Violations stemming from two separate discharges of sedimentary debris into Onion Creek in 2016 and 2017 led to citations for the Hays Quarry Rock Crushing Plant, according to a Barton Publications investigation.
The investigation came after video and photo evidence of the discharge was submitted to the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch, sparking outcry from local residents.
The quarry, located south of RM 967 and west of the Ruby Ranch subdivision, was found to be in violation of sediment discharge in 2016 and 2017.
Two additional investigations were conducted in 2018 with no violations discovered.
According to an August 2016 and September 2017 investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the quarry failed to inspect and maintain a stormwater structure control, in accordance to the entities’ regulations.
“TCEQ recommends updating the berm/silt fence connection in order to prevent potential future sediment-laden stormwater discharges,” the report read.
Read more from Exsar Arguello with Hays Free Press News-Dispatch here.