Proposed development of a 5,000-seat amphitheater in the Hill Country southwest of Austin has drawn vociferous opposition from area residents and others concerned about its environmental impact. The Texas agency that's drafted a wastewater permit for the project heard from opponents for two hours Monday, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
California-based Blizexas wants to turn the 32-acre tract at 14820 Fitzhugh Road into a concert, dining, events, and entertainment venue to fill what it says is a void of upscale outdoor concert venues on the outskirts of Austin.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has drafted a wastewater permit that would allow the daily disposal of 12,000 gallons of wastewater through a subsurface irrigation system for the proposed 5,000-seat amphitheater development. A TCEQ panel heard from opponents and answered questions about the project for two hours Monday night, the Statesman reported. State Sen. Donna Campbell requested the hearing.
Residents and others at the hearing said the venue would harm the area ecosystem, including springs fed by the Edwards Aquifer and endangered-species habitat. Other concerns included drawing traffic, crowds, waste, and irreversible soil erosion to the rural neighborhood.
The panel said TCEQ would take public comments into consideration when making its decision about the permit. The agency has not provided a timeline for that decision.
The Blizexas project could draw continued opposition as well as legal action, as a coalition of neighbors from the surrounding area have retained legal counsel, and outcry over similar projects over the aquifer has resulted in modification or delay of development plans. Lexor has not provided a timeline for construction if the project is permitted.
