ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240918-003 Date: September 13, 2024 Subject: Great Spring Project Seconded by: Motion by: __ WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation by Trails and Transportation Planner, Mikey Goralnik, of the Great Springs Project. The Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Great Springs Project is creating a greenway of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Connected by a network of spring-to-spring trails which link the four iconic springs of Central Texas: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. Great Springs Project works to unify existing local efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health challenges facing the Central Texas region.; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “increase connectivity between neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project has a mission, capacity and resources to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives. The organization also furthers the goals of conservation and watershed protection of environmentally sensitive karst areas and springs; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Protection Department, Transportation and Public Works Departments, and others as necessary, be encouraged to partner and collaborate with the Great Springs Project. Collaboration could entail a variety of activities, such as partnering on applications to state and 1 federal grants to support various trail implementation activities that the partnership determines to be necessary and effective. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Environmental Commission, recommends City Council consider, a memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, resolution of support, or similar, to establish a partnership with Great Springs Project that will …
GUIDING LOCAL // REGIONAL PLANS GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION // 9.18.24 PREMISE // RAPID GROWTH • WE LIVE IN ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING REGIONS IN THE US • (AND THAT GROWTH DOESN’T ALWAYS HAPPEN EFFICIENTLY OR STRATEGICALLY) • LAND USE PATTERNS CREATE CHALLENGES FOR BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE • DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS CHALLENGE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER IN THE REGION Map 1. The Built Environment Blazing a Trail in a Fast-Growing Region T C E J O R P S G N I A key challenge for this project is how to create a contiguous network of trails and open space as Central Texas transforms into a mega-region. Between now and 2036, the population of Texas will grow at three times the rate of the rest of the US; the four-county region is expected to grow nearly four times as fast.1, 2 This growth presents many challenges for Central Texas: • • • Strain on natural resources, such as water supply Strain on built infrastructure, such as transportation and utilities Loss of open spaces for wildlife, aquifer recharge, flood protection, and recreation Projected Population Growth Rates 2019–2036 SOURCES: - Population density based on 2010 geography using a 2020 population estimate (https://www.arcgis.com/home/item. html?id=db3f9c8728dd44e4ad455e0c27a85eea) - Developed land (Developed, Open Space; Developed, Low Intensity; Developed, Medium Intensity; Developed, High Intensity). National Land Cover Database (https://apd.maps.arcgis.com/home/item. html?id=3ccf118ed80748909eb85c6d262b426f) ______ 1 U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division; https://www.census. gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/intercensal-2000- 2010-counties.html 2 Texas Demographic Center https://demographics.texas.gov/ data/tpepp/projections/ 18 THE CH ALLENGE R P S T A E R G E G N E L L A H C E H T This plan will help local communities and regional organizations face these challenges by identifying a recommended network of connected trails and protected lands as the region grows. Opportunity in Growth The key conservation and trail-building opportunity that comes along with a growing population is the greater potential for the large- scale funding that will be needed to protect land for parks, trails, and open space. Recent examples include the Hays County 2020 Parks and Open Spaces Bond, the City of Austin’s 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond, and the Travis County 2023 Parks Bond. Similarly, increased coordination with development projects could yield substantial results for trails and open spaces, such as the following: 🟊🟊 Parkland and trail dedication with new residential and commercial development 🟊🟊 Coordination of trail development with TxDOT and other transportation partners 🟊🟊 …
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Texas Freshwater Mussel Updates TEXAS FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY COORDINATOR MATT JOHNSON AUSTIN TX ESFO MATTHEW_S_JOHNSON@FWS.GOV General Central Texas Freshwater Mussel Ecology Occupy freshwater rivers, creeks, and streams Inhabit streambeds consisting of mixtures of bedrock, cobble, gravel, sand, and silt Require a host fish to complete their unique reproductive cycle. Mussels can be host fish specialists or generalists. Require stable habits and adequate water quantity and quality: Pollution Appropriate Temperatures Instream Flows G. Pandolfi - FWS Habitat Requirements Substrate Suitable substrate requirements vary by species root wads Cobble, gravel, sand, silt – Stability! Some species will utilize undercut banks or Water Flow/Quantity Appropriate Flow Regime Flow Refugia – area of stream bed that is not mobilized during high flooding events Water Quality – Pollution, ammonia, turbidity, conductivity, etc. Water Temperature – behavior, feeding rate, dissolved oxygen consumption and reproduction are all tied to temperature Freshwater Mussel Habitats Primary Threats Habitat Alterations Flow alteration and decline (water quantity) Sediment accumulation Reduced water quality Fish barriers Overcollection Ammonia Freshwater Mussel Ecosystem Services Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation History 2007 – Suite of mussel species petitioned for listing under the ESA 2009 – USFWS issued a positive 90-day finding for most of the petitioned species 2009 – TPWD listed 15 species as State-Threatened 2011 – 12-month finding determined listing was warranted but precluded by other activities Resulted in mussel species being added to the Candidate List Species placed into listing work plan to be completed between FY20 and FY22. The Service created several Species Status Assessment (SSA) packages to review the status of selected freshwater mussel species across the state. SSA information is presented to a Recommendation Team where policy is applied to the best available science to reach a listing recommendation. The listing recommendation is then made to the Regional Director who decides if they approve or disapprove of the recommendation. What Actions did the Service Take? On August 26, 2021, the Service proposed: The listing of 5 freshwater mussels as Endangered with associated Critical Habitat The listing of 1 freshwater mussel as Threatened with a 4(d) rule and associated Critical Habitat Proposed critical habitat in 27 units (1,944 river miles …
1 Briefing on Occurrence, Distribution, and Protected Status of Austin-Area Freshwater Mussels N I T S U A F O Y T I C Environmental Commission September 18, 2024 Bianca J. Perez WPD Environmental Scientist Bianca.Perez@austintexas.gov W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Introduction • I m p r o ve wa t e r q u a l i t y h a b i t a t • P r o v i d e s t r u c t u r a l • P r o v i d e n u t r i e n t c y c l i n g a n d s t o r a g e • S e n t i n e l s p e c i e s N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Introduction N I T S U A F O Y T I C • H a b i t a t d e g r a d a t i o n • Impervious cover • E n v i r o n m e n t a l p o l l u t i o n • Anthropogenic pollution • F l o w m a n a g e m e n t / a t t e n u a t i o n • Highland Lakes • I n v a s i v e s p e c i e s • Zebra mussels • Asian clams 3 Zebra mussels Public awareness W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Stream restoration project N I T S U A F O Y T I C 4 Objectives O b t a i n g e n e r a l p o p u l a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240918-002 Date: September 18, 2024 Subject: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) located at 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Motion by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: Seconded by: Mariana Krueger • A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor per LDC 25-8-261 • A Land Use Commission variance is requested to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation per LDC 25-8-341 WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Williamson Creek, Suburban, Desired Development Zone. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. Payment into the Water Supply Mitigation Fund as per Appendix Q-7: Riparian Zone Mitigation of the ECM in the amount of $606,850 for 15.7 acres of required mitigation for a utility line installed parallel to a creek centerline. 2. All areas of the Limits of Construction (LOC) within the CWQZ will be restored with 609S Native Seeding and Planting per restoration plan sheets. 3. Previously identified portions of the exposed infrastructure for the existing and to be abandoned wastewater interceptor will be removed from the CWQZ and restored to natural conditions as per approved plans. 4. The abandoned wastewater interceptor diversion building will be demolished and the hill underneath it will be removed to provide additional floodwater storage and a consistent grade for the CWQZ and restoration of the riparian area at S. Pleasant Valley Road and Williamson Creek. 5. An odor control facility will be installed as part of the project to reduce impacts to adjacent properties. Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Continue to communicate with the communities, property owners, and renters that are nearby and potentially affected by the projects any concerns that may arise such as odors and emissions controls. 2. Consider reaching out and working with Friends of Grand Meadows and other organizations to encourage food sources that minimize food desert effects. 3. Environmental mats will be used instead of crushed gravel for temporary road access For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Melinda Schiera, Colin Nickells, David Sullivan, Richard Brimer Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol wherever VOTE: 8-0 Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240918-003 Seconded by: Mariana Krueger Date: September 18, 2024 Subject: Great Spring Project Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation by Trails and Transportation Planner, Mikey Goralnik, of the Great Springs Project. The Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Great Springs Project is creating a greenway of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Connected by a network of spring-to-spring trails which link the four iconic springs of Central Texas: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. Great Springs Project works to unify existing local efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health challenges facing the Central Texas region.; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “increase connectivity between neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project has a mission, capacity and resources to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives. The organization also furthers the goals of conservation and watershed protection of environmentally sensitive karst areas and springs; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Protection Department, Transportation and Public Works Departments, and others as necessary, be encouraged to partner and collaborate with the Great Springs Project. Collaboration could entail a variety of activities, such as partnering on applications to state and federal grants to support various trail implementation activities that the partnership determines to be necessary and effective. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Environmental Commission, recommends City Council consider, a memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, resolution of support, or similar, to establish a partnership with Great Springs …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, September 18, 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, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Philipson, Cell towers in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) Applicant: Kane Wei, P.E., Austin Water Utility (AWU) Location: From 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, 512-974-2128, Development Services Department, brad.jackson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor and b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation 1 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Speakers: Brad Jackson, DSD Kane Wei, applicant (AW) A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. A motion to approve the Williamson Creek Interceptor variances with conditions passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Great Springs Project – Mikey Goralnik, Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project; Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan Speakers: Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Ana Aguirre, member of the public A motion to recommend the Great Springs Project passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 6–1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer abstained. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:35 pm. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:41 pm. DISCUSSION ITEMS Briefing on the listing status of native mussels – Matt Johnson, Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Recovery Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service Item conducted as posted. No action …
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting September 16th, 2024 at 11:00 AM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Urban Forestry Committee will be participating by videoconference. 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: Richard Brimer (Committee Chair) Mariana Krueger Colin Nickells Melinda Schiera CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 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 STAFF BRIEFINGS Services Department 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 27, 2024 2. City Arborist Quarterly Report FY24 – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development 3. Staff briefing on Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual – Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please 512-568-2244, call Elizabeth Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 27, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of March 28, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on March 28th, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. City Arborist Quarterly Report FY24 – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on climate adaptation and Austin’s urban forest – Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair The commission discussed this item but did not take action. 5. Discussion and recommendation on the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair A motion to recommend the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report passed on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Nickels’s second, on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was off the dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 1:39 p.m. without objection.
Tree Preservation Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting September 5th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Preservation Inches Replanted for Mitigation Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard Removals (Site Plan and Stand-alone Tree Permits only) Thank you
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting September 5th, 2024 at 10:00 AM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Urban Forestry Committee will be participating by videoconference. 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: Richard Brimer (Committee Chair) Mariana Krueger Colin Nickells Melinda Schiera CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 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 STAFF BRIEFINGS Services Department 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 27, 2024 2. City Arborist Quarterly Report FY24 – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development 3. Staff briefing on Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual – Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please 512-568-2244, call Elizabeth Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at
Tree Preservation Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting September 5th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Preservation Inches Replanted for Mitigation Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard Removals (Site Plan and Stand-alone Tree Permits only) Thank you
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 27, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of March 28, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on March 28th, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. City Arborist Quarterly Report FY24 – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on climate adaptation and Austin’s urban forest – Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair The commission discussed this item but did not take action. 5. Discussion and recommendation on the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair A motion to recommend the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report passed on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Nickels’s second, on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was off the dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 1:39 p.m. without objection.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 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). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 21, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on August 28, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Name:1107 Castle Ridge Rd Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Recommendation: Not recommended Make a recommendation regarding the request for 200 E Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0057) located at 200 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Name: Dominium Sage at Franklin Park, SP-2023-0389C.SH Applicant: Nick Brown, Kimley Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultant Location: 4605 S Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: District 2 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, david.michael@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 15 feet in depth. Staff Recommendation: …
1. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 28, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Briefing on Environmental Commission recommendations, including findings of fact and appropriate conditions for land use commission variances – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department; Chrissy Mann, Assistant City Attorney; and AJ Urteaga, Assistant City Attorney Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of cut and fill variances, including what they are and potential positive and negative outcomes associated with their approval – Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:24 pm. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:30 pm. 1 3. 4. Discuss the committees of the Environmental Commission, including the status of current and past committees – Environmental Commission Chair Perry Bedford Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2024-2025 calendar year – Environmental Commission Chair Perry Chair Bedford Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 9:42 pm. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, August 21, 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, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 7, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on August 7, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Einhorn and Nickells were off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan – Kim McKnight, Parks and Recreation Speakers: Kim McKnight, PARD Katie Robinson Edwards, Umlauf Amanda Valbracht, Umlauf Richard Weiss, Member of the public A motion recommending the Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan with additional recommendations passed on Commissioner 1 3. 4. 5. Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 6–0 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Cofer abstained. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Revisit a recommendation on an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 related to development regulations applicable to residential re-subdivisions and multi-family residential site development of five to sixteen units (Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 & Infill Plats) – Presented by Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection, requested by Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol and Hanna Cofer Speakers: Matt Hollon, WPD Frances Acuña, speaking against Ana Aguirre, speaking against Bobby Levinski, speaking against Irene Pickhardt, speaking against Tanzia Karim, speaking against Megan Meisenbach, speaking against Ramesh Swaminathan, WPD Kevin Shunk, WPD Liz Johnston, WPD A motion by Chair Bedford to extend the meeting to 10:30, seconded by Commissioner Krueger, passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. A motion recommending the Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 & Infill Plats Ordinance with additional recommendations passed made on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Nickells’s second on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Bristol and Qureshi were absent. Staff briefing on wastewater capital improvement projects – Charles Celauro, Austin Water Assistant Director, Engineering Services, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Analysis of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 4, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC LOCATION: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: February 5, 2024 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Revision Not Recommended 1 MEMORANDUM August 6, 2024 Perry Bedford, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 Service Extension Requests (SERs) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. The Watershed Protection Department (WPD) staff have completed the review for 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater SER #5845 and do not recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 2.85 acres, located at 1107 Castle Ridge Road. The site is in the City of Austin’s Two-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the Barton Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. Request Summary The applicant is proposing to subdivide the 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences for homes with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance. There is an existing structure on the center lot that will be replaced. The SER is requesting three Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). A site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin. Impacts from SER improvements Wastewater: The applicant is proposing to construct 760 feet of appropriately sized gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Whitemarch Valley Walk and extend north to and through the subject tract to Castle Ridge Road as shown on the attached map. Alternative Wastewater Service: The combined average flows from all three houses are estimated to be 735 gallons per day (GPD). If service is not extended to the site and wastewater disposal is required, there are two 2 options for this amount of effluent treatment: Onsite Sewage …
1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #5845 What is a Service Extension Request? • A service extension request (SER) is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • Required when: system demands – a property is more than 100 ft from accessible water/wastewater – existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project • May involve the construction of a new line/associated facility or upgrades to existing lines/facilities. • Applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Requires Council approval if property: – is in Drinking Water Protection Zone and – outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction • Environmental Commission & Water & Wastewater Commission make recommendations for support/denial • No conditions can be put on SERs. Request Summary • Wastewater Service Request • 1107 Castle Ridge Road • 2.85 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Barton Creek Watershed (Barton Springs Zone) • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Subject to Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance SER #5845 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Proposed Development Intended Uses • 3 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs) • Subdivide 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance • Existing structure will be removed/replaced • Site plan has not yet been submitted. SER #5845 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #5845 Proposed Wastewater Extension • Construct 760 ft of gravity wastewater main from existing 8” gravity wastewater main in Whitemarch Valley Walk • Extend north to & through the subject tract to Castle Ridge Road. Alternative Wastewater Service • Soils – Brackett-Rock outcrop soils – Not ideal for land application or Onsite Sewage Facilities (OSSF) • Land application – Issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) – Flow from proposed development would be significantly less than amount required for TCEQ permit • Onsite Sewage Facility (OSSF) – Travis County rules require lot size of at least one acre – Requires redesign for only two lots – Would not necessarily reduce total impervious cover of proposed development. Water Service • No City of Austin water SER requested • Water service will be provided by Travis County WCID #10. Camelot Subdivision Hills of Lost Creek Senate Bill 2038: ETJ Regulations • Grants …
200 E. Riverside PUD 200 East Riverside C814- 2023- 0057 Leslie Lilly Environmental Conservation Program Manager Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T C814-2023-0057 SITE Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Site Inf ormation • Proposed new PUD • Existing commercial development (1970) • Current site – 3.95 acres • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 9 • South Central Waterfront subdistrict within Waterfront overlay C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 S o u t h C e n t r a l W a t e r f r o n t C o m b i n i n g D i s t r i c t & D e n s i t y B o n u s P r o g r a m C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 4 Environmental Features • Urban Watershed / Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek Watersheds • No CEFs within 150’ • CWQZ and 100-yr not located on site • Existing 89.8% IC • No existing water quality treatment • Outside of Edward Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zone C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 5 Land Use Plan C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T …
