County to update disaster preparedness plan

Crockett County — Crockett County officials are asking residents to review and comment on a proposed Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP) designed to help the county prepare for disasters, emergencies and long-term risks.

The plan will serve as a guide for local officials as they respond to potential hazards, including flooding, drought, wildfire, extreme heat, cybersecurity threats and risks tied to growing energy infrastructure.

“The last time we had a Hazard Mitigation Plan was about five years ago,” Judge Frank Tambunga said. “Since then, we have had some changes in our county such as more wind turbines, battery farms, pipelines, and different oil and gas plants, also, our constantly changing weather.”

Preparing for emergencies

Along with an overview of the county’s conditions and history, the plan proposes 14 mitigation actions that local government is likely to pursue. These include:

The plan also outlines grants and other funding opportunities available for these purposes. Crockett County qualifies for more potential grants, funding and assistance by making the effort to update its plan.  

“The [HMAP] will be updated with the most current plan for each type of hazard we have identified,” Tambunga said. “The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be set up to be updated every five years to ensure we keep this plan current with the latest changes. Having the plan current is important for the future of our community's preparedness.”

Changing climate and industries

Climate change is one factor expected to shape the future hazards in Crockett County. According to the plan, the county’s average extreme temperatures are likely to increase from 100 degrees to 106 degrees by summer 2035. This will likely increase the severity and frequency of drought events and will present a greater danger to those spending prolonged amounts of time outside. 

Other factors at play include the county’s decreasing population and the increase in numerous types of industries in the energy and data sectors. This trend is expected to continue with several major battery storage facilities currently planning to build in the county or under construction.

In 2022, the High Lonesome Wind Farm was completed, producing 1.9 terawatt hours of electricity annually and creating 500 megawatts of energy storage. 

Midnight Sun Energy Storage, Black Bear Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Ranchero BESS are expected to bring roughly 750 additional megawatts of energy storage capacity to Crockett County by summer 2028. The safety of these facilities, their workers and their contributions to Texas’ electrical grid are important considerations in the event of a disaster.

When it rains, it pours

Two of the most prominent concerns for county residents lie on opposite ends of the spectrum: not having enough water and having too much.

The county has experienced 36 flood events over a 29.5-year period, or roughly one per year on average. Flash flooding is one of the most common types of disasters that occurs around Ozona. Flooding has caused $1,840,300 in property damage and crop loss since 1996. Crockett County’s semi-arid climate results in hydrophobic soils and other conditions that make flash floods more likely during heavy downpours. 

Survey says

Included in the plan are survey responses taken from 11 Crockett County residents. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they had experienced a disaster while living in the county. Of those, 67 percent mentioned flooding.     

Fifty-five percent of respondents said they had taken actions to make their homes and neighborhoods more resistant to hazards. The top two actions taken were purchasing a generator and trimming trees or clearing debris.  

Drought and wildfire are the two biggest concerns of respondents. Wildfire damage potential is highest in the northern part of the county.   

Residents said newspapers are the least effective way to receive information about how to make their homes and neighborhoods more resistant to hazards and that social media was the most effective. 

Do your part

The public shared their thoughts, concerns, and priorities with county officials in an October meeting. The county, along with H2O Partners Inc, have been creating a plan of action.  

The public can review the draft on the county’s website, where officials and the public are invited to provide ongoing feedback via email.

“I feel it is important that people familiarize themselves with this plan. The more people know, the better we are at being prepared,” Tambunga said. “Even though I was born and raised here, I am not familiar with everything that has developed throughout the years. By asking residents to provide their input, it will help us be more aware of things that could be hazardous to our county.    

“We need our citizens to help with input when upgrading our Hazard Mitigation Plan to help our commissioners court know what is needed to remain prepared.”