Groundwater may need testing if state approves Burnet effluent request
BURNET — Wells and other sources of groundwater may need additional testing for contamination if the state approves the city of Burnet’s request to send more effluent into Hamilton Creek, a local conservation district says.
Burnet has submitted an application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to approve putting more effluent into the creek, which feeds into Lake Travis.
An increase in the flow of metals or other solids into the creek may contaminate groundwater coming from wells located near the creek, said Clyde Waters, a director with the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District.
“We have a responsibility to notify the people of this possibility,” Waters said.
The group met April 9.
Director Wayne Brown reminded his colleagues the Legislature has authorized the district to protect the quality of groundwater.
Director Todd Fox suggested the district could test groundwater on a case-by-case basis, particularly after a flood or heavy rain, no matter where wells are located.
Burnet already discharges effluent into Hamilton Creek, but less than six times a year and not the 1.7 million gallons it wants to discharge in the future.
Members of the Protect Lake Travis Association say they oppose Burnet’s proposal to increase the city’s discharge of treated wastewater into Hamilton Creek.
The discharge would take place 10 miles downstream from Burnet.
City Manager Michael Steele has said the proposed effluent increase does not mean the city will automatically pump the maximum alloted amount into the creek after the sewer plant is expanded.
The proposal takes into account a projected population increase for the city in the coming decades and gives the city another option to rid itself of extra wastewater, Steele added.
The city currently waters Delaware Springs Golf Course and 200 acres of hay with its effluent.
If TCEQ approves the Burnet application, state officials will test the quality of water that flows into Hamilton Creek, Bowers said.
“We should anticipate the (Burnet application) will be approved,” Director Jerry Bostick said. “We need a written plan.”
Board President John Simmons instructed Bowers to wait on the outcome of the Burnet application, and then, update the district’s management plan to include water quality tests and procedures.
Last year, Granite Shoals and Leander — which also are dealing with growth issues — asked TCEQ to relax its effluent discharge rules so they could pump treated wastewater into lakes LBJ and Travis, respectively.
Protect Lake Travis Association opposed the request, as did the city of Austin, the Lower Colorado Rive Authority and other groups voicing concerns over the proposal. TCEQ ultimately turned down the request of Leander and Granite Shoals.
Also during the April 9 meeting, the groundwater board agreed to hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to district rules.
The amendments include extension of the deadline from June 1 to Sept. 1 on permit applications for existing non-exempt wells, Bowers said.
The new rules will “streamline” the permit application process and will “make the process easier,” Bowers said.
Also, the board has proposed new rules on spacing between wells, Bowers added.
“I believe for the most part, people are very supportive of what we are doing,” Bowers said. “I believe we are really trying to meet the needs of the public.”
The hearing will be 5 p.m. May 17, 225 S. Pierce St., Suite 104.