CHAPTER 8834. FORT BEND SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT
SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS CODE
TITLE 6. WATER AND WASTEWATER
SUBTITLE H. DISTRICTS GOVERNING GROUNDWATER
CHAPTER 8834. FORT BEND SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT
Text of effective on April 01, 2011
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Beneficial use" means any use that is useful or beneficial
to the user, including:
(A) an agricultural, gardening, domestic, stock raising,
municipal, mining, manufacturing, industrial, commercial, or
recreational use, or a use for pleasure purposes; or
(B) exploring for, producing, handling, or treating oil, gas,
sulfur, or other minerals.
(2) "Board" means the district's board of directors.
(3) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality.
(4) "District" means the Fort Bend Subsidence District.
(5) "Groundwater" means water existing below the earth's surface
in the district. The term does not include water produced with
oil in the production of oil and gas.
(6) "Subsidence" means the lowering in elevation of the surface
of land by groundwater withdrawal.
(7) "Waste" means:
(A) groundwater withdrawal from a groundwater reservoir at a
rate and in an amount that causes or threatens to cause intrusion
into the reservoir of water unsuitable for agricultural,
gardening, domestic, or stock raising purposes;
(B) groundwater withdrawal from a groundwater reservoir through
a well if the water withdrawn is not used for a beneficial use or
if the amount used is more than is reasonably required for a
beneficial use;
(C) escape of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir to any
other reservoir or geologic strata that does not contain
groundwater;
(D) pollution or harmful alteration of groundwater in a
groundwater reservoir by saltwater or other harmful matter
admitted from another stratum or from the surface of the ground;
(E) unless the discharge is authorized by a permit, rule, or
order issued by the commission under Chapter 26, Water Code,
wilfully or negligently causing, suffering, or allowing
groundwater to escape or flow:
(i) into a river, creek, natural watercourse, depression, lake,
reservoir, drain, sewer, street, highway, road, or road ditch; or
(ii) onto land that does not belong to the owner of the well;
(F) unless the occupant of the land receiving the discharge
granted permission for the discharge, the escape of groundwater
pumped for irrigation as irrigation tailwater onto land that does
not belong to the owner of the well; or
(G) wilfully causing or knowingly permitting the water withdrawn
from an artesian well to run off the owner's land or to percolate
through the stratum above which the water is found, as prescribed
by Section 11.205, Water Code.
(8) "Well" means a facility, device, or method used to withdraw
groundwater.
(9) "Withdrawal" means the act of extracting by pumping or
another method.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.002. NATURE OF DISTRICT. The district is:
(1) a conservation and reclamation district created under
Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and
(2) a political subdivision of the state.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.003. PURPOSE; LEGISLATIVE INTENT. (a) The purpose of
this chapter is to provide for the regulation of groundwater
withdrawal in the district to prevent subsidence, which
contributes to or precipitates flooding or overflow in the
district, including rising water resulting from a storm or
hurricane.
(b) The legislature intends that the district administer and
enforce this chapter and exercise the district's rights, powers,
and duties in a manner that will effectively and expeditiously
accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.004. FINDINGS OF PUBLIC USE AND BENEFIT. The district
is created to serve a public use and benefit.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.005. DISTRICT TERRITORY. The district includes the
territory in Fort Bend County unless the district's territory has
been modified under other law.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.006. CERTAIN OTHER STATUTES INAPPLICABLE. Other laws
governing the administration or operation of a conservation and
reclamation district created under Section 52, Article III, or
Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, including Chapters
36 and 49, Water Code, do not apply to the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER B. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.051. DIRECTORS. (a) The district is governed by a
board of 13 directors appointed as provided by this section.
(b) Directors serve two-year terms.
(c) A director must be a qualified voter of the district.
(d) The persons designated by Subsections (e), (f), and (g)
shall appoint directors in January to fill vacancies caused by
the expiration of directors' terms. The district shall mail
notice regarding the necessity of an appointment to the persons
designated by Subsections (e), (f), and (g) not later than the
20th day before the date of the board's January meeting.
(e) The mayor of each of the following municipalities shall
appoint a director from the mayor's respective municipality:
(1) Houston;
(2) Missouri City;
(3) Stafford;
(4) Sugar Land;
(5) Rosenberg; and
(6) Richmond.
(f) The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County shall appoint:
(1) two directors who represent agricultural interests and live
in an unincorporated area;
(2) two directors who represent industrial interests; and
(3) two directors who represent business interests.
(g) The mayors of Fort Bend County municipalities other than
those listed in Subsection (e) shall appoint one director
jointly.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.052. BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The board has all
powers necessary or convenient to carry out its responsibilities
and accomplish the purpose of this chapter, whether the powers
are specifically authorized by this chapter or are implied by
this chapter or other law.
(b) The board shall administer this chapter as provided by
Section 8834.003.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.053. OFFICIAL BOARD ACTIONS. The affirmative vote of
a majority of the directors is required for any official board
action.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.054. DIRECTOR'S BOND. (a) A director shall execute a
bond that is:
(1) for $5,000;
(2) payable to the district; and
(3) conditioned on the faithful performance of the director's
duties.
(b) The district shall pay for the bond.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.055. OFFICERS. (a) Each year, at the first meeting
after the new directors take office, the directors shall select a
president, a vice president, and a secretary.
(b) An officer selected under Subsection (a) serves at the will
of the board and may be removed and replaced by a majority of the
board at any time.
(c) The president shall preside over meetings of the board. If
the president is not present, the vice president shall preside.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.056. MEETINGS. (a) The board shall hold one regular
meeting each month at a time set by the board.
(b) The board may hold a special meeting at the call of the
president or on the written request of at least three directors.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.057. APPLICABILITY OF OPEN MEETINGS LAW. (a) The
board shall give notice of board meetings as provided by Chapter
551, Government Code. Failure to provide notice of a regular
meeting or an insubstantial defect in notice of any meeting does
not affect the validity of any action taken at the meeting.
(b) A meeting of a committee of the board is not subject to
Chapter 551, Government Code, if less than a quorum is present at
the meeting.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.058. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF DIRECTORS. (a)
A director is entitled to receive fees of office of not more
than $150 a day for each day the director is engaged in the
exercise of the director's duties. The fees of office may not
exceed $9,000 a year.
(b) A director is entitled to receive reimbursement for actual
expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in the exercise of
the director's duties under this chapter.
(c) To receive fees of office and reimbursement for expenses, a
director must file with the district a verified statement that:
(1) shows the number of days spent in the service of the
district; and
(2) provides a general description of the duties performed for
each day of service.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.059. VACANCIES. If a vacancy occurs on the board, the
person or persons designated by Section 8834.051 to appoint a
director for the position that is vacated shall appoint a
director to serve the unexpired term.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.060. DISTRICT POLICIES. The board shall adopt the
following written policies:
(1) a code of ethics for district directors, officers, and
employees and for persons engaged in handling investments for the
district;
(2) a policy relating to travel expenditures;
(3) a policy relating to district investments;
(4) policies and procedures for the selection, monitoring, or
review and evaluation of professional services; and
(5) policies that ensure a better use of management information,
including the use of:
(A) budgets to plan and control cost; and
(B) uniform reporting requirements based on "Audits of State and
Local Governmental Units," published by the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants, and "Governmental Accounting and
Financial Reporting Standards," published by the Governmental
Accounting Standards Board.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.061. GENERAL MANAGER. (a) The board may employ a
general manager to serve as the chief administrative officer of
the district. The district may contract with any person to
perform the general manager's duties.
(b) The board may delegate to the general manager the authority
to manage and operate the affairs of the district subject only to
orders of the board.
(c) The duties of the general manager include:
(1) administering board orders;
(2) coordinating with state, federal, and local agencies;
(3) supervising development of district plans and programs;
(4) preparing and submitting the annual budget to the board; and
(5) performing other duties assigned by the board.
(d) The general manager shall execute a bond that is:
(1) in an amount set by the board;
(2) payable to the district; and
(3) conditioned on the general manager's faithful performance of
the general manager's duties.
(e) The district shall pay for the bond described under
Subsection (d).
(f) The board shall determine the compensation and terms of
office and employment for the general manager.
(g) The board by a vote of a majority of board members may
discharge the general manager.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.062. PERSONNEL. (a) The general manager shall employ
personnel necessary to properly handle district business and
operation. The general manager may employ attorneys,
bookkeepers, engineers, and other expert and specialized
personnel considered necessary.
(b) The general manager shall determine the compensation paid to
district employees.
(c) The general manager may discharge a district employee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.063. BENEFITS. (a) The board may provide for and
administer retirement, disability, and death compensation funds
for the employees of the district.
(b) The board may:
(1) establish a public retirement system as provided by Chapter
810, Government Code; or
(2) provide for a deferred compensation plan as described by
Section 457, Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) The board may:
(1) include hospitalization and medical benefits for district
employees as part of the compensation paid to the employees; and
(2) adopt or amend a plan or rule as necessary to provide the
benefits described by Subdivision (1).
(d) The board may establish a sick leave pool for district
employees in the manner provided for state employees by
Subchapter A, Chapter 661, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.064. BOND FOR EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONEY. (a)
The board shall require an employee who collects, pays, or
handles district money to provide a good and sufficient bond that
is:
(1) in an amount sufficient to safeguard the district;
(2) payable to the district; and
(3) conditioned on:
(A) the faithful performance of the employee's duties; and
(B) accounting for all district money and property under the
employee's control.
(b) The district shall pay for the bond.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.065. DISTRICT OFFICE. The board shall maintain its
principal office in the district for conducting district
business. The office must be in the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.066. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS; PUBLIC INSPECTION. (a)
The district shall:
(1) keep a complete account of board meetings and proceedings;
and
(2) maintain in a safe place the board's minutes, contracts,
records, notices, accounts, and receipts.
(b) The board's minutes, contracts, records, notices, accounts,
and receipts are:
(1) the property of the district; and
(2) subject to public inspection.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.067. SEAL. The board shall adopt a seal.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.101. DISTRICT PLAN. (a) The board shall formulate a
plan to control and mitigate subsidence in the district.
(b) The plan must:
(1) regulate groundwater withdrawals to maintain sufficient
artesian pressure to control and mitigate subsidence; and
(2) specify in as much detail as practicable the acts,
procedures, performance, and avoidance that are necessary to
carry out the purpose of this chapter.
(c) When formulating the plan, the board shall compile and
consider:
(1) a list of wells in the district subject to regulation under
this chapter;
(2) a list of all available sources of water, other than
groundwater, in the district;
(3) the purpose for which the water is used and for which it is
proposed to be used;
(4) accurate estimates of:
(A) groundwater withdrawal from all wells or proposed wells in
the district;
(B) the amount of groundwater that may be withdrawn from each
area in the district without causing:
(i) long-term static water level decline; and
(ii) reduction of artesian pressure that will lead to subsidence
in the district; and
(C) current and future water needs in the district;
(5) information relating to formulating a permit system; and
(6) other information necessary to manage groundwater in the
district and to effectively and expeditiously carry out the
purpose of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.102. ADOPTION OF DISTRICT PLAN. (a) The board shall
hold a hearing to consider a plan formulated under Section
8834.101.
(b) After the hearing, the board shall:
(1) make any changes it considers necessary according to
evidence and material presented at the hearing; and
(2) adopt the plan.
(c) The board may amend or repeal a plan adopted under this
section and may adopt a new plan as provided by this section for
the adoption of the original plan.
(d) An adopted plan remains in effect until a new plan is
adopted.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.103. WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES. (a) The board may
adopt rules requiring the use of water conservation measures to
reduce groundwater withdrawals.
(b) The district may cooperate with the commission and a local
government to establish water conservation goals, guidelines, and
plans to be used in the district.
(c) The district may contract with a local government in the
district to provide services needed to meet water conservation
requirements that the commission establishes.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.104. ANNUAL GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWAL DETERMINATION. (a)
Before March 31 of each year, the board shall hold a hearing to
determine the effects during the preceding calendar year of
groundwater withdrawal on subsidence in the district.
(b) At the hearing, the board shall consider information
provided under Sections 8834.107 and 8834.214 and information
presented by persons appearing before the board.
(c) After the hearing, the board shall:
(1) consider all information presented to it;
(2) determine groundwater withdrawal in the district during the
preceding calendar year; and
(3) make findings on the effects during the preceding calendar
year of groundwater withdrawal on subsidence in the district.
(d) The board's findings and determinations under Subsection (c)
shall be included in a report adopted by the board. The report
shall be made available for examination by any interested person.
(e) The board shall submit the report adopted under Subsection
(d) and a copy of the most recent district plan adopted under
Section 8834.101 to the appropriate regional water planning
group.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.105. MONITORING AND SUPERVISION BY DISTRICT. (a) The
district may use subsidence compaction monitors, water-level
observation wells, and other materials and equipment to determine
the amount of groundwater that may be withdrawn while allowing
groundwater to rebound and stabilize to a level that will halt
subsidence.
(b) The district may use global positioning systems and other
geodetic survey methods to monitor land surface elevations and
measure subsidence.
(c) The district may coordinate monitoring and data collection
activities with other entities, including private entities and
federal, state, or local governmental entities.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.106. DISTRICT RESEARCH. (a) The board may conduct
studies and research that the board considers necessary to
implement this chapter.
(b) The district may collect any information that the board
determines is necessary to implement this chapter, including
information regarding the use of groundwater, water conservation,
and the practicability of recharging a groundwater reservoir.
(c) The board may use the services of geologists, hydrologists,
licensed engineers, licensed geoscientists, or other expert
personnel to accomplish the purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.107. STUDIES BY BOARD STAFF. At least once each year
and at any other time the board considers necessary, the board
may have its staff make a complete study of the groundwater in
the district and determine:
(1) the water level;
(2) the rates and amounts of groundwater withdrawal; and
(3) other information relating to groundwater withdrawal that
may affect subsidence in the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.108. SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF WATER PROHIBITED. The
district may not sell or distribute surface water or groundwater.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.109. ACCESS TO PROPERTY. (a) To carry out technical
and other investigations necessary to implement this chapter, the
board and its agents and employees are entitled to access to all
property in the district.
(b) Before entering property for the purposes of this section,
the person seeking access shall:
(1) give notice to the owner of the property as provided by
district rules; and
(2) present proper credentials.
(c) The board and its agents and employees who enter private
property shall observe the establishment's rules concerning
safety, internal security, and fire protection.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.110. GENERAL POWERS RELATED TO PROPERTY AND CONTRACTS.
(a) The board may:
(1) purchase, lease, own, convey, and dispose of property both
inside and outside district territory necessary or convenient to
exercise the board's powers, duties, and functions under this
chapter;
(2) construct, purchase, lease, or acquire in some other manner
any material or property, including supplies, equipment,
vehicles, or machinery, necessary to carry out this chapter;
(3) accept a grant, gift, or devise of property; or
(4) accept a grant, gift, loan, or other distribution of money.
(b) The district may make or accept a grant, gratuity, advance,
or loan in any form to or from any public source approved by the
board, including a governmental entity.
(c) The district may enter into a contract, covenant, or
agreement the board considers appropriate related to a grant,
gratuity, advance, or loan.
(d) The board may enter into a contract with any person to carry
out this chapter.
(e) The district may enter into contracts only in the district's
name.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.111. COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. In
implementing this chapter, the board may request the assistance
of and cooperate with a local government or an agency of this
state or of the United States, including the Texas Water
Development Board, the commission, and the United States
Geological Survey.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.112. RULES. (a) After notice and hearing, the board
shall adopt rules designed to expeditiously and effectively
implement this chapter and accomplish its purpose, including
rules governing procedures before the board. The board shall
enforce the rules.
(b) The board may adopt rules to prevent the waste of water or
the degradation of water quality.
(c) The board shall compile its rules in a book and make the
book available for use and inspection at the district's principal
office. The district shall provide copies of its rules on
payment of the reproduction cost.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.113. CONSIDERATIONS FOR RULES AND ORDERS. When
adopting a rule or issuing an order, the board shall consider:
(1) the availability of surface water or alternative water
supplies;
(2) the economic effects on persons and the community;
(3) the degree and effect of subsidence on the surface of the
land; and
(4) the differing topographical and geophysical characteristics
of the land.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.114. HEARINGS. (a) At a regular meeting of the
board, the board shall set the date, time, and location for a
hearing to be held under this chapter.
(b) The board may hold a hearing at any location in the district
and recess a hearing from day to day.
(c) Any person may appear at a hearing and present testimony,
evidence, exhibits, or other information in person or by counsel,
or both.
(d) The board may use a hearing examiner to hear a subject set
for the hearing.
(e) The board shall make the final decision on a subject heard
by a hearing examiner. Procedures for use of hearing examiners
shall be provided by rule.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.115. NOTICE OF HEARINGS. (a) Not later than the 10th
day before the date set for a hearing other than a permit
application hearing, the district shall deliver or mail notice of
the hearing to:
(1) each county and municipal government in the district; and
(2) each person that the board considers to have an interest in
the subject matter of the hearing.
(b) Not later than the 10th day before the date set for a
hearing, the district shall:
(1) publish notice of the hearing once in a newspaper of general
circulation in each county in the district; and
(2) post notice of the hearing at the county courthouse of each
county in the district in the place where notices are usually
posted.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.116. BOARD BYLAWS AND POLICIES. The board may adopt
bylaws and policies as necessary to accomplish its purposes.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.117. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS AND ADMINISTER
OATHS. (a) The board may issue a subpoena to compel the
testimony of a person or the production of a document if the
testimony or document is necessary to carry out the board's
powers, duties, and functions under this chapter.
(b) On application by the board, a district court shall enforce
a subpoena issued under Subsection (a) in the same manner as a
subpoena issued by the court.
(c) The board may administer an oath to a person who testifies
before the board.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.118. SUITS. (a) The district may sue and be sued in
the courts of this state in the name of the district by and
through the board.
(b) If requested by the district, the attorney general shall
represent the district in the district courts and appellate
courts of this state and in the courts of the United States.
(c) The board, in the board's sole discretion, may employ
attorneys to represent the district in the district courts and
appellate courts of this state and the courts of the United
States.
(d) The general manager is the agent of the district on whom
process, notice, or demand required or permitted by law to be
served on the district may be served.
(e) The district is not required to give a bond for appeal,
injunction, or costs in any suit to which the district is a
party.
(f) If the district prevails in any suit other than a suit in
which it voluntarily intervenes, the district may seek and the
court shall grant, in the same action, recovery for attorney's
fees, costs for expert witnesses, and other costs incurred by the
district before the court. The court shall set the amount of the
attorney's fees.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.151. DISBURSEMENT OF MONEY. The district may disburse
its money by:
(1) a check, draft, order, or other instrument signed by a
person authorized under a board bylaw or board resolution; or
(2) electronic funds transfer.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.152. DISTRICT ACCOUNTS. The district shall keep a
complete system of the district's accounts.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.153. FISCAL YEAR. The district's fiscal year is the
calendar year.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.154. BUDGET. (a) The board shall adopt an annual
budget containing a complete financial statement.
(b) The board may amend the annual budget.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.155. AUDIT. The district shall have its affairs
audited each year by an independent certified public accountant
or a firm of independent certified public accountants of
recognized integrity and ability. The district shall pay for the
audit.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.156. COPY OF AUDIT. The board shall keep one copy of
the audit prepared under Section 8834.155 at the district office
open to inspection by any interested person during normal office
hours.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.157. DEPOSITORY AND INVESTMENTS. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (g), the board shall designate one or more
banks in the district to serve as a depository for district
money. All district money shall be deposited in a depository
bank. This subsection does not limit the power of the board to
place a portion of the district's money on time deposit or to
purchase certificates of deposit or other authorized investments.
(b) The board shall prescribe the term of service for
depositories.
(c) To the extent that money in a depository bank or a trustee
bank is not invested or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the money must be secured in the manner provided by
Chapter 2257, Government Code.
(d) Before designating a depository bank, the board shall issue
a notice stating the time and location the board will meet for
that purpose and shall invite banks in the district to submit
applications to be designated depositories.
(e) The board shall consider the management and condition of
each bank that applies under Subsection (d) and designate as a
depository the bank or banks that:
(1) offer the most favorable terms and conditions for handling
district money;
(2) the board finds have proper management; and
(3) are in a condition to warrant handling of district money.
(f) Membership on the district's board of an officer or director
of a bank does not disqualify the bank from being designated as a
depository bank.
(g) If the board does not receive any applications before the
meeting under Subsection (d), the board shall designate as a
depository a bank or banks inside or outside the district under
terms the board finds advantageous to the district.
(h) District money may be invested and reinvested as provided by
Chapter 2256, Government Code.
(i) The board by resolution may provide that an authorized
district representative may invest and reinvest district money
and provide for money to be withdrawn from the appropriate
district accounts for investments on terms that the board
considers advisable.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER E. REGULATORY PROVISIONS
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.201. GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWALS SUBJECT TO BOARD RULE.
Groundwater withdrawals governed by this chapter, including
withdrawals of injected water, are subject to reasonable board
rules and orders.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.202. CERTAIN WELLS EXEMPT. This chapter does not
apply to:
(1) a well regulated under Chapter 27, Water Code;
(2) a well that:
(A) has a casing with an inside diameter of not more than five
inches; and
(B) serves only a single-family dwelling; or
(3) a shallow well that:
(A) is not used to provide water for:
(i) human consumption;
(ii) agriculture;
(iii) manufacturing or industry; or
(iv) water injection; and
(B) withdraws water solely:
(i) to prevent hazardous sand boils, dewater surface
construction sites, or relieve hydrostatic uplift on permanent
structures;
(ii) for groundwater quality analysis and for monitoring
migration of subsurface contaminants or pollution; or
(iii) for recovery of contamination or pollution.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.203. REGULATION OF SPACING AND GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWAL.
(a) To minimize as far as practicable the drawdown of the water
table and the reduction of artesian pressure and to control and
prevent subsidence, the board may provide for the spacing of
wells in the district and may regulate groundwater withdrawal
from wells, taking into consideration:
(1) the economic impact on well owners;
(2) the resulting effect on subsidence; and
(3) other relevant factors.
(b) Before adopting a rule or issuing an order under this
section, the board shall set a hearing on the proposed rule or
order.
(c) The district may adopt different rules for:
(1) each aquifer, subdivision of an aquifer, or geologic stratum
located wholly or partly in the district's territory; or
(2) each geographic area overlying an aquifer or subdivision of
an aquifer located wholly or partly in the district's territory.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.204. WATER-METERING DEVICES. The board may:
(1) require water-metering devices to be placed on wells in the
district; and
(2) adopt standards for the accuracy, testing, and calibration
of the devices.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.205. WELL REGISTRATION. The board by rule may require
the registration of any well in the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.206. PERMIT REQUIRED. (a) The owner of a well
located in the district must obtain a permit from the board
before:
(1) drilling, equipping, or completing the well;
(2) substantially altering the size of the well or a well pump;
or
(3) operating the well.
(b) An operational well must have a permit.
(c) An owner or operator commits a violation if the owner or
operator does not obtain a permit as required by Subsection (a).
A violation occurs on the first day the drilling, equipping,
completing, altering, or operation begins. Each day that a
violation continues is a separate violation.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.207. APPLICATION FOR PERMIT. (a) A person must
submit an application and an application fee to the board to
obtain a permit under this chapter.
(b) The application must state:
(1) the person's name and address;
(2) the location and wellhead elevation of the well or proposed
well;
(3) the amount of water being withdrawn or proposed to be
withdrawn; and
(4) any other information required by the board as necessary for
the board to control and prevent subsidence in the district.
(c) The board shall use the application fee to process
applications.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.208. NOTICE AND HEARING ON PERMIT APPLICATION. (a)
The board shall hold a hearing on each permit application.
(b) Not later than the 10th day before the date set for the
hearing, the board shall notify the applicant by regular mail or
by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the date, time,
and location of the hearing.
(c) The board may consider at a hearing as many permit
applications as the board considers necessary.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.209. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. (a) Not later than the 60th
day after the date of the hearing on a permit application, the
board shall:
(1) decide whether to issue the permit; and
(2) prescribe the terms of the permit, if it decides to issue
the permit.
(b) In deciding whether to issue a permit and in prescribing the
terms of the permit, the board shall consider:
(1) the purpose of this chapter;
(2) the district plan;
(3) the quality, quantity, and availability of surface water or
alternative water supplies at prices that are competitive with
prices charged by suppliers of surface water in the district;
(4) the economic effect on the applicant of a decision to issue
or deny the permit, or of the permit terms, in relation to the
effect on subsidence that would result;
(5) the applicant's compliance with this chapter or any district
rule, permit, or order; and
(6) all other relevant factors.
(c) The board shall issue a permit to an applicant if the board
finds on sufficient evidence that:
(1) there is no other adequate and available substitute or
supplemental source of surface water at prices competitive with
the prices charged by suppliers of surface water in the district;
and
(2) compliance with any provision of this chapter or any
district rule will result in an arbitrary taking of property or
in the practical closing and elimination of any lawful business,
occupation, or activity without sufficient corresponding benefit
or advantage to the public.
(d) The permit must state the terms prescribed by the board.
The permit must include:
(1) the name and address of the permit holder;
(2) the location of the well;
(3) the date the permit begins and the date the permit expires;
(4) conditions and restrictions placed on groundwater
withdrawal; and
(5) other terms necessary to control and prevent subsidence.
(e) The board may condition the issuance of a permit under this
section on the resolution of a previous or continuing violation
of this chapter or of any district rule, permit, or order. The
board may require an applicant to pay a civil penalty or
settlement amount, or take other necessary action, to resolve a
previous or continuing violation.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.210. TERM OF PERMIT. (a) A permit issued under this
chapter expires on the first anniversary of the date of issuance,
unless the board specifies a different period.
(b) To aid the district in the effective and expeditious
performance of its duties, the board may issue a permit for a
term not to exceed five years if the issuance does not impair the
district's ability to control and prevent subsidence in the
district.
(c) A permit is not a vested right of the permit holder. The
board may revoke, suspend, or amend a permit after notice and
hearing when reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of
this chapter.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.211. RENEWAL OF PERMIT. The board may renew a permit
in the manner provided for issuing an original permit.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.212. PERMIT FEES. (a) When the board issues or
renews a permit, the board shall collect a permit fee from the
applicant. The fee shall be determined by a schedule based on:
(1) the term of the permit; and
(2) the maximum annual amount of groundwater the board
authorizes to be withdrawn from the well.
(b) The board may establish a disincentive permit fee to serve
as a regulatory tool by creating a disincentive to continued
overreliance on groundwater.
(c) The board shall determine the fee schedule after a hearing.
(d) The board shall use permit fees collected under this section
to pay the cost of issuing permits and performing other
regulatory functions under this chapter, including making grants,
loans, or contractual payments to achieve, facilitate, or
expedite reductions in groundwater pumping or the development or
distribution of alternative water supplies.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.213. TRANSFERRING PERMIT. (a) A permit is
transferable only if the permit holder and the new owner of the
well notify the district by certified mail, return receipt
requested, of:
(1) the transfer of ownership of the well; and
(2) the name and address of the new owner.
(b) On receipt of the information required under Subsection (a),
the district shall issue an amended permit with the new owner of
the well listed as the permit holder. The remaining terms of the
permit remain unchanged.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.214. ANNUAL REPORT. Before January 31 each year, a
well owner who holds a permit under this chapter shall submit to
the board a report stating:
(1) the well owner's name;
(2) the location of the well;
(3) the total amount of groundwater withdrawn from the well
during the preceding 12-month period;
(4) the total amount of groundwater withdrawn from the well
during each month of the preceding 12-month period;
(5) the purpose for which the groundwater was used; and
(6) any other information required by the board that the board
considers necessary for the board to control and prevent
subsidence in the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.215. REDUCTION OF GROUNDWATER USE. (a) The board by
order may require a person to completely or partially discontinue
the use of groundwater by:
(1) acquiring an alternative water supply needed to replace the
water supply covered by the order; or
(2) participating in a groundwater reduction plan or other
agreement the board approves as complying with the district's
regulatory requirements.
(b) The board by order or rule may require a person to reduce
groundwater use by eliminating waste or implementing water
conservation measures.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.216. OPEN OR UNCOVERED WELLS. (a) The district may
require the owner or lessee of land on which an open or uncovered
well is located to keep the well closed or capped with a covering
capable of supporting not less than 400 pounds when the well is
not in actual use.
(b) If the owner or lessee fails or refuses to close or cap a
well as required, a person employed by the district may enter the
land and close or cap the well safely and securely.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER F. APPEAL AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.251. APPEAL OF DISTRICT ACTIONS. (a) A person who is
adversely affected by a rule, order, or other official action of
the board, including a person residing in or owning real property
in the district whose residence or real property is subsiding,
may appeal the action to a district court in any county in the
district after any administrative appeal is finally resolved.
(b) An appeal under this section must be filed not later than
the 45th day after the date any administrative appeal is finally
resolved.
(c) On written request from a person who is adversely affected,
the board shall make written findings and conclusions regarding a
rule, order, or other official action of the district. The board
shall provide a certified copy of the findings and conclusions to
the person not later than the 35th day after the date the request
was made.
(d) An appeal under this section of the legal propriety of a
rule, order, or other action of the board is governed by the
substantial evidence rule as provided by Subchapter G, Chapter
2001, Government Code. The burden of proof is on the petitioner,
and the challenged rule, order, or other official action of the
district is considered prima facie valid.
(e) The district court shall set for trial as expeditiously as
possible an appeal brought under this section and may not
postpone or continue the suit unless the reasons for postponement
or continuance are imperative.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on April 01, 2011
Sec. 8834.252. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) If a
person has violated, is violating, or is threatening to violate
this chapter or a district rule, permit, or order, the district
may institute an action in a district court in the district for:
(1) an injunction to restrain the person from continuing the
violation or the threat of violation;
(2) a civil penalty of not less than $50 and not more than
$5,000 for each violation and for each day of violation; or
(3) both injunctive relief and a civil penalty.
(b) The attorney general shall institute an action under this
section at the request of the board, or at the request of the
general manager if authorized by the board. The district in its
sole discretion may employ attorneys of its choice to institute
the action.
(c) The district is not required to post bond or other security
with the court.
(d) The district court shall grant the injunctive relief
requested under Subsection (a) as the facts warrant if the court
finds that a person is violating or threatening to violate this
chapter or a district rule, permit, or order.
(e) The district court shall assess a civil penalty requested
under Subsection (a) in the amount provided by that subsection if
the court finds that a person has violated or is violating this
chapter or a district rule, permit, or order.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1139, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 1, 2011.