The city of Roma was fined for violations in connection with its landfill operations. Imperial Holly Corp., which operates a large sugar refining facility in Sugar Land, was cited for noncompliance with state wastewater discharge requirements. Completed in 1999, the five-acre facility provides training and education on wetlands preservation for the Fort Bend school district and is part of a study on the ability of wetlands to reduce sediment and undesirable nutrients. The city is spending almost twice the penalty to help restore Katy Lake, which was built in the late 1800s as a water stop to service steam locomotives. The city-owned lake already is a gathering area for migratory waterfowl.
Plans call for construction of a wilderness trail and observation platform for sanctuary viewing.
The city is planting native plants and trees to revitalize the area. Cardell Cabinets operates a large manufacturing plant in San Antonio. Hartley Water Supply Corp. operates a public drinking water system with 155 service connections in Hartley County in the Panhandle.