Wastewater disposal near Pedernales River focus of public meeting

Eric Henrikson
·3 min read

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — Hays County residents are invited to comment on plans to construct a wastewater treatment facility in the drainage basin of the Pedernales River. The wastewater treatment facility is part of plans for Mirasol Springs, a “conservation-scale” development, that has seen pushback from residents living along the Pedernales River who are concerned about the impact the development could have on the Hill Country.

The meeting is being hosted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on Monday night in Dripping Springs. The public is invited to an informal and formal comment period.

For those interested in attending the meeting, it will occur Monday, February 12 at 7 p.m. It will take place at Dripping Springs Ranch Park at 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, Texas.

‘Not enough water to go around’: Why landowners are pushing back against new development

Mirasol Springs, through utility company Clancy Utility Holdings LLC, is requesting the installation of a “public access subsurface area drip dispersal system.” The system is restricted to the disposal of 39,000 gallons of wastewater per day.

The system will be built on a minimum of 16.20 acres less than a mile from the intersection of Hamilton Pool Road and Stagecoach Road in Hays County.

Plans for Mirasol Springs include around 40 homesites, cabins and a hotel. Much of the land will be placed in a conservation easement, preventing further development on the land. (Credit: Mirasol Capital)
Plans for Mirasol Springs include around 40 homesites, cabins and a hotel. Much of the land will be placed in a conservation easement, preventing further development on the land. (Credit: Mirasol Capital)

Mirasol Springs has been under development for several years but has received pushback from the community. The development aims to set a standard for developers in the Hill Country, setting regulations in place that protect the environment and partnering with the University of Texas to study biodiversity in the region.

Once completed, the community will include approximately 40 homesites as well as a hotel. Deed restrictions in place will prevent additional landscaping and enforce strict water use.

Landowners in the area have voiced concern about the development for several years. The nearby Roy Creek Canyon Reserve has become one of the focal points of the issue. Landowner Lew Adams has said that he’s worried the development could damage the springs feeding the reserve and the “untouched” wildlife in the area.

The Roy Creek Canyon Reserve has served as a sacred site for scientists for 80 years. Its owner is worried a new development is putting its future at risk. (Courtesy: Lew Adams)
The Roy Creek Canyon Reserve has served as a sacred site for scientists for 80 years. Its owner is worried a new development is putting its future at risk. (Courtesy: Lew Adams)

Representatives with Mirasol Springs have said that the actions they’re taking will prevent the damage Adams and others are concerned about. They have conducted numerous research projects alongside the University of Texas and other experts as part of their planning.

The new wastewater treatment system will sit within the drainage basin of the Pedernales River, according to a notice published by the TCEQ. The Pedernales River feeds into Lake Travis, which provides drinking water to the city of Austin.

According to that notice, a technical review and a draft permit have been completed by the organization. After public comments, the TCEQ will decide on the fate of the permits or if a hearing will be required at a later date.

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