Edwards Aquifer Authority to hold meetings on rule changes

Dear GEAA members and friends,

The Edwards Aquifer Authority will be holding hearings on proposed changes to the Edwards Rules  at the Hondo Community Center ( 1014 18th St. ) on Wednesday, June 27th at 6:p.m. at the Edwards Aquifer Authority Conference Center (1615 N. St. Mary's in San Antonio ) on Thursday, June 28th at 6 p.m.

 

We are delighted that the EAA Board will be considering a ban on using PAH (coaltar) sealants to pave streets and parking lots on the Recharge and Contributing zones. If the EAA takes approves this new rule (Section 713.803) , it will join other cities and states in efforts nationwide to keep this pollutant out of our water supplies.

And, we support rules that would require secondary and tertiary containment for hazardous materials stored on the aquifer (Section 713.633). Though this rule will provide added security against leaks and spills harming the aquifer, the best plan is to prohibit and discourage the use and storage of hazardous materials on the Recharge and Contributing zones.

Thus, we are very disappointed that the EAA is considering a rule change that would allow an unlimited number of Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST's) to be installed on the Edwards Recharge Zone (Section 713.607). If voted into effect, this new rule will certainly increase the amount of fuels and other hazardous material stored on the Recharge Zone, putting our water supply in peril. We believe that the current rule prohibiting the installation of new AST's on the Recharge Zone should be left in place.

We are also concerned that the requirement to provide information on financial assurance for entities that store hazardous materials on the aquifer have been removed from the rules (Section 713.609). They should be required to show proof of their financial ability to clean up any damage that they may cause in the event of a leak or spill.

Please attend one of the EAA public hearings if you can to voice your support for the PAH Ban and your concern about loosening restrictions on storage of hazardous materials. If you cannot attend, please contact your EAA Representative to discuss the pros and cons of the proposed rule changes.

Have a great weekend!

Annalisa Peace

Executive Director
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance