Government
BY HALEY MCLEOD & CHLOE YOUNG
Locals raise concerns over quarry industry
PUD approved for children’s home
In a survey of Williamson County residents at a Coalition for Responsible Environmental Aggregate Mining event, 97% reported experiencing negative impacts from quarries. By the numbers 90% felt quarry blasts 45% had property damage 61% experienced excessive dust 55% had vehicle damage
Almost 250 people gathered at a Feb. 29 forum designed for residents to voice their concerns about the impact of the local rock quarry industry to a panel of speakers organized by Sun City residents and the Coalition for Responsible Environmental Aggregate Mining in Georgetown. Two-minute impact Texas Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, and quarry and environmental experts discussed how residents could seek local and legislative change to peacefully coexist with quarries and other aggregate production operations, or APOs, which extract gravel, sand and rock from the earth. Williamson County is home to the most APOs in Texas with 37 registered operations as of March 1, a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality representative told Community Impact . As the county’s APO industry expands, more quarries are located near existing and future residential developments, according to a presen- tation at the event. Solutions presented by residents and a for- mer quarry owner included forming a citizen’s advisory council to bridge the gap between Sports center expansion advances Round Rock City Council approved a $19 million contract March 14 with John King Construction, Ltd. for an expansion project at the Round Rock Sports Center. In a nutshell The expansion is expected to add over 25,000 square feet, including two additional basketball courts; four additional volleyball courts; and other amenities such as addi- tional seating, restrooms, concessions and storage. There will also be more parking added for the facility. The construction company has previously worked on the Rabb House and Dell Dia- mond. Funding comes from the recent 2023 voter-approved bond for public safety; and parks, recreation and sports projects. Con- struction is expected to be complete in 2025.
The Texas Baptist Children’s Home received approval March 14 from Round Rock City Council for a planned unit development, or PUD, on about 112 acres off Hwy. 79. The gist The nonprofit organization plans to eventually move facilities toward the back of the property and expand existing facilities. The front portion of the property will be designated for mixed use. Terms of the development agreement state the original chapel must be preserved and remain visible from Hwy. 79, as it serves as an iconic landmark in Round Rock.
SOURCE: COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL AGGREGATE MINING
neighborhoods and quarries, in which local residents can advocate for better conditions. The background The number of APOs in Texas has drastically grown since 2005 when the state deregulated the industry, Wilson said. In 2005, there were 80 APO permits compared to 1,800 in 2018, he said. Wilson said he’s had little success advancing bills in the Texas Legislature to mitigate the impact of APOs due to lobbying and a lack of political support. Wilson said he wants to APOs to implement best practices, including using a less impactful blasting method, monitoring water usage, addressing truck routing to avoid road damage, maintaining specific operating hours and making nondeceptive land purchases.
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Total solar eclipse to blanket Williamson County A roughly 120-mile-wide shadow will cast nearly all of Williamson County into subdued darkness April 8. A total solar eclipse only occurs over the same location once every 360 years, according to NASA. What you need to know Eclipse safety tips Avoid stopping on shoulders and be on alert for distracted pedestrians Limit travel on major roadways due to increased traffic
The eclipse can be seen in Williamson County between 12:18-2:58 p.m. with maximum totality lasting for between three to four minutes around 1:36 p.m., according to a Williamson County news release. During the solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special eye protection. Those interested in taking a peek should acquire special eye glasses, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The options Williamson County will host a viewing event at River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill. Experts
Keep an emergency kit in your car
Refill gas and stock up on essential items to mitigate inventory shortages If unable to reach 911 in an emergency, try a landline or cell with a different carrier
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
will be available to offer educational insights about the eclipse, alongside interactive activities and access to viewing equipment. Park admittance is $4 per person on a first- come, first-served basis. The park will close to visitors once it reaches capacity.
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