City leaders in Grey Forest hosted the “Million Gallon March” to raise awareness about water quality concerns linked to the proposed Guajolote Ranch development in far Northwest Bexar County. The proposed Lennar Subdivision wastewater treatment plant would discharge an estimated 1 million gallons of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek each day.
In November, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ruled that the City of Grey Forest has the right to challenge the wastewater permit. A hearing is scheduled for February, after which TCEQ will decide whether to move forward with the plant.
Homeowners near the proposed site for the Guajolote Ranch development rely on private wells for their drinking water. The primary concern is that the treated wastewater could contaminate these wells, potentially endangering their water supply.
The “Million Gallon March” took place on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The View at Helotes Creek.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasized the importance of addressing the issue, stating, “Pollution is something everyone should care about. But the first and most important thing we must recognize is that this isn’t a Democrat issue, a Republican issue, or an environment-versus-economy issue. This is about the future of the entire Central Texas region. Our water supply is the engine of the Texas economy, and threatening that future would jeopardize all of us.”
More than 200 people attended the rally and marched in support of challenging the wastewater permit. The event aimed to show solidarity ahead of the contested case hearing before TCEQ.
Paul Garrow, Mayor of Grey Forest, addressed the crowd, saying, “There is a proposed dense development just a few miles away from here, at Guajolote Ranch. The density of that development raises concerns about traffic, pollution and, most importantly, the potential harm to our water system. Between Feb. 18 and 21, the City of Grey Forest, local property owners and the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance will testify before TCEQ, which will decide whether to grant the permit. We’re hopeful that the hearing officer will reject it.”
Garrow continued, stressing the importance of blocking the permit. “If we can stop this permit, we can encourage more responsible development and help protect our homes and water supply.”
Garrow also highlighted the significance of the region’s aquifers. “We are standing on a very sensitive part of our water system, including the Trinity, Glen Rose and Edwards aquifers. Pollution could severely impact these critical water sources. We’re here to raise awareness about the threat to our water supply. In March, we’ll be carrying water jugs to symbolize the one million gallons of wastewater that could be discharged into our aquifers.”
Helotes Mayor Rich Whitehead also spoke out against the proposed wastewater discharge. “The development will build a treatment plant that takes in sewage, treats it and discharges the treated water. The plan is to release one million gallons of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek every day,” Whitehead explained. Wastewater is mostly water with a few other elements thrown into it. These elements may be small but can create a danger to the public health.
This wastewater discharge would not only affect homeowners and landowners but also have a potentially harmful impact on local wildlife, plants and pets. Whitehead added, “Even if everything works as planned, and the water is treated properly, there are still concerns about contaminants, smells and debris affecting properties. The wastewater will flow through Grey Forest and Helotes, potentially leaving residue and silt behind. If the treatment process isn’t done correctly, it could lead to significant contamination.”
For UTSA students looking to get involved, Nirenberg encouraged them to organize and raise awareness. “You are a significant part of the population in this region, and your collective voice can make a real difference. People often underestimate the influence that students can have on political decisions. Organize, educate others and help people understand that this issue directly threatens the vitality of the San Antonio region and your access to clean drinking water,” Nirenberg vocalized.
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