Development aspirations collide with a rural way of life outside Mansfield

Residents in a rural area west of Mansfield, Texas are opposing a proposed wastewater treatment facility and residential development project by Provident and BL 374, LLC. The development would discharge up to 490,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into a tributary that flows to Walnut Creek and Joe Pool Lake. Local homeowners, including Seth Lewis and the Hurlbut family, argue the wastewater could cause flooding, contamination, and odor issues in their neighborhoods. They also worry the 1,900-unit residential development will negatively impact traffic, property values, and the overall rural character of the area. The residents have retained an attorney and successfully fought for a contested case hearing at the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings, where an administrative judge will evaluate their arguments against the wastewater permit. Meanwhile, the developer Provident says the wastewater will meet safety standards and that the residential community will provide high-quality housing. But state Rep. David Cook, who previously supported the project, has withdrawn his backing, saying the developer misrepresented their plans for the number of homes. The fight over this project is unfolding alongside another contested case hearing near Burleson over a separate private wastewater treatment plant.