Lennar Homes is one step closer to breaking ground on Guajolote Ranch development after TCEQ executive director gives green light
HELOTES, Texas — A developer is one step closer to breaking ground on a project that will release millions of gallons of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek.
Lennar Homes, a national development company, plans to build 2,900 houses on 1,160 acres of property near Scenic Loop Road and Babcock Road.
To support the Guajolote Ranch development, Lennar Homes would need to build a wastewater plant.
“SAWS was concerned about the project, so they did not grant wastewater service because of concerns about the aquifer,” said Annalisa Peace, the executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA). “They did grant water service because they were required to.”
Earlier this month, the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) released a decision letter saying the permit application “meets the requirements of applicable law.”
TCEQ commissioners will decide whether to approve, modify or deny the permit at an upcoming meeting.
If the permit is approved, Peace fears the project will impact health and habitat.
“There is nothing the size and scope of this project [in that area],” said Peace. “When it’s built up, they are talking about dumping a million gallons of treated sewer every day. This water, if you release it into Helotes Creek, is recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Even if it’s traveling seven miles, [the wastewater effluent] doesn’t clean itself up. You are basically polluting our aquifer.”
About 2 million people get their drinking water from the Edwards Aquifer.
At a public hearing last year, dozens of residents begged TCEQ commissioners to deny the permit.
The GEAA, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, City of Helotes, City of Grey Forest and several state lawmakers have voiced opposition to the development.
A spokesperson for the TCEQ told KENS 5 no one was available for an interview. However, the spokesperson said the permit would have limits and conditions designed to protect human health and aquatic life. We are told the application process is still in progress, and those who commented on the application will be able to submit a request for reconsideration or a hearing by Feb. 12.
“It’s far away from drinking standards,” said Peace. “So, we will be contesting the permit.”
Lennar Homes has not responded to our request for comment.
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