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Kerr County to publish notice, hold July 13 hearing on stricter on‑site sewage order
Summary
Environmental Health told commissioners that TCEQ approved Kerr County’s proposed OSSF amendments; the county voted 4–0 to publish notice and set a July 13 public hearing on proposed, more stringent septic permitting standards for larger tracts and certain development types.
Ashley Batters, director of environmental health, told the court that on June 4 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved the county’s proposed amendments to an order regulating on‑site sewage facilities (OSSF). Batters said the enclosed draft meets minimum state requirements but includes a new Section 9 with more stringent local standards aimed at protecting human health and the environment.
Batters explained that the draft order relies on 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) provisions and would require permits for certain on‑site sewage facilities in Kerr County where the local standard justifies more stringent measures than the state minimum. She said the primary effect is to require permits in some situations where developers and property owners have previously been unclear about whether permits were required, especially with subdivisions and tracts of 10 acres or more.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about scope and applicability. Batters said the proposed order is not intended to force permitting on existing, compliant single‑family systems; rather, it focuses on new development, subdivisions and commercial or multifamily projects where permitting is already typical. “Kerr County has determined that more stringent requirements are necessary to protect human health and the environment,” Batters said.
The court authorized Environmental Health to publish public‑meeting notice and voted 4–0 to set a public hearing on July 13 to take public input on adopting the proposed order.
What’s next: The draft order and exhibit materials will be posted in the county clerk’s office and on the county website and available in Environmental Health offices. The public hearing is scheduled for July 13; a certified copy of meeting minutes will be required for TCEQ’s administrative record if the county proceeds with adoption.
