20250402-003: Walnut Creek WWTP Ordinance Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250402-003 Date: April 2, 2025 Subject: Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Motioned By: Jennifer Bristol Seconded By: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend Land Development Code (LDC) Chapter 25-1 25-5, 25-7, and 25-8 and related variances as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes on March 27th, 2025 the City Council approved Resolution No. 20250327-062 initiating variances and amendments to the Land Development Code; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands a significant portion of the property is located within the 100-year floodplain and the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) of Walnut Creek, and in the Colorado River watershed; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the amendment with the following conditions: • The project will be required to seek administrative variances for proposed development that exceeds or modifies the requirements of: • 25-8-301 (Construction on Slopes) • 25-8-341 (Cut Requirements) • 25-8-342 (Fill Requirements) • 25-8-264 & 25-8-263 (Heritage Trees) • For administrative variances granted by this ordinance, the project must demonstrate that no feasible, code-compliant design alternatives exist. • The project will be designed to bore the new effluent waterline under Walnut Creek instead of using an open-cut channel. • The project extends the CWQZ associated with the southernmost segment of Walnut Creek to an area 150% the size of the proposed impacted CWQZ. • The project commits to relocation of impacted heritage trees where feasible. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends to amend the Land Development Code with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Increase marking and interpretation of wastewater conservation programs to everyone in 2. Improve incentives for new and remodel construction to utilize water conservation the service area programs approvals zone (CWQZ) 150% to 200% other benefits completion 3. Request additional downstream nutrient meters beyond TCEQ requirements 4. Report back to the Environmental Commission annually on all administrative variance 5. Incorporate natural elements and native Texas plants along the base of the floodwall to 6. Incorporate a tree management plan for the heritage trees and trees planted on the increase biodiversity property and mitigation property 7. Reduce light pollution with dark skies lighting 8. Prioritize purchasing adjacent properties that would increase the critical water quality 9. Extend the CWQZ associated with the southernmost segment of Walnut Creek from 10. Enhance and improve the public benefit with birding, walking, nature exploration, and 11. Require installation of solar panels to be used onsite or produce energy for the region 12. Receive an annual report at the Environmental Commission of the project through 13. Utilize low-carbon concrete in the project 14. Explore the feasibility of transferring or utilizing 50 acres to the Parks and Recreation Department as parkland Vote: 8-1 For: Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: Richard Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Ashika Ganguly Attest: Elizabeth Funk, Environmental Commission Liaison