CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — KRIS 6 News has recently learned that the city of Corpus Christi is one step closer to establishing the Inner Harbor Desalination Plant.
On Friday, Oct. 11, KRIS 6 News learned that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave the green light for the issuance of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) draft discharge permit. This permit was issued in December 2023.
In order to obtain the final permit, TCEQ was required to request EPA input.
"The EPA really sets the standard for environmental policy," Corpus Christi Water Chief Operating Officer Drew Molly said. "Of course the TCEQ is a critical agency in that process as well. Part of the process that plays out is the EPA certainly has input into anything that related to environmental projects. So today they recognized that the city (Corpus Christi) has met that criteria and as a result, the EPA is essentially allowing the project to move forward."
Molly confirmed to KRIS 6 News that the review has been in the works for the last year.
"In terms of what the next step is, we've selected a design-build contractor, who is going to be designing and building this project," Molly said. So now we are one step closer to having the required permits that allow us to start construction on this project."
This recent development with the TCEQ draft discharge permit not only helps Corpus Christi's future, but also means residents could see more stability with water usage in times of drought.
"This is great news for the people of Corpus Christi," Mayor Paulette Guajardo said. "Today’s notice from the EPA puts us one step closer to building a guaranteed water supply."
This is a developing story, check back with KRIS 6 News for more details.
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