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Commissioners table pipeline discharge after contamination concerns; request meeting with Blackcomb and TCEQ
Summary
County staff flagged a notice of intent from Blackcomb pipeline to discharge hydrostatic test water at multiple locations (some in Val Verde County); commissioners raised concerns about residues and downstream risks and voted to table the matter while staff schedules a meeting with Blackcomb and TCEQ.
County staff reported that Blackcomb Pipeline filed a notice of intent with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) indicating plans to discharge hydrostatic test water at several locations, including three within the county. Staff said the company and its environmental consultants maintain they are following TCEQ guidelines, but commissioners and staff expressed concern that the water may contain residues of oil or other contaminants.
A commissioner asked whether the water would reach the Devil’s River, and staff said that if discharged in certain locations it could. Commissioners recalled a prior instance when the company discharged outside the county; county staff requested assurance that any discharge would follow strict protocols or be hauled out of county. One commissioner said, "I'm not in favor of them discharging any water," and others echoed the concern.
The court directed staff to arrange an ASAP meeting with Blackcomb and relevant consultants and to report back; the item was tabled and scheduled to return in two weeks for further action. A motion to table and direct staff to meet with the company carried 5-0.
