Tag: ArchRay

On Monday evening, August 19, people from all over the Hill Country came together in one place to voice opposition to the discharge of treated wastewater by Arch Ray, LLC.  into the Pedernales River. Some came from Austin, San Antonio, Llano, Blanco, Johnson City and many from Gillespie County to clearly say to the Arch Ray developers, “No discharge of wastewater into the Pedernales River!”

We all know that there is a connection between groundwater (aquifers) and surface water (rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, etc.) In the Pedernales River, we know it for certain. When August hits, the Pedernales goes to ground leaving a spate of puddles behind in pockets of limestone (karst.) Walk the exposed karst and you will still find life, the remnants that will bring life to the river when it returns. Sit and watch the wild untamed riverbanks where black willow sways in the afternoon breeze. Look carefully, you may find a tiny cypress growing in a willow nursery. In the stillness, all sorts of animals come forth: snakes, birds, insects of all sorts. The little water that is still present ties all of this together and includes us.

Every Hill Country stream is connected within a larger River’s watershed. As the water flows, the stream connects to the River; the River grows. Communities are connected along the banks of the River. Walking the River, listening to it, wading, swimming, baptizing, always wary because it can grow in a flash. The power of the River is ignored or minimized at one’s peril but, even when it is at its greatest, we still come together and bear witness to its strength.

On August 19, people came from all over the Hill Country to bear witness to the ebb and flow of the River, to acknowledge the power of the River in their lives. At the Pedernales River Alliance we are grateful for each scientist, naturalist, and resident who came and testified – together, we shall not allow our River to be polluted. Evidence of each persons’ commitment comes in various ways: picking up trash, removing old dams and weirs, limiting the use of fertilizers and pesticides, allowing nature to re-establish the natural growth along the riverbanks, planting only native plants, and speaking out about their care for the River. On behalf of the Pedernales River Alliance, thank you.