Environmental Commission Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 5, 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 Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (737) 230-3786, Kaela.Champlin@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). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8 – Frida Guo, Financial Manager II, Austin Water Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on bird-friendly design and building solutions from Travis Audubon – Heidi Trudell, requested by Commissioner Bristol PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2, SP-2023-0401C Applicant: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Location: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas Council District: District 1 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is to A) vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet and B) vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Name: Stassney Park, SPC-2023-0110C Applicant: Nick Brown / Kimley-Horn Location: …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera, and David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 5, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on May 5, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Update on the 2023 State of the Environment Report and 2023 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, and Anupa Gharpurey, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Liz Johnston Anupa Gharpurey Jorge Morales Kaela Champlin Ramesh Swaminathan 1 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 6:27. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 6:37. Item conducted as posted. No action was taken. Name: 3 Men Movers, SP-2023-0294C Applicant: Hollis Scheffler – Westwood Professional Services Location: 9989 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB, Austin, TX 78744 Council District: District 1 Staff: Ryan Soutter, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-301 to allow driveway construction on slopes greater than 15%; b) LDC 25-8-302 to allow building and parking construction on slopes over 15%; c) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 12 feet; and d) LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Speakers: Ryan Soutter Justin Lange Liz Johnston Mike McDougal A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. A motion to approve the requested variances with conditions passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Name: Sunfield PUD Amendment #1; Case No. C814-2014-0083.01 Applicant: Katherine P. Loayza, Jackson Walker L.L.P. Location: 1901 Turnersville Road Council District: District 5 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Applicant request: To amend a Planned Unit Development (PUD) …
Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) will be identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Board. These Boards and Commissions will review growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, obtain Board and Commission and citizen input, review consistency with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, review effect on growth within the DWPZ, and make recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water's five-year capital spending plan. This summer, AW representatives will be distributing a brief report to the Commissions on the CIP projects located in the DWPZ related to the financial policy. Attachments: CIP Subprojects Summary CIP Subprojects Supplemental Information and Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Austin Water Infrastructure Management Financial Policy No. 8 Drinking Water Protection Zone Projects Summary FY25-29 CIP Plan Development Each year, as part of the City of Austin Budget approval process, Austin Water submits a plan for the capital improvements program (CIP) spending for the upcoming five-year period. Austin Water’s FY25-29 CIP Plan includes projects located across the Austin metropolitan area, including the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). In compliance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8, the capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth related projects that are located in the DWPZ are presented below for consideration by City of Austin Boards and Commissions. …
June 5, 2024 Environmental Commission The Travis Audubon Society requested this report on bird safe buildings for presentation to the City of Austin and general dissemination within the Central Texas community. It was submitted to the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on March 18, 2024, the Design Commission on April 22, 2024, and was prepared by Heidi Trudell, a bird collision prevention researcher and consultant, who in March 2024 was hired as a technical advisor by Guardian Glass. Passing directly over Austin, North America’s Central Flyway serves as the primary migration corridor1 during spring and fall for hundreds of species of birds. Due to this geographic funneling, Texas is home to three of the top ten most deadly cities for birds2 (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), making it especially critical to proactively preserve biodiversity. Travis County alone has documented 4273 species of birds, which is more than fourteen states4 have recorded. With bird populations in steep decline,5 and an estimated 621 million to 2 billion6 birds dying at windows in the US annually, it is critical now more than ever that municipal leaders, especially in ecologically significant areas like Austin, step forward to reverse the trend. Initial steps have already been taken; Austin’s dedication to bird conservation has already been established by committing to meet the standards of a Bird City.7 This includes a pledge to reduce nonessential lighting during migration8 that comes as part of a statewide initiative9 to address the detrimental impact that artificial light at night has on migrating birds. As Austinites are well aware, however, it’s not just birds that need dark skies to thrive; even outside of bird migration, bats are especially sensitive to lighting.10 1allaboutbirds.org/news/heres-how-to-use-the-new-migration-forecast-tools-from-birdcast/# 2news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/chicago-tops-list-most-dangerous-cities-migrating-birds 3ebird.org/region/US-TX-453?yr=all 4ebird.org/region/US/regions 53billionbirds.org 6meridian.allenpress.com/wjo/article-abstract/125/2/406/129654/Evaluating-the-Effectiveness-of-Select-Visual/ 7austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-designated-bird-city-working-protect-habitats-and-promote-bird-friendly-practices 8traviscountytx.gov/news/2021/2113-lights-out-for-migrating-birds 9tx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas 10batcon.org/new-paper-suggests-light-pollution-limits-bat-habitat/ The next step is to address the built environment directly. Glass is a dynamic material; it can reflect habitat or be entirely transparent. As a result, birds are unable to see glass11 unless it is modified. Poorly designed buildings dramatically increase the risk of collision. One way to significantly improve the odds of survival for birds living in or migrating through Central Texas is to ensure that buildings meet bird safe standards.12 Every building that is made bird safe - as new construction or a retrofit - will save dozens to hundreds of birds13 per building, per year. Best practices in bird safe building standards align with Austin’s values14 of being …
May 16, 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Ryan Taylor Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Variance Case Information Austin, TX 78735 (512)-646-2237 ryan.taylor@kimley-horn.com 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Address or Location 10095 E US HWY-290 SVRD Environmental Reviewer Name David Michael Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name N/A Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Watershed Protection Ordinance Gilleland Creek ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 May 16, 2024 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ☐ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone ☐ Yes ☐ No Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway 373’ Water and Wastewater service to be provided by City of Austin The variance request is as follows: Request 25-8-341 - to allow cut exceeding eight (8) feet on Lot 3 of this development. This lot proposes 62,889 square feet of cut over 8 feet with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Impervious cover Existing Existing Proposed Proposed Overall Lot 3 Overall Lot 3 square footage: ____0____ _0____ 1,525,471 682,585 acreage: percentage: ____0____ __0____ 35.02 15.67 ____0____ __0____ 54.7 72.3 Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The overall 290 Parmer Industrial development is a 64.04 Acre industrial warehouse development located at 10095 E US 290 SVRD EB, Austin, Texas 78653. The 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 site is Lot 3 (21.67 acres) of this development. The existing site is currently undeveloped. Elevation on the site varies from 583 at the Southwest corner down to 511 at the Northeast corner. The existing site has small trees and vegetation, particularly in the Critical Water Quality Zone; but does not include any heritage trees. Approximately 7.80 Acres of the property is in a Critical Water Quality zone and 3.47 Acres of the property is in the 100-year floodplain. City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 May 16, 2024 Clearly indicate in what way the proposed project does not comply with current Code (include maps and exhibits) FINDINGS OF FACT The proposed site …
290 PARMER INDUSTRIAL - 2 10095 E US 290 HWY SP-2023-0401C David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Council District 1 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION LOCATION View from south looking west View from south looking north LOCATION 2 ft elevation contour lines Critical Water Quality Zones VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet. 2. Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. GRADING VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Grading is a design decision, but the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION AND CONDITIONS The required landscape plan will be supplemented with the establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes, an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, and larger tree sizes planted. • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area • 50 additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 5, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 SP-2023-0401C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. LOCATION: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 512-974-2263 david.michael@austintexas.gov Gilleland Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. The required landscape plan will be supplemented with an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, larger tree sizes planted, and establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes: • 50 Additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area Page 2 of 2 STAFF CONDITION: Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet 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 or the safety of property given to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes. The use of the proposed warehouses requires extensive areas of uniform finished floor elevations as is typical for shipping and receiving facilities. Cut in the existing grades over eight feet is needed to allow for the level finished-floor elevations and level loading docks, to maintain drives at minimal grades necessary for truck maneuverability, and to allow ADA access. The site plan proposes two warehouses with truck courts on a 21.6-acre lot that has no natural occurring slopes over 15 percent, requiring cut up to 14.2 feet in depth, and fill up to 15.2 feet in depth. The Land Use Commission has frequently approved variances for cut and fill over eight feet in depth for warehouse projects in the Desired Development Zone. Examples of similar projects include: Applied Materials Logistics Service Center, …
COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA June 5, 2024 Stassney Park SPC-2023-0110C Nick Brown / Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 6200 E Stassney Lane, Austin, TX, 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, Development Services Department, 512-974-6380, mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Williamson Creek, Suburban, Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Variance request is as follows: 1. To allow fill up to 23 feet within the Desired Development Zone (LDC 25-8-342) 2. To allow cut up to 24 feet within the Desired Development Zone (LDC 25-8-341) 3. To allow driveway construction on a gradient in excess of 15% (LDC 25-8-301) Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: 1. Parking lot trees shall have a minimum diameter of 2 inches. 2. Provide 25 additional street yard trees with a diameter of at least 3 inches each. 3. Increase wetlands plantings by 10% (based on the square footage of mitigation required) using plants approved by Watershed Protection Department. 4. All cut and fill over 8 feet will be contained with rock retaining walls with a natural stone surface. 5. Restoration plantings within the creek before and after the bypass culvert as approved Watershed Protection Department. 6. Increase plantings in disturbed Critical Water Quality Zone areas by 50% as minimally required by 609S in the vicinity of the bridge abutments as indicated in the site plan. The 50% requirement can be addressed by providing a larger mitigation area or by providing more dense plantings. 7. A tree-shaded outdoor seating area will be provided to encourage employees to take breaks on-site rather than driving to other locations. A. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Stassney Park SPC-2023-0110C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow fill up to 23 feet within the Desired Development Zone (LDC 25-8-342) Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege, or the safety of property given to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes: Stassney Park proposes 313,062 square feet of warehouse space with a consistent floor elevation, as well as loading docks, fire lanes, and parking that will be constructed at elevations appropriate for the warehouse finished floor elevation. …
April 10, 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Variance Case Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Nick Brown 10814 Jollyville Rd Building 4, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78759 737-210-1044 Nick.Brown@kimley-horn.com Stassney Park SPC-2023-0110C Enrique A Maiz-Torres Eric Brown 25-8-341 & 25-8-342 Williamson Creek ☐Urban ☐Water Supply Rural 6200 E Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78744 X Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 April 10, 2024 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment X Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway Water and Waste Water service to be provided by Request ☐ Yes X No Austin Water Utility St Elmo Tributary crosses the southwest corner of the subject property; An unnamed stream bisects the property from north to south. The variance request is as follows: 25-8-342 Fill Requirements Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) Existing ____0____ ___0_____ ____0____ Proposed 880347.6 sf 20.21 Ac 37.92% The subject property is approximately 53.291 acres in size with frontage on Stassney Lane. The property ranges in elevation from 528 to 617. The highest point on the property is the northwest corner and the lowest point is along the southern property line where St Elmo Tributary exits the property. 91.15% of the property falls within the 0% to 15% slope category. The remainder property has slopes exceeding 15% slope mainly isolated to the existing drainage channels. Grade 0% - 15% 15% - 25% 25% - 35% > 35% Site Area (Sq Yds) 237842.43 10058.85 4676.20 8369.01 260946.50 % of Site Area 91.15% 3.85% 1.79% 3.21% 100.00% There is an assortment of tree species within the site; only five of the identified trees were measured over 24 caliper inches. On-site soils include Type D Expansive Clays and is identified as Ferris-Heiden City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 April 10, 2024 complex, Heiden clay, and Type B Altoga Silty Clay by the USGS …
STASSNEY PARK 6200 E STASSNEY LANE SPC-2023-0110C Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Development Services Department STASSNEY PARK 6200 E Stassney Ln North NTS PROPERTY DATA • Williamson Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Council District 2 • Not Located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS - CONTINUED EXISTING CONDITIONS - CONTINUED CWQZ Slopes >15% North NTS VARIANCES REQUESTED 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 24 feet 2. Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 23 feet 3. Request to vary LDC 25-8-301 to allow driveway construction on a gradient in excess of 15% NTS VARIANCES REQUESTED - CONTINUED 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 24 feet 2. Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 23 feet 3. Request to vary LDC 25-8-301 to allow driveway construction on a gradient in excess of 15% NTS GRADING VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Grading is a design decision but the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping, increased creek restoration, and increased Critical Water Quality Zone restoration. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. SLOPES VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for driveway construction on slopes have been granted for sites with similar constraints. • Driveway construction on slopes is necessary to allow for a reasonable use of the property and is not a design decision. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION AND CONDITIONS APPLICANT PRESENTATION
Environmental Inspections Division Residential Tree & Environmental Inspections Commercial Tree & Environmental Inspections/ General Permit Inspections Environmental Enforcement Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Boat Docks Inspection and Enforcement Territories Commercial Residential Services Provided • Evaluate best management practices for erosion/sedimentation control and tree preservation • Assess compliance with City of Austin ordinances • Review drainage facilities and other site improvements Services Provided • Identify locations of environmentally sensitive resources • Provide technical assistance and education to citizens, community/special interest groups, developers, etc. on environmental/engineering code requirements, ordinances, and regulations • Provide testimony for enforcement cases in municipal court • Issue directives and initiate enforcement actions for non-compliance with environmental and drainage regulations Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control What is it? How does it work? Where is it installed? The practice of preventing or reducing the movement of sediment from a site during construction Through implementation of human-made structures, land management techniques, or natural processes At the perimeter of the construction site Types of ESC’s Silt Fencing: Fabric filter support by welded wire and anchored by posts Mulch Socks: Mesh tubes filled with natural wood or mulch (no hay or straw) Triangular Filter Dike: Prefabricated “tri-dikes” that are easy to install Stabilized Construction Entrance (Standard 641S) The purpose of a stabilized construction entrance is to reduce or eliminate the tracking or deposition of sediment onto public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk or parking area (Environmental Criteria Manual Section 1.4.2.N.4). • All trees, brush, stumps, obstructions and other objectionable material shall be removed and disposed of in a manner that will not interfere with the excavation and construction of the entrance as indicated on the Drawings or as presented in Standard Details No. 641S-1. The entrance shall not drain onto the public right-of-way or shall not allow surface water runoff to exit the construction site. • When necessary, vehicle wheels shall be cleaned to remove sediment prior to entrance onto public right-of-way. When vehicle washing is required, it shall be done on an area stabilized with crushed stone, which drains into an approved sediment trap or sediment basin. All sediment shall be prevented from entering any storm drain, ditch or watercourse through use of sandbags, gravel, boards, silt fence (Standard Specification Item No 642S) or other methods approved by the Engineer or designated representative. • The entrance shall be maintained in a condition that will prevent tracking or disposition of sediment onto public right-of-way. …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240605-003 Date: June 5, 2024 Subject: Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water (AW) Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in AW’s 5-year capital spending plan as required by AW Financial Policy #8. Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Water Utility presented and updated the Environmental Commission on new and existing growth-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Austin Water Utility provides adequate drinking water and reliable systems for current and future customers. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget. VOTE: 8-0 For: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240605-003 Date: June 5, 2024 Subject: Bird-friendly design and building solutions Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation about Bird Safe Design by Heidi Trudell, Bird Safe Design Specialist with support from Travis Audubon; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in February 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall. Both endangered species and species of concern both utilize the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment and Colorado River during their migration; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the hills of Austin and Travis County are home to the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and threatened Black-capped Vireo; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $1.8 billion generated from bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes birds colliding with poorly designed buildings results in up to 2 million birds dying in the US every year; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that more than 30 cities have adopted bird-safe design practices into their code and/ or practices. However, no city in Texas has yet to adopt these design practices, which means Austin could lead the way; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that habitat loss for nesting and wintering birds also has a negative impact; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the loss of insects due to the use of pesticides, diminishes food supply for birds. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the City of Austin take the following actions: 1 1. The Environmental Commission will form a working group to study best practices and make recommendations about what code changes could be made to support bird-safe design. 2. The Environmental Commission requests that Council pass a resolution directing staff to support the working group. 3. The City will strive to be the FIRST city in Texas to be a bird-safe design city. 4. City of Austin will continue to require all new construction or remodels of both low-rise and high-rise buildings utilize, at a minimum, bird-friendly glass and downcast, Dark Skies lighting. 5. The City of Austin will limit the use of pesticides on all city managed properties, especially during peak migration and nesting seasons. 6. The City of Austin …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells and Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers Santiago Kathy Mitchell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on May 15, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8 – Frida Guo, Financial Manager II, Austin Water The Environmental Commission took a ten-minute recess at 6:16 P.M. Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 6:26 P.M 1 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS A motion to recommend the approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget passes on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on bird-friendly design and building solutions from Travis Audubon – Heidi Trudell, requested by Commissioner Bristol Speakers Craig Nazor Maura Powers A recommendation regarding bird-friendly design and building solutions approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on an 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Name: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2, SP-2023-0401C Applicant: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Location: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas Council District: District 1 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is to A) vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet and B) vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Speakers Ryan Taylor, Civil Engineer, Kimley-Horn A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an …
