Developer Polluting Hamilton Pool Doesn't Want to Stop

Travis County has requested an injunction against the developers of the Ranches at Hamilton Pool to force them to stop construction unless they start doing more to keep runoff from their site out of Hamilton Pool. Although they presumably have an interest in keeping their namesake pool clean enough for residents to enjoy, an independent consultant hired by Travis County has determined that the development is responsible for a majority, if not all, of the chalk-like silt that is covering the bottom of pool and the creek that feeds it. Developers claim that it is unreasonable to expect them handle the runoff from the excessive amount of rain we’ve had this summer, but Travis County is sticking to it’s guns. The county has even asked TCEQ to rescind an order which would have fined the developers $85,000, arguing that the amount is not enough to clean up the damage already done. If the developers fail to address the issue, the county is threatening to sue.

Photo by David A G Wilson on Flickr.