Judge rules in favor of opponents to Corpus Christi Evangeline project

An administrative law judge has ruled that opponents of Corpus Christi’s Evangeline water project have legal standing to have their concerns heard in court.

The ongoing legal battle over the Evangeline Aquifer is centered on a proposal by city leaders to pump water from it as one of the solutions to the region’s water crisis. Others say such a move could impact wells, land, and long-term aquifer health.

A letter from Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni stated that Administrative Law Judge Alicia York found standing for all the protesting parties, and recommends granting them the requested contested case as to all permit applications for the Evangeline project, which include 22 drilling permits and one transport permit. Those parties include the cities of Sinton and St. Paul.

“Basically the Judge concludes that the protestants provided sufficient testimony to support the conclusion that the installation of the infrastructure could cause an injury to their wells, water quality, etc.,” Zanoni stated in his letter.

Zanoni adds that York’s ruling does not mean that the project ultimately does not get permitted. “It means the Judge thinks the protestants should have their concerns heard in court through a contested case hearing process,” Zanoni said.

San Patricio County rancher Charles Ring was also a party to the protest, saying that if the project moves forward, it would decimate his livelihood. While Ring was granted standing for the one transport permit being considered, the judge requested briefings and will set a hearing date on Ring’s late protest of the drilling permits.

In a statement to 3NEWS, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said, “I think this was the correct and fair decision. I’m thankful to Judge York. I believe she thoroughly considered all of the testimony and evidence. I trust that the GCD board will also give the same consideration for their decision.”

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