AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) voted to approve a permit for a controversial wastewater treatment plant in northwest Bexar County, a decision that comes after months of heated debate over potential environmental impacts.

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The plant, to be built in Grey Forest, will serve the proposed Guajalote Ranch development, a project that calls for roughly 2,900 homes in the area. The permit allows for the release of up to one million gallons of treated wastewater each day into the Helotes Creek watershed, a tributary that feeds directly into the Edwards Aquifer, a major source of drinking water for the region.

Opponents, including the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, the City of Grey Forest, and nearby landowners, warned that the project threatens to pollute groundwater in a region known for its porous karst terrain. They also pointed out that TCEQ’s own Office of Public Interest Counsel had recommended rejecting the permit, citing scientific studies from the Southwest Research Institute that found any wastewater discharge in the area would “significantly degrade” the watershed.

Despite this, TCEQ Chair Brooke Paup said the evidence supported the application, stating, “In my evaluation, I find that the evidence and record supports the ALJ’s determination that the applicant met its burden to establish that the draft permit is protective and meets all applicable requirements.”

Environmental advocates expressed outrage. Randy Neumann, chair of the Scenic Loop–Helotes Creek Alliance, said, “We are of course extremely disappointed in the commissioners’ decision this decision does nothing to protect public health and natural resources.” He vowed to continue the fight, adding, “This is by no means the end of our fight and if the 2.5 million residents across Central Texas who depend on the Edwards Aquifer ultimately don’t get the remedy they deserve, our message will be, ‘See you in court.’”

State Rep. Mark Dorazio, who represents District 122, spoke against the project during Wednesday’s TCEQ meeting.

I have talked to city, state and county leaders. I have spoken to Republicans and Democrats. I have spoken to scientists, businessmen, and homeowners. I’ve met with Lennar and I have met with residents along Helotes Creek,” Dorazio said. “Through all of that, I keep coming up to the same conclusion: this wastewater treatment plan is unwise.

But others defended the proposal, including Helen Gilbert, who represented Municipal Operations LLC, the company behind the permit.

But this permit meets and exceeds applicable morals and statutes. It is not a serious risk, as you just heard,” Gilbert said. “With all due respect, the protestants and Representative Dorazio have not looked at the evidence.

critics accuse Lennar of choosing a cheaper and riskier wastewater solution rather than paying $20–40 million to tie into the San Antonio Water System. The proposed PID would shift costs to future homeowners through higher property taxes.

Despite the pushback, the commission ultimately voted to approve the permit, clearing the way for the development to move forward.