Austin's Plan for Cleaner Water
- Austin officials held a workshop focused on enhancing local water quality, discussing new and stronger environmental regulations.
- Key discussions revolved around proposed Urban Watershed and Barton Springs Ordinances, aimed at protecting vital natural areas and water sources.
- Environmental leaders proposed a four-part strategy: limiting pollution from development, linking impervious cover to control effectiveness, strengthening existing rules, and funding a retrofit program for older infrastructure.
- Implementing these water protection measures would likely require additional city staff for enforcement and dedicated capital improvement funding.
Full Transcript
: 7 FOUNDED 12 Austin City Council MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - March 19, 1991 10:00 Α.Μ. TOWN LAKE CENTER The Mayor announced the Mayor Cooke called to order the special called meeting of the Council, noting the presence of all members of the Council. purpose of the meeting was to hold a Water Quality Worksession. Subjects of discussion during the worksession were 1. Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance; 2. Urban Watersheds Ordinance; and 3. Proposed State Legislation pertaining to water quality. Austan Librach, Director, Environmental Department, discussed the Urban Watershed Ordinance and the Barton Springs Ordinance and illustrated with charts and maps. Regulatory issues were discussed as well as a question concerning fiscal impact of the Urban Watershed Ordinance. In answer to a question from Council, Mr. Librach said additional staff will probably be needed by his department to enforce the ordinance. Mr. Librach proposed a four part control: 1. Limit pre and post development loads. 2. Link impervious cover to effectiveness of control cover. 3. Clarify and strengthen the existing ordinance. 4. Establish a retrofit program and bring it under CIP funds. Mr. Librach concluded his presentation with the question, "Where do we go from here?" concerning timeline, retrofit program, Barton Creek study and model, and legislation. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 Ρ.Μ.