Hays County residents are urging the Hays County Commissioners’ Court to appeal a flawed District Court ruling so as to preserve county authority to enforce its public health and safety laws for the protection of Hays County citizens and all citizens throughout the state of Texas.

Visit the Hays County Roundup Blog for background information

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Belterra is a planned 2,000 residential/commercial development located along US Hwy 290 ten miles east of Dripping Springs near the Travis County line. The Belterra developer has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a permit to discharge 800,000 gallons of treated sewage per day directly into Bear Creek.

Stream discharge of wastewater effluent from Belterra could be a direct threat to the water quality of our two major aquifers and tens of thousands of downstream property owners and residents who rely on them for their water needs. Bear Creek recharges the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers (the water sources for many wells), as it flows to Onion Creek and across the Trinity recharge zone Edwards Aquifer contributing zone on its way to the Colorado River.

Many governmental, non-profit and citizens groups are seeking an alternative solution to the wastewater needs of this subdivision. These organizations include Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, the City of Austin, Bear Creek Property Owner Association, Hill Country Alliance, Friendship Alliance and HaysCAN. Many individuals and other organizations have also filed letters with the TCEQ asking for public hearings.

Imagine a continuous greenbelt trail stretching from Town Lake through Zilker Park, past the Barton Springs pool, southwest all the way to the LBJ Wildflower Center and beyond, into the Texas Hill Country. Such a scenario might actually be possible if a new community planning effort takes off. Visit SWgreenbelt.org for more information