Potential rock crushing facility between San Marcos, Wimberley

The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) is following a proposed Air Quality permit application filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) seeking authorization to construct and operate a permanent rock crusher on property within the Needmore Ranch.

The proposed rock crusher would be located approximately 2.5 miles from the intersection of RR 12 and the Fulton Ranch Road just west of San Marcos, Texas.

The request for the TCEQ standard permit was submitted on February 4, 2022, by Far South Mining LLC of San Antonio, Texas.

“We are closely monitoring this application and the impacts to our essential air, groundwater, aquifers, springs, the Blanco River, and this area of the Hill Country,” stated TESPA Executive Director Patrick Cox, Ph.D. “Needmore Ranch has made commitments to protecting this area and to be good stewards of our lands and natural resources. We urge TCEQ to thoroughly examine the full impact of this requested permit on our irreplaceable air, land, and water and to hold an in-person public hearing on this permit in Wimberley, Texas.”

TESPA is particularly concerned with making sure that groundwater from the Needmore Ranch is not used for rock crushing operations.

Under a previous settlement agreement reached between TESPA and Needmore after TESPA challenged Needmore’s groundwater permit, Needmore may only use groundwater pumped under its permit for agricultural irrigation and wildlife use.

If Needmore Water LLC, its successors, assigns, or any other person or entity seeking to use the water authorized for production by the groundwater permit, files an application to amend, convert, or otherwise change the use of the water authorized in the Permit before May 19, 2027, TESPA has the right to raise all objections including refiling of the lawsuit. TESPA is unaware of any amendment application being filed as of the date of this release.

“We are in communication with the BSEACD management, and our area elected local and state officials about our issues and concerns,” Dr. Cox said. “We appreciate the vigilance of everyone in our community who wants to protect the quality and integrity of the environment and preserve the Texas Hill Country.”

The TCEQ is accepting public comments on this rock crushing proposed permit 167888 from the general public until April 3, 2022. Electronic comments should be addressed to:  https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/.

TCEQ has set a meeting on this application for Tuesday, March 29, at 7 pm at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, Texas 78676.

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