Texas Senate Bill SB467

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/28/11
• Introduced: 1/31/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/10/11
• Refer: 2/14/11
• Report Pass: 4/28/11
• Engrossed: 5/10/11
• Refer: 5/11/11

Caption

Relating to the power of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to authorize certain injection wells that transect or terminate in the Edwards Aquifer.

Impact

This bill would significantly impact the management of the Edwards Aquifer, a vital water resource for many regions in Texas. By establishing guidelines for which injection techniques are permissible, SB467 aims at both enhancing aquifer recharge and preventing potential contamination. The bill recognizes the importance of maintaining water quality in both saline and freshwater contexts and would empower TCEQ to implement more stringent guidelines around the injection activities occurring within and outside the designated boundaries of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

Summary

SB467 aims to define the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the authorization of injection wells that intersect or terminate in the Edwards Aquifer. The bill introduces specific provisions for permitting injection wells that can be utilized for various purposes, such as injecting concentrate from desalination facilities, recharging the aquifer, or facilitating aquifer remediation. The legislation sets parameters around what types of water can be injected, emphasizing the need for protecting the groundwater quality to ensure the aquifer's viability as a drinking water source.

Contention

Controversies surrounding SB467 may emerge from concerns over environmental safeguards and local governance. Proponents of the bill, likely including entities involved in water management and environmental recovery projects, argue it provides essential regulatory clarity and promotes beneficial practices for groundwater management. Conversely, critics may raise alarms about the environmental risks of allowing injection wells, fearing that the provisions might inadvertently lead to compromised water quality and undermine local capacities to manage their natural resources effectively.