JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) – Unsafe levels of water pollutants, including E. coli and ammonia, were released from the City of Jacksonville\u2019s Double Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, state environmental regulators revealed in an enforcement order.<\/p>\n
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) assessed a $52,500 penalty against the City after an investigation confirmed its Double Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility repeatedly failed to comply with permitted sewage discharge limits.<\/p>\n
The state agency\u2019s agreed order detailed significant discharge violations, with TCEQ stating humans or the environment were exposed to pollutants exceeding protective levels.<\/p>\n
In June 2023, the facility\u2019s daily average concentration of ammonia nitrogen reached 9.15 milligrams per liter, more than four times the permitted limit of 2.0 mg\/L.<\/p>\n
During the same month, levels of Escherichia coli spiked to 2,419.6 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, far surpassing the daily maximum limit of 399 CFU\/100 mL.<\/p>\n
Ammonia levels near 9.15 mg\/L are high enough to kill or endanger aquatic life depending on the water\u2019s pH and temperature, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).<\/p>\n
The amount of E. coli allowed in drinking water is 0 CFU\/100 mL, and the single-sample safety limit for freshwater swimming is 235 CFU\/100 mL, according to the EPA.<\/p>\n
High levels of E. coli in water indicate likely contamination with fecal waste, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, cramps and diarrhea in humans if ingested.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s investigation, which began in October 2023, also cited the facility for discharging excessive total suspended solids and carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, which can deplete oxygen levels in waterways and threaten aquatic ecosystems.<\/p>\n
Instead of fining the city, TCEQ approved a $52,500 supplemental environmental project (SEP), which Jacksonville officials agreed to undertake as part of its settlement.<\/p>\n
The SEP is a voluntary agreement to install approximately 1,390 linear feet of new PVC gravity sewer lines and eight manholes along Sunnydale Street to reduce inflow and infiltration, according to TCEQ.<\/p>\n
State records show Double Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) achieved three consecutive months of compliance within the permitted limits by May 31, 2025; however, a separate enforcement action is still pending.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville City Manager James Hubbard released a statement from the city\u2019s director of public and community services calling the violations \u201can isolated incident\u201d inconsistent with its normal quality.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe City of\u00a0Jacksonville\u00a0immediately investigated the cause, made the necessary operational adjustments, and fully resolved the issue. As recognized by the TCEQ, our facility successfully demonstrated consistent compliance with all permitted effluent limitations, and we remain dedicated to maintaining high environmental standards.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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