Tell Young Life to Halt Plans to Discharge Wastewater into One of Texas' Last Pure Rivers

Tell Young Life to Halt Plans to Discharge Wastewater into One of Texas' Last Pure Rivers

Started
January 18, 2021
Petition to
ncrenshaw@sc.younglife.org and 5 others
Victory
This petition made change with 25,011 supporters!

Why this petition matters

Started by Bandera Canyonlands Alliance

Your help is needed to prevent this from happening to the ultra-pure, clear, waters of the Sabinal River near Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country.  Join us in asking Young Life to stop plans that would allow discharge of treated wastewater into the pristine waters of the river. Young Life is putting this Texas treasure in jeopardy.  
 
Young Life is proposing the construction of a wastewater treatment plant at their new camp in Vanderpool, TX and they are seeking permission from the State to release up to 60,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into local creeks that flow to the Sabinal River.  This precedent-setting Permit Application would pave the way for others to seek the same type of permits and further damage this ecologically sensitive area.  We propose that Young Life seek a safe and proven alternative such as a ZERO DISCHARGE plan.  Watch this informational video that explains what's at stake:   https://vimeo.com/526591042 
 
Colorado-based Young Life is opening a new camp in Texas and has applied with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit that if granted, would set a dangerously bad precedent.  It would be the first wastewater discharge permit EVER in the Upper Nueces River Basin which includes the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal Rivers, along with many small creeks and streams.   If we don’t stop this plan now it will pave the way for others to secure similar permits putting this sensitive area at greater risk. 
 
Thousands of recreational tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world come to the area each year to enjoy the Sabinal River.  Many small businesses in the area are dependent on visitors coming to the area to enjoy the river.  These visitors spend money on lodging, supplies, dining, outdoor activities and purchases at other local retail establishments.  Protecting the river ensures the livelihoods of those who call this area home.  
 
Releasing wastewater, even treated to the highest levels, does not match the purity of the river.  Wastewater treated with the latest technology --- to ‘drinking water” standards--- would still introduce harmful nutrients into the river that would cause the water to become cloudy and promote algae blooms (like in the image above of the San Gabriel River. Source: www.nodumpingsewage.org) that would clog the river, make it unsightly, un-swimmable and cause harm to wildlife, fish and birds. This environmentally sensitive area is comprised of a complex network of underground springs, streams and waterways that feed the critical Edwards Aquifer.  If this precedent-setting permit application is allowed to move forward, it’s expected many others will follow.
 
Please reach out and ask Young Life to change from setting a horribly bad precedent to setting a good one.  There’s an opportunity here for Young Life to change their plans to a ZERO DISCHARGE approach such as a Texas Land Application Permit.  This proven method is successfully used by State Parks in the area along with other commercial and private landowners to responsibly handle wastewater using it for irrigation. This method also helps to reduce the vulnerability of area water wells during times of drought. 
 
Young Life is a valued organization with a Christian mission that provides meaningful and life-changing programs for young people around the world.   We support this mission—but we do not support Young Life’s attempt to manage wastewater in a destructive way. One of Young Life’s guiding values is “Observing the highest standards of stewardship of all of the resources placed in our trust.”   We agree with this and are committed to work together to protect the beautiful land and water God has entrusted to us.  
 
Please sign our petition to send this message to Young Life to change their plans. More information about how you can get involved is available at www.banderacanyonlandsalliance.org ; Facebook at Sabinal Canyon Coalition; or Instagram:  SabinalCanyonCoalition.   Help us spread the word— share this with anyone you know who loves the Texas Hill Country or would want to be aware of this risk to one of our natural treasures.  
 
Quick action is needed by you to save this precious Texas river for the enjoyment of future generations.   Help us “Save Our Sabinal."
 
Here’s how you can help:
1.)   Sign this Change.org petition and share with everyone you know. 
2.)   Specifically, if you know people who are active with Young Life, Alumni or Donors make sure they know about this issue.   Let’s all ask Young Life leadership to live their values and do the right thing.
3.)   Learn more about how discharge of treated wastewater poses a huge threat to Texas rivers.
4.)   If you’re able, donate to help us in our efforts to protect this Texas river.   You can gain more information at the website above, or can mail a donation to Bandera Canyonlands Alliance, P.O. Box 164, Vanderpool, TX  78885
 
Bandera Canyonlands Alliance

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Decision Makers

  • ncrenshaw@sc.younglife.org
  • sthompson@sc.younglife.org
  • kchaffin@sc.younglife.org
  • psherrill@sc.younglife.org
  • Dawn BuckinghamState Senate - Texas-024