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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Edwards Aquifer is one of the most prolific and |
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pristine artesian aquifers in the world, and it is a vital source of |
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clean and sustainable groundwater for millions of Texans; and |
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WHEREAS, The aquifer covers approximately 4,350 square miles |
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of South Central Texas, and for generations, residents and |
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policymakers in the region have worked to preserve and responsibly |
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manage this invaluable natural resource, which supplies the region |
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with essential water for agricultural, industrial, recreational, |
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and domestic use; the aquifer is also the primary sustainable |
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source of clean drinking water for 1.7 million Texans, including |
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residents of San Antonio, America's seventh largest city; and |
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WHEREAS, A karst geological system with extremely high |
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porosity and permeability, the Edwards Aquifer allows for rapid |
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infiltration of surface water through an extensive network of |
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conduits, fractures, and faults; this makes it highly susceptible |
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to irreversible contamination from wastewater discharge and other |
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emerging contaminants that pose severe and potentially fatal health |
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risks to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems; and |
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WHEREAS, The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the |
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primary regulatory body responsible for ensuring that no |
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development within the region compromises the purity and safety of |
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the aquifer; the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, created by the |
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TCEQ, was designed to establish and enforce best management |
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practices that prevent contaminants from reaching the Edwards |
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Aquifer during and after construction activities; and |
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WHEREAS, A study by the Southwest Research Institute, funded |
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through the city of San Antonio's Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan, |
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found that any type of wastewater system releasing treated effluent |
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in the Helotes Creek watershed, such as the proposed Guajolote |
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Ranch wastewater disposal plan in Bexar County, would |
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"significantly degrade the watershed and the quality of water |
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recharging the Edwards Aquifer"; and |
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WHEREAS, The Edwards Aquifer is an irreplaceable state |
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treasure, requiring immediate and long-term protection, and |
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elected officials at every level, along with non-elected regulatory |
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bodies, should advocate for and implement policies and practices |
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that safeguard the quality and sustainability of one of the most |
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valuable natural resources in Texas; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby urges the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to take |
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immediate and decisive action to protect the Edwards Aquifer and |
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its recharge zones and contributing zones from irreversible |
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contamination from treated effluents discharged by any wastewater |
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systems or toxic substances released through construction or other |
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activities; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an |
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official copy of this resolution to the commissioners of the Texas |
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Commission on Environmental Quality. |