Regions' water groups meet
SRBA gains four new members; NETRWPG learns about surplus water

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

April 29, 2004 -- After a long, anticipated wait, Gov. Rick Perry made three appointments to the Sulphur River Basin Authority (SRBA) on March 24, with the fourth and last appointment made on April 6. The SRBA appointments filled all the vacant seats.

New members, introduced during the monthly SRBA meeting on April 20, are Mike Kennedy, of Texarkana; Jim Thompson, of Atlanta; and Mike Russell, of Powderly (near Paris). Mickey McKenzie, of Sulphur Springs, was unable to attend the meeting. These individuals join Judy Lee of Mount Pleasant and Dick Goodman of Clarksville to complete the board.

Kennedy is the president of Century Bank and will represent Region 1.

Thompson is an attorney and financial officer for Ward Timber. He will represent Region 2.

Russell is an insurance agent and will represent Region 3.

McKenzie, who was the last appointment made by the governor, owns the Grocery Supply Company. McKenzie will also represent Region 3.

The next SRBA meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. May 18 at the civic center in Mount Pleasant.

In other water-related news, groundwater supply was one of the topics during the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (NETRWPG) meeting in Gilmer on April 21.

During a presentation by geologist James Beach of LBG-Guyton Associates, board members were told the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer is abundant enough to supply the region's water districts for the next 50 years.

"There are surplus in groundwater and surface water. Recent studies have confirmed there are abundant water supplies. The planning group projects enough groundwater and surface water for the next 50 years," said Walt Sears, NETRWPG administer, after hearing Beach's presentation.

Beach gave an example a potential complication, such as when one water well may be influenced by another well, but under ground there is enough water.

Another agenda item concerned the standard for arsenic in drinking water.

Board member Steve Dean proposed the planning group go on record opposing the changing of the arsenic standard from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion.

The opposition to the change, based on economic hardships and other factors, was voted on and passed.

Notice was also given concerning seven expiring member terms. Nominations are being accepted for these terms. For more information, contact Sears at 903-639-7538 or email netmwd@aol.com.

The next NETRWPG meeting is set for 2 p.m. May 19 at the civic center in Gilmer.