Groundwater district warns large permits trigger in-depth studies and contested cases

Doug Shaw, general manager of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, told the court that any commercial project seeking to drill or use significant groundwater in the district must apply for a permit and that the district has adopted study requirements for what it treats as large permits. He said applicants seeking very large volumes (the district cited large-permit study thresholds) are required to submit in-depth hydrogeologic studies assessing one-year, 10-year, 30-year and 50-year impacts.

Shaw explained that the permitting process includes a public hearing and that property owners with a justiciable interest in groundwater may request a contested case; the district typically recommends granting valid contested-case requests and refers technical disputes to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). He urged residents to sign up for the GCD newsletter, reach out for assistance, and noted that the district will enforce the statutory authorities it possesses.

Shaw also cited recent county and neighboring-county experiences (Hood County and Hill County) as cautionary examples where local actions led to litigation and emphasized the limitations and strengths of existing statutory tools.