Travis County has been named an affected party in the contested case over a wastewater permit for White Rocks, the mixed-use development planned near Bee Cave, Community Impact reports. The ruling came Oct. 27 at a preliminary hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

White Rocks, a project tied to UMusic Hospitality and Lifestyle, plans a 10,000-seat outdoor amphitheater along with a hotel and residences off Highway 71 near Hamilton Pool Road. The permit would allow up to 120,000 gallons of treated wastewater a day. Commissioners formally opposed it in July, saying county staff estimate the project could produce more than that. White Rocks' attorneys argued the county didn't qualify as an affected party, but the judge overruled them. A neighboring business, Limestone 40 LLC, and a nearby homeowners association were also admitted, joining Save Our Springs Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and several nearby homeowners who were granted hearings in July.

Next comes a three-day confidential mediation expected in late January or early February. The judge then has until April 25 to recommend that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approve or deny the permit.

Source: Community Impact