams where the addition of phosphorus will degrade water quality.

The rule would not prohibit development on these streams. Developers will be able to apply for a TLAP land irrigation permit, and for authorization to reuse their wastewater. Both options have been used very successfully in the two areas where TCEQ has already prohibited new wastewater discharge permits — around the Highland Lakes (since 1986) and in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (since 1996).

Sincerely, 

Make your voice heard by Friday, March 11!

  • VISIT the TCEQ eComment website 
  • ENTER Permit number: 2022-014-PET-NR
  • SELECT 'Next' button
  • ACCEPT Privacy Policy 
  • COMPLETE Personal Contact Information 
  • TYPE your comments in the box and/or upload an attachment. 
  • SUBMIT to TCEQ
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT TO THE TCEQ

Tell Your Friends

Clean, clear pristine rivers and streams in Texas support the state’s vibrant tourism and recreation-based economies and contribute known value to the lands that surround them, both public and private. Wastewater is the last thing we need in our remaining pristine streams.

Help spread the word - tell your friends and neighbors to speak up for pristine streams. Share recent social media posts (Facebook & Instagram) and click the button below to forward this email to a friend. 
FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO A FRIEND

Affected Rivers and Stream Segments 
The map above highlights 22 stream segments and 1,373 miles of natural, pristine waterways. These are some of Texas’ most beloved places and are in need of protection. If the petition is accepted, the stream segments shown in dark blue would be protected from further degradation due to wastewater discharge. Map by Robin Gary, WVWA. 
The map above highlights 22 stream segments and 1,373 miles of natural, pristine waterways. These are some of Texas’ most beloved places and are in need of protection. If the petition is accepted, the stream segments shown in dark blue would be protected from further degradation due to wastewater discharge. Map by Robin Gary, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association. Learn more about the Pristine Streams Petition here. 
The below stream segments would be covered under the new rule change petition. These stream segments deserve special protection because they naturally carry very low levels of phosphorus. The addition of even highly treated domestic wastewater effluent carries levels of phosphorous and other nutrients that far exceed the natural levels found in these Texas streams.
  • North Fork Red River
  • South Fork San Gabriel River
  • North Fork San Gabriel River
  • Llano River
  • Middle Concho/South Concho River Onion Creek
  • Barton Creek
  • Lower Blanco River
  • Upper Blanco River
  • Cypress Creek
  • Johnson Creek
  • North Fork Guadalupe River
  • South Fork Guadalupe River Medina River above Medina Lake Upper Sabinal River
  • Upper Nueces River
  • Upper Frio River
  • Hondo Creek
  • Seco Creek
  • Devils River
  • Lower Pecos River
  • San Felipe Creek
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Thank you for taking action!
Signature - Sydney Beckner
Sydney Beckner
Water Program Manager, Hill Country Alliance
 
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Website
Copyright © 2022 - All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
PO Box 151675  |  Austin, TX 78715 |

Contact us at: 
(512) 894-2214  |  info@hillcountryalliance.org

You have received this email through your subscription to Hill Country Alliance's email list.
Subscribe | Unsubscribe