BY BEN THOMPSON
Over two miles of new wastewater pipeline could be developed through Zilker Park and along MoPac to serve Southwest Austin. The setup Earlier this year, City Council asked to evaluate getting rid of the Barton Creek Interceptor sewage line that runs along the creek south of Lady Bird Lake. The 11,000-foot pipe was built in the 1960s and serves hundreds of local properties. Council member Paige Ellis, who represents some of the interceptor’s service area, said the aging pipe could cause environmental issues and that it’s been a barrier for new construction due to its limited wastewater capacity. Officials in Rollingwood and West Lake Hills, which rely on Austin’s infrastructure for their wastewater needs, said the line could constrain plans for growth in their jurisdictions as well. Another detail The creek and pipeline are situated in areas regulated under the Save Our Springs Ordinance. Approved by voters in 1992, it laid out limits on new development in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Critical Water Quality Zone on both sides of the creek. What’s happening Austin Water released a report on the Barton Creek line and future wastewater needs in New pipeline proposed to meet wastewater needs
Pipeline plans New Southwest Austin wastewater pipelines have been proposed to address limited capacity in the area. If the new MoPac line is built, service areas would be split between customers east and west of the highway.
Current Barton Creek Interceptor service area
Skunk Hollow Interceptor Barton Creek Interceptor
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MoPac Interceptor (proposed)
Thousand Oaks Interceptor (proposed)
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
November. Utility staff said the existing pipeline appears to be in “very good” condition and that Barton Creek’s water quality consistently scores well. Despite its overall age, they also noted the line hasn’t suffered serious maintenance issues. Rather than getting rid of the pipe, Austin Water staff proposed leaving it in place for a reduced service area east of MoPac while expanding waste- water service to the west. That would involve building a new wastewater line through Zilker and along the highway to serve future development that’s expected to mostly take place west of the creek and MoPac. What they’re saying Ellis said she’s still determined to see the Barton Creek pipe removed. The current infrastructure
isn’t meeting community needs, she said, and pulling the line out of the creek could save the water and ecosystem from a possible leak. Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool said a new sewage line could allow for more construction under modern regulations—potentially improving some natural features. For example, she said a forest on the Barton Creek Square property was destroyed years ago to clear the way for the mall and parking lot. If the mall is redeveloped and it’d be possible to restore some trees on the site with a new pipe- line in place, she said she’d support the process. City leaders have yet to decide on any service changes along the creek. If new projects move forward, AW would continue tracking water use in the area and start early engineering work.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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