When the citizens of Fayette County, Texas, requested a contested hearing regarding LCRA's proposed amendment to their state water permit (TPDES Permit No. WQ0002105000), we were denied the opportunity to voice our concerns. Now, residents have come forward with concrete evidence that selenium contamination has already harmed livestock in our community. The contamination is not confined to LCRA's property; veterinary pathology from adjacent lands confirms severe selenium bioaccumulation and the presence of inorganic silica-like particles in livestock tissues—the unmistakable chemical footprint of coal ash.

Despite these alarming findings, LCRA is stealthily advancing a massive amendment to their permit, which, if approved, would remove their discharge limits for toxic selenium, alter the measurement for rainfall runoff dilution, and reduce mandatory safety testing. These changes would not only increase the risk to our environment but also to the health and safety of Fayette County's residents and wildlife.

Selenium, while a necessary trace element, becomes highly toxic in large quantities. Its biomagnification through the food chain can lead to severe health problems in both animals and humans. Ignoring its buildup and allowing higher discharge levels could result in long-term ecological and economical damage that could prove irreversible.

Additionally, Southeast Texas frequently experiences heavy rainfall and flooding, factors that exacerbate the spread of pollutants. Changing how rainfall runoff is measured and reported reduces oversight, potentially allowing hazardous chemicals to infiltrate our waterways undetected.

The proposed amendment also plans to reduce the frequency of mandatory safety testing. This cutback in testing directly translates to less oversight and a greater chance of unchecked pollution entering the environment.

We have an obligation to protect our community, our environment, and our future generations from preventable harm. By gathering signatures, we can demonstrate to Senator Lois Kolkorst and the Texas Center on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) our strong opposition to these changes and urge them to halt LCRA's dangerous permit amendment.

Please sign this petition to demand accountability and transparency from LCRA and protect Fayette County from further environmental damage. Together, we can make our voices heard and safeguard our community.