(Guadalupe County) – The Guadalupe County Groundwater Conservation District this evening is set to consider what it calls a significant water permit amendment that would allow Ranchy McRanchface, LLC to withdraw an additional 36,671,923.242 gallons of groundwater per year over the next three years to support the development of a new golf course project in the Luling-Seguin area.
Kelley Cockran, general manager of the Guadalupe County Groundwater Conservation District, says if approved, this amendment would increase the company’s current Wilcox Aquifer authorization.
“The applicant is Ranchy McRanchface and their operation is a golf course located at over 211 Darst Field Road in the Luling Seguin area over there. It’s a major permit amendment by our rules. They are requesting to amend their current permit to increase the annual quantity of groundwater that they want to redraw from the Wilcox Aquifer by an additional 112.542 acre feet per year for a period of three years. One acre foot equals 325,851 gallons,” said Cockran.
Cockram says Ranchy McRanchface, LLC currently holds an active permit to pump groundwater for agricultural and land development operations already underway on the property. Company reports indicate the expansion in water usage is necessary to prepare and maintain playable turf and landscaping associated with an 18-hole golf course and its amenities.
Since the posting of the agenda, a number of area residents and
neighbors to the property have raised some concerns. Many say this extra
water will impact their personal wells, and some have indicated an
already noticeable impact to their water pressure with the property’s
current water usage. They say all in all, it’s not in the best interest
of the area.
Cockran says tonight’s public hearing is an important opportunity for local residents to ask questions, express concerns, or offer support.
“The meeting is open to the public today so today is the day to learn more about the application,” said Cockran.
Community members will have an opportunity to speak before directors deliberate and possibly vote on whether to grant the additional water allocation — which, if approved, would amend the company’s total allowed withdrawal by an estimated 112.542 acre-feet per year.
The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. today at the district office located at 200 N. Austin Street, Suite 301 in Seguin.
Those unable to attend are encouraged to visit the gcgcd.org website where they can link in for virtual access.