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Harrison and Simmons Valley Wastewater Plants In ReviewPermit Request for Treated Sewage Discharge up to 600,000 Gallons per day into Comal River Harrison andLBy Lou Dugganast month this article focused onthe proposed Simmons ValleyWastewater Treatment plant and its request for wastewater discharge of up to 260,000 gallons per day into the Guadalupe River above Canyon Dam. Another treatment plant, the Harrison Wastewater Plant, is also being proposed for Comal County. This one, near Bulverde, is proposed for the area of Texas 46 between Smithson Valley Road and FM 3006. If approved, it could pump 600,000 gallons a day of treated sewage into a creek that flows into the Comal River.Simmons Valley Wastewater PlantsA public hearing on this permit request was held in June. Environmental groups and dozens of local residents voiced their opposition. Concerns were expressed about how the wastewater treatment plant would affect their property, new residential growth, the Aquifer, the local environment, odor, and reduced water quality of the Comal River.According to David Drewa, Director of Communications for Preserve Our Hill Country Environment, the discharge equates to “an Olympic-size swimming pool of wastewater—every day into the WestFork Dry Comal Creek and Dry Comal Creek, which flow into the Comal River in New Braunfels. The discharge location would be over the Edwards Aquifer contributing zone and just 2000 feet upstream from the environmentally sensitive recharge zone.” Current status?For the Harrison Permit: Kira Olson, Board Secretary for Preserve Our Hill Country Environment, reported “we are waiting for the Response to Comments from the TCEQ. No other updates have been received.” When completed, TCEQ will mail their response to everyone who submitted public comments online or in person. Then, any affected parties will have 30 days to submit a contested case hearing request. A Contested Case hearing is similar to a civil court case and could take years to resolve.According to Annalisa Peace, Executive Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, “GEAA is planning to join with the neighbors to contest that (Harrison) permit and, we have been in conversation with Mr. Harrison to provide information about better alternatives for the land. He seems quite interested in exploring other options.” GEAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes effective broad-based advocacy for the protection and preservation of the Edwards Aquifer, its springs, watersheds, and the Texas Hill Country that sustains it.Mulching Provides Essential NutrientsOn Simmons Valley Permit: Peace added, “we are waiting to hear whether the applicant is successful in obtaining from TCEQ a Chapter 210 reuse permit to sell the effluent to Comal County for use at Jumbo Evans Park; a measure we approve. Some individuals are entering a (State Office Administrative) contested case hearing soon.”Approval of the Harrison plant would allow development of a 500-acre tract of land planned for 1,403 homes near Bulverde. Approval of the Simmons Valley plant is proposed for 700 homes in the Spring Branch area.DBy Sally Kalosonna Hoss and her son, Jesse, the owners of Blanco Road Mulch and Landscape Materials, offersinsights for individuals aiming to maintain their landscapes, especially during the extreme heat. Mulching plays a crucial role in landscaping, primarily to retain moisture in the ground. When using composted mulch, it also provides essential nutrients to the plants beneath.For those aiming solely to conserve moisture, options include double-ground mulch in its natural form, cedar mulch, aged native mulch, or dyed mulch varieties. If you’re uncertain about which type to choose, Donna assures you can’t go wrong. Gardening is a learning journey, and being proactive is key to success.Blanco Road Mulch provides a range of mulch types, including double-ground cedar, double-ground aged native, and dyed black mulch. A common surprise for many customers is the company’s proximity, as many often pass by without noticing. Now in its 7th year of operation, Blanco Road Mulch continues to thrive inWe Got You CoveredServing Bulverde/ Spring Branch Since 2006Kathleen BanseState Farm Insurance Agent830-438-7025 33200 Hwy 281 N Bulverde, TX 78163 www.kathleenbanse.comAuto • Home • Business • Life • Renters8the landscaping industry.Moreover, Donna emphasizes theimportance of top-dressing your grass during the fall or early spring. While it’s an often-overlooked step, it’s pivotal for ensuring your lawn remains healthy, lush, and green. Ideally, this practice should be done annually or at least every two years.Blanco Road Mulch & Landscape Materials is located at 31767 Blanco Rd, Bulverde, TX, 78163.You can call (830) 438-5803 or visit on line to place an order with a QR deal atLove Kids? Love Dogs? Consider Joining a Canine& MoistureClassmates Team!www.blanocrdmulch.comFacebook page.or visit theirCBy Alyson Martinanine Classmates is a literacy intervention program that works with local kindergarten throughfifth grade students to improve reading skills, increase confidence, and develop better study habits. A Canine Classmates team consists of a volunteer mentor, or Best Buddy, and a trained reading dog. These teams meet one-on-one with students selected by teachers for 30-minute sessions every week.Considered by the Comal and New Braunfels School Districts as an essential extension of the classroom, there is a current waiting list of schools requesting the services Canine Classmates provides, therefore more mentors and reading dogs are desperately needed.Everyone is welcome! Current mentors come from all kinds of professions, including software consultants, retired teachers, event planners, and firefighters, to name a few (there is even a couple who mentor together with their dog). Male Best Buddies are especially needed. In many cases, theWe specialize in hard surface floor cleaning. 5 Star Rated.You’re floors will shine in 2023!When the floor is clean, the people who live and work there will function at a higher level.Follow QR CodeCall: 210-277-0424Book Online GreenTreeSteamers.comonly male role model in a student’s life is their Best Buddy mentor.YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please consider joining a Canine Classmates team - helping to provide children with the building blocks they need for success. If you (and/or your dog) are interested in joining the Canine Classmates organization, contact Donna at (830) 310- 1779 or donna@canineclassmates.org.Visit canineclassmates.org for more information. Canine Classmates is a non- profit 501(c)3 organization.www.bsbhighlights.comSeptember 2023