BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – A proposed rock crushing operation in Burnet County is causing concerns.
People living nearby have started posting signs around the county in an effort to raise awareness and educate people.
“We are putting out signs and we are handing out flyers,” said Nan Manning who is the director of Camp Longhorn, Indian Springs. “This whole area is near and dear to our hearts.”
Manning has a sign posted outside the entrance of her camp. She worries the proposed plant will impact local lakes, rivers and creeks in the area, but she is also worried about air quality.
“If you have to build it somewhere, you have to build it in a place that it is not going to affect the ecosystem, it is not going to impact the environment,” Manning said. “Somewhere It is not going to impact this many people.”
While details are still limited about the plant, residents have raised a number of questions and concerns.
From water quality and air quality to the impact trucks coming and going from the site could have on traffic.
Fermin Ortiz, who is against the proposed plant, said he is worried about the caverns and caves and the potential for explosives being used.
“They will cause fracturing and a lot of problems that we don’t even know how long term it will negatively impact our state parks,” Ortiz said.
The community is hoping to hear more about the plans, but also raise awareness about what’s going on.
“It is so important that the public understands that they are involved,” Fermin said. “This is the only Texas Hill Country we will ever have.”
KXAN did not name the company behind the project at this time, but we did reach out to give them an opportunity to address the concerns. We will update this if a statement is received.
KXAN is also still waiting to hear back from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for specifics on the project. We will update this if a statement is received.
Texas Parks and Wildlife sent KXAN this statement:
“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is aware of the air quality permit application that has been filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding this project. The department will be providing a letter reflecting concerns of potential impacts to state lands to TCEQ requesting their due diligence during their review.”
-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
There is a community meeting planned for Sept. 14. at 2 p.m. It will be held at Hill Country Fellowship Church in Burnet County.