MUD 129 New Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit

**Montgomery County MUD Seeks Permit for New Wastewater Treatment Facility Near Splendora; Public Comment Period Open**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX** – Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 129 has applied for a new permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to construct and operate a new wastewater treatment facility, signaling further development in the rapidly growing region. The proposed facility would discharge treated domestic wastewater into Caney Creek, a tributary of the San Jacinto River Basin.

The application, identified as Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit WQ0016142001, seeks authorization to discharge up to an annual average of 2 million gallons per day (2.0 MGD) of treated wastewater.

The planned facility would be located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Firetower Road and US Highway 59 (also known as I-69) in Montgomery County. This site is approximately two-and-a-half miles northwest of Splendora. The exact coordinates for the plant are Latitude 30.297400 and Longitude -95.148100.

Treated water from the facility would be discharged into Caney Creek at a specific point located at Latitude 30.297833 and Longitude -95.147917. Caney Creek is a significant waterway in the region, flowing into the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, which contributes to Lake Houston – a primary drinking water source for the City of Houston.

The application was received by the TCEQ on April 22, 2024, with public notice of the proposed permit published on May 2, 2024. This application comes as Montgomery County continues its exponential population growth, driving demand for expanded infrastructure to support new residential and commercial developments. Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) play a critical role in providing essential water, sewer, and drainage services to these burgeoning communities.

However, any new discharge into local waterways often raises concerns among environmental groups and area residents regarding potential impacts on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational uses. The San Jacinto River Basin is a vital natural resource, and maintaining its ecological health is a priority for many stakeholders.

Residents, property owners, and other interested parties have the opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed permit or request a public hearing. All submissions must be received by the TCEQ’s Office of the Chief Clerk by June 1, 2024. This deadline is 30 days from the publication of the public notice.

For specific details about the permit application or to address questions, individuals can contact Daniel L. Miller, P.E., from Goodwin & Marshall, Inc., who represents Montgomery County MUD No. 129. The TCEQ’s Public Education Program can also be reached directly at (512) 239-3300 for general information or assistance with the public comment process.

Written comments and requests for a public hearing should be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.