TCEQ Cites YFZ Ranch for Environmental Violations
 
The Eldorado Success
 
State inspectors found a number of environmental concerns at the YFZ Ranch, including one that poses a threat to groundwater, according to documents released last week by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TCEQ inspectors visited the ranch twice, first on April 16, 2004 with a follow up investigation ten days later, on April 26. Both times the investigators noted compliance violations.

Among the violations is the alleged illegal use of a concrete batch plant without proper registration or permit. Documents acquired by The Eldorado Success under the Texas Open Records Act, indicate that on April 26 investigator Mark Newman ordered that a rock crushing and concrete plant be shutdown until appropriate authorization was obtained by the ranch.

Interestingly, aerial photos taken by the Success that same day indicate that land was being cleared just north of three large 3-story buildings already constructed on the ranch. Subsequent photos reveal that extensive concrete work continued at the site, for several days following the shutdown order. A TCEQ spokesman told the Success on Tuesday that ranch officials have applied for some permits, but that there has been no authorization given to restart the concrete plant.

Another violation involves an undersized septic facility connected to the three large buildings noted above, as well as tanks connected to four mobile homes. According to the documents obtained by the Success, state officials are so concerned about possible contamination of ground water and/or runoff into Milligan Draw that they have labeled the septic system as a "Class V Injection Well."

YFZ Ranch officials were ordered to "cease and desist" operation of the domestic sewage waste facility. They were also cited for failing to obtain a permit for a sewage facility and were again ordered to cease and desist operation until authorization is granted by the state for additional construction.

An agency spokesman told the Success that the septic system is too small to handle the waste water from the first three building erected on the property. There has not been another inspection since two even larger buildings were completed nearby.

"We are taking this very seriously and are taking the appropriate steps," a TCEQ official told the Success. "This has been forwarded to our enforcement division for action."

Other violations cited at the ranch include the failure to register two diesel generator engines prior to their construction and operation, as well as violations of Texas Storm Water Discharge rules.

Attorney Rod Parker of Salt Lake City, UT, represents the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a Mormon splinter group that acquired the ranch in late 2003. Parker said Tuesday that he was unaware of the alleged environmental violations at the YFZ Ranch. He noted that he doesn't stay in constant communication with Prophet Warren Jeffs, the leader of the FLDS, and said it likely that Jeffs is living at the ranch and is aware of the TCEQ investigation.

The Success continues to monitor developments at the YFZ and will endeavor to keep its readers informed.

Meanwhile, the newspaper is still trying to contact YFZ Ranch officials and/or and FLDS Church officials. So far, none have been willing to talk to the Success. On Tuesday, the Success extended another request, this time through Attorney Rod Parker, for an interview with church or ranch leaders.
 
MyEldorado.net
Originally published June 10, 2004
 
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