Young County commissioners adopt resolution opposing renewal of Abilene wastewater permit

Young County’s commissioners court voted unanimously Nov. 10 to adopt Resolution 1‑31 (fiscal year 2026) opposing renewal of Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit WQ0005213000 and requesting a contested‑case hearing before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Monty Land and other presenters told the court they had assembled technical and on‑site evidence — including buoyed survey photos and flow‑monitoring data — suggesting the proposed discharge point for treated effluent is located in a shallow, low‑flow area of the lake where the effluent may not adequately mix. Presenters argued that the City of Abilene did not acknowledge modifications and that the Office of Public Interest Counsel had concurred without substantive evaluation. One presenter summarized the request: the county asked TCEQ to deny the renewal as submitted and to grant a contested‑case hearing so evidence and expert testimony can be evaluated in public.

The resolution (entitled "Young County Commissioners Court opposing the renewal of TPDES permit number WQ0005213000 and calling for a full and fair contested case hearing to protect the interests of affected communities") was moved by Commissioner Cresswell and seconded by Commissioner Shook. The court approved the motion by a 5‑0 vote and authorized staff to sign and forward copies to TCEQ, the Office of Public Interest Counsel, the City of Abilene and regional legislative delegates.

Next steps: county representatives said they will provide copies of the resolution to state regulators and follow up with the city and TCEQ as the contested‑case deadline approaches.