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Margo Denke Griffin speaks to Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District board members, expressing her support for the district's decision to approve a 56 acre-feet pumping maximum for Vanderpool Management, LP.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
April 18, 2025
Groundwater district denies rehearing request for water increase
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District board members unanimously denied a request from Vanderpool Management, LP, for a rehearing to reconsider increasing their water well production limit.
The groundwater district in February declined the Midland-based company’s permit request to increase its annual pumping limit from 28 acre-feet of water for two wells, to a total of 200 acre-feet per year for both, rejecting a recommendation from the State Office of Administrative Hearings that the permit be approved. Instead, the district reaffirmed the originally approved combined maximum of 56 acre-feet. Vanderpool formally asked BCRAGD to consider a rehearing, stating the board made an error when it overturned the SOAH Admininstrative Law Judges decision.
Environmental Attorney Lauren Ice said Bandera Canyonlands Alliance was opposed to a rehearing, claiming there was no basis to reverse the board’s decision.
“I’m wondering why are we still here. Everybody knows how dry this county is,” Kevin Wynn said during the district’s quarterly meeting yesterday, adding his family owns property on Mill Creek Road, near the Vanderpool site.
“This would be devastating, but maybe that’s his plan,” Wynn said. “Maybe his plan is to drive everyone off, so he can buy up the properties for pennies on the dollar.”
The case may move forward in State District Court.
The groundwater district in February declined the Midland-based company’s permit request to increase its annual pumping limit from 28 acre-feet of water for two wells, to a total of 200 acre-feet per year for both, rejecting a recommendation from the State Office of Administrative Hearings that the permit be approved. Instead, the district reaffirmed the originally approved combined maximum of 56 acre-feet. Vanderpool formally asked BCRAGD to consider a rehearing, stating the board made an error when it overturned the SOAH Admininstrative Law Judges decision.
Environmental Attorney Lauren Ice said Bandera Canyonlands Alliance was opposed to a rehearing, claiming there was no basis to reverse the board’s decision.
“I’m wondering why are we still here. Everybody knows how dry this county is,” Kevin Wynn said during the district’s quarterly meeting yesterday, adding his family owns property on Mill Creek Road, near the Vanderpool site.
“This would be devastating, but maybe that’s his plan,” Wynn said. “Maybe his plan is to drive everyone off, so he can buy up the properties for pennies on the dollar.”
The case may move forward in State District Court.