BASTROP, Texas — Bastrop city leaders continue to work on a plan to treat wastewater from two of Elon Musk's companies: SpaceX and The Boring Company.
About a year ago, controversial plans were proposed by the companies to dump more than 100,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into the Colorado River. Since then, the city of Bastrop, SpaceX and utility provider Corix have all been working to come up with a solution.
As part of a new agreement signed two-and-a-half weeks ago, the wastewater will now be transferred from Musk's land on FM 1209 and FM 969 to the city of Bastrop's brand new wastewater treatment facility, which is expected to open in April. It will be located south of Griesenbeck Ranch Road between the Colorado River and Highway 304.
The infrastructure connecting the two properties is expected to be completed in early 2026.
The plant itself came at a cost of $32.6 million. City leaders say having SpaceX as a customer will help keep rates low for decades to come.
At the meeting on Tuesday night, city leaders held off on making an official decision about the agreement. But some in attendance were pleased with the work the council has done so far, while also keeping Bastrop residents in mind.
Those who spoke said it's crucial businesses keep their end of the deal.
"We love development here. We want businesses. They're bringing fantastic jobs to this community, but you need to be a good neighbor, and you need to take care of the environment and take care of the community," Bastrop resident Judah Ross said.
An official decision has been tabled until the next meeting next month.