In a pivotal meeting of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on June 6, 2025, the focus was on a contested water quality permit application, with significant implications for environmental management in the region. The discussion centered around the use of the Qualtex model in evaluating the receiving stream's water quality, a point of contention raised by the Protestants who argued for site-specific data.

Peter Gregg, representing the applicants, asserted that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) had correctly upheld the use of the Qualtex model, emphasizing that the Protestants failed to provide any site-specific data to support their claims. He requested the approval of the proposed final decision (PFD) and the issuance of the permit, highlighting the importance of the ALJ's findings.

Aubrey Pualka, representing the Executive Director, echoed this sentiment, stating that the draft permit would protect water quality in accordance with Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. Pualka noted that the ALJ found the permit to be protective of human health and compliant with state policies, recommending its issuance without changes.

Sheldon Wayne from the Office of Public Interest Counsel (OPIC) also supported the application, confirming that the applicants met their burden of proof. He detailed the extensive modeling conducted by the Executive Director, which included both the Qualtex and CSTR models, addressing concerns raised by the Protestants. Wayne emphasized that the modeling confirmed the permit's ability to maintain dissolved oxygen levels in Price Lake, crucial for aquatic life.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among the representatives that the application should be granted, reinforcing the importance of rigorous modeling and adherence to environmental standards. The anticipated outcome is the issuance of the permit, which will allow for continued oversight of water quality in the region, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.