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A legal dispute regarding permit deadl ines between two of the County’s groundwater specialists recent ly reached it s resolution.
T he Lo s t Pi n e s Groundwater Conservation District announced last month that the Third Court of Appeals has denied the Lower Colorado River Authority’s motion for rehearing. This decision reaffirms the court’s earlier ruling, ensuring that LCRA’s permits will remain as issued by the district.
“This development marks a significant affirmation of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conser vat ion District’s authority and commitment to responsible groundwater management in Bastrop and Lee Counties,” Claire Marks said, LPGCD coordinator.
The case first began in 2018 when LCRA submitted operating and transport permit applications to LPGCD. After a thorough review, the district approved LCRA’s permit request, though with modifications, including a reduc t ion in requested annual production.
LCRA sought to challenge the decision by filing motions for rehearing, leading to a revised final decision in May 2022. However, LCRA’s petition for judicial review, filed in June, was submitted past the legally mandated 55-day deadline.
As a result, the Third Court of Appeals ruled that LCRA’s lawsuit was untimely, dismissing the case for lack of jurisdiction.
“ We are inc r edi bly pleased with the Court’s final decision,” said Jim Totten, LPGCD’s general manager. “This outcome reinforces the importance of adhering to legal deadlines and recognizes the thorough, fair process undertaken by LPGCD in managing and protecting our groundwater resources.”
The court’s decision denies LCRA’s request to reconsider the case, solidifying LPGCD’s position on the legal validity of the permits it issued.
