Round Rock City Council Approves Wastewater Agreement with Developer, Avoiding Construction of a New Wastewater Plant

The Round Rock City Council unanimously approved an out-of-city wastewater agreement with a developer, 705 Limmer Loop JV, LLC, who intends to build low-density, multi-family housing between Round Rock and Hutto. The developer approached the city over a year ago, seeking wastewater service for a 200-home project on a 20-acre property at 705 Limmer Loop, despite not falling within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction or Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.

Due to Texas Senate Bill 2038, the property is no longer in Hutto's ETJ, allowing developers to build on their own terms outside city jurisdiction. The agreement with Round Rock means the developer will adhere to the city's stricter standards, pay fees, and avoid the need for a private wastewater plant that would have produced forever chemicals.

Twelve residents voiced opposition to a wastewater plant before the vote, with public health advisor Esther Ham highlighting the potential health risks. Eric Allman supported the agreement, worrying that without it, future developers might act without regard for the city. The council's 7-0 vote prompted Mayor Craig Morgan to acknowledge the validity of residents' concerns and urged them to contact state representatives, blaming legislators for the issue of uncontrolled development outside city limits.

Quotes:

"What kind of legacy can we give to our future generation? Do we want those forever chemicals to breed in their playground and grow? Or can we provide a safer environment?” — Esther Ham, public health advisor.

"If this agreement was not entered into, the next option the developer would pursue would be the construction and operation of that wastewater discharge facility, which would place a plant at this location." — Eric Allman.

"I wouldn't want a package plant next to my neighborhood. I wouldn't want a package plant next to my school. But folks, your cities are doing their job. Your state legislators are not. You ought to hold the legislators accountable because they're the ones that are going to hurt your values." — Mayor Craig Morgan.