Environmental groups, neighbors say music venue development will pollute waterways
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Neighbors and environmental groups continue to decry the proposed plans by a developer to build a large amphitheater in Dripping Springs on Fitzhugh Road.
Dozens of people expressed those concerns to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Monday in a public meeting in hopes of convincing the commission to deny California-based developer Blizexis its wastewater permit.
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“We’re not against development. As a matter of fact, we’re actually advocating for responsible growth and development in the area. We know there are many positives to that. But it seems that this [development] is nothing even close to being responsible,” said Carrie Napiorkowski, who lives near the proposed development.
The company has asked TCEQ for permission to irrigate up to 12,000 gallons a day of treated wastewater near Barton Creek.
Further, Mike Clifford, Technical Director for the Edwards Aquifer Alliance, said over 65% of the property would be impervious cover – materials like asphalt or concrete. During heavy rain, stormwater could mix with effluent and run off into the creek and wells, Clifford said.
“99.9% of the developments in Central Texas, [the Edwards Aquifer Alliance] doesn’t get involved with – just the ones that are really terrible,” Clifford added. “This one’s terrible for almost every possible reason.”
Clifford said the TCEQ is limited to what they could do, but if the developer does not make any changes, groups could take the developer to court.
KXAN reached out to the developer to ask them to respond to the neighbor’s concerns. They didn’t get back to us Wednesday, but they previously told us “they were aware of the opposition from neighbors and “plan to continue working with the community to discuss concerns and craft solutions.”
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