Resident warns commissioners of alleged unpermitted mining near Navasota River, cites past contested permits

A long-time nearby landowner and resident addressed the Limestone County Commissioners Court to raise concerns about mining-related activity near the Navasota River and Fort Parker State Park. The commenter said the area under discussion lies roughly 300 yards from the river and recounted prior permit disputes and a state administrative hearing 25 years ago involving companies named Hanson and Anson. The resident said a different company (names referenced: Connors and a company described as now attempting similar work) has recently been clearing ground and, according to the speaker, had conducted blasting.

The speaker alleged the current work may violate permit terms and noted that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) had been contacted and had conducted an investigation but had not released findings. He also said past applications were amended because of elevated aluminum levels in discharge ("three times the maximum allowable for aluminum" was asserted for a prior applicant) and expressed concern about groundwater wells used by nearby residents.

Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions, including whether activity was ongoing during the investigation; the resident said equipment had been removed but that operators initially entered the site without county approval and later planned to request road access permission. The resident said they had contacted state and federal representatives and intended to pursue administrative and legal challenges if permits were granted or if violations were confirmed.

The court did not take regulatory action at the meeting. County staff noted the state agency (TCEQ as referenced by the speaker) is the primary regulator for air and water permit issues; the speaker said the permit number for an air-quality permit at a prior location was "283J." The matter remains under investigation by the cited state agency.