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Public Meetings on Shrimp Farm Permits Scheduled

Release Date: 2/26/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 has set a public meeting and a public hearing March 2 in Brownsville, Texas, to explain and to obtain comments about proposed permits for three shrimp farms in Cameron County. Both the meeting and formal hearing will be held in the Fortress Room of the Holiday Inn Fort Brown at 1900 E. Elizabeth St.

A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required by the Clean Water Act if pollutants will be discharged into our nation's waterways. These permits spell out the types and amounts of allowable discharges and are written to protect human health and preserve aquatic life.

NPDES permits have been drafted for Harlingen Shrimp Farm in Los Fresnos, Southern Star, Inc. in Arroyo City, and Arroyo Aquaculture Association in Arroyo City. Specific conditions in the proposed permits will be explained during the public meeting, which will begin at 2 p.m. The meeting will provide an informal setting for citizens to ask questions about the proposed permits.

The hearing, which will begin at 7 p.m., will allow for public input into the permitting process. Citizens' comments will be officially recorded and EPA staff will respond to these comments before the final permits are issued. Concerns presented at the hearing will be considered when the final permits are written. Registration for those wishing to speak at the public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Citizens may include written comments in the official record, or obtain copies of the draft permits or more information by writing or calling:

Ms. Wilma Turner

Customer Service Branch (6WQ-CA)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733
(214) 665-7516

The Clean Water Act does not set a timeline for finalizing proposed NPDES permits.