Public Hearing on Groundwater Permit Draws Interest in Bryan, Texas
BRYAN, Texas – Residents are gearing up for a public hearing this Thursday to discuss a significant proposal that has stirred up quite the buzz in the community. The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District will be considering Texas A&M University’s application for a new groundwater production permit, which has garnered both interest and concern from local residents, especially landowners and groundwater rights holders.
What’s Happening?
The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the District Office in Hearne, Texas. At the heart of the discussion will be Texas A&M’s request to extract up to 1,934.8 acre-feet of water each year from the Simsboro Aquifer. This proposal will affect both local water supply and the university’s growth plans, particularly for its expanding RELLIS Campus in Bryan.
The university aims to use this water for several projects, including research and educational facilities, with Well #9 expected to pump at a maximum rate of 2,800 gallons per minute. This will play a critical role in supporting Texas A&M’s initiatives.
The University’s Perspective
Texas A&M University sees this new well as essential for supporting its vision for growth. Kelly Templin, Director of the RELLIS Campus, emphasizes the importance of this water for both the campus and for the Health Science Center as well as the main Texas A&M campus. “The water we want to tap into will be used right here in the area,” Templin noted, “and our primary obligation is to serve our existing customers, not to sell to cities like Austin or San Antonio.”
Templin assures that the expected impact of the new well will be minimal, especially compared to the vast extraction projects of over 100,000 acre-feet that other entities are pursuing.
What Are the Concerns?
Despite the reassurances from Texas A&M, a vocal coalition of local landowners and groundwater rights holders is expressing serious concerns. They argue that granting this permit could lead to further depletion of the Simsboro Aquifer, adversely affecting their existing water commitments and agricultural livelihoods.
So far, twelve formal complaints have been filed, calling for a contested case hearing to scrutinize the permit. Opponents of the well, which include groups like UW Brazos Valley Farm and Badgerjack Resource Holdings, warn that this groundwater extraction could result in diminished water levels in their wells, which could threaten both agricultural and residential access to water.
“The application by Texas A&M poses a risk to our property use and enjoyment,” representatives from one of the complainants stated, adding that they believe a more thorough assessment is warranted to understand the aquifer’s potential impact.
Concerns over Broader Water Management
Templin also underscored the broader implications of large-scale water extraction, noting potential risks of excessive depletion to not only Texas A&M but also the surrounding communities of Bryan, College Station, and local water providers. He indicated that maintaining current pumping levels could cost Texas A&M approximately $15 million.
“We’re committed to protecting the aquifer for the benefit of future generations,” Templin explained, emphasizing that the university respects private property rights but feels a need to address excessive extraction concerns.
Calls for Fair Review
The situation has led all twelve complainants to ask for a contested case hearing, insisting on their right to fair treatment under Texas law. They are urging the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District to conduct a comprehensive review of Texas A&M’s application, especially in light of established Desired Future Conditions meant to maintain the aquifer’s sustainability.
In response, Texas A&M has also filed for a contested case regarding water transfer regulations, concerned that neglecting local needs for larger exports could jeopardize water resources in the surrounding areas.
As the public hearing approaches, Templin is looking forward to discussing Texas A&M’s position while also welcoming the concerns of the community. “This is a healthy exercise in democracy,” he remarked. The public is encouraged to participate and voice their opinions, as Templin highlighted the necessity for thorough assessments to safeguard the aquifer’s future.
As Thursday rolls around, many in Bryan will be watching closely, eager to hear how this debate unfolds and shapes the future of their local water resources.
