Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS Recognition of Kevin Ramberg for his service on the Environmental Commission – Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Make a recommendation regarding the request for 311-315 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0027) located at 311, 313, 315 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department. Name: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R Applicant: Danny Miller, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. Location: 9209 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, Texas 78737 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff recommendation: Recommended Name: Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements Great Hills Lift Station No.53 (SP- 2022-0537C) Applicant: Sharon Hamilton, Civil Team Engineers LLC on behalf of the Austin Water Utility Department Location: 9009 ½ Spicebrush Drive, Austin, TX 78759 Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA March 6, 2024 311-315 South Congress PUD, C814-2023-0027 Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) 311 South Congress Avenue COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake & East Bouldin Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Planned Unit Development STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommended with conditions. Development associated with C814-2023-0027, located at 311 S. Congress Ave, shall comply with the following requirements. a. The PUD will comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program at a 3-star level. b. The project will be compliant with the LEED pilot Bird Collision Deterrence credit in regard to the Bird Collision Threat Rating for reflective glass within the Façade Zone 1 area as defined by LEED. Façade Zone 1 shall not have greater than 15% reflective glass c. The project does not request any exceptions or modifications to environmental regulations and will develop under the current code as of the date of the approval of the PUD. d. 100% of water quality controls required for this site will be treated on-site as opposed to payment of the fee-in-lieu of on-site treatment. e. 1,000 cubic feet of water quality volume will be provided for an off-site area, including a portion of Congress Ave. f. The project will incorporate approximately 250 linear feet of off-site storm improvement in Congress Ave. g. All required tree plantings shall utilize native tree species selected from Appendix F of the Environmental Criteria Manual (Descriptive Categories of Tree Species) and utilize Central Texas Native seed stock. h. All new street trees within the PUD will be a minimum of 5.5 caliper inches and a minimum of 14 feet in height and will contribute to the biodiversity of tree species of the site and this area of South Congress in addition to being of a species that will thrive in the proposed rain gardens. i. The PUD shall comply with the dark skies regulations in conformance with the Austin Energy Green buildings Standards identified in ST7 “Light Pollution Reduction”. j. All irrigation on site will be “off grid” of potential water utilizing either purple pipe, rainwater captured on the site and/or condensate capture. a. Include several landscape solutions that meet the intent of the pending Functional Green requirements. This will be achieved with the installation of …
311-315 South Congress PUD 311 S. Congress Avenue C814- 2023- 0027 Leslie Lilly Environmental Conservation Program Manager Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T C814-2023-0027 SITE Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Site Background • Proposed new PUD • Existing commercial development • Current site – 0.81 acres • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 9 • Greater South River City Combined NPA SITE C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 • Mae Crockett Estate Subdivision • Platted 1976 • Existing development occurred prior to current environmental requirements C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T • Imagine Austin Corridor • South Central Waterfront Imagine Austin Town Center C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 5 Environmental Features • No Critical Water Quality Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • No naturally occurring slopes greater than 15% • Lady Bird Lake Watershed (Urban) • Outside of Edward Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zone • No 100-year fully developed floodplain • 96.7% impervious cover C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Land Use Plan C I T Y O F …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 6, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Danny Miller, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 9209 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, Texas 78737 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: November 3, 2023 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Recommended Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Revision 1 MEMORANDUM TO: Kevin Ramberg, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission FROM: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department DATE: February 13, 2024 SUBJECT: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater SER #4622R Service Extension Requests (SER) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Ledgestone Wastewater Revised SER #4622R and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 77.78 acres, located at 9209 Ledgestone Terrace. The site is in the City of Austin’s Two-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the Slaughter Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. Previously approved SERs The applicant previously received an approval for a wastewater SER (SER #4622) and a water SER (SER #5650) for this site. At the time, the applicant’s proposal was for a 550-unit multi- family development with 275 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). The wastewater SER was recommended by the Environmental Commission, Water and Wastewater Commission, and subsequently approved by Council in June of 2020. The water SER was requested and approved in May of 2023. The staff memo and recommendations from the Environmental Commission are attached as Exhibit A. Request Summary In the revised wastewater SER, the applicant is proposing to add 50 LUEs, an increase from 275 LUEs to 325 total LUEs to accommodate the addition of retail and restaurant space on the site. The proposed development includes: 2 Proposed Development Use Units Multifamily Condo Units Retail Restaurant 140 360 11,620 sq. ft. 8,000 sq. ft Total LUEs LUEs 98 180 7 40 325 The applicant resubmitted a site plan application that is currently in review (Case Number: SP- …
Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R What is an SER? • A service extension request, or SER, is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • SERs are required when a property is located more than 100 feet from an accessible water or wastewater system, or when existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands. • Service may involve the construction of a new line or an associated facility or upgrades to existing lines or facilities. • The applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Per the Land Development Code, SERs require Council approval if the property is in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction. • Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission review and make recommendations on SERs that require Council approval. • No conditions can be put on approval of SERs. Request Summary • 9209 Ledgestone Terrace • 77.78 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Subject to Save Our Springs Ordinance SER #4622R Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Previously approved SERs Wastewater SER #4622 • 275 LUEs • Recommended by Water SER #5650 • 275 LUEs • Recommended by Environmental Commission and Water and Wastewater Commission in June 2020 • Council approved in June Environmental Commission and Water and Wastewater Commission in May 2023 • Council approved in May 2020 2023 Site Location Proposed Development Intended Uses Previous wastewater request • 275 Living Unit Equivalents Current request • 325 Total LUEs (LUEs) • 550-unit multi-family development • Expired site plan SP-2021- 0473D – 140 condo-type units (89 LUEs) – 360 multi-family units (180 LUEs) – 11,620 sq ft Retail (7 LUEs) – 8,000 sq ft Restaurant (40 LUEs) • LUEs have increased by 50 due to the addition of retail & restaurant • Revised site plan in review • Current code standards SER #4622R Environmental • Natural channel of Slaughter Creek and critical water quality zone on portions of the site • One wetland critical environmental feature • Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Slaughter Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone • Subject to Save Our Springs Ordinance • No vested rights are being requested • …
Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements Great Hills Lift Station No.53 9009 ½ Spicebrush Drive SP-2022-0537C Brad Jackson Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 Property Data Bull Creek Watershed Water Supply Suburban Watershed Classification Drinking Water Protection Zone Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Approximate 30,000 square-foot limits of construction on a 1.9-acre lot. Synopsis 3 Project is located behind a single-family home, accessed from a 300-foot-long driveway located along the property boundary of 2 single-family lots. The purpose of this project is to bring the lift station up to current COA standards and convert the existing dry pit/wet well duplex lift station to a single submersible lift station while addressing access improvements for maintenance vehicles in the event of an emergency repair. The new lift station will not be in the 100-yr floodplain. Variance Requests 4 To allow development in the CWQZ for a lift station per LDC 25-8-261 To allow construction of a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25% per LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) To allow fill up to 14 feet for construction of a lift station exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8- 342 CWQZ and Floodplain Boundaries 5 Existing Lift Station Demolition 6 Structural Site Plan 12’x 20’ Building On Slopes 7 Site Construction For Lift Station 8 The lift station is located on areas of steep slopes, some exceeding 35% in grade. The fill up to14 feet is required to bring the elevation of the new lift station up to the level of the access drive Grading Exhibit 9 Proposed Lift Station 10 58’ feet Variance Recommendation and Conditions 11 Staff recommends the variances, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff also recommends and supports the following condition: • Provide structural containment of fill with a retaining wall Site Photos 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 THANK YOU
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 6, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements Great Hills Lift Station No.53 (SP-2022-0537C) Sharon Hamilton, Civil Team Engineers LLC on behalf of the Austin Water Utility Department LOCATION: 9009 ½ Spicebrush Drive, Austin, TX 78759 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST NO. 1: REQUEST NO. 2: REQUEST NO. 3: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, DSD, 512-974-2128, Brad.Jackson@austintexas.gov Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow development in the CWQZ for a lift station per LDC 25-8-261 A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow construction of a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25% per LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow fill up to 14 feet for construction of a lift station exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8-342 Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 2: STAFF RECOMMENDATION NO. 3: Staff recommends approval of the variance with a condition Staff recommends approval of the variance with a condition Staff recommends approval of the variance with a condition STAFF CONDITION: Provide structural containment of the fill with a retaining wall. Page 2 of 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements To allow development in the CWQZ for a lift station per LDC 25-8-261 Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. The variance will not be providing a special privilege to the applicant. The lift station is currently existing and in operation to provide wastewater (WW) service to the neighborhood. The variance for construction in the CWQZ will allow the replacement of the existing lift station with a new lift station to continue to provide WW service to the neighborhood. The old lift station will be decommissioned when the new lift station is complete. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240306-003 Second by: Kevin Ramberg Date: March 6, 2024 Subject: 311-315 South Congress PUD (C814-2023-0027) Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is to form a Planned Unit Development (PUD), WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lady Bird Lake & East Bouldin Creek Watersheds, WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the staff recommends this PUD with conditions, having determined that the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the PUD with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. The PUD will comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program at a 3-star level. 2. The project will be compliant with the LEED pilot Bird Collision Deterrence credit in regard to the Bird Collision Threat Rating for reflective glass within the Façade Zone 1 area as defined by LEED. Façade Zone 1 shall not have greater than 15% reflective glass. 3. The project does not request any exceptions or modifications to environmental regulations and will develop under the current code as of the date of the approval of the PUD. 4. 100% of water quality controls required for this site will be treated on-site as opposed to payment of the fee-in-lieu of on-site treatment. 5. 1,000 cubic feet of water quality volume will be provided for an off-site area, including a 6. The project will incorporate approximately 250 linear feet of off-site storm improvement portion of Congress Ave. in Congress Ave. 7. All required tree plantings shall utilize native tree species selected from Appendix F of the Environmental Criteria Manual (Descriptive Categories of Tree Species) and utilize Central Texas Native seed stock. 8. All new street trees within the PUD will be a minimum of 5.5 caliper inches and a minimum of 14 feet in height and will contribute to the biodiversity of tree species of the site and this area of South Congress in addition to being of a species that will thrive in the 1 of 2 9. proposed rain gardens. 10. The PUD shall comply with the dark skies regulations in conformance with the Austin Energy Green buildings Standards identified in ST7 “Light Pollution Reduction”. 11. All irrigation on site will be “off grid” of potential water utilizing either purple pipe, rainwater captured on the site and/or condensate capture. 12. Include several landscape solutions that meet the intent of the pending Functional Green …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240306-005 Date: March 6, 2024 Subject: Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements Great Hills Lift Station No.53 (SP- 2022-0537C) Second by: Kevin Ramberg Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Austin Water Utility Department is requesting a Land Use Commission variance to allow development in the CWQZ for a lift station per LDC 25-8-261 and; A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow construction of a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25% per LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) and; A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow fill up to 14 feet for construction of a lift station exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8-342 and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Land Use Commission variance is recommended by staff with a condition and; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the three Land Use Commission variances with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. Provide structural containment of the fill with a retaining wall. Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Limit construction and removal of trees from March to August when the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler is in the area. 2. Applicant will solicit and incorporate Watershed Protection Jollyville Plateau salamander expert review and comment on the temporary and permanent stormwater design. 3. After construction, the disturbed areas from both this construction and previous emergency repairs are restored using 609S species and that those areas are maintained and mowed to the minimum extent practical to maintain access to the lift stations by Austin Water staff. Vote: 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: Richard Brimer Absent: Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, and Melinda Schiera 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240306-004 Second by: Kevin Ramberg Date: March 6, 2024 Subject: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a water service extension with in the Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the staff recommends the Wastewater Service Extension Request. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Wastewater Service Extension Request as the preferred method over locating an onsite wastewater plant on sight that could damage the thin soils and pollute the drinking water zone. Vote: 8-0 For: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, and Melinda Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 1 of 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, March 6, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. in a REGULAR meeting on Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Colin Nickells, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, and Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Charles Mossberger, Get Fertilizer Wiser APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on February 21, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Einhorn, and Schiera were absent. 2. Recognition of Kevin Ramberg for his service on the Environmental Commission – Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Make a recommendation regarding the request for 311-315 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0027) located at 311, 313, 315 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department. Speakers: 1 Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection Department Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Maura Powers, Audubon Society Thomas Smith, architect Aan Coleman, landscape architect A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Einhorn, and Schiera were absent. A motion to approve the 311-315 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) with conditions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Einhorn, and Schiera were absent. 4. Name: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R Applicant: Danny Miller, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. Location: 9209 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, Texas 78737 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff recommendation: Recommended Speakers: Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department Vito Trupiano, Endeavor A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Einhorn, and Schiera were absent. A motion to approve the Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on an 8- 0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Einhorn, and Schiera were absent. …
