Rep sends out call to action on crusher
Texas state Rep. Ellen Troxclair has taken an open stance against a proposed rock crusher that would be built just outside of the Burnet city limits. Courtesy photo
Texas state Rep. Ellen Troxclair sent out an “action alert” against a proposed rock-crushing facility just outside of the Burnet city limits. In a Feb. 12 media release, Troxclair of House District 19, which includes Burnet County, took an open stance against the planned quarry and pledged to support legislation aimed at preventing similar developments in the future.
Austin-based Asphalt Inc. is seeking state permits to build the rock crusher at 3221 FM 3509 in Burnet County. Residents and county officials have been protesting the facility since plans were announced, citing safety, noise, and environmental concerns. The quarry would be built near Inks Lake and Longhorn Cavern state parks and Camp Longhorn, a youth summer camp.
“Camp Longhorn has open-air cabins, and the dust and noise that this facility will bring will put campers’ health at risk,” Troxclair wrote in her email. “Additionally, it is near Longhorn Cavern State Park and Inks Lake, which will also be negatively impacted.”
The quarry would span about 200 acres off of FM 3509, better known as Hoover Valley Road, between the city of Burnet and Park Road 4. It would be less than 2 miles from each of the aforementioned parks.
Both Troxclair and state Sen. Pete Flores (District 24) have been critical of the quarry for months, each issuing letters of concern in September 2024.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Lower Colorado River Authority are currently reviewing permit applications from Asphalt Inc. to build the quarry.
CALL TO ACTION
Rep. Troxclair called on residents to voice their opposition and urge the Lower Colorado River Authority to conduct environmental studies. You may comment online or email hlwo@LCRA.org with your concerns, referencing permit #2024-5606. Troxclair asked those who email the LCRA to “cc:” (carbon copy) her office at ellen.troxclair@house.texas.gov.
“Note that you oppose this application—add in your personal reasons … (and) request hydrological and geological studies before the permit is approved,” she wrote.
The LCRA has promised residents a future public meeting on the rock crusher’s permit application.
“While we have secured a public meeting, thousands more comments are needed urgently, to increase odds that LCRA will do further hydrological and geological studies, and hear our opposition,” her statement continued.
Learn more about Rep. Troxclair’s legislative actions during the 89th Texas Legislature on her office webpage.