Judge Calls for Public Hearing Over LCRA Permit Application

Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller sent a letter to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and state regulators this week urging them to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to pollution discharges at the Fayette Power Project (FPP).

Back in July, LCRA published a public notice about an application to amend its wastewater discharge permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Among the changes, LCRA wants to relax discharge limits for certain pollutants, including selenium.

Selenium can be toxic to aquatic life and humans. Runoff from the plant enters Cedar Creek and its various tributaries before eventually discharging into the Colorado River below La Grange. LCRA requested the same changes back in 2022. At that time, then-County Judge Joe Weber called for LCRA and TCEQ to hold a public hearing in Fayette County. Weber wanted LCRA and TCEQ to ensure citizens that the changes would not negatively affect the local environment. LCRA later withdrew the permit application.

Now, with LCRA again requesting these changes, County Judge Dan Mueller has called for a public hearing.

“The Fayette Power Project has long been a matter of significant public interest in our community, concerns have always existed about its potential impact on our local environment, air quality, and water resources,” the letter says, which was dated Sept. 16. “Any proposed changes to environmental standards affecting this facility must be made with full transparency and with the direct input of the people who will be most affected by these decisions.

The letter continues: “A public hearing will ensure that residents, local officials, and other stakeholders have an opportunity to express their concerns, ask questions, and receive accurate information about the proposed changes and their potential effects. Such participation is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that regulatory decisions reflect both the scientific data available as well as community perspectives necessary to protect the long-term health and wellbeing of Fayette County and the surrounding region.”

Mueller asked LCRA and TCEQ to schedule the hearing at a convenient time and location, and to publicize it in local media. Mueller also sent copies of the letter to State Senator Lois Kolkhorst and State Rep. Stan Kitzman.

“Judge Mueller stated that he felt it was important that TCEQ hear from residents who have concerns about the negative impact this could have on water resources and wildlife,” said a press release from the Judge’s Office issued this Tuesday.

The press release went on to state that “Fayette County has enjoyed a long productive relationship with LCRA.”

The Record reached out to LCRA for an update on their permit application and whether they play to hold a public hearing. We await their response. Look for more in an upcoming issue of the Record.