Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
MEMORANDUM TO: Linda Guerrero, Chair, Environmental Commission FROM: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review, DSD DATE: October 21, 2020 SUBJECT: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Revision 2 Variances Dear Chair Guerrero, Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, operated by Austin Water Utility, is critical to providing the City with safe drinking water. The site plan under review is a revision to the original site plan, which was approved in 2003. The plan includes multiple projects and will require seven Environmental variances, largely due to the site’s location in an environmentally sensitive area with numerous environmental constraints. Because of the unusually high number of variances, I have taken the uncommon step of providing a single set of findings for all the variances, rather than one set of findings for each variance. Additionally, I am including this memo to introduce the list of proposed projects. The overall purpose of the plan revision under review is to improve operator and environmental safety by eliminating potential hazards and to upgrade miscellaneous plant processes to ensure the plant can reliably deliver drinking water. The sludge change-over structure replaces existing structures that require confined space entry. Other improvements provide safety washdown areas and a looped, potable water supply to the facility. The spill containment structure will contain fugitive spills that may enter the existing storm drain system from chemical delivery areas and will prevent their discharge into Little Bee Creek. The Low Service Pump Station Electrical Feed Renewal project includes construction of a new electrical building, retaining walls, electrical and mechanical equipment, parking areas, access road, and duct bank routing. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Pamela Abee-Taulli, DSD Radmon Rice, WPD 1 ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: November 20, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Revision 2 SPC-03-0005C(R2) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Shari Pape, MWM Design Group LOCATION: 3602 ½ Redbud Trail, Austin, TX, 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. WATERSHED: REQUEST: Radmon Rice, Environmental Specialist, Watershed Protection Department, 512-974-3429, radmon.rice@austintexas.gov. Bee Creek, Little Bee Creek, and Lake Austin watersheds are classified Water Supply Rural. Lady Bird Lake watershed is classified Water Supply Suburban. Drinking Water Protection Zone 1. LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the Critical Water Quality Zone, and by extension in the Water Quality Transition Zone of a Water Supply Rural …
Case No.: (City use only) Environmental Resource Inventory For the City of Austin Related to LDC 25-8-121, City Code 30-5-121, ECM 1.3.0 & 1.10.0 The ERI is required for projects that meet one or more of the criteria listed in LDC 25-8-121(A), City Code 30-5-121(A). 1. SITE/PROJECT NAME: 2. COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT PROPERTY ID (#’s): 3. ADDRESS/LOCATION OF PROJECT: 4. WATERSHED: 5. THIS SITE IS WITHIN THE (Check all that apply) Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone* (See note below) .................. YES No Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone*.................................. YES No Edwards Aquifer 1500 ft Verification Zone* ....................... YES No Barton Spring Zone* .......................................................... YES No *(as defined by the City of Austin – LDC 25-8-2 or City Code 30-5-2) Note: If the property is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge zone, the Hydrogeologic Report and karst surveys must be completed and signed by a Professional Geoscientist Licensed in the State of Texas. 6. DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE FLOODPLAIN MODIFICATION?.......YES** NO If yes, then check all that apply: (1) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary to protect the public health and safety; (2) The floodplain modifications proposed would provide a significant, demonstrable environmental benefit, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health as prescribed by the Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM), or (3) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary for development allowed in the critical water quality zone under LDC 25-8-261 or 25-8-262, City Code 30-5-261 or 30-5-262. (4) The floodplain modifications proposed are outside of the Critical Water Quality Zone in an area determined to be in poor or fair condition by a functional assessment of floodplain health. ** If yes, then a functional assessment must be completed and attached to the ERI (see ECM 1.7 and Appendix X for forms and guidance) unless conditions 1 or 3 above apply. 7. IF THE SITE IS WITHIN AN URBAN OR SUBURBAN WATERSHED, DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE A UTILITY LINE PARALLEL TO AND WITHIN THE CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE? ......................................................... YES*** NO ***If yes, then riparian restoration is required by LDC 25-8-261(E) or City Code 30-5-261(E) and a functional assessment must be completed and attached to the ERI (see ECM1.5 and Appendix X for forms and guidance). 8. There is a total of (#’s) Critical Environmental Feature(s)(CEFs) on or within150 feet of the project site. If CEF(s) are present, attach a detailed DESCRIPTION of the CEF(s), color PHOTOGRAPHS, the CEF WORKSHEET and …
Appeal Regarding the Urban Forester’s decision on two Cottonwood trees 42” and 20” Trees Located in the Right of Way on Crown Ct, Austin TX INTENDED PURPOSE OF APPEAL: • To communicate and demonstrate the serious issues that these trees cause to the City and property owners of Crown Ct. • To demonstrate that removal of these trees is necessary and warranted. • To elicit change to the “processes and procedures” employed by the Urban Forester regarding removal of Public Trees. • Property owners have no rights under the current rules. SUBJECT TREES & LOCATION – Crown Ct, Austin TX A/C Unit 34” 20” 42” >19” 4 Large Cottonwood Trees – All 4 are female trees that produce “Cotton Fuzz” A/C Unit 34” 20” 42” >19” Background Information on Cottonwood Trees • It is well documented that cottonwood trees are hazardous trees that are prone to rot from the inside out, with no visible signs of this decay on the outside of the tree. Trunk analysis is necessary to determine the extent of decay. • Their roots are known to damage pipes and other infrastructure. • Their “cotton fuzz” seeds are a serious fire hazard and nuisance for municipalities and property owners. • Hundreds, if not thousands, of municipalities in the US have banned these trees for the above reasons. “The Dirt Doctor” Article on Cottonwood Trees: • The author, Howard Garret is: • Nationally syndicated Organic Gardening talk show host • Arborist and specialist in natural organic tree care • Columnist for the Dallas Morning News • Author of 15 books on organic gardening, landscaping and pest control • Chairman of Texas Organic Research Center (TORC) • Organic Advisory Board Texas Department of Agriculture • https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Cottonwood_vq924.htm The Dirt Doctor – Cottonwood Trees • FINAL SPACING: Do not plant • IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION: Cottonwood is a very fast growing, upright messy tree. It sends out cotton all over the place in the spring, has brittle wood and it has large limbs. Its root system is extremely shallow, ravenous and destructive. It normally will have quite a bit of dead wood in the tree. • PROBLEMS: Cottonwood is short lived, has a destructive root system and the cottony seed from the female plant is a nuisance and damaging to electrical appliances. Stressed trees are commonly attacked by borers. The root system is susceptible to cotton root rot and other root diseases. This …
City of Austin Public Works Department ISA Certified Arborist, TX 3735-A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Environmental Commission To: From: Lisa Killander Date: November 13, 2020 Re: Denial of request to remove –20-inch Cottonwood in the Right-of-Way (ROW) located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas Posting Language: Consider a request from a private property owner, Patrick Fulker to appeal the Urban Forester’s denial of application for an administrative approval, as provided for in City Code Section 6-3-91, to remove public trees located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas 78729. City’s Determination: Denial of request to remove the following Public Tree: 20” COTTONWOOD TREE LOCATED WITHIN CITY ROW 13213 VILLA PARK DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78729 Right of appeal: A person may appeal a denial to remove a Public Tree to the Environmental Commission under City Code Section 6-3-91. Action required of this Commission on appeal: The Commission may overrule, sustain, or modify the determination. City Code Section 6-3-93. Summary of the Title 6 Process: Prior to removing a tree on public property, a person must obtain approval from the Urban Forester. The Urban Forester will review the request and either approve or deny the request in accordance with City Code 6-3-73. If the Urban Forester denies the request to remove a public tree, a person may appeal the denial to the Environmental Commission. During the hearing on the appeal, both staff and the person appealing the Urban Forester’s decision may present written information and address the Commission. Following the hearing on the appeal, City Code 6-3-91 requires that the Environmental Commission sustain, modify, or overrule the Urban Forester’s decision regarding the tree/s in question. Background and Discussion In January 2020, Patrick Fulker, homeowner at 13213 Villa Park Dr, applied to the Development Services Department (DSD) for a permit to remove two protected Cottonwood trees, sizes 34 and 20 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). DSD forwarded the request to Public Works Forestry (PWF) to make a determination of ownership. On January 24, the site was visited by a Forestry Inspector who is also an ISA Certified Arborist. PWF informed DSD that the trees were in the ROW and should be preserved. DSD denied the permit as the trees were located in the City ROW and PWF determined the trees should remain. In May, Mr. Fulker reached out to the PWF Program Manager directly to ask about options for removing the …
Appeal Regarding the Urban Forester’s decision on removal of a Cottonwood tree 20” Tree Located in the Right of Way on Crown Ct, Austin TX 1 What Complications Arise from Cottonwood Trees? Joshua Wilke | July 1, 2019 Cottonwoods are a trouble-making tree for many reasons. They have those irritating seeds that float into every nook and cranny, and sticky buds that fall off everywhere. These buds are troublesome to get off of cars and will stain carpets yellow if tracked inside. Even though they can practically grow all over the United States and in many environments, cottonwoods are not as resilient as they seem. They are a fast-growing species. In fact, they are the fastest growing trees in North America, growing 6 feet or more in height per year. This puts them at risk for having weaker, more porous wood than other types of trees. They have a propensity to be penetrated by infestations, to rot, and to break more easily. Because their weak wood is more likely than other trees to be diseased, rotten, or bug infested, they are more likely to die, break, and fall. The summer season is especially dangerous as it is a time when cottonwoods are growing too fast for their own good, thus making them more vulnerable to breakage. Because they grow so easily and quickly in many places, their root systems are likely to spread where they shouldn’t and tear underground things, like pipes, apart. They also are a major culprit in the destruction of wetlands and retaining ponds. https://www.skyhightreeremoval.com/2019/07/01/what‐complications‐arise‐from‐cottonwood‐trees/ 2 SUBJECT TREE & LOCATION Crown Ct, Austin TX 34” 20” 3 34” Tree and 20” Tree damaging property owner’s pipes • Property owner provided repair documents and pictures of pipe damage caused by these trees and their roots to the Urban Forester. • Large roots from both trees are on my water line. My pipes have been damaged multiple times. • Urban Forester was immediately dismissive of these facts. 4 5 34” Tree – roots visibly bending water valves on the surface. Urban Forester was not persuaded with this fact. 6 Root was excavated by Austin Water – Roots are clearly destroying pipes. 7 8 Large root from 20” Cottonwood tree over my water main. 9 Large root from 20” Cottonwood tree over my water main. Yellow line indicates approximate location of water line. 10 URBAN FORESTER RE‐ASSESSMENT OF SITUATION: • …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20201120 002a Subject: 2020 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Town Lake Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero Date: November 20, 2020 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2020 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Managed Concessions on Town Lake. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends continuation of the concession contracts on Lady Bird Lake Park with the following; Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Consistent with the Environmental Commission’s previous recommendations: in the 2021 Annual Report, PARD staff will verify that three years of records for marine waste disposal have been maintained for any entity that pumps waste on Lady Bird Lake, and that these monthly records are included in the public record going forward. 2. PARD staff should review the number of public and private boats that are typically on Lady Bird Lake, and if there is a capacity issue, that should be considered; including consultation with the City of Austin rescue teams and the Watershed Protection Department. 3. PARD should continue working on consistent terms and conditions in the various contracts to the extent 4. Include the waste pump-out data in the 2021 Annual Report. 5. Consider the physical, social, environmental capacity of Lady Bird Lake Park when anticipating 6. Provide an update on any new concessions, including the Seaholm Power Plant and the Zilker Plan. practicable. upcoming solicitations. VOTE 9-0 For: Gordon, Nill, Neely, Bedford, Thompson, Smith, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Maceo Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20201120 003a Subject: Concordia University Campus Residence Hall, SP-2020-0038C Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Wendy Gordon Date: November 20, 2020 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from the Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, LDC Chapter 9-10, Section 9-10-409(b) - for a cut exceeding four feet; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, LDC Chapter 9-10, Section 9-10-409(a) – for fill exceeding four feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances (with conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Subject to the Void and Water Flow Mitigation Rule (City Environmental Criteria Manual 1.12.0 and City Standards Specification Manual No. 658S) provision that all trenching greater than 5 feet deep must be inspected by a qualified Texas Professional Geoscientist or their representative; 2. Preserve the top 10 inches of topsoil to be used onsite; and 3. Increased tree mitigation and landscaping for areas of fill to stabilize erosion as shown on landscape plan submitted in this variance packet. VOTE 8-0 For: Gordon, Nill, Neely, Bedford, Thompson, Smith, Guerrero, Coyne Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Ramberg Absent: Creel, Maceo 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20201120 003b Subject: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Revision 2, SPC-03-0005C(R2) Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: November 20, 2020 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting seven variances from code including: 1) LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the Critical Water Quality Zone, and by extension in the Water Quality Transition Zone of a Water Supply Rural watershed in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone South [LDC 25-8-452] for: a) Phase 2: switchgear enclosure, duct bank and access drive, and b) Phase 3: containment basin, electric building and related duct banks, sludge changeover facility, 6” water line; 2) LDC 25-8-281 to allow construction within a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature buffer for: a) Phase 2: duct bank and access drive; 3) LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent for: a) Phase 2: duct bank and access drive; 4) LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25 percent for: a) Phase 2: switchgear enclosure and b) Phase 3: sludge change-over facility; 5) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut to sixteen (16) feet for: a) Phase 3: containment basin; 6) LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill to twelve (12) feet for: a) Phase 2: duct bank and access drive; and 7) LDC 25-8-423(C)(1)(a) to allow impervious cover to exceed the 20 percent limit for development in the uplands of a Water Supply Suburban watershed. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance (with conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following; Staff Conditions: electric station. VOTE 9-0 1. Applicant has designed permanent diversion and dissipation for the existing concentrated flow from the 2. Applicant has designed the rain gardens to avoid and preserve significant trees and has agreed to revegetate the rain gardens with native plants. 3. Applicant has redesigned the proposed road to preserve the wetland at the base of the rimrock. For: Gordon, Nill, Neely, Bedford, Thompson, Smith, Guerrero, Coyne, Ramberg Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Maceo Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20201120 003c Subject: Appeal request from Patrick Fulker at 13213 Villa Park Drive Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero Date: November 20, 2020 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant’s request for the Commission to consider a request from a private property owner, Patrick Fulker to appeal the Public Works Urban Forester’s denial of application for an administrative approval, as provided in City Code Section 6-3-91, to remove a 20-inch public tree located at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Austin, Texas 78729. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin Urban Forester staff have denied the request to remove the 20-inch cottonwood tree in public ROW at the above-noted address; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission may overrule, sustain or modify the determination per City Code Section 6-3-93. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends sustaining the denial of the request to remove the public tree based on the following justification; 1) 2) Per City staff, the 20-inch cottonwood is in good health and within public right of way; and with the following understanding that it is not the Environmental Commission’s wishes to disallow the property owner from the same right to appeal of this decision in the future if more conclusive evidence of conflicts from the 20-inch cottonwood and Mr. Fulker’s waterline can be presented. VOTE 9-0 For: Gordon, Nill, Bedford, Thompson, Smith, Guerrero, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Neely Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Friday, November 20, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Friday, November 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Nill Pam Thompson Curtis Smith Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Peggy Maceo Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Margaret Stenz Keith Mars Kristy Nguyen Lisa Killander Liz Johnston Mike McDougal Pamela Abee-Taulli Patricia Rossett Radmon Rice Suzanne Piper CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 1:05 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Speakers Dave Piper 1 1. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the October 21, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting failed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Smith’s second. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Nill abstained. Commissioner Creel was absent. Commissioner Maceo was off the dais. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Make a recommendation regarding the creation, continuation, or termination and status of Lady Bird Lake concessions contained in the 2020 Annual Report of City of Austin/Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Town Lake— Margaret Stenz, Contract Management Specialist III, Parks and Recreation Department (15 minutes) A motion to recommend continuation of the concession contracts on Lady Bird Lake Park with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. Commissioner Maceo was off the dais. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Concordia University Campus Residence Hall, SP-2020-0038C Applicant: Brandon Hamman, P.E., LEED AP – Kimley-Horn & Associates Location: 11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin, TX, 78726 (District 6) Staff: Kristy Nguyen, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: 1. Request to vary from Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, LDC Chapter 9-10, Section 9-10-409(b) - for cut exceeding four feet 2. Request to vary from Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, …
Remote Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 4, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held November 4, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, November 3, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the November 4, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (4 de noviembre de 2020 a las 6:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (3 de noviembre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de …
Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department Radmon Rice Environmental Specialist Watershed Protection Department ULLRICH LOW SERVICE PUMP STATION ELECTRICAL FEED RENEWAL 3602 1/2 REDBUD TRL UNIT C SPC-03-0005C(R2) PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0510Miles[ PROJECT LOCATION Lake Austin Westlake Hills Lady Bird Lake PROPERTY DATA •Water Supply Rural • Bee Creek, Little Bee Creek, and Lake Austin watersheds •Water Supply Suburban • Lady Bird Lake watershed •Drinking Water Protection Zone •Full Purpose Jurisdiction •Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone •Wetland & Rimrock Critical Environmental Features •Council District 8 CONSTRAINTS Existing plant from 2003 CONSTRAINTS Steep slopes CONSTRAINTS Multiple Critical Water Quality Zones & Water Quality Transition Zones CWQZ WQTZ CONSTRAINTS Rimrock & Wetland CEFs Rimrock Wetlands BACKGROUND The plan proposes 6 projects to upgrade an existing City of Austin water treatment plant. The purpose is to improve operator and environmental safety by eliminating potential hazards and to upgrade miscellaneous plant processes to ensure the plant can reliably deliver drinking water. 6 PROJECTS In two phases. •Phase 2 •Phase 3 Phase 2 Phase 3 PHASE 2 1. Switchgear enclosure (#7) 2. Duct bank and access drive (#8) 8 7 1. Containment basin 3. Sludge changeover facility PHASE 3 2. Electric building and 4. 6-inch water line related duct banks 7 VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. Vary LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the Critical Water Quality Zone, and by extension in the Water Quality Transition Zone of a Water Supply Rural watershed in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone South [LDC 25-8-452]. 2. Vary LDC 25-8-281 to allow construction within a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature buffer. 3. Vary LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 4. Vary LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25 percent 7 VARIANCE REQUESTS 5. Vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut to sixteen …
MEMORANDUM TO: Linda Guerrero, Chair, Environmental Commission FROM: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review, DSD DATE: October 21, 2020 SUBJECT: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Revision 2 Variances Dear Chair Guerrero, Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, operated by Austin Water Utility, is critical to providing the City with safe drinking water. The site plan under review is a revision to the original site plan, which was approved in 2003. The plan includes multiple projects and will require seven Environmental variances, largely due to the site’s location in an environmentally sensitive area with numerous environmental constraints. Because of the unusually high number of variances, I have taken the uncommon step of providing a single set of findings for all the variances, rather than one set of findings for each variance. Additionally, I am including this memo to introduce the list of proposed projects. The overall purpose of the plan revision under review is to improve operator and environmental safety by eliminating potential hazards and to upgrade miscellaneous plant processes to ensure the plant can reliably deliver drinking water. The sludge change-over structure replaces existing structures that require confined space entry. Other improvements provide safety washdown areas and a looped, potable water supply to the facility. The spill containment structure will contain fugitive spills that may enter the existing storm drain system from chemical delivery areas and will prevent their discharge into Little Bee Creek. The Low Service Pump Station Electrical Feed Renewal project includes construction of a new electrical building, retaining walls, electrical and mechanical equipment, parking areas, access road, and duct bank routing. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Pamela Abee-Taulli, DSD Radmon Rice, WPD 1 ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: November 4, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Revision 2 SPC-03-0005C(R2) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Shari Pape, MWM Design Group LOCATION: 3602 ½ Redbud Trail, Austin, TX, 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. WATERSHED: REQUEST: Radmon Rice, Environmental Specialist, Watershed Protection Department, 512-974-3429, radmon.rice@austintexas.gov. Bee Creek, Little Bee Creek, and Lake Austin watersheds are classified Water Supply Rural. Lady Bird Lake watershed is classified Water Supply Suburban. Drinking Water Protection Zone 1. LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the Critical Water Quality Zone, and by extension in the Water Quality Transition Zone of a Water Supply Rural …
Case No.: (City use only) Environmental Resource Inventory For the City of Austin Related to LDC 25-8-121, City Code 30-5-121, ECM 1.3.0 & 1.10.0 The ERI is required for projects that meet one or more of the criteria listed in LDC 25-8-121(A), City Code 30-5-121(A). 1. SITE/PROJECT NAME: 2. COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT PROPERTY ID (#’s): 3. ADDRESS/LOCATION OF PROJECT: 4. WATERSHED: 5. THIS SITE IS WITHIN THE (Check all that apply) Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone* (See note below) .................. YES No Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone*.................................. YES No Edwards Aquifer 1500 ft Verification Zone* ....................... YES No Barton Spring Zone* .......................................................... YES No *(as defined by the City of Austin – LDC 25-8-2 or City Code 30-5-2) Note: If the property is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge zone, the Hydrogeologic Report and karst surveys must be completed and signed by a Professional Geoscientist Licensed in the State of Texas. 6. DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE FLOODPLAIN MODIFICATION?.......YES** NO If yes, then check all that apply: (1) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary to protect the public health and safety; (2) The floodplain modifications proposed would provide a significant, demonstrable environmental benefit, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health as prescribed by the Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM), or (3) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary for development allowed in the critical water quality zone under LDC 25-8-261 or 25-8-262, City Code 30-5-261 or 30-5-262. (4) The floodplain modifications proposed are outside of the Critical Water Quality Zone in an area determined to be in poor or fair condition by a functional assessment of floodplain health. ** If yes, then a functional assessment must be completed and attached to the ERI (see ECM 1.7 and Appendix X for forms and guidance) unless conditions 1 or 3 above apply. 7. IF THE SITE IS WITHIN AN URBAN OR SUBURBAN WATERSHED, DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE A UTILITY LINE PARALLEL TO AND WITHIN THE CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE? ......................................................... YES*** NO ***If yes, then riparian restoration is required by LDC 25-8-261(E) or City Code 30-5-261(E) and a functional assessment must be completed and attached to the ERI (see ECM1.5 and Appendix X for forms and guidance). 8. There is a total of (#’s) Critical Environmental Feature(s)(CEFs) on or within150 feet of the project site. If CEF(s) are present, attach a detailed DESCRIPTION of the CEF(s), color PHOTOGRAPHS, the CEF WORKSHEET and …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA Concordia University Campus Residence Hall, SP-2020-0038C Brandon Hamman, P.E., LEED AP – Kimley-Horn & Associates LOCATION: 11400 Concordia University Drive, 78726 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Kristy Nguyen, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, (512) 974-3035, Kristy.Nguyen@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, Section 9-10-409(b) – for a cut exceeding four feet Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. 1. Subject to the Void and Water Flow Mitigation Rule (City Environmental Criteria Manual 1.12.0 and City Standards Specification Manual No. 658S) provision that all trenching greater than 5 feet deep must be inspected by a qualified Texas Professional Geoscientist or their representative; 2. Preserve the top 10 inches of topsoil to be used onsite; and 3. Increased tree mitigation and landscaping for areas of fill to stabilize erosion as shown on landscape plan submitted in this variance packet. Staff Findings of Fact and Exhibits Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Concordia University Campus Residence Hall, SP-2020-0038C Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Schlumberger Planned Development Area, Ordinance No. 20070215-042 (as amended) and Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, as stated in the Planned Development Area Section 9-10-409(b) – for a cut exceeding four feet Variance Request: Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Section 9-10-377 of the A. City Code: 1. Are there special circumstances applicable to the property involved where strict application deprives such property owner of privileges or safety enjoyed by other similarly situated property with similarly timed development? In site plan case #SP-2007-0231C, a variance to Lake Austin Yes Ordinance #840301-F, Sections 9-10-409(a) and 9-10-409(b) was granted for a max cut of +/-5.8’ and a max fill of +/- 17.5’ to construct a parking area, baseball field, and fieldhouse. Thereafter, a variance to the same code sections was granted for a max cut of +/-9.25’ and a max fill of +/- 14.85’ to construct a water quality and detention facility, a water quality channel, a softball field, and associated parking in site plan case #SP-2013-0476C. 2. Does the project demonstrate minimum departures from the terms of the …
CONCORDIA CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALL 11400 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78726 SP-2020-0038C Kristy Nguyen Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 Concordia Campus Residence Hall SP-2020-0038C Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0 5 10 Miles[ 2 PROPERTY DATA • Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 6 • Subject to Schlumberger Planned Development Area, Ordinance No. 20070215-042 (as amended) and Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F, as stated in the Planned Development Area 3 VICINITY EXHIBIT 4 VARIANCE REQUEST Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance No. 840301-F - Section 9-10-409(a) – for a fill exceeding four feet - Section 9-10-409(b) – for a cut exceeding four feet 5 FINDINGS OF FACT LAKE AUSTIN WATERSHED ORDINANCE, SECTION 9-10-377 TO VARY FROM SECTION 9-10- 409(A) – FOR A FILL EXCEEDING FOUR FEET 6 FINDINGS OF FACT LAKE AUSTIN WATERSHED ORDINANCE SECTION 9-10-377 1. Are there special circumstances applicable to the property involved where strict application deprives such property owner of privileges or safety enjoyed by other similarly situated property with similarly timed development? Staff Determination: Yes In site plan case #SP-2007-0231C, a variance to Lake Austin Ordinance #840301-F, Sections 9-10-409(a) and 9-10-409(b) was granted for a max cut of +/-5.8’ and a max fill of +/- 17.5’ to construct a parking area, baseball field, and fieldhouse. Thereafter, a variance to vary from the same code sections was granted for a max cut of +/-9.25’ and a max fill of +/- 14.85’ to construct a water quality and detention facility, a water quality channel, a softball field, and associated parking in site plan case #SP-2013-0476C. 7 FINDINGS OF FACT LAKE AUSTIN WATERSHED ORDINANCE SECTION 9-10-377 2. Does the project demonstrate minimum departures from the terms of the ordinance necessary to avoid such deprivation of privileges enjoyed by such other property and to facilitate a reasonable …
E RIV D R U O B R A H K C O R R O C D O ( 7 K C 0 # ' H 2 R A 0 . 0 O R 0 . B 0 0 W O 0 . 2 5 W U I D R T O H ) D P R T C R I V E R D O O C C # K 2 0 0 H 5 A 0 0 R 2 7 B 5 O O R P R D T C R . EXISTING WALMART PROPERTY EXISTING ALARA APARTMENTS PROPERTY E V I R D Y T I S R E V I N U A I D R O C N O C 00 200' 400' GRAPHIC SCALE 200' PROPERTY LINE LIMITS OF CONSTRUCTION EXISTING SOFTBALL FIELD UNOCCUPIED SPRING D V O R O A L I P R . N T 9 C 0 A 8 G 2 E , P E G A . 6 S 2 5 E M E N T 150' CEF BUFFER 50' CWQZ 150' CEF BUFFER 50' CWQZ 100' WQTZ D R A I N V A O L G . E 9 0 E 8 A 2 S , E M E O P P G R . 6 N T T 2 5 C P D R O E C S # E O 2 R P 0 V R 0 E 7 T T 1 C 0 R 6 A 6 1 3 C T RIM ROCK F L 1 8 " R C R P ( I M S E = ) 9 = 9 5 4 4 8 . . 0 5 ± ± D F R I L M F F L L 1 2 8 = 4 " 9 1 8 " " R 5 R R C P C 3 . C P 2 P ( ± ( ( N S N E E ) W ) = = 9 ) = 9 4 9 4 4 6 6 . . 8 6 8 ± . 8 ± ± D R F I L M 1 = 8 " 9 R 5 C 5 . 0 P ± ( S W ) = 9 5 1 . 1 ± EXISTING BASEBALL FIELD PROPOSED LIMITS OF CONSTRUCTION ET T TT T T T …
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 21, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held October 21, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, October 20, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 21, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (21 de octubre de 2020 a las 6:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (20 de octubre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace …
