Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission December 4, 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 Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on November 6, 2024 1 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0376D Applicant: Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits Location: 4824 Laguna Ln, Austin, TX, 78746 Council District: District 8 Staff: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department; 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Name: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Applicant: Allison Lehman, Kimley-Horn Location: 6700 Decker Lane, Austin, TX, 78724 Council District: District 1 Staff: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department; 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve the tree canopy in Austin – Environmental Commissioners Richard Brimer and Melinda Schiera Discussion and recommendation on the Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan – Environmental …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA December 4, 2024 Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0376D Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: 4824 Laguna Ln, Austin, TX, 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Lake Austin Watershed Water Supply Rural Classification Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions: 1. Protect the natural shoreline areas and larger wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) W-13 by providing a 3:1 H:V slope from the lake bottom elevation at the shoreline to the final dredge depth. 2. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (2,125 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FACW and OBL species) within 5 feet of the shoreline to a maximum depth of 1 foot. 3. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (1,321 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FAC and FACW species) on the other 14 existing wetland CEFs on land. 4. Restore all areas disturbed in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per Standard Specification 609S.) 5. Limit dredging within the 25% and 50% Critical Root Zones (CRZ) of trees along the shoreline to outside of the existing concrete retaining walls. 6. Provide measures to minimize/avoid sediment discharge including: 1) stabilized construction entrance and access road from the Channel Rd entrance to the barge access location and, 2) silt fencing and mulch logs downslope of staging, storage and dewatering areas, and 3) stabilized dewatering area for dredge bags, 4) floating turbidity curtain downstream of the dewatering operation, and 5) floating turbidity curtain surrounding active dredge area. 7. Conduct dredging via hydraulic methods using floating excavator units and bagging of material. Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0367D Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. 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 …
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2024XXXX-00X Date: Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Ordinance Motion by: Melinda Schiera Seconded by: WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Committee recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City, and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% Tree Canopy by 2050, and WHEREAS, Council re-affirmed its target of net-zeros community-wide emissions by 2040 on February 15, 2024, and WHEREAS, Council approved, on March 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to explore a right-of-way design and management plan to promote green infrastructure including street trees in the right-of-way while ensuring the safety and reliability of utility infrastructure. WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022, and WHEREAS, the tree canopy over East Austin is less than West Austin, and there is a specific need to increase tree canopy on private land in East Austin, and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy mitigates the heat island effect, removes carbon from the air, improves community health be removing pollutants from the air, and improves biodiversity, and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to the Environmental Commission is that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving, and WHEREAS, the mitigation payment rates to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund (UFRF) defined in the Environmental Criteria Manual 3.5.4, in leui of replacement or preservation, have not been updated since 2010. THEREFORE, the Urban Forestry Committee recommends the Environmental Commission advise Council adopt the following actions to more aggressively expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy: 1. Set a goal of 50% city-wide canopy cover by 2040 instead of 2050. 1 of 3 2. Augment the current inventory plans to capture satellite imagery to calculate the city- wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four years in order to evaluate the tree canopy percentage in a more cost-effective manner, and gaining the ability to track progress towards tree canopy goal. This also captures tree canopy on private property, whereas manual tree inventory does not. 3. In addition to the promotion of green infrastructure in the right-of-way, promote green green infrastructure in challenging placements such as easements. 4. Require the City Arborist and the Development Services Department to document the number and scope of unpermitted removal of protected and heritage trees …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-005 Second by: Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Austin Energy Resource Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy 1 of 3 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing rate increases beyond the current goal …
1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 6, 2024 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 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, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Roy Wayley, speaking on APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam – Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection Department, Matt.Hollon@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2238 Speakers: Matt Hollon, WPD Liz Johnston, WPD 1 3. 4. 5. A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Austin and Hays Independent School District – Jacob Eickstead, Watershed Protection Department, Jacob.Eickstead@austintexas.gov Speakers: Jacob Eickstead, WPD Lexie England, Kimley Horn Jason Andrus, architect A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend the interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Hays ISD with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. Chair Bedford called a recess at 8:12 pm. Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:18. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group and upcoming resolution – Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol Speakers: Jennifer Bristol Craig Nazor A motion to recommend the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on …
Miranda Reinhard Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department DREDGE OF CHANNEL RD. LAGOON 4824 LAGUNA LANE, 78746 SP-2023-0376D 1 PROJECT LOCATION [2 PROJECT LOCATION Project Location Lake Austin Capitol 3 [ PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Rural Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 8 [4 PROPERTY DATA • Environmental features: • Critical Water Quality Zone • Wetland CEF • 15 Wetland Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) [5 VARIANCE REQUEST LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) – CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT 1. The variance request is to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin. 6 VARIANCE REQUEST • Restore channel navigability • Minimum amount of dredge volume to EXISTING restore navigable depth PROPOSED 7 VARIANCE REQUEST Dredge Requirements • LDC 25-8- 261(C)(9)(a) allows 25 CY dredge per site plan • Proposing dredge 4 ft in depth (down to 488.8’ depth) • Area of dredge: 174,000 sq ft • Volume of dredge: 11,237 CY of dredge PROPOSED DREDGE 8 VARIANCE REQUEST 4301 & 4307 Michael’s Cove Similar Property Examples: • 4301 & 4307 Michael’s Cove (SP-2010-0005D) • Project approved in 2010 • Dredge down to 489’ • Removed ~5,000 CY • Taylor Slough Silt Removal Project (SP-93-0380D) • Project approved in 1993 • Dredge down to 488.3’ • Removed ~2,500 CY Taylor Slough Silt Removal Project 9 VARIANCE REQUEST Dredge Requirements • Project proposes similar dredge depth and larger volume of dredge due to larger lagoon area • Proposing dredge 4 ft in depth (down to 488.8’ depth) • Area of dredge: 174,000 sq ft • Volume of dredge: 11,237 CY of dredge PROPOSED DREDGE 10 VARIANCE REQUEST Enhancements • 3:1 H:V slope at shoreline • Limit Dredging within CRZ of trees outside shoreline 11 VARIANCE REQUEST Additional Wetland Mitigation Plantings on land CWQZ Restored with 609S Lake Austin Additional Wetland Mitigation Plantings on shoreline Enhancements: • Additional Wetland Mitigation Plantings on shoreline • Additional Wetland Mitigation Plantings on land • Restore areas disturbed in CWQZ with 609S Wetland CEFs Required Wetland Mitigation 12 VARIANCE REQUEST Enhancements: • Measures to minimize/avoid sediment discharge • Stabilized construction entrance & access road • Silt fencing & mulch logs • Stabilized dewatering area for dredge bags Floating turbidity curtain • • Hydraulic dredging methods Access Road Stabilized construction Entrance Silt fencing & mulch logs Floating turbidity curtain 13 VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION • • Staff determines that …
LOYOLA FLATS Miranda Reinhard Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department 6700 DECKER LANE, 78724 SP-2024-0147C.SH 1 PROJECT LOCATION [2 PROPERTY DATA • Elm Creek Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 1 [3 Lake Walter E. Long Colony Park PROPERTY DATA Project Location Lake Walter E. Long Colony Park Travis County Exposition Center Travis County Exposition Center [4 PROPERTY DATA • Environmental features: • Critical Water Quality Zone • Wetland CEF • 2 Wetland Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) on-site • Partially excavated detention pond from previous site plan [5 VARIANCE REQUEST LDC 25-8-261(G) – CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT Floodplain modifications prohibited in the CWQZ unless one of the exemptions is met. 1. The variance request is to allow floodplain modification for development within the CWQZ. 6 Proposed 100- Year Floodplain Existing 100-year Floodplain VARIANCE REQUEST 25-8-261(G) • Floodplain modifications are prohibited in the CWQZ unless one of the exemptions is met. 7 [ VARIANCE REQUEST Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health (ECM Appendix X): • Floodplain is in “Fair” condition • Excellent Good Fair Poor 8 VARIANCE REQUEST Floodplain Restoration/Mitigation Ratios ECM 1.7.5 & ECM 1.7.6 • • Zone 1 (Floodplain outside the Total Modification Area: 1.96 acres • 2.52 acres (Required Restoration/Mitigation) • Zone 2 (Floodplain within the CWQZ) • 0.84 acres • FAIR 3:1 CWQZ) • 1.12 acres • FAIR 6:1 • 6.72 acres (Required Restoration/Mitigation) • Total Required Restoration and/or Mitigation Area: 9.24 acres Zone 1 Floodplain Modification Area Zone 2 Floodplain Modification Area 9 [ VARIANCE REQUEST Floodplain Restoration/Mitigation Ratios ECM 1.7.5 & ECM 1.7.6 • • • • Total Required Restoration and/or Mitigation Area:) 9.24 Acres Zone 1 (Floodplain outside the CWQZ • 2.52 acres • 0 acres (Restored) • 2.52 acres (Mitigated) • Zone 2 (Floodplain within the CWQZ) • 6.72 acres • 0.61 acres (Restored) • 6.11 acres (Mitigated) Total Restoration Area: 0.61 Acres Total Mitigation Area: 8.63 Acres • $382,157.63 Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund payment 10 VARIANCE REQUEST Total Restoration Area (Wetland CEF Mitigation & Floodplain Restoration) • Maximizing restoration area in CWQZ 11 VARIANCE REQUEST Enhancements • ~44,000 sq ft of additional wetland mitigation • Native plantings in biofiltration pond • Native seeding in detention pond • Enhanced outfall • Native trees, shrubs, and bunchgrasses in CEF setbacks & mitigation areas • Native pollinator species • Wetland CEF mitigation plantings …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: December 4, 2024 Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Allison Lehman, Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 6700 Decker Lane, Austin, TX, 78724 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Miranda Reinhard, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department 512-978-1537, miranda.reinhard@austintexas.gov Elm Creek Watershed Suburban Classification Desired Development Zone REQUEST: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions: 1. Provide ~44,000 square feet of additional wetland mitigation including: 1) native plantings in sedimentation and filtration basins of the biofiltration pond, 2) low-grow native seeding in the detention pond, 3) an enhanced nonerosive pond outfall, 4) planting of native trees, shrubs and bunchgrasses in CEF setbacks and mitigation areas. 2. Provide native pollinator species for wetland CEF mitigation and floodplain restoration plantings. 3. Provide an edge barrier of limestone blocks around the perimeter of the modified CEF setbacks/restoration areas to prevent mowing and/or encroachment in these areas. 4. Provide wetland CEF educational signage next to the CEF setbacks/restoration areas. 5. Provide floodplain restoration plantings of native trees and shrubs for the remaining open area (26,349 square feet/0.61 acres) maximizing restoration within the CWQZ and enhancing the floodplain from an existing condition of Fair to Excellent. 6. Pay $382,157.63 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for the remaining required floodplain mitigation (376,326 square feet/8.63 acres) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) 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 other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; This project is proposing modification of the City of Austin 100-year floodplain within the Yes Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) to construct a biofiltration and detention pond and provide compensatory flood storage within the existing engineered drainage channel. The project is a Smart Housing/Affordability Unlocked multifamily residential development. There are two wetland Critical Environmental Features …
PROPERTY LINE CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE CREEK CENTERLINE EXISTING 150' CEF SETBACK BOUNDARY MODIFIED CEF SETBACK BOUNDARY PROPOSED 100 YR COA FULLY DEVELOPED FLOODPLAIN PROPOSED 25 YR COA FULLY DEVELOPED FLOODPLAIN EXISTING CEF BUFFER AREA PROPOSED CEF BUFFER REDUCTION AREA PROPOSED MITIGATION AREA REFERENCE LANDSCAPE SHEET NUMBER 73 (LP 1.01) FOR WETLAND MITIGATION TABLE NOTES: 1. 2. 3. 4. TREES AND TOPOGRAPHY BASED UPON SURVEY BY KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES. ON OCTOBER 10, 2022. ALL ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES (CEFS) AND ASSOCIATED SETBACKS MUST COMPLY WITH THE CITY OF AUSTIN LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE. THE NATURAL VEGETATIVE COVER MUST BE RETAINED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE; CONSTRUCTION IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT AS IDENTIFIED IN THIS SITE PLAN; AND WASTEWATER DISPOSAL OR IRRIGATION IS PROHIBITED. CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE INVENTORY PREPARED BY TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC ON OCTOBER 12, 2023, LAST REVISED JANUARY 5, 2024. PLANTING DETAILS FOR PROPOSED WETLAND MITIGATION AREAS AND WATER QUALITY AND DETENTION PONDS ARE INCLUDED ON LANDSCAPE PLANS: WETLAND MITIGATION PLAN SHEET 73 25' DRAINAGE EASEMENT AND P.U.E DOC# 200300077 OPRTC COLONY LOOP DRIVE (70' PUBLIC R.O.W.) 8" PVC 78-0067 10' P.U.E DOC# 200300077 OPRTC VALVE #135081 12" CI 328997 V T T F FIB FIB CBL CBL FIB FIB T F V T SOUTHWESTERN BELL EASEMENT DOC# 2000156922 OPRTC 20 21 C O L O N Y M L E O D A T O C P D 2 H O 2 # 2 O A D W S 0 E P 0 R 3 T 0 S S II E C C 0 0 7 7 T I O N III AW MH# 97495 VALVE #134994 VALVE #135016 FH AW# 135115 12" PVC 74-0007 6" CI 304031 40' DRAINAGE EASEMENT DOC #200300077 OPRTC CONSTRUCTION IS PROHIBITED WITHIN THE WETLAND CEF INCLUDING DISTURBANCE OF LAND AND REMOVAL OF WOODY VEGETATION C E F B M M B F E C 150' WETLAND CEF SETBACK 6' S/W EASEMENT DOC #200300077 OPRTC 12' P.U.E DOC# 200300077 OPRTC AW MH# 79550 CEFBM L F F L C E F B M L F FL M B F E C F L FL C C C C C 19 18 17 16 15 L F F L L F L F F L F L M B F E D C D M B F E C T CEFBM L F L F L F L F F L …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-002 Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0376D Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Lake Austin Watershed Water Supply Rural Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: Seconded by: Perry Bedford 1. Protect the natural shoreline areas and larger wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) W-13 by providing a 3:1 H:V slope from the lake bottom elevation at the shoreline to the final dredge depth. 2. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (2,125 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FACW and OBL species) within 5 feet of the shoreline to a maximum depth of 1 foot. 3. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (1,321 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FAC and FACW species) on the other 14 existing wetland CEFs on land. 4. Restore all areas disturbed in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per Standard Specification 609S.) 5. Limit dredging within the 25% and 50% Critical Root Zones (CRZ) of trees along the shoreline to outside of the existing concrete retaining walls. 6. Provide measures to minimize/avoid sediment discharge including: 1) stabilized construction entrance and access road from the Channel Rd entrance to the barge access location and, 2) silt fencing and mulch logs downslope of staging, storage and dewatering areas, and 3) stabilized dewatering area for dredge bags, 4) floating turbidity curtain downstream of the dewatering operation, and 5) floating turbidity curtain surrounding active dredge area. 7. Conduct dredging via hydraulic methods using floating excavator units and bagging of material. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions; 1. Supply information about best practices in maintaining the plants and avoiding using chemicals that cause Algae blooms. Each of the property owners will receive a packet that includes the Go Green manual. 2. Find a way to reuse the sediment after it is dried and evaluated for toxins. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-003 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this project is proposing modification of the City of Austin 100-year floodplain within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) to construct a biofiltration and detention pond and provide compensatory flood storage within the existing engineered drainage channel for a Smart Housing/Affordability Unlocked multifamily residential development. There are two wetland Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) on the site, located within existing drainage channels; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Elm Creek Watershed Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: 1. Provide ~44,000 square feet of additional wetland mitigation including: 1) native plantings in sedimentation and filtration basins of the biofiltration pond, 2) low-grow native seeding in the detention pond, 3) an enhanced nonerosive pond outfall, 4) planting of native trees, shrubs and bunchgrasses in CEF setbacks and mitigation areas. 2. Provide native pollinator species for wetland CEF mitigation and floodplain restoration plantings. 3. Provide an edge barrier of limestone blocks around the perimeter of the modified CEF setbacks/restoration areas to prevent mowing and/or encroachment in these areas. 4. Provide wetland CEF educational signage next to the CEF setbacks/restoration areas. 5. Provide floodplain restoration plantings of native trees and shrubs for the remaining open area (26,349 square feet/0.61 acres) maximizing restoration within the CWQZ and enhancing the floodplain from an existing condition of Fair to Excellent. 6. Pay $382,157.63 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for the remaining required floodplain mitigation (376,326 square feet/8.63 acres) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. 1 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: 1. Recommend finding a space for a community garden and provide education programing and signage to community members. 2. Partner with local non-profits on community gardening. 3. Recommend planting native pecan trees. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-004 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Motion by: Melinda Schiera WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City; and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% citywide tree canopy by 2050; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on March 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to explore a right-of-way design and management plan to promote green infrastructure including street trees in the right-of-way while ensuring the safety and reliability of utility infrastructure; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on November 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to develop an incentive program to encourage the preservation of trees that have a diameter between 8 and 18 inches on residential lots through the provision of a credit toward development fees and directing funding and elements of the program; and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022. Thereafter in February 2023, 30% of the tree canopy was impacted by winter storm Mara, highlighting the need for updated satellite imagery; and WHEREAS, the tree canopy in the Blackland prairie ecoregion of Austin is less than Edwards Uplift ecoregion of Austin; and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy in balance with understory plants and prairie ecosystems mitigates heat island effects, sequesters carbon, improves community health, and improves biodiversity; and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to Environmental Commissioners at the City of Austin Functional Green Workshop that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving; and WHEREAS, the mitigation payment rates to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund (UFRF) defined in the Environmental Criteria Manual 3.5.4, in lieu of replacement or preservation, have not been updated since 2010; and 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends Council adopt the following actions to expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy by: 1. Recommend reviewing the Climate Equity Plan of reaching 50% canopy by 2025 to find ways to reach that goal by 2040. 2. Augment the current inventory plans to capture satellite imagery to calculate the city- wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four years in order to evaluate the tree canopy percentage in a more cost-effective manner and gain the ability to track progress towards tree …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-005 Second by: David Sullivan Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy 1 of 4 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing …
