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UT BEG researcher offers groundwater-sampling options focused on southern Reeves County; board took no action
Summary
Rebecca C. Smyth of The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology presented two sampling plans (60 samples/48 field days or 30 samples/24 field days) focused on the San Solomon Springs/Balmorhea area and offered to train a county hire to expand sampling; the board took no action and may revisit the proposal at a future meeting.
Rebecca C. Smyth, M.A., P.G., a researcher with The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, presented two groundwater-sampling proposals to the Reeves County Groundwater Conservation District on Jan. 23.
Smyth described a larger plan that would require about 48 field days and produce roughly 60 samples, and a smaller plan of about 24 field days with roughly 30 samples. She said the proposed work would include water-level measurements, water chemistry sampling and laboratory analysis, and that she intends to continue sampling in the county’s southern area around San Solomon Springs and Balmorhea. Smyth told the board she does not have the time or bandwidth to sample the entire county herself but said, “she would be happy to train somebody if RCGCD would like to hire someone that would do sampling in the greater part of the county.”
Board members asked for additional context; James Beach noted he and General Manager Greg Perrin had discussed the scope to better understand potential impacts and suggested the presentation could form a foundation for next month’s discussion. The board recorded no vote and took no action on the proposal during the meeting. If the district wishes to pursue either option, follow-up would be required to specify funding, staffing and an expanded sampling plan.
The matter may return for further consideration at the board’s next regular meeting on Feb. 20, 2025.
