Negotiations over Corpus Christi’s controversial groundwater project appear to be making progress.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After months of negotiations, the long-running dispute over Corpus Christi’s proposed Evangeline groundwater project could be moving closer to a resolution. But while Corpus Christi officials are expressing optimism, leaders in San Patricio County remain cautious.
The disagreement centers on Corpus Christi’s plan to pump up to 24 million gallons of groundwater a day from the Evangeline Aquifer in San Patricio County.
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The cities of Sinton and St. Paul have opposed the project, arguing they depend on the same aquifer for their water supply and are concerned that large-scale pumping could affect water availability in the future.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said Sinton recently requested additional time for its hydrogeologist to review new scientific findings prepared for the project.
“The city of Sinton has asked for is a week ago about three weeks worth of time so they’re hydrogeologist could look at the findings that are hydrogeologist has developed and determine what would be the impact to the aquifer. To water availability essentially and maybe water quality to some extent.”
Zanoni said he hopes that review will help both sides continue negotiations.
He acknowledged that while the project is permitted to produce up to 24 million gallons a day, a lower production level could be considered if scientific data supports it.
“Right now the 24 MGD is what the production permit is for you know something less than that could be OK however if it gets too low, I don’t know what that number is right now, but it becomes financially. It’s a disadvantage financially to the rate payer.”
Sinton City Manager John Hobson told 3 News he remains skeptical about the direction of the project.
Hobson said he is disappointed Corpus Christi still does not have a desalination plant as part of its long-term water supply strategy. He believes the Evangeline groundwater project is evolving into a permanent source of water rather than serving as a temporary solution.
Negotiations between the cities are expected to continue after Sinton’s hydrogeologist completes the latest review.
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