PETITION FOR PUBLIC MEETING
SUBJECT: Joe Williams (Four Palms RV Park) wastewater treatment plant discharge
LOCATION: 3560 County Road 305, Calhoun County, TX
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved Williams’ permit that will allow up to 30,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day to be discharged into the Carancahua Bay (TX) system via county ditches.
We the undersigned affected parties were given no opportunity for input on this issue that will significantly affect our way of life and want to be heard on several issues, including:
• This form of disposal can be deadly to sea life and wildlife, especially to the delicate ecosystems of the Carancahua Bay.
o Several types of protected and/or endangered shore birds are found in and around the Carancahua Bay: black-necked stilts, tricolored herons, brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, great blue herons.
o Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is an important component of Gulf Coast salt marshes since it stabilizes shorelines against erosion and filters heavy metals and toxic materials from the water. It currently grows at the site of proposed discharge into the bay, and will be directly and detrimentally affected by the resulting local decrease in salinity.
o Pharmaceuticals end up in wastewater through excretion and disposal. They also end up in the effluent water of wastewater treatment plants because they are not specifically designed for pharmaceutical removal. Several studies suggest diverse negative effects on aquatic life that are exposed to these trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in their habitats .
• This form of disposal invites problems from mosquitoes in an area that already struggles with county support for mosquito elimination.
• This form of disposal is unsightly and causes significant smell.
• This form of disposal will make it more difficult for the county to maintain the right of way.
• This form of disposal will directly impact our taxes due to increased county costs associated with drainage repair and maintenance.
• This form of disposal is detrimental to nearby and downstream homeowners as it will decrease property values in areas where the wastewater flows.
Therefore, we petition for a public meeting as soon as possible and prior to the engagement of the approved disposal system being implemented.