Galveston County residents expressed mixed reactions during a town hall on a proposed desalination plant near Galveston Bay, with some voicing environmental concerns and others welcoming potential water supply benefits.
On Thursday night, over 50 residents of Galveston County came together to express their concerns and seek answers regarding a proposed seawater desalination plant near Galveston Bay. This gathering underscored the ongoing debate between environmental apprehensions and the pressing demands for water supply.
A town hall meeting organized by the Bayshore Town Square community group was held at the Bacliff Volunteer Fire Department, focusing on a proposal from EPCOR Utilities Inc. to construct a desalination facility in Texas City. A facility is set to transform seawater into potable water, generating up to 24.5 million gallons daily for an area that serves nearly 8 million residents.
Residents have raised concerns about the potential effects on marine ecosystems and water quality, as well as the need for transparency in the project's implementation.
“I continue to have numerous concerns,” stated Gina Smith, a resident of the Bayshore area and a leader within the community group. “Witnessing dolphins in the morning is a true privilege … and I hope my daughter can experience that too.”
Representatives from EPCOR attended the meeting to address inquiries and present the results of environmental studies. The company has submitted an application for a discharge permit to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, marking an important milestone in obtaining state approval.
Company representatives stated that studies show a negligible environmental impact. A recent study indicated that the discharge of excess saltwater would have minimal impact beyond a half-mile from the point of release. Additionally, another study revealed that salinity levels would stay within acceptable ranges for fish, oysters, crabs, and shrimp.
“We are committed to ensuring that the project minimizes its impact while delivering a dependable new water supply,” stated EPCOR representative Michael Irlbeck.
Irlbeck noted that the water flow from the plant’s intake and discharge systems could enhance local fishing conditions by boosting current and improving water clarity in certain areas.
Several residents expressed that those assurances alleviated their worries. Bill Wells, a frequent participant in community meetings, said he felt more comfortable following the presentation.
“Wells indicated that the impact is not expected to be severe.” “It appears that it may indeed enhance the Dickinson Bay estuary to some extent.”
Some individuals voiced skepticism, particularly about the timing and method of the project's public communication.
“What’s the explanation for that?” Smith commented on the timing of the public notice. “If these politicians were aware of the situation two years ago, why didn’t they inform us?”
Irlbeck recognized the communication issues, noting that the company initiated public outreach in October 2025 following preliminary discussions with officials earlier that year.
According to EPCOR spokesperson Matthew Atwood, the company is currently in a holding pattern while awaiting the state’s evaluation of its permit application. The company anticipates releasing a draft permit by the summer of 2026, after which it will invite public comments. Should the proposal receive approval, construction may commence in 2028, aiming for operational status by 2031.
Community leaders announced that more meetings are scheduled as residents strive for a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts and long-term benefits.
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