Media Coverage in 2018

Vulcan Permit Remains on Hold: TCEQ Decides to Grant Contested Hearing Requests

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
December 14, 2018
(Subscription required)

A decision on the air quality permit for Vulcan Construction Materials LLC’s proposed limestone quarry has been further postponed, pending decisions made by an administrative judge on almost 20 issues. During a meeting Wednesday morning, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality decided to grant requests for a contested hearing on an application by Vulcan for an air quality permit to authorize operating a rock crusher in Bulverde….

TCEQ Calls for Review of Quarry Air Permit

myCanyonLake.com
December 14, 2018

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) had good news and bad news Dec. 12 for property owners and other stakeholders trying to stop construction of Vulcan Construction Materials’ proposed 1,500-acre open-pit limestone quarry at FM 3009 and SH-46. At their monthly meeting in Austin, commissioners denied “affected party” status to the majority of individuals and groups seeking a contested-case hearing (CCH) before an administrative judge — including Comal ISD; Comal County Commissioners Donna Eccleston, Pct. 1 and Scott Haag, Pct. 2; and the cities of Bulverde and New Braunfels….

TCEQ Grants Hearing on Vulcan Quarry Project

San Antonio Express-News
December 12, 2018

As expected, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Wednesday granted numerous requests for a contested hearing on an application by Vulcan Construction Materials for an air permit to operate a limestone quarry in Comal County. If approved, the project would be developed on a 1,500-acre site at the intersection of Texas 46 and FM 3009. It could be operational for 80 years….

TCEQ Commissioners to Consider Controversial Comal County Quarry Application

San Antonio Express-News
December 11, 2018

A controversial plan by Vulcan Materials to mine limestone on a 1,500-acre site near the busy intersection of Texas 46 and FM 3009 in Comal County will go before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Wednesday. Although the commissioners could rule on Vulcan’s pending air permit application, they are more likely to designate it for a contested hearing and send the matter to an administrative law judge, as requested by numerous parties….

Quarry Permit Decision Looms: Opposition Group Still Hopes to Stop Vulcan from Coming to County

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
December 11, 2018
(Subscription required)

A decision on the controversial Vulcan quarry air-quality permit could be made this week. Members of the Friends of Dry Comal Creek still are hoping to put a stop to the proposed Vulcan Materials limestone quarry that would be located in Comal County near Highway 46 and Farm-to-Market 3009 and are showing their unification against it by going to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality headquarters on Wednesday to oppose the approval of the air-quality permit…

Kling Would Be Better for Senate District 25

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
October 28, 2018
(Subscription required, full text available here)

I am encouraged by Senator Donna Campbell’s recent interest in protecting Hill Country residents and natural resources from the freewheeling aggregate industry. But I must give greater weight to the actions she has taken while representing District 25….

Biedermann Has Fought for Cause

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
October 28, 2018
(Subscription required, full text available here)

Since Vulcan Materials filed the application for its proposed Comal County quarry, Representative Kyle Biedermann has worked to stay informed, meet with concerned citizens and learn more about the aggregate-related problems that face many Texas counties….

Time for a Change in Precinct 2

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
October 28, 2018
(Subscription required, full text available here)

Comal County commissioners continue to fail to support Comal County citizens when it comes to problems created by quarries and other aggregate plants….

True Leadership in Short Supply

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
October 21, 2018
(Subscription required)

The proposed construction of the Vulcan quarry in Comal County has pitted the interests of a multi-million dollar corporation against those of county residents concerned with environmental impacts that threaten the health of their families, the value of their properties and very qualities that make the Hill Country such an incredible place to live….

Quarry Requires Stricter Oversight

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
October 3, 2018
(Subscription required)

There is no place quite like our Texas Hill Country. From the wildlife to the rivers to the rolling acres of giant oak trees, the Texas Hill Country has it all. Few of us can claim to be the first to discover its charm, but we moved here as fast as we could….

TCEQ to Talk Concrete Batch Plant

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
September 30, 2018
(Subscription required)

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is conducting a public meeting on Monday to discuss the air quality permit application filed by Tex-Mix Partners to establish a concrete batch plant in Spring Branch. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Bulverde Party House in Bulverde, Texas. The meeting will consist of two parts, according to a TCEQ press release–an informal discussion period, and a formal comment period….

TCEQ Rules in Favor of Quarry Permit

myCanyonLake.com

September 28, 2018

Residents who oppose Vulcan Materials’ proposed 1,500-acre open-pit limestone quarry at FM 3009 and SH-46 have until Oct. 15 to submit their requests to be named affected parties eligible to protest the project at contested-case hearings (CCH) before Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)….

Residents Discuss Upcoming Quarry Hearing Process

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
August 26, 2018
(Subscription required)

Concerned residents gathered at the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center Thursday night to learn about an upcoming process to voice their concerns about a planned Vulcan Materials Company Comal aggregate mining quarry. Members of the Friends of the Dry Comal Creek outlined the steps in a civil proceeding called a contested case hearing, in which individuals can claim to be an “affected party,” or someone with a personal right affected by the application….

Vulcan Quarry Battle Heats Up

myCanyonLake.com

August 24, 2018

It’s been a long, hot summer for community and environmental activists fighting to keep Vulcan Materials Company from opening a 1,500-acre rock-crushing plant at the corner of SH 46 and FM 3009. They’re waiting for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to issue a response to comments (RTC) made at a February 27 public hearing about Vulcan Quarry Permit #147392L001 and, for the agency to decide whether or not to approve it….

Quarry Opponents Prepare for Expected Hearing Process

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
August 22, 2018
(Subscription required)

Members of the Stop 3009 Vulcan Quarry organization anticipate drawing a crowd to their Thursday night meeting to discuss the planned Vulcan Materials Company planned Comal Quarry. The meeting is informational, Vulcan opponent Sabrina Houser-Amaya said. Members of Stop 3009 Vulcan Quarry, also know as the Friends of the Dry Comal Creek, plan to discuss the legal proceeding, or contested case hearing, people can use to express their concerns with the proposed mining operation….

Quarry Opponents Set Date to Plan for Contested Case Hearing

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
August 17, 2018
(Subscription required)

Opponents of the Vulcan Materials Company proposed quarry in Comal County plan to host a public forum Aug. 23 in preparation for the beginning of an expected contested case hearing process. The meeting comes toward the end of a period in which quarry opponents await the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s responses to their comments following a Feb. 27 meeting….

Welcome to the New “Picturesque” Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Texas Non Profits
August 13, 2018

Imagine this: you are on an outing to enjoy a weekend on Canyon Lake or canoe the Guadalupe River. Your journey takes you on Texas Highway 46 or FM 3009. In route to your scenic destination, you encounter numerous heavy trucks emitting pollutants and bellows of fugitive dust. Then you pass a huge, unsightly hole in the ground with massive equipment making unbearable noise and spewing carcinogenic dust into the air. The peace, serenity, tranquility and beauty you came to enjoy will be gone….

State Needs to Give Power to Local Officials

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
July 25, 2018
(Subscription required)

It only makes sense, at least speaking in generic terms, that local entities and officials should have a say in issues having a local impact. Yes, that’s a very broad statement that needs plenty of definition, so we’ll try to give it some….

The Texas Aggregate Industry Is Crushing Hill Country Dreams

TexasVox: The Voice of Public Citizen in Texas
July 23, 2018

The Texas Hill Country is 18,000 square miles of natural wonders, economic resources, and a cherished way of life. In this unique place, the boom of construction and growth is sweeping in. In fact, Comal County is now the second fastest growing county in the United States. Unfortunately, the Hill Country’s natural resources and beauty are endangered by the aggressive aggregate industry seeking air quality permits for quarries and cement plants throughout the region….

Comal ISD Joins in on Vulcan Quarry Opposition with a Unanimous Resolution

Community Impact Newspaper
July 10, 2018

In a 7-0 vote at Comal ISD’s June 26 meeting, the school board passed a resolution opposing the construction of Vulcan Quarry, a rock-crushing plant that is being planned near a rapidly growing residential area at Highway 46 and FM 3009 in New Braunfels….

Vulcan Quarry Needs More Research

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
July 8, 2018
(Subscription required)

I was at once highly interested and highly disappointed when I read the letters from Toni Lott and Michael Zimmerman in Sunday’s paper regarding Vulcan’s quarry plans. Everyone who lives in the Herald-Zeitung’s circulation area should be as interested as I in the plans for an industrial operation that will disrupt the life and environment in the scenic ranch land west of New Braunfels….

Quarry Opponents Await Next Step from TCEQ

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
July 8, 2018
(Subscription required)

Comal County residents who attended a February 27 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality meeting are still awaiting responses to submitted comments concerning the proposed Vulcan Materials Company Comal Quarry. The facility, planned for the corner of Farm-to-Market 3009 and Highway 46, has received public pushback since last summer, when Vulcan’s plans for the site were announced….

Vulcan Has a Bad “Driving Record”

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
July 1, 2018
(Subscription required)

I am responding to Mr. Bryant’s letter to the editor dated June 10, 2018, about Vulcan’s compliance history within the TCEQ. First of all, understand that Vulcan self-audits. They are allowed to do so under the Texas Environmental, Health and Safety Audit Privilege Act (Audit Act)….

Comal ISD to Seek More Information on Planned Vulcan Quarry on FM 3009

KTSA 550 AM/107.1 FM Radio San Antonio
June 28, 2018
(See related post)

The Comal ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a resolution to file for a contested case hearing regarding a proposed Vulcan Quarry off of FM 3009….

Vulcan Spreading Misinformation

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
June 24, 2018
(Subscription required)

Vulcan is spreading misinformation about its compliance record to the public, not the other way around. Vulcan’s word “cited” refers to violations that were caught during a TCEQ complaint investigation. In Texas, these companies are allowed to police themselves and rarely inspected….

Vulcan Is Not a Good Neighbor

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
June 24, 2018
(Subscription required)

The recent article citing Brett Bryant, general manager and vice president of Vulcan Materials, is both laughable and sad. Mr. Bryant states “facts” in his article of the “wonderful” things Vulcan has accomplished….

Vulcan Spokesman Opposes Bulverde City Council Resolution

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
June 20, 2018
(Subscription required, see related post)

Mayor Bill Krawietz said the Bulverde City Council’s recent resolution opposing a planned Vulcan Materials Company Comal quarry reflected the desires of surrounding residents. The resolution, passed during last week’s city council meeting, requests “a contested case hearing on air permit number 147392L001,” one in which the City of Bulverde would be considered “an ‘affected party….’”

Bulverde City Council Opposes Proposed Vulcan Quarry

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
June 17, 2018
(Subscription required, see related post)

The Bulverde City Council unanimously this past week passed a resolution expressing opposition to the proposed Vulcan Materials Company Comal Quarry on Farm-to-Market 3009 and Highway 46. In addition to stating the city council’s opposition, it also directed the Bulverde city manager to “request a contested case hearing on air permit number 147392L001 (and) request that the City of Bulverde be considered an ‘affected person….’”

Biedermann Talks to TCEQ

myCanyonLake.com
June 13, 2018

Texas State Rep. Kyle Biedermann, R-Dist. 73, announced in a statement this week that he met with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) officials in Austin on Monday to discuss the proposed Vulcan quarry, which has sparked outrage with his constituents in Comal County. Discussions focused on modifying and improving TCEQ’s air- and wastewater-permitting process, planning and execution of “remedies” during drought conditions, and TCEQ’s enforcement policy on water supply systems, he said….

There Is a Tool for Quarry Fight

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
June 10, 2018
(Subscription required, full text available here)

On March 22, Commissioners Court failed to take meaningful action to support constituents concerned about the proposed Vulcan quarry. Instead, commissioners settled for passing the buck. Commissioners complained about their lack of authority, insisted their hands were tied, and seemingly ignored 30 minutes of pleas from citizens to draft an effective resolution requesting a contested case hearing as an affected party….

Quarry Opponents to Host Fundraiser

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
May 6, 2018
(Subscription required)

The Friends of the Dry Comal Creek will host a fundraising night at Willie’s Grill and Icehouse in Town Center Creekside Wednesday night to raise funds toward fighting Vulcan Materials Company’s planned aggregate limestone Comal Quarry. Diners between 4 and 10 p.m. on May 9 can choose to send 15 percent of their total ticket, excluding tax and gratuity, to the non-profit group….

Quarry Opponents Hold Fundraising Garage Sale

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
April 20, 2018
(Subscription required)

The Friends of the Dry Comal Creek is holding a garage sale Saturday to raise funds for the citizen-led group’s continued efforts to oppose a Vulcan Materials Company aggregate mining quarry planned in Comal County. Sabrina Houser-Amaya, with the Friends of the Dry Comal Creek, said money collected during the sale will help the group fund their opposition of the planned Comal quarry, to be located on the corner of Farm-to-Market 3009 and State Highway 46….

Hill Country Groups Wanting More Local Land-Use Control

Community Impact Newspaper
April 18, 2018

As the second fastest-growing county in the country according to U.S. Census Bureau data, Comal County, like others in the Hill Country, is coming face to face with industries that want to set up shop on land that is becoming more and more precious….

Quarry Opposition Calls on Local, State Support

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
March 25, 2018
(Subscription required)

Since news of a planned Vulcan Materials Company aggregate mining quarry in Comal County reached public attention, citizen-led group Friends of the Dry Comal Creek has requested support from multiple public office holders in their opposition of the quarry. Most recently, Comal County Commissioners Court approved a resolution requesting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) thoroughly review an air quality permit for a proposed Vulcan Materials Company aggregate mining quarry located in the county….

Residents Say More Effort Needed in Quarry Fight

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
March 24, 2018
(Subscription required)

A resolution passed by Comal County Commissioners Court on Thursday urged the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to fully review an air quality permit submitted by Vulcan Materials Company for a portable crushing facility at a proposed Comal County quarry. But that action did not go far enough for members of the Friends of the Dry Comal Creek, a citizen-led group opposing the construction of the quarry, to be located on Farm-to-Market 3009 and Highway 46….

Commissioners Pass Quarry Resolution

myCanyonLake.com
March 23, 2018

Comal County commissioners said they don’t support Vulcan quarry—and Jen Crownover, Commissioner Precinct #4, even described the situation as “heartbreaking”—but passed anyway on March 22 a resolution that opponents said does not send any kind of a meaningful message to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)….

Residents Disappointed with County’s Quarry Resolution

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
March 23, 2018
(Subscription required)

Dozens of residents opposed to Vulcan Materials’ proposed rock crushing plant at the intersection of State Highway 46 and Farm-to-Market Road 3009 came away disappointed after Comal County Commissioners passed a resolution that fell short of their expectations. Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved the non-binding measure that requests the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality makes sure the facility will ensure the health and safety of citizens and preserve water quality in the area….

Comal County Resolution on Quarry Decried as Too Little, Too Late

San Antonio Express-News
March 22, 2018

NEW BRAUNFELS—Comal County commissioners’ adoption Thursday of a resolution expressing concerns about a rock quarry proposed by Vulcan Materials west of town was decried as too little, too late by opponents of the project….

County Needs to Request Contested Case Hearing

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
March 22, 2018
(Subscription required, full text available here)

I’m encouraged to hear the recent news that Comal County Commissioner Scott Haag plans to put forth a resolution opposing the proposed Comal County Vulcan quarry at the March 22 meeting of Commissioners Court. A properly written resolution should request a contested case hearing on TCEQ air quality permit application number 147392L001, and remind TCEQ that they are required to “give maximum consideration to local government’s recommendations” as specified in Section 382.112 of the Texas Health and Safety Code….

Commissioners Weigh in on Quarry

myCanyonLake.com
March 20, 2018

Comal County commissioners will finally weigh in on the controversial Vulcan Quarry project at their weekly meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22 at Comal County Courthouse, 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels….

Vulcan Faces Fight over Projects in Comal and Kendall Counties

San Antonio Express-News
March 4, 2018

NEW BRAUNFELS—Constructing roads, homes and bridges requires rock and concrete, so it’s understandable that Vulcan Materials wants to set up shop in the fast-growing Hill Country, where rolling ranchlands are quickly being developed into new subdivisions. But Vulcan, the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, is facing stiff resistance to plans to establish a limestone quarry on Texas 46 here in Comal County and a concrete batch plant on the same road to the west in Kendall County….

Nearby Residents Turnout To Oppose Proposed Comal County Rock Quarry

Texas Public Radio
March 2, 2018

A proposed limestone rock quarry in Comal County worries some residents who live near the site. They discussed their fear the quarry could compromise air and water quality and heavy trucks could damage roads during a public comment meeting Tuesday night at the New Braunfels convention center, which attracted over 400 people….

500 Community Members Attend Vulcan Meeting

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
March 1, 2018
(Subscription required)

About 75 people spoke at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) public meeting on Tuesday night to voice concerns about a planned aggregate mining quarry outside Bulverde. The ballroom at the civic/convention center was packed full of more than 500 community members who came to speak to representatives from both TCEQ and Vulcan Materials Company, the company planning to build the quarry….

Biedermann Will Help with Quarry Fight

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
February 28, 2018
(Subscription required)

Representative Kyle Biedermann is a breath of fresh air in the fight against the proposed Vulcan Materials quarry stretching south of Highway 46 and FM 3009 in Comal County. He and his staff have been very accessible to concerned constituents, and have taken a lot of time to meet with them on numerous occasions….

Comal County Residents Fighting Proposed Limestone Quarry

Spectrum News San Antonio
February 27, 2018

COMAL COUNTY—Opposition to a proposed limestone quarry in Comal County is rallying in hopes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality won’t issue the Alabama-based company a permit. Milann Guckian bought land in Comal County twenty years ago and was waiting for the perfect time to build her dream house. It’s now a dream come true but she fears it won’t last long if Vulcan Materials Company has their way….

Residents Cite Health Reasons, Increased Traffic in Opposition to Proposed Quarry in Comal County

KSAT 12 TV San Antonio
February 27, 2018

NEW BRAUNFELS—One of the latest rock quarry proposals is awaiting final approval by the state’s environmental agency, and opponents say they will be at a public hearing in New Braunfels on Tuesday night to make sure their voices are heard. Some said they were living near the proposed site long before Vulcan Materials wanted a rock quarry….

Groups Plan to Speak Out Against Proposed Quarry

KTSA 550 AM/107.1 FM Radio San Antonio
February 27, 2018

Some Comal County homeowners oppose plans for a Vulcan Materials quarry and they plan to let the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality know it. Stop 3009 Vulcan Quarry is just one of the groups that will attend a TCEQ meeting tonight in New Braunfels….

Pushback from Public Prompted Upcoming Quarry Input Meeting

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
February 25, 2018
(Subscription required)

Public health and safety concerns are expected comment subjects at the upcoming Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) public input meeting regarding a planned Comal County Vulcan Materials quarry on Tuesday night. The meeting will provide residents the opportunity to voice feedback to attending TCEQ and Vulcan Materials representatives about the aggregate mining quarry, planned for the corner of Farm-to-Market 3009 and Highway 46….

Neighbors Fight Proposed Rock Quarry

WOAI News 4 TV San Antonio
January 30, 2018

SAN ANTONIO—A battle is brewing over proposed plans to put a limestone quarry along Highway 46 in Comal County….The project targets 1500 acres of land along Highway 46 and FM 3009 an area that calls for additional requirements to protect the Edwards Aquifer….

Comal County Neighbors Fight Proposed Rock Quarry

Fox 29 TV San Antonio
January 30, 2018

SAN ANTONIO—A battle is brewing over proposed plans to put a limestone quarry along Highway 46 in Comal County. Vulcan Materials Company has filed permit requests, meanwhile neighbors have organized a grassroots effort that’s giving the company some resistance….

Vulcan Quarry Meeting Planned

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
January 28, 2018
(Subscription required)

After significant public outcry against a Vulcan Materials Company quarry planned in Comal County, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued notice for a public meeting to gather feedback from area residents. Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center, the meeting came about because of significant comments and requests for hearing—at least 130 of each received by the TCEQ….

TCEQ Sets Public Meeting on Vulcan’s Comal Quarry

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
January 26, 2018
(Subscription required)

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced a public meeting for residents to voice their opinions on a planned Vulcan Materials Company Comal County quarry. The meeting, planned for Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center, will give individuals worried about potential adverse effects of the quarry’s operations the opportunity to voice their concerns….

Vulcan Quarry Looks to be Inevitable

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
January 3, 2018
(Subscription required)

We’ll go out on limb and say that even individuals who start and operate a quarry would not want one in their own backyard. You’ve likely seen the signs and read the material produced by the opposition. While the quarry people promise safety, and to mitigate negative impact they kick up more dust and make more noise than, say, a park. ….