BY HALEY MCLEOD
Some context
What residents should know
To contest a proposed package plant with TCEQ, an individual must be an “affected party,” or a landowner within 1 mile downstream of the discharge point, as well as have a reasonable connection between their personal interests and the plant. Typically, mediation from the developer is sought, but if no settlement is reached an official case hearing begins. “It may be one of those things where any one package plant ... isn’t that big of a deal. But when you start multiplying the number of plants by tens and hundreds, it’s sort of like death by a thousand cuts,” Earp said. Though these proposed sites may not be within city limits, Earp urges homeowners to reach out to local municipalities for direction in addressing their concerns.
multicity lawsuit against the state challenging the bill. Then in April, Hutto City Council voted to begin conversations with the city of Round Rock to nav- igate the issue, as the property lies at the juncture of the two cities’ ETJ borders. After Round Rock City Council approved a service agreement to tie the housing project into its existing wastewater line, the developer officially withdrew its petition to disannex from Hutto’s ETJ on June 27.
The issue of package plants in the area arose in 2022, when developer 705 Limmer Loop JV proposed a wastewater plant for its 200 townhome units planned for the property near Hutto ISD’s Veterans Hill Elementary School. In October 2023, a month after Senate Bill 2038 went into effect, the landowners submitted a petition to remove the property from Hutto’s ETJ. The city of Hutto denied the developer’s petition, contrary to state law, and subsequently joined a
Benefits of package plants
More details
Require a lower initial investment
The city of Hutto is tracking the permitting for several proposed package plants surrounding the city limits. Council members have also made it a priority to limit these types of wastewater facilities near neighborhoods. City staff members are concerned about the upkeep of these facilities. Package plants are not built to the same standards as regional wastewater systems, Earp said, because the materials used to build them don’t have the same level of longevity as a regional treatment facility. Local environmental advocates also oppose the package plants. Virginia Parker, executive direc- tor of the San Marcos River Foundation—a river quality advocacy group—said the effluent water discharged can include nitrogen and phosphorus. These chemicals, Parker said, can lead to the growth of algae blooms, which decrease oxygen and can kill fish—an ecosystem disruption. Algae blooms can also be toxic for people and animals.
Have reduced operating costs
Process for complaints and/or contesting a TCEQ permitted package plant:
Are pre-assembled and typically mobile
Developer submits an application to TCEQ. 1
Potential for treated water to be reused, like for irrigation Customizable for the specific development Often require less maintenance than larger regional plants
TCEQ mails public notice to surrounding landowners. 2
The public has 30 days to submit comments to the TCEQ chief clerk.
3
A notice of the reviewed application is published in a local newspaper.
4
Concerns regarding package plants
The odor associated with package plants Proximity to homes Decreased property value Health risk of the dumping of effluent The potential of a spill from the plant near homes
The public has another 30 days to request a meeting or case hearing.
5
A date and location is set by TCEQ for the public meeting. 6
SOURCES: TCEQ, SAN MARCOS RIVER FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCES: TCEQ, SAN MARCOS RIVER FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Call me to schedule a FREE seller’s consultation today!
www.HomesWithHallRealty.com
BUY. SELL. LEASE.
29
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook