Discussion on wells that would pull water from East Texas aquifer to head to state office – KLTV.com

Report on Water Extraction Debate in Jacksonville, Texas

Introduction

On Thursday, hundreds of residents gathered at Jacksonville City Hall to discuss the proposed extraction of billions of gallons of water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in East Texas. This debate centers on permit applications submitted by two private companies, Pine Bliss, LLC and Redtown Ranch Holdings, LLC, seeking to build wells for water withdrawal.

Background and Stakeholders

• Companies Involved: Pine Bliss, LLC and Redtown Ranch Holdings, LLC
• Water Source: Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
• Regulatory Body: Neches Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District
• Community Response: Significant opposition from residents and local officials

Community and Governmental Actions

1. Public meeting held by the Neches Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District at Jacksonville City Hall.
2. Smith County officially joined opposition efforts against the water extraction permits.
3. The Athens city mayor issued a letter of dissent to the conservation district.
4. Texas Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine) called for a legislative hearing in Austin on July 15 to investigate the issue further.

Legislative and Administrative Proceedings

Representative Harris emphasized the importance of legislative oversight, stating:

“This is of such great state importance, that the legislature should weigh in, on whether or not one property owner should be able to export 30,000 acre feet of water to another area. I don’t think that’s ever what the legislature has ever intended.”

An upcoming State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) session will be scheduled in East Texas, at least 90 days following the public meeting. This hearing will provide an opportunity for residents, cities, and well owners to present research, data, and testimonies regarding the water extraction proposal. Cross-examination will be permitted to ensure thorough review.

Decision-Making Process

• Following the SOAH hearing, a summary report will be submitted to the Neches Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District.
• The conservation district will then decide whether to approve or deny the water well permits.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The debate highlights the critical need to ensure sustainable management of water resources. Extracting large volumes of water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer raises concerns about long-term water availability and quality for local communities, aligning with SDG 6’s target to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

SDG 15: Life on Land

Protecting groundwater ecosystems is essential to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Over-extraction threatens the natural balance and health of terrestrial ecosystems dependent on the aquifer, directly relating to SDG 15’s goal to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.”

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The involvement of local governments and communities in decision-making processes reflects the commitment to SDG 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. Ensuring equitable access to water resources is vital for community well-being and resilience.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The transparent administrative hearings and legislative oversight embody SDG 16’s principles of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building accountable institutions at all levels.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate and forthcoming hearings underscore the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability and community rights. The process exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals to safeguard water resources for present and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article focuses on the debate over water extraction from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, highlighting concerns about water resource management and access.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The issue involves groundwater conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, which relates to protecting aquifers and land-based water resources.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article mentions hearings, legislative involvement, and administrative processes, emphasizing governance, public participation, and decision-making transparency.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets:
   • 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
   • 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
2. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 6:
   • Indicator related to the volume of water extracted from the aquifer (e.g., billion gallons or acre-feet withdrawn).
   • Monitoring of water permits granted and compliance with sustainable withdrawal limits.
   • Data collection from hearings and research by residents and cities to assess water resource status.
2. For SDG 15:
   • Indicators measuring the health and sustainability of groundwater ecosystems, such as aquifer recharge rates and water quality metrics.
3. For SDG 16:
   • Number and transparency of public hearings and administrative decisions (e.g., SOAH hearings).
   • Level of public participation and representation in decision-making processes.
   • Legislative actions and oversight related to water resource management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kltv.com