Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006b Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Persimmons Construction Plans, C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff does not recommend the variance having determined the findings of fact have not been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends denial of the requested variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet within 100 feet of a classified waterway. For: Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: Creel Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 9-1 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200520-006c Date: May 20, 2020 Subject: Vi Collina Multifamily, SP-2019-0529C.SH Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance to: 1. Vary from 25-8-302(B)(1) to allow construction of a building on a slope between 15 and 25 percent, where impervious cover on slopes over 15 percent exceeds 10 percent of the total area of the slopes over 15 percent. 2. Vary from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope over 15 percent. 3. Vary from 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. 4. Vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill exceeding 4 feet on slopes over 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances with conditions, having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the four requested variances from LDC 25-8-302(B)(1), 25-8-302(A)(2), 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 as detailed above with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Both the water quality pond and the detention pond will be moved to underneath the driveway. 2. 3. 4. 22 parking spaces will be removed. Impervious cover will be slightly below the allowable 60 percent. 17 additional trees (greater than 8 inches diameter) will be saved in the southeast corner of the site. Two additional trees will be saved in the middle of the site near E Oltorf St. 5. Applicant will commit to removing invasive trees. 6. Applicant will commit to a tree care plan for the remaining trees. 7. 8. Landscape plan will include COA Grow Green materials. Property will be built to AEGB standards, which include but are not limited to, low flow toilet fixtures; irrigation/rain sensors; native plant material; high efficiency lighting including LED for all site lighting; E‐Star appliances; low VOC paints and coatings; and filtration for indoor air quality. 1 For: Creel, Smith, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, Gordon, and Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None VOTE 10-0 Absent: Nill Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. 3. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 20, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Ryan Nill Mary Ann Neely Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Commissioners Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Jonathan Garner Chris Herrington Hank Marley Atha Phillips Aurora Pizano CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None 1 5. 6. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. 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—Aurora Pizano, Financial Manager II, Austin Water (15 minutes) A motion to recommend Austin Water’s 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 was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 11-0 vote. b. Update on Austin Community Climate Plan—Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager, Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist, and Phoebe Romero, Environmental Program Coordinator, Office of Sustainability (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Additional 300K Ground Water Storage Tank Improvements 360, SP-2019-0417D Applicant: Gray Engineering, Inc. Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Location: 5418-1/2 Buckman Mountain Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Staff: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of four feet in depth and not more than 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. (15 minutes) A motion to recommend approval of the requested variance with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 11-0 vote. b. Name: Persimmons Construction Plans, C8-2019-0080.1B.SH Applicant: Dario Octaviano, City of Austin Public Works (Applicant) Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone June Routh, Dunaway Associates …
Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 15, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held April 15, 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, April 14, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 15, 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 30 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 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 15, 2020 3:00 P.M. To 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Watershed Protection Department response to the COVID-19 pandemic (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Water Oak Apartments, SP-2019-0109C Applicant: Gemsong Ryan, Jones Carter Location: 12125 S IH 35, Austin, TX 78747 Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department 2 Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: …
Pamela Abee‐Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 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[ Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone April 15, 2020 2 Site Location [ April 15, 2020 3 • Onion Creek Watershed • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Council District 5 April 15, 2020 4 • Steep, wooded valley bisects site. Site Location 2‐foot contours April 15, 2020 5 • Cut over 8 feet is restricted to ponds. April 15, 2020 6 • Slopes in main pond are between 15 and 35 percent. • Pond is designed to preserve Heritage trees. (See notches.) April 15, 2020 7 Request to vary from LDC 25‐8‐341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet on slopes exceeding 15 percent. VARIANCE REQUEST April 15, 2020 8 Staff recommends this variance with the following conditions: Stockpile and reserve topsoil for use in revegetation of disturbed areas. Revegetate disturbed areas adjacent to creek and pond with riparian plantings per 609S.6. Use enhanced erosion & sedimentation controls during construction to prevent outflow of sediment‐laden water from pond. VARIANCE RECOMMENDA‐ TION April 15, 2020 9
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 15, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Water Oak Apartments SP-2019-0109C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Gemsong Ryan Jones Carter LOCATION: 12125 S IH 35, Austin, TX 78747 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 5 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879 Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet on slopes exceeding 15 percent. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: 1. Stockpile and reserve topsoil for use in revegetation of disturbed areas. 2. Revegetate disturbed areas adjacent to creek and pond with riparian plantings per 609S.6. 3. Use enhanced erosion & sedimentation controls during construction to prevent outflow of sediment-laden water from pond. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Water Oak Apartments Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet, to 13 feet, on slopes exceeding 15 percent. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes The site slopes toward the middle, from east and west, toward an unclassified creek (drainage area less than 64 acres) that bisects the lot (see Applicant Exhibit 4 for topography). With a gross site area of 21.4 acres, 1.6 acres have slopes between 15 and 25 percent, 0.5 acres have slopes from 25 to 35 percent, and 0.04 acres have slopes over 35 percent. The steepest slopes are at the north, downstream end of the creek. This is also the best location for the detention pond, since it is the lowest point of the site. Developers of similarly situated properties have been allowed to grade over 4 feet for ponds located on steep slopes. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes The variance is not necessitated by …
ULLRICH WATER TREATMENT PLANT – ZEBRA MUSSEL MITIGATION PROJECT 1000 FOREST VIEW DRIVE SPC-03-0005C(R1) Scott E. Hiers, P.G. Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department And Pamela Abee-Taull Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 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. 2 PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Rural Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose • Over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 8 3 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. 4 5 BACKGROUND • To provide Zebra Mussel Mitigation at the raw water in-take using low concentration of copper sulfate penetahydate (CuSO4 ꞏ 5H2O). • Double-walled chemical storage, canopy and meeting system to the low service pump station (LSPS). • Proposed construction will coincide with existing impervious cover. 6 CODE REFERENCE Title 25 – Land Development Code, Chapter 25-8-281(C)(2)(b). 7 VARIANCE REQUEST Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction Zebra Mussel Mitigation System within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffer for a Rimrock CEF. 8 VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Finding of Facts have been met. Approval of variance with following condition: • Additional wetland mitigation and shoreline stabilization will be installed per Code, no special conditions. 9 0 1 The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary to control zebra mussel infestations in raw water transmission mains. 1 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 04/15/2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant SPC-03-0005C(R1) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: MWM Design Group; Shari Pape LOCATION: 3602½ Redbud Trail Unit C, 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Scott Hiers, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department, 512.974.1916, scott.hiers@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512.974.1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov Bee Creek, Little Bee Creek, & Lake Austin watersheds, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffer for a Rimrock CEF. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: None. Staff Findings of Fact Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant - SPC-03-0005C(R1) Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow construction within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffer for a Rimrock CEF [LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b)]. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary to control zebra mussel infestations in raw water transmission mains. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The variance is not necessitated by the design. No alternative locations are available on site for a Zebra Mussel Mitigation System. The system must be placed in or near the existing intake pump house. There is not enough room in the existing pump station to house the entire system, such as the chemical storage. All the proposed construction coincides within areas of existing impervious cover. No additional impervious cover is being added. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. The variance is …
DAVIS WATER TREATMENT PLANT – ZEBRA MUSSEL MITIGATION PROJECT 3352 MOUNT BONNELL ROAD SPC-03-0414(R1) Scott E. Hiers, P.G. Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department And Pamela Abee-Taull Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 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. PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Suburban &Rural Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose • Over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 10 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. BACKGROUND • To provide Zebra Mussel Mitigation at the raw water in-take using low concentration of copper sulfate penetahydate (CuSO4 ꞏ 5H2O). • Double-walled chemical storage, canopy and meeting system to the low service pump station (LSPS). CODE REFERENCE Title 25 – Land Development Code, Chapter 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) and 25-8-341. VARIANCE REQUEST 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction Zebra Mussel Mitigation System within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffers. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet, to 4.5 feet. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Finding of Facts have been met. Approval of variance with following condition: • Additional wetland mitigation and shoreline stabilization will be installed per Code, no special conditions. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary to control zebra mussel infestations in raw water transmission mains. Is not necessitated by …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 15, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Davis Water Treatment Plant SPC-2012-0414(R1) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: MWM Design Group; Shari Pape LOCATION: 3352 Mount Bonnell Road COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Scott Hiers, Environmental Scientist Senior; Watershed Protection Department, 512.974.1916, scott.hiers@austintexas.gov ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512.974.1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Huck’s Slough & Lake Austin watersheds, Water Supply Suburban & Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone REQUEST: Variance requests are as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffers. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet, to 4.5 feet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: None Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: Davis Water Treatment Plant - SPC-2012-0414(R1) Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow construction within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffer for a Rimrock CEF [LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b)]. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary to control zebra mussel infestations in raw water transmission mains. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The variance is not necessitated by the design. No alternative locations are available on site for a Zebra Mussel Mitigation System. The system must be placed in or near the existing intake pump house. There is not enough room in the existing pump station to house the entire system, such as the chemical storage. All the proposed construction coincides within areas of existing impervious cover. Minimal impervious cover is being added. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a …
ULLRICH WATER TREATMENT PLANT – ZEBRA MUSSEL MITIGATION PROJECT 1000 FOREST VIEW DRIVE SPC-03-0005C(R1) Scott E. Hiers, P.G. Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department And Pamela Abee-Taull Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 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. PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Rural Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose • Over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 8 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. BACKGROUND • To provide Zebra Mussel Mitigation at the raw water in-take using low concentration of copper sulfate pentahydate (CuSO4 ꞏ 5H2O). • Double-walled chemical storage, canopy and metering system to the low service pump station (LSPS). • Proposed construction will coincide with existing impervious cover. CODE REFERENCE Title 25 – Land Development Code, Chapter 25-8-281(C)(2)(b). VARIANCE REQUEST Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction Zebra Mussel Mitigation System within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffer for a Rimrock CEF. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Finding of Facts have been met. Approval of variance with following condition: • Additional wetland mitigation will be installed per Code, no special conditions. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary to control zebra mussel infestations in raw water transmission mains. Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made …
DAVIS WATER TREATMENT PLANT – ZEBRA MUSSEL MITIGATION PROJECT 3352 MOUNT BONNELL ROAD SPC-03-0414(R1) Scott E. Hiers, P.G. Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department And Pamela Abee-Taull Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 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. PROPERTY DATA • Lake Austin Watershed • Water Supply Suburban &Rural Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose • Over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 10 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. BACKGROUND • To provide Zebra Mussel Mitigation at the raw water in-take using low concentration of copper sulfate pentahydate (CuSO4 · 5H2O). • Double-walled chemical storage, canopy and metering system to the low service pump station (LSPS). CODE REFERENCE Title 25 – Land Development Code, Chapter 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) and 25-8-341. VARIANCE REQUEST 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction Zebra Mussel Mitigation System within 150-foot Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) buffers. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet, to 5.5 feet. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Finding of Facts have been met. Approval of variance with following condition: • Additional wetland mitigation will be installed per Code, no special conditions. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other City of Austin water treatment plants have the same chemical feed system in place to help control zebra mussel infestations in the raw water transmission main. Chemical treatment is necessary infestations in raw water to control zebra mussel transmission mains. Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200415 006a Date: April 15, 2020 Subject: Water Oak Apartments, SP-2019-0109C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet on slopes exceeding 15 percent; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Onion Creek Watershed, desired development zone and not over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend the variance with conditions having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variance from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet on slopes exceeding 15 percent with the following; Staff Conditions: 1. Stockpile and reserve topsoil for use in revegetation of disturbed areas 2. Revegetate disturbed areas adjacent to creek and pond with riparian plantings per 609S.6 3. Use enhanced erosion and sedimentation controls during construction to prevent outflow of sediment laden water from pond. Environmental Commission Conditions: None VOTE 9-0 For: Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon, Bedford, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Thompson 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200415 006b Date: April 15, 2020 RATIONALE: Subject: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, SPC-03-0005C(R1) Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Katie Coyne WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-281 (C)(2)(b) to allow construction within the 150-foot buffer for a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend the variance without conditions having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variance from LDC 25-8-281 (C)(2)(b) to allow construction within the 150-foot buffer for a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature with the following; Staff Conditions: None Environmental Commission Conditions: None VOTE 9-0 For: Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon, Bedford, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Thompson Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200415 006c Date: April 15, 2020 Subject: Davis Water Treatment Plant, SPC-2012-0414(R1) Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Katie Coyne RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-281 (C)(2)(b) to allow construction within the 150-foot buffer of Critical Environmental Features. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut exceeding 4 feet, to 5.5 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend the variance without conditions having determined the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variances from LDC 25-8-281 (C)(2)(b) to allow construction within the 150-foot buffer of Critical Environmental Features and LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut to 5.5 feet with the following; Staff Conditions: None Environmental Commission Conditions: None VOTE 9-0 For: Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon, Bedford, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Thompson 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. 3. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 15, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Curtis Smith Ryan Nill Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Peggy Maceo Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Andy Creel Pam Thompson Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Pamela Abee-Taulli Scott Hiers CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 3:03 P.M. 1. EDUCATION a. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. None ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Watershed Protection Department response to the COVID-19 pandemic (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None 1 5. 6. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Water Oak Apartments, SP-2019-0109C Applicant: Gemsong Ryan, Jones Carter Location: 12125 S IH 35, Austin, TX 78747 Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet on slopes exceeding 15 percent. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. (30 minutes) Commissioner Ramberg made a motion to recommend approval of the variance with conditions and was seconded by Commissioner Coyne. A substitute motion to consider a donation to Austin Wildlife Rescue failed on Commissioner Maceo’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 4-5 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Smith, Neely, Guerrero, and Maceo. Those voting nay were Commissioners Bedford, Nill, Ramberg, Coyne, and Gordon. Commissioners Creel and Thompson were absent. A motion to recommend approval of the variance with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Thompson were absent. b. Name: Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, SPC-03-0005C(R1) Applicant: MWM Design Group, Shari Pape Location: 3602 ½ Redbud Trail Unit C, Austin, TX 78746 Staff: Scott Hiers, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department and Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Bee Creek, Little Bee Creek, & Lake Austin Watersheds, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from …
1. 2. 3. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting March 4, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Katie Coyne (D-6) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. EDUCATION a. Update on City of El Paso Resilience Strategy, Nicole Ferrini, City of El Paso Chief Resilience Officer (30 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 19, 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on XSpace Group SP-2019-0189D variances b. Process for how to discuss miscellaneous reports at Environmental Commission meetings (5 minutes) (5 minutes) 1 4. 5. 6. STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. Presentation on Water Quality Compliance Pollution Data Viewer—Thain Maurer, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department (20 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider the future of Austin resilience planning—Katie Coyne, Environmental Commission Member and Vice Chair (20 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Lantana PCA Applicant: Michael Whellan, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Location: 415 Southwest Parkway (District 8) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Zone Request: Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions. (30 minutes) b. Name: HEB 10, SP-2019-0034C Applicant: Joe Farias, Stantec Consulting Service Location: 7901 W US Hwy, Austin, TX 78749 (District 8) Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone Classification, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) …
Spatially Displaying Water Quality Compliance Pollution Data Thain Maurer Environmental Compliance Supervisor Watershed Protection Department “Pollutant Locations” GIS Viewer Why am I presenting here today? Why did we create this tool? What does this new tool do? Context and cautions. Some ideas for future applications. Why am I Presenting Here Today? WQC is starting to use this viewer for reports Intro on interpreting data Ideas for other applications Why Create This Viewer? New Regulatory Requirements Why Create This Viewer? Educational Outreach Why Create This Viewer? Problem Areas by Pollutant Category Why Create This Viewer? Can We Correlate EII and Spills? What Does This Viewer Show? https://arcg.is/e0Pbe Spatially displays WQC pollutant data Has various statistical analyses of pollution data date range Allows sorting by pollutant group and Can display large spills and unrecovered volumes of pollutants Context and Cautions No toxicity information Heat map/Hotspot map are based on occurrences, not volumes Some data and trends are more easily seen in non-spatial analyses Context matters, especially for volumes Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Spatial vs Non-Spatial Future Applications and Projects Combining pollutant data with drainage maps to prioritize outfalls for dry weather screening Publicly available tool for raw pollutant location data Exploring how spills degrade stream health Thanks! Any questions?
