On September 28th, 2022 I received a letter from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
It was a notice that Elon Musk’s tunneling startup, The Boring Company, had submitted an application to discharge up to 142,500 gallons of treated wastewater into the Lower Colorado River daily.
I went to the Bastrop library and paid $20.50 to get a copy of the full application. I scanned and uploaded it here.
Fingers crossed they do this the right way.
But just at this site in Bastrop, TCEQ has already cited them for 2 environmental violations, Bastrop County did not approve a proposal because of an illegal septic system, and TxDOT spent a year and had to threaten to barricade their driveway to get them to submit a lawful and safe plan.
I haven't seen anything to suggest Elon's learned his lesson that Texas laws apply to billionaires the same as all of us.
After 3 strikes I think he's earned some scrutiny and skepticism.
Anyone can make public comments on the application to the TCEQ here. Pending permit number WQ0005397000
There are already over 100 public comments sharing concerns about Mr. Musk & Co’s permit application.
If anyone has experience with TCEQ, wastewater treatment, or environmental design please contact me directly at chapambrose@gmail.com or feel safe to submit anonymous tips using this form.