On February 12, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) heard public testimony, including testimony from legislative members, in regards to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) request to temporarily change the process required in its 2010 Water Management Plan (WMP) for curtailment of interruptible stored water at higher levels of combined storage in Lakes Buchanan and Travis. Rep. Donna Howard agreed with the complexities of the issue and noted there are diverse needs along the corridor that LCRA manages. Rep. Lois Kolkhorst offered the issue could be a public health concern. Rep. Kirk Watson spoke in support of the request but also argued for a long-term solution.
The TCEQ ultimately did not affirm, modify, or set aside, the request but referred the issue to an administrative law judge, who will hear arguments on the case and must issue a recommendation by February 21. The TCEQ can then revisit the issue during its next scheduled meeting February 26.
Under the LCRA proposed emergency plan, they would withhold water releases downstream to rice farmers and Matagorda Bay until the Highland Lakes, which are 38 percent full today, rise to more than 50 percent of their capacity.
Specifically, in December 2013 LCRA requested an emergency order to change the triggers for curtailment of interruptible water based upon the combined storage levels of Lakes Buchanan and Travis on March 1, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.
