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August 19, 2022
Save Medina Lake files complaint with TCEQ, states BMA is not following Drought Contingency Plan
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Save Medina Lake
On July 12, Save Medina Lake (SML) filed a complaint with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The complaint stated the following :
“BMA's Drought Contingency plan approved by TCEQ stipulates that if the water in storage in Medina Lake is equal to or less than 46,000 Acre Feet for 30 consecutive days then BMA’s Business Manager “will assess the severity of the problem and identify actions needed and undertake necessary actions including termination of water supply and prepare a post-event assessment report.”
Medina Lake reached 46,000 Acre Feet on May 12 this year, and the release of water from Medina Lake has not been terminated nor reduced. The water in storage has now been below 46,000 Acre feet for 60 days, and there are still no signs of any intention to reduce or terminate the release of water from Medina Lake. On July 12 there was approximately 32,000 Acre Feet in storage.”
Since the complaint was filed, the lake has lost an additional 8000 AF and the gate(s) on Medina Lake dam remains open.
SML is requesting help to reinforce the message to TCEQ that BMA (Bexar Medina Atascosa Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1) must follow their Drought Contingency Plan and the public expects TCEQ to take action now.
The following link may be used to file an individual complaint -
Report an Environmental Complaint to TCEQ - https://www.tceq.texas.gov
The complaint stated the following :
“BMA's Drought Contingency plan approved by TCEQ stipulates that if the water in storage in Medina Lake is equal to or less than 46,000 Acre Feet for 30 consecutive days then BMA’s Business Manager “will assess the severity of the problem and identify actions needed and undertake necessary actions including termination of water supply and prepare a post-event assessment report.”
Medina Lake reached 46,000 Acre Feet on May 12 this year, and the release of water from Medina Lake has not been terminated nor reduced. The water in storage has now been below 46,000 Acre feet for 60 days, and there are still no signs of any intention to reduce or terminate the release of water from Medina Lake. On July 12 there was approximately 32,000 Acre Feet in storage.”
Since the complaint was filed, the lake has lost an additional 8000 AF and the gate(s) on Medina Lake dam remains open.
SML is requesting help to reinforce the message to TCEQ that BMA (Bexar Medina Atascosa Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1) must follow their Drought Contingency Plan and the public expects TCEQ to take action now.
The following link may be used to file an individual complaint -
Report an Environmental Complaint to TCEQ - https://www.tceq.texas.gov