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Regional utility authority reevaluating intake site options

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Written by Kara Vaught Friday, 07 December 2007

The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority is conducting an alternative site study for the location of a future deep-water intake to service the water needs of member cities Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock.

Instead of beginning construction on the deep-water intake in 2009 as originally planned, the BCRUA is taking more time to study and gain public input on seven potential intake sites. It now plans to begin construction in 2010 and begin operations in 2012.

“Fortunately, we had the opportunity [to take more time to pick a site] because the lake levels came back up in the spring and summer,” said Chris Lippe, BCRUA general manager. “The thing that was driving the urgency in the beginning was the low lake levels. Also, we certainly heard the concern about the location of the deep-water intake and want to make sure we do the studies that find the best site that can be found.”

All seven sites are in or near the Village of Volente. A group of Volente residents formed the Don’t Empty Lake Travis Association and hired attorney Jason Collins with Diamond McCarthy in Austin to fight the BCRUA’s plan.

“The residents of Volente are pleased that they are evaluating other sites. However, they have no confidence that the BCRUA has decided not to target Volente. So the residents are still working to maintain an opposition to BCRUA’s activities. Round Rock and BCRUA are spending a lot of taxpayer money to fund their efforts without fully understanding what they can and cannot do in terms of forcing Volente to host their project,” Collins said.

The BCRUA has scheduled three public meetings in Volente at which officials will update attendees on the progress of the site evaluation and answer questions. They will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17, March 20 and April 17 at the Volente Fire Department, 15406 FM 2769 in Volente.

The public is also invited to attend BCRUA board meetings. A schedule of times and dates will be posted on www.bcrua.org.

After the last public meeting, a recommendation for the site of the deep-water intake will be made to the BCRUA board. Lippe expects the site will be selected by May, but said the BCRUA might have additional public meetings if it sees a need.