The City of Simonton, Texas

Information for Residents About the Chambco Water Well Drilling, Water Pumping, and Water Sale Application

To Residents of the City of Simonton

Update: May 13, 2013: On May 20, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in Bellville, the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District will hold an initial preliminary hearing regarding the Electro Purification water-well application. To read the entire notice, please click here: Notice of 2013.5.20 Initial Preliminary Hearing – BGCD May 20 2013

Update: April 1, 2013: Agenda for April 17, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. meeting of the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District in Navasota, Texas, Board Room, Suite B & C, 303 East Washington Avenue: Agenda

Update: March 26, 2013: Handout at Fort Bend Subsidence meeting: Findings of Fort Bend Subsidence concerning Electro Purification Application.

Update March 8, 2013: Letter from County Commissioner Andy Meyers to Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District: Commissioner Meyers letter to Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District

February 20, 2013: Many Simonton area our residents have reported receiving a letter from the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District. This letter is official notice advising you of the receipt of an application by Chambco LLP which seeks to drill up to ten twenty-inch water wells in Austin County and in Waller County, pump water and sell it to interested purchasers.

These residents have received these letters because they own a water well which is within 1/2 of a mile of the drilling field. Sending the notices is a requirement of the application process and permitting process.

The permit, if approved, would allow for Chambco to pump a large volume of water of up to 20 Million Gallons of water per day. Ten million gallons of the water would be sold to the Cities of Rosenberg and Richmond, who would have an option for to purchase another five million gallons. The balance of 5 million gallons would be reserved for future purchasers.

The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District has authority to regulate water within Austin County, Waller County, Grimes County, and Walker County. Fort Bend County is not a member of this district.

Initial Review is Complete

The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District’s has completed their initial administrative review of the application.  It is and now it is available for public review, scrutiny, comment, and protest.

Short Protest Period

We are currently within a twenty-day protest period that you have in which you can provide any comments or evidence that might impact the district’s decision grant final approval to the applicant. Please don’t delay on any protest or comment which you may seek to file.

Informational Meeting Scheduled

UPDATE 02-28-13: Waller County Judge, Glenn Beckendorff, has scheduled an informational meeting in at the Royal High School Auditorium between Brookshire and Pattison just off FM 359 on Tuesday, March 5th at 6:30 PM.  This meeting will be an opportunity for attendees to receive important information.  It is not a time to present protests. NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS IS MARCH 6th. CLICK HERE FOR A MAP TO THE MEETING LOCATION.

Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski , will host an informational meeting in Bellville for 7:00 pm on Monday, February 25th at the Bellville Fair Grounds which are located at 1076 Texas 159, Bellville, TX 77418. This meeting will be an opportunity for attendees to receive important information.  It is not a time to present protests. (this meeting has already been held)

Simonton area residents are encouraged to attend this meeting and ask as many questions as possible so you can understand the potential impact of the drilling and withdrawal of water should the application be approved.

The City of Simonton Opposes Approval

On Tuesday, February 19th at the regular meeting of the Simonton City Council, the City Council voted unanimously to oppose the application.  All City Council members in attendance signed a six-page letter of opposition which outlines the reasons for the City’s opposition and what the City would require to withdraw its opposition.

You can find a copy of this letter on the City Website: CLICK HERE

Through the City’s letter of opposition, the City lists a number of reasonable concerns, objections, and questions which must be addressed prior to the approval of the withdrawal of any volume of water beyond current residential needs. The City Council also discussed and approved several other measures in preparation for a defense of the City’s position.

Your City Council recognizes the concerns of our community. Be assured that we will make every effort to provide information through this website to help keep our community informed.  Further, we will continue to work to protect the interests of our community in the strongest way possible.

UPDATE 02-28-13: The Mayor has sent a letter to the Fort Bend Subsidence District requesting their intervention and review of all documents. CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER.

Notice: This web page may be updated as needed should more accurate information become available

New City Hall Sign