Barton Creek sewage line removal may prompt redevelopment From the cover
What they’re saying
Two-minute impact
City leaders from both Rollingwood and West Lake Hills expressed support for the project. While septic use is prevalent in both cities, the Barton Creek line’s limited capacity was noted as a key factor impeding their long-range city planning. Both cities are in the process of reviewing new commercial opportunities along the Bee Caves Road corridor, with Rollingwood specifically eyeing expanded retail and restaurant offerings. West Lake Hills City Administrator Trey Fletcher said the city relies on Austin’s wastewater systems, so it’d be a challenge to shift to a different system. Additionally, real estate developers for Barton Creek Square said the replacement would finally set redevelopment options for the mall in motion. Simon Property representative Stephen Shea said the company has been trying to redevelop the property, originally built in the 1980s, for about a decade, even passing over options to use the parking lot to build affordable housing due to the capacity limits. “We envision a vibrant redevelopment that would provide much-needed housing and improved environmental standards,” Shea said at the meeting.
said she’s “absolutely concerned” the old pipes may already be contaminating the waterway with Southwest Austin’s sewage, pointing to reports of higher E. coli levels and lower water chemistry ratings in the area. Additionally, the capacity of the pipe remains outdated, stunting commercial development for the Rollingwood, West Lake Hills and Barton Hills areas. Ellis said multiple projects in her district have stalled out over the years due to the wastewater system hitting its limits.
The resolution approved May 30 kicks o planning for the removal of the Barton Creek Wastewater Interceptor, which runs more than 2 miles through the Barton Hills and Zilker Park area, buried in and near Barton Creek. Much of the line was built decades ago, predating the 1992 Save Our Springs Ordinance establishing new environmental protections around Barton Springs. City code has since generally prohibited new development and utility lines in critical water quality zones. Given its pathway along Barton Creek, Ellis
Wastewater System The Barton Creek wastewater interceptor services the Zilker Park, West Lake Hills and Rollingwood areas.
COLORADO RIVER
MOPAC
Barton Creek Critical Water Quality Zone Wastewater pipes Wastewater pipes near Barton Creek
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Zilker Park
“I think redevelopment—whether it’s opportunities in Austin or Rollingwood or West Lake Hills or unincorporated areas that may bene t
from this—it’s kind of the tide that raises all boats.” TREY FLETCHER, WEST LAKE HILLS CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Barton Hills
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SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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