• Structural water quality controls may consist of engineered and constructed filters, chambers, basins, or ponds which are designed to treat stormwater runoff by settling, filtration, flotation, absorption, and/or biological processes. The City of Austin Land Development Code establishes the need for structural controls to enhance water quality and the Environmental Criteria Manual provides guidelines for both the design and long-term maintenance of these facilities.
• Structural controls include: biofiltration, porous pavement, rain garden, rainwater harvesting, retention irrigation ponds, sedimentation filtration ponds, vegetated filter strips, and wet ponds.

• Non-Structural Controls are Best Management Practices (BMPs) that do not involve a structured, or engineered solution. They include such measures as education, site planning, and stormwater management regulations. Because it is usually easier and more effective to prevent pollution before it occurs, non structural BMPs are very cost-effective. These measures limit or eliminate pollutants before they end up in the stormwater.
• Non-structural controls include:  non-required vegetation, vegetated filter disconnect, integrated pest management, and regulations.

Using physical and biological treatment mechanisms, biofiltration uses an organic filtration media with vegetation to remove pollutants. As with sedimentation/filtration systems, runoff is first diverted into a sedimentation basin, where particulate pollutants are removed via gravity settling. This is followed by filtration through an 18" layer of vegetated media.

Biofiltration systems are considered to provide a level of treatment equivalent to sedimentation/filtration, and also provide extended detention that enhances baseflow and reduces stream erosion. Biofiltration systems are not allowed in Barton Springs Zone (BSZ) watersheds as a stand-alone water quality control, as they are not capable of achieving a non-degradation level of treatment.

Because of the vegetation, biofiltration systems can be aesthetic amenities and may be eligible for landscape credit (unlike sedimentation/filtration systems). To ensure proper management of the pond system, filtration media, and vegetation, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan is required.

The current design criteria is similar to that for sedimentation/filtration systems, and two design alternatives are available. In “full” sedimentation/filtration systems the entire water quality volume is held in the sedimentation basin, which then slowly discharges runoff to the filtration basin via a perforated riser pipe. The alternative “partial” sedimentation/filtration design foregoes the perforated riser pipe, and distributes the water quality volume between the filtration basin and a sediment chamber, the latter separated from the filtration bed by a vegetated hedgerow. The “full” design is required when the City of Austin is responsible for maintenance.

Design guidelines for biofiltration can be found in Section 1.6.7.C of the Environmental Criteria Manual. For information on the biofiltration media, go to biofiltration media guidance. Also available is a list of potential suppliers.

o A rain garden is a vegetated filtration and/or infiltration system that has a contributing drainage area not to exceed one acre, and a ponding depth not to exceed six inches.

Unlike conventional centralized stormwater management systems, rain gardens may employ multiple controls dispersed across a development, and may be incorporated into the landscape to provide aesthetic as well as ecological benefits.

Rain gardens can be designed to provide a level of treatment equivalent to sedimentation/filtration, and also provide extended detention that enhances baseflow and reduces stream erosion.

Rain Garden FAQs
Can rain gardens be used in the Barton Springs zone as a stand-alone water quality control?
No – Rain Gardens are not allowed in Barton Springs Zone (BSZ)watersheds as a stand-alone water quality control, as they are not capable of achieving a non-degradation level of treatment. The use of a Rain Garden as a water quality control is limited to Commercial and Multi-Family developments only.

Are rain gardens eligible for landscape credit?
Yes - Because of the vegetation, rain gardens can be aesthetic amenities and may be eligible for landscape credit (unlike sedimentation/filtration systems).

What is an IPM plan?
IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management.  To ensure proper management of the pond system, filtration media, and vegetation, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan is required.

Where can I find design guidelines?
Design guidelines for rain gardens can be found in Section 1.6.7.H of the Environmental Criteria Manual. Click here for a home owners guide to build a rain garden in six easy steps.

Where can I learn more about biofiltration media?
The rain garden filtration media is the same as that used for biofiltration systems. For information on the biofiltration media go to the Biofiltration Media guidance document.

Where can I find a list of potential biofiltration media suppliers?
Click here for a list of potential biofiltration media suppliers

Under the SOS regulations, certain watersheds in Austin allow no increase in pollutant load to receiving streams. Retention irrigation ponds capture stormwater in a holding pond and use the captured volume for irrigation of the surrounding landscaped areas rather than allowing direct release to receiving streams. There is virtually no discharge of runoff off-site and it mimics the undeveloped watershed conditions by allowing infiltration of smaller rainfalls. Retention irrigation systems have excellent pollutant removal efficiency.

Environmental Criteria Manual 1.6.9 (Guidance for Compliance with Technical Requirements of the SOS Ordinance)
 

A vegetative filter strip is an innovative water quality control in which runoff is routed as sheet flow through a mildly sloped, well-vegetated area, thus promoting infiltration, sediment deposition, and filtration of pollutants. Because of the need to maintain sheet flow, filter strips are typically used to treat small drainage areas, or areas with low impervious cover. These treatment systems can be used in both Barton Springs Zone (BSZ) and non-BSZ watersheds, but those in BSZ watersheds must be larger. To maintain the proper functioning of these systems the vegetation must not be cut too short (minimum 3” for turfgrass and 18” for bunchgrass), grass clippings must be removed out of the filter strip, and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan is required. Design guidelines for vegetated filter strips are provided in the Environmental Criteria Manual (Section 1.6.7 Alternative Water Quality Controls)

Combined products are usually not a good mix – the best time to treat weeds is NOT usually the best time to fertilize

• Spreading weed killer over the entire lawn is usually overkill
• Some lawn weed killers can stress and damage turf if applied during warm   weather
• Using an herbicide over the entire lawn can harm nearby trees
• Herbicides can be tracked into the house by pets or on shoes

The first step in consideration of a stream stabilization project includes a site investigation or field reconnaissance where an assessment of stream conditions and the problem severity are made.  Watershed Protection Department Staff:  deduce the physical processes dominating the system, evaluate morphological state of the stream (channel evolution), identify constraints, consider potential solution types and extents, assess appropriate level of engineering analysis, and prioritize with respect to Citywide problem areas.

Components of the engineering analysis for stream stabilization projects include hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geomorphic analysis, sediment transport analysis, channel adjustment modeling, and geotechnical analysis. The level of engineering analysis for a stream stabilization project is dependent on the size of the problem and solution type to be implemented.

The Stream Restoration Program utilizes hydrologic and hydraulic models for estimating runoff quantities, rates and the hydraulic forces impacting a reach of stream. These analyses provide parameters for use in stable channel design. For projects within an existing floodplain, generally the existing FEMA hydrology and hydraulic models are used. For smaller projects models are developed for each specific project. Common models used are:

Hydrology:   HEC-1   TR20   FFAHydraulics:   HEC-2   HECRAS (HECGEORAS)   WSPRO   Manning’s Equation

Results from the H&H analyses are used to estimate channel boundary shear stresses and sediment transport capacities, which allow for prediction of future short- and long-term channel erosion and provides data for design of channel stabilization measures.

Geomorphic analysis in the engineering and implementation context is used to quantify channel morphological parameters as they relate to design of a stable system. Geomorphic analysis provides:

• Quantitative channel and stability assessment tools
• Foundation for natural channel design
• Prediction of short- and long term channel change
• Optimize design for stability and natural channel processes
• Estimate maintenance requirements

All of these components interact with each other to form the ultimate channel configuration. In urban channels these elements often become “out-of-phase” with each other as the channel adjusts to imposed watershed conditions.

General Channel Stability There are levels of analyzing channel stability and developing solution types. Generally the approach is based on the extents of the affected processes and constraints typically limit the selected solution type. Channel stability can be looked at on a large watershed scale or down to site specific problems.

Approaches to Channel Stability

• Watershed-scale
  • Upland Stormwater Management Controls
  • (ponds, disconnected impervious cover, impervious cover limits)
• Reach-based
  • Channel lengths with common hydraulic/morphologic characteristics
• Site Specific
  • Stabilization of isolated stretch of channel (usually for property protection)

General Channel Adjustment For watershed, stream reach based and site-specific situations, the Stream Restoration Program utilizes the concept that a stream reach equilibrium is dominated by the hydrology, hydraulics and sediment load. A relationship proposed by Lane can be used to qualitatively identify these physical processes dominating the system.

Qw = water discharge S = channel slope Qs = sediment discharge Ds = sediment size

Our experience shows that the most common response to urbanization in degrading reaches can be represented as:

The (+) signs indicate an increase in water discharge (Qw) and coarsening of the channel bed material (Ds); the S- indicates the river slope would decrease through meandering (planform adjustment) and/or downcutting (geometric adjustment) and the relative sediment supply would decrease in an incising reach. This qualitative analysis provides a basis for more quantitative analyses.

Channel Planform Channel planform is evaluated to assess the condition of stream meanders and the tendency of the channel to migrate laterally. Channel planform characteristics are most readily assessed using historical aerial photography and mapping. The most commonly used geomorphic planform variables are:

• Sinuosity
• Meander Amplitude and Belt Width
• Meander Wave Length
• Meander Arc Length
• Meander Radius of Curvature
• Meander Arc Angle
• Riffle-Pool Spacing
• Channel Width

Channel Sinuosity and Meander Belt

Sinuosity is the ratio of the length of the centerline of the channel (CL) to the length of a line defining the general trend of the valley or stream reach (VL) and describes the amount of meandering in a stream.

Sinuosity = CL / VL

Channel Planform Characteristics

Some commonly used relationships for planform in natural stable systems are as follows:

•   10 to 14W
• Riffle spacing  5 to 7W or  ½ 
• rc  2 to 3W

In general pools are located in bends, riffles are located near crossings. It should be noted that the relations for wavelength and radius of curvature have been most often been identified in stable natural systems and should be used with discretion in the urban environment. This is because impervious watershed conditions accelerate the erosion process and can cause a shift from the natural condition. However these relationships are used as a starting point for many channel reconstruction projects. They can be used to determine whether a system is “out-of-phase” and provide design targets for stabilization projects. From historical observation and common planform relationships the Stream Restoration staff are able to ascertain the probability of bank retreat in a particular area.

Channel Geometry and Profile Channel geometry refers to the cross sectional and longitudinal parameters that affect the amount of channel conveyance and hydraulic forces on the channel boundary. Some common channel geometry parameters are:

• Channel Width
• Flow Area
• Hydraulic Radius
• Hydraulic Depth
• Depth of Flow (maximum depth)
• Width/Depth Ratio
• Bank Height
• Channel Profile

The channel geometric parameters vary throughout a stream reach depending on location these can be averaged to estimate the "reach-average" conditions for certain types of evaluation and analysis.

Relationships that relate channel geometry to hydrology are termed “regime equations” and are based on observations of a large group of streams. These relationships usually take the form of:

• W = aQb
• d = cQf
• V = kQm
• S = fQz

For width (W), depth (d), velocity (V) and slope (S)

As with planform channel geometric relations are only relevant in stable systems and should be used with discretion in the urban environment. In areas with rapid land-use change such as developing watersheds relationships such as these may be useless for design. However they may be used for comparative purposes. In older or undeveloped watersheds they may prove more functional. In general more detailed analyses are required to determine appropriate stable channel geometry in areas where watershed land use has been altered.

Drainage area is also used as a surrogate to discharge in channel geometry relationships. It has been observed that the trend is and upward shift in the relationship for channel width to drainage area as a result of urbanization.

The channel adjustment process resulting from urbanization can also be expressed with incised channel evolution model proposed by Schumm (1984).

The critical bank height at which mass failure begins is described as hc. when the bank height (h) exceeds hc (Stages II - III) geotechnical failures can be expected.

Observations in Austin indicate that the progression from Stage I to II occurs quite rapidly (10- 30 years) and the widening and restabilization process (Stage IV – V) occurs over a much longer time frame. Most of our urban streams that have been impacted are currently in stages II & III. This identification allows us to utilize other empirical and analytical methods appropriately. The channel evolution model serves to tell us:

• Where the Channel has Been
• Where the Channel is in its Evolution
• Where the Channel is Going

It is important to identify the channel stage of evolution in order to develop appropriate mitigation strategies and reduce future adverse impacts.

Bed Material Characteristics The size, shape, composition and distribution of material in the channel bed are important to the channel stability. These characteristic are used to determine the mobility of the channel bed and subsequently the erosion potential. In general larger sediment sizes (cobbles/boulders) act to stabilize the channel bed, where smaller particles (sand/silt) are more readily erodible. The distribution of particle sizes in bed material mixtures affects the ability of water to mobilize these sediments. The characteristics of the bed material are analyzed through visual observation and gradations developed from sieve analyses or pebble counts.

Bed Material Gradation Curve

A well-sorted sediment mixture consists of grains that are of uniform size and a poorly-sorted sediment contains particles of many sizes. A poorly-sorted sediment may be indicative of a high energy/flashy system. A poorly-sorted stream may also include large particles that armor the channel bed.

The shape of the bed material affects its stability. Angular particles will provide more stability than rounded particles because of the interlocking and friction characteristics.

The chemical composition of the bed material particles affect how it breaks-down, changes size and shape as the material moves downstream. Weaker materials such as shale and limestone degrade faster than quartz-based sediments.

Bank Composition The type of material and stratigraphy in a channel bank affects its erosion potential. Bank stratigraphy is identified and measured in the field. Geotechnical analyses are performed to analyze the strength characteristics of the bank materials. Many channels in Austin are comprised of composite channel banks with bedrock, clay, alluvium and soils.

Composite Channel Bank in Shoal Creek

Composite Channel Bank in Onion Creek

Riparian Vegetation Vegetation acts to provide channel stability as the root systems strengthen the bank material and resist erosive forces. Deep rooted plants and trees give internal strength to the soil mass comprising the channel bank. Shallow rotted plants such as grasses provide more erosion resistance to surficial forces from flowing water. In addition riparian vegetation is an essential component of the aquatic ecosystem.

Roots in the Channel Banks

Geotechnical analyses are used to determine existing bank stability, anticipate bank failures and to provide design parameters for embankment construction. Bank failure can occur in various modes depending on the bank soil properties and the morphology of the stream. Some bank failure modes include shallow, planar, rotational and cantilever type failures. The most common type of bank failure in our urbanized stream results from removal of soil from the channel toe (undermining) and subsequent slope failure.

Bank Failure Modes

In design of bank stabilization projects the primary components of a slope stability analysis include evaluation of:

• External Stability
• Internal Stability
• Local Stability
• Global Stability

External stability refers to the acting and resisting forces adjacent to stream that influence stability of the constructed slope. External stability analysis evaluates forces related to bearing capacity, base sliding and overturning moments.

Internal stability refers to forces within the channel bank that affect the stability of reinforcements (internal sliding, tensile overstress, and pullout).

Local stability is related to the surficial facing of a channel bank. This also relates to the connection strength between the facing and internal reinforcements in a constructed slope.

Global Stability relates to deep seated rotational failures that are generally outside the limits of a constructed slope.

The stream assessment is used to determine the key factors causing the stream instability. This identification may be used to assess whether a long-term solution may be provided on a site-specific, reach based or watershed-scale approach. Constraints such as budget, land availability and temporal factors also significantly affect the type of solution envisioned.

Grow Green offers 23 fact sheets that help you identify and solve pest and disease problems and that provide general landscaping design, installation and maintenance recommendations. It offers a Native and Adapted Plant Guide that recommends 200 plants that not only survive, but thrive in Central Texas. It also provides workshops and technical information to nursery sales associates so that they can better serve their customers. All materials are offered free to Austin citizens and the garden centers.

Using earth-wise practices can save you time, energy, and money while helping to protect our precious water resources – our streams, lakes, and aquifers.

Participating city departments include:

• Office of Sustainability: Climate Protection
• Austin Energy: Green Building
• Austin Water Utility: Water Conservation and Dill Dirt
• Parks and Recreation Department: Urban Forestry and Zilker Botnical Garden
• Planning and Development Review: City Arborist
• Watershed Protection Department:  Grow Green

Program Partners:

• Travis County AgriLife Extension
• Texas A&M
• LCRA
• Grow Green Nurseries

Funding Provide by

• Austin Water Utility
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Watershed Protection Department

February 1, 2012

Matt Hollon - New Commercial Landscape Ordinance

• PowerPoint
• Handout

John Gleason - Rain Gardens

• PowerPoint
• Rain Garden Grow Green Fact Sheet  Six Easy Steps to Build a Rain Garden

Kristin Carlton - Inspections

• PowerPoint

February 8, 2012

Dr. Mark Simmons - New Turf article from Ecological Engineering

• Handout

Matt O'Toole - MOST WANTED: Top 24 Invasive Species

• Handout

Michael Embesi

• Native Tree Growing Guide for Central Texas - Handout
• Fruit & Nut Tree Growing Guide for Central Texas - Handout

February 15, 2012

Brian Bomer

• Green Building & Landscaping - PowerPoint

Drema Gross

• Drought Contingency Plan - PowerPoint

February 22, 2012

Troy Nixon

• Installation -  PowerPoint

Woody Raine

• Site-Recycling on Contstruction Sites - PowerPoint
• Contstruction & Demolition Materials and Resources -  Handout

Alan Watts

• Compost Techniques for Stormwater Quality - PowerPoint

Doug Christensen

• Irrigation Technologies and Alternative Water Sources - PowerPoint
• Irrigation Application Technologies - Handout
• Alternative Irrigation Water Sources - Handout

March 7, 2012

Dr. David Chalmers

• Turfgrass Selection for Texas - Handout
• Turfgrass Establishment in Texas - Handout
• Lawn Fertilization in Texas - Handout

Funds for the program are obtained from fees paid by land developers in lieu of providing on-site detention.

Public benefits are private funding of projects, more comprehensive planning, better control of projects, and more overall effectiveness of improvements to reduce flood hazards.

Private benefits are less overall costs to develop a site without harming other property owners. It allows more flexibility in the development layout, savings in the design, permitting, and construction costs associated with the on-site facility and avoidance of operation and maintenance costs for commercial and multifamily development facilities. Therefore, developers may desire to pay fees to the program for the construction of public regional projects in lieu of constructing private on-site stormwater management facilities for flood control purposes.
 

No, there are limitations that may affect participation in the program, such as:

1. Flood-prone areas along streams,
2. Storm drainage systems that lack required conveyance capacities,
3. Structures with floor elevations below the 100-year floodplain water surface elevations, and
4. Inadequate street conveyance where curbs are subject to overtopping.

Important factors also include the location of the development relative to existing flood hazards, and the availability of land for proposed mitigation projects. If the proposed development causes any identifiable adverse impacts or increases in flooding conditions anywhere within a watershed, participation in the program cannot be approved. Clear, comprehensive, and practical program submittals are necessary to clearly demonstrate and document the requirement of no identifiable adverse impacts.

No, there is no need to have an existing regional detention pond facility to participate in the program. Additional types of appropriate solutions to reduce the damage to life and property from floodwaters include: property buyouts, channel modifications, culvert upgrades, and storm drain improvements. The Regional Stormwater Management Program uses a watershed-wide approach to analyze problem conditions and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

Aphids

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Problem Leaves yellow and may drop. Plants lose vigor and produce less chlorophyll. Bacterial Leaf Spot is caused by wet plant foliage and injury.

• Greens
• Turnips
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• English Ivy
• Tomatoes
• Fruit trees
• Several ornamental shrubs and trees

Least Toxic Solutions

• Avoid wetting foliage when watering. • Space plants to allow adequate air flow. • Do not injure foliage. Bacteria enter plants through wounds or natural openings. • Remove infected plant sections. • Carefully consider use of chemical controls— they are often only marginally effective. • If you must use a chemical control, apply a copper hydroxide product such as Kocide®.

Bettles

Caterpillars

Cotton Rot/Root Rot

Description: Fungal plant disease that attacks the roots of plants, turning them brown rather than a healthy white. Cotton root rot is common in soils with a pH over 7.2 and in areas with high summer temperatures.

Problem: Plants wilt, dieback and lose vigor. Control is difficult because symptoms normally appear after damage to the stem or root is severe. Cotton Root Rot moves through the soil from plant to plant, with symptoms usually occurring in July and August.

Attacks: More than 2,000 species of plants including:

• Cotton
• Ornamentals
• Fruit trees
• Nut trees
• Shade trees
• Most landscape plants

Least Toxic Solutions

Cotton Root Rot

• No treatment available once plant is infected.
• Mulch plants to keep soil cool.
• Add organic material to clay soils.
• Use resistant plants, natives and grasses.
• When practical, acidify soil in the root zone of the plant.

Root Rot

• Ensure proper drainage and allow excessively wet soils to dry.
• Plant in raised beds if drainage is marginal.
• Avoid crowding plants in beds.
• Place plants at the same soil depth as they were in the container you purchased them in.
• Because there are several different fungi that cause root rots, have the disease diagnosed at the Texas A & M Plant Disease Lab or by Extension personnel before applying fungicide.

Cycad ScaleFire Ants

Fire Blight

Description: Bacterial disease that causes rapid blackening and desiccation of blooms and foliage. Affected shoots bend at the tip in a "shepherd's hook". Black, sunken twig and branch cankers develop later.

Problem: Fire Blight causes twig dieback and blossom blight in up to 2-24 inches of twig length. The bacterium stays in the cankers over winter and in the spring, oozes from the cankers and is carried by wind, rain and insects to healthy foliage.

Attacks:

• Pears
• Apples
• Pyracantha
• Quince
• Loquat
• Indian Hawthorne
• Photinia

Least Toxic Solutions

• Avoid high nitrogen levels and excessive pruning. Vigorous growth is much more susceptible to fire blight.
• Prune four inches below visible cankers.
• pruning equipment between cuts with one part household bleach to nine parts of water. Clean and oil equipment after pruning.
• Select fire blight resistant varieties and species. Contact the Extension office at 854-9600 for a list.
• With the exception of Kocide® and streptomycin sulfate, chemical controls are usually ineffective.

Fleas

Galls

Lawn Problems

Lawn Problems Spanish

Oak Wilt Prevention

Oak Wilt

Description Fungus that plug water-conducting vessels, reducing flow of water up the stem of the tree. Often causes leaves to wilt and fall prematurely.

Live Oaks: Tree appears weakened. One area of the tree dies at a time. Areas around leaf veins are often brightly colored.

Red Oaks: Die in a flash of fall color in early summer.    

Problem Disease spread by beetles feeding on tree wounds. Also can travel from tree to tree through interconnected roots. Oak Wilt travels 75 feet per year in all directions. Live Oaks die quickly one tree at a time.  

Attacks:

• Blackjack Oak
• Live Oaks
• Schumard Oak
• Spanish Oak/Texas Red Oak

Least Toxic Solutions:

• Prune oak trees only in the coldest part of winter and hottest part of summer.
• Use a pruning paint to protect cut or wounded areas immediately after pruning or wounds are discovered. Sterilize tools after pruning.
• Contact Chris Dolan, City of Austin Oak Wilt Suppression Program at 974-1881 for information.
• Trench 4' deep and at least 100 feet from infected and susceptible trees to sever root connections.
• Only use old, dry wood if you use oak firewood.
• Certified applicators can inject ALAMO® into tree roots. This method is best used as a preventative.

Poison Ivy
Spider Mites
Scale
Snails
Stink Bugs
Thrips
Description
To the naked eye, they look like tiny threads; with a hand lens, their narrow, fringed wings are visible. When holding an infested rose bloom you can see that they are very active. They may even bite!

Infestation
Tattered flowers, deformed flowers, silvery spots or streaks on
leaves - by the time damage is visible the infestation is already severe.
 
Attacks:

• Roses
• Daylilies
• Iris
• other flowers

Lifecycle
Adults lay hundreds of eggs in plant tissue. In Roses, the eggs hatch inside the flower bud. The resulting nymphs scrap plant tissue, then, suck the sap, damaging the flower before it opens. There are many generations per year.

Least Toxic Solutions:
Thrips are notoriously very difficult to control, so early detection is important when trying to keep the populations in check.

• Aim for control rather than eradication. The only way to completely get rid of thrips is to destroy the infested plants - not an option most want to consider
• Remove and dispose of infested blooms
• Clean up leaf litter
• Always read and follow pesticide labels
• Alternate the following treatments:
  • o Spray with Neem oil. For best results the spray needs to come in contact with the insect, but Neem oil is also slightly systemic; meaning some of it will absorb into the plant tissue and help weaken the insect after it feeds on the plant
  • Dust plants and immediate area with diatomaceous earth
  • Use a light weight horticultural oil

Viruses
Description:
Sub-microscopic infectious particles that multiply only inside living cells. Viruses enter plants through wounds and by insects that feed on plants. Symptoms vary but include abnormal color, vein patterns, shape, mottling, ring spots and mosaic patterns in leaves; Can include abnormal flower color and fruit size, shape and color.
 
Problem:
Seldom lethal to plants, but severely affect the quantity, quality and longevity of the host plant.
 
Attacks:
Many types of plants.

Least Toxic Solutions:

• Chemicals do not effectively control virus diseases.
• Select plant stock that is free of viruses.
• Cover susceptible annual garden plants with a row cover fabric   to keep sucking insects away from healthy plants.
• Diseased plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent  infection of other plants by sucking insects that move from   plant to plant.

 
Weeds

IPM Plans for Water Quality Protection are required when one or more of the following conditions exist:

Regulatory

1. When land is developed in the Barton Springs Zone (required since 1992 under the Save Our Springs, SOS, Ordinance); homes and businesses built before the ordinance are grandfathered and do not require IPM plans although voluntary compliance is encouraged
2. When a City Board or the City Council requires an IPM plan (usually occurs when a developer request a variance from regulations)
3. When the requirement is written into an agreement, such as for a PUD or to qualify for Green Building certification credits
4. Per the Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM), when specific water quality treatment systems are used on commercial properties, including:
   • Wet ponds (1.6.6)
   • Retention/Irrigation (1.6.7.A)
   • Vegetative filter strips (1.6.7.B)
   • Biofiltration (1.6.7.C)
   • Rainwater harvesting (1.6.7.D) if used in conjunction with vegetation
   • Disconnection of Impervious Cover to Vegetated Filter Strip (1.6.7.F)
   • Non-required vegetation (1.6.7.G)
   • Rain gardens (1.6.7.H)
5. On intensive landscape management sites such as athletic fields and golf courses. These require customized IPM plans because the anticipated pests are more likely to be specialized

Voluntary

When a business chooses to submit an IPM plan in order to gain credit for the City's Green Business program (this is a voluntary decision, not a legal requirement)

Developers

If an IPM plan is required, developers should be informed during the development review process. It is then their responsibility to submit, and comply with, a plan. If the land is then sold, it is their responsibility to communicate the need for the new land owner to abide by the plan.

Homeowners

If you own an individual parcel of land that requires a site plan review and no developer or previous owner has submitted an IPM plan, then it is your responsibility to do so. If you purchase a property that already has a plan, then it is your responsibility to abide by the plan.

Submit an IPM Plan

Submit a Voluntary IPM Plan

In 1990, the City authorized this program to review and regulate City pest control activities.

The IPM program has the following responsibilities:

1. Proved guidance to City of Austin departments and programs in pest management issues
2. Review IPM plans when they are required in the land development review process
3. Assist implementations of IPM agreements between the City and specific private local golf course
4. Educate the citizen's of Austin regarding least-toxic pest management and IPM

Resources

• Save Our Springs (SOS) water quality initiative
• National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Turn Around - Don’t Drown. Approximately 75% of flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Try to avoid driving during heavy rainfall. If you must drive, look for water over the road, avoid low water crossings, and turn around if a road is barricaded or if there is water over the roadway. Keep in mind that at night, during heavy storms, it may be difficult to see that a road is flooded.

There are many other dangers during a flood as well. In general, stay away from creeks and drainage infrastructure during rainfall.  

There is more information about flood safety on our Flood Safety and Preparedness page.

Keep monitoring the situation and get ready to potentially evacuate. The flooding may get much worse very fast. In Austin, our creeks can rise several feet in just a few minutes. Keep in mind that the road providing access to your home may become impassible before water enters your house. Leave before the road is flooded.

If there’s time, the following steps can help limit damage:

• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. • Move valuables, such as important papers, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations. • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach and rinsing. • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

For guidance in how to prepare an evacuation kit or stock emergency supplies ahead of time, visit Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  

Development is not allowed to cause additional flooding to other properties. Any time impervious cover is increased, there is the potential for increased stormwater runoff. Impervious cover includes roofs, parking lots, streets, driveways and other areas where the landscape cannot absorb rainfall. To combat this problem, the City of Austin requires all new developments to ensure that they will not adversely  impact downstream properties. Developers are required to either provide on-site flow controls or pay fees for regional flood control projects. 

Call 3-1-1. The Watershed Protection Department will send someone to document the flooding. This helps us understand where projects are necessary.

Call your homeowners insurance company and follow their instructions to file a claim and repair your house. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages due to flooding. Here are some precautions: • Check for structural damage before entering your house. Don’t go in if the building might collapse. • Do not use matches, cigarette lighters, or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Use a flashlight. • Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. • Look out for snakes and other animals. • Be careful walking around. Look for nails, broken glass or other hazards. Floors may be slippery due to mud. • Document the damage with photographs. • Clean right away. Throw out food and medicines that may have come in contact with flood water. • Boil water vigorously for five minutes until local authorities proclaim your water supply is safe. • Before you start repairs, contact the Development Assistance Center at 512-974- 6370 about possible permitting requirements.

Download this FEMA publication to find out more about repairing your home: Repairing Your Flooded Home.

The dam safety rules can be found in the Drainage Criteria Manual Section 8.3.4.B.

Click to dowload the City’s Integrated Pest Management Plan for Stormwater Ponds (4.7 MB PDF). (link: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watershed/downloads/spdsp_ipm_web.pdf)
creek
 

Please email and ask about the possibility of releasing this easement. We will explore whether this is feasible. If it looks like there are no obvious problems, we will direct you to fill out an application for an easement release. The release process is handled by Real Estate Services, and there is an application fee whether the request is approved or denied.

A drainage easement is a part of your property where the City has limited rights of access and/or use. Generally, you cannot make any improvements in a drainage easement. That means no fences, sheds, walls, trails or buildings. You should avoid planting trees or much landscaping as well.

A drainage easement has two possible purposes. It may be needed for the flow of storm water. For example, drainage ditches and creeks are typically within a drainage easement. In this case, anything that prevents the flow of water; that might catch debris; that might be washed away; or that might cause a dam-like effect is problematic.

Alternatively, the easement may be needed to access drainage infrastructure. In this case, anything that might make it difficult to drive a truck through or dig up an underground pipe is problematic.

It’s a good idea to determine the risk your property has of flooding. Is your house next to a creek or storm drain channel? Is it located at the low-point of a roadway or at the bottom of a hill? These are indications that flood insurance may be a good idea.

Mortgage companies usually require flood insurance for homes and businesses in the floodplain. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by stormwater.

Keep in mind that people outside of floodplain areas file more than 20% of flood insurance claims and receive about one-third of disaster assistance, when it is available.

For more information about who must purchase flood insurance, download FEMA’s Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet.

In regard to lowering your premium, you may already be getting a 20% discount because of the steps Austin takes to guard against flooding. In addition, there may be some improvements that you can make to protect your house or business from flooding. For more information, call our hotline at 512-974-2843 or email floodpro@austintexas.gov.

An elevation certificate may also be helpful. Prepared by a surveyor or engineer, elevation certificates show the elevation of your home in comparison with the expected elevation of floodwaters. If the certificate shows that the lowest floor elevation in your house is above the expected inundation levels, it should lower your insurance premium. The City may already have one on file for your house or business, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy. Please call or email us to find out.

Download these FEMA publications to find out more about protecting your property:

• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards
• Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding
• Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures
• Above the Flood: Elevating your Floodprone House
• Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage

We usually receive grant funding for buyouts, and the process depends on the type of grant. Usually, buyouts are voluntary. We will first get an independent appraisal. We will use this to make an offer based on fair market value. If the property owner accepts the offer, we will then help locate comparable housing. After closing, we will demolish the house that was bought and maintain the land as open space. There will be no future development on that piece of land. 

It’s a good idea to determine the risk your property has of flooding. Is your house next to a creek or storm drain channel? Is it located at the low-point of a roadway or at the bottom of a hill? These are indications that flood insurance may be a good idea.

Mortgage companies usually require flood insurance for homes and businesses in the floodplain. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by stormwater.

Keep in mind that people outside of floodplain areas file more than 20% of flood insurance claims and receive about one-third of disaster assistance, when it is available.

For more information about who must purchase flood insurance, download FEMA’s Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet.   

The 100-year storm is an event that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. To put that in perspective, during the span of a 30-year mortgage, there is a 26% chance that a 100-year event will occur.

The amount of rainfall necessary to produce a 100-year storm is partially dependant on the duration of the storm. If the rain falls over the course of 3 hours, it takes about 6 inches for it to be classified as a 100-year rainfall. But if those same 6 inches fall over the course of 3 days, it would be considered a much smaller rainfall event. The standard 100-year design storm for the City of Austin has a duration of 24-hours and produces a total rainfall of over 10 inches. To learn more about rainfall return periods in Austin, see section 2 of the Drainage Criteria Manual.

 During a large storm, it is normal for the intensity to vary widely across the city. In September 2010, Tropical Storm Hermine produced rainfall totals equivalent to a 100-year storm over portions of the Bull Creek watershed. However, other areas of Austin did not experience as severe a storm. Keep in mind that even if a large storm has recently occurred, there is the same percent chance of an equally large storm occurring the following year.

This question is impossible to answer except in hindsight. When someone dies, there is a temptation to think the result might have been different if they had just stayed in the car or had just managed to get out of the car. Calling 9-1-1 when your vehicle first stalls has helped some people survive. The best thing is to avoid this situation, by turning around if a road is flooded. Better yet, avoid driving in heavy rainfall, since sometimes visibility is so poor, it is hard to see that a road is flooded. 

Turn Around - Don’t Drown. Approximately 75% of flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Try to avoid driving during heavy rainfall. If you must drive, look for water over the road, avoid low water crossings, and turn around if a road is barricaded or if there is water over the roadway. Keep in mind that at night, during heavy storms, it may be difficult to see that a road is flooded.

There are many other dangers during a flood as well. In general, stay away from creeks and drainage infrastructure during rainfall.  

There is more information about flood safety on our Flood Safety and Preparedness page.

You don’t. It is not possible to tell if a flooded low water crossing is safe just by looking at it. Approximately 75% of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Shallow water can be deceptively swift and easily wash your vehicle off the road. Water over a roadway can conceal damage to the roadway or supporting structure. You may find that there is no longer a road under the water. When a low water crossing is flooded, don’t chance it.Turn Around - Don’t Drown!

In the right circumstances, almost any road can flood. The ones listed below are the ones that flood most frequently:
• W. 12th St. from Lamar to Shoal Creek Blvd.
• W. 32nd St. at Hemphill Park
• E. 38 1/2 St. between Grayson and Airport Blvd.
• Adelphi Ln. between Scribe Dr. and Waters Park Rd.
• E. Alpine Rd. between Willow Springs and Warehouse Row
• Burleson Rd. between U.S. 183 and FM 973
• Carson Creek Blvd. between Cool Shadow Dr. and Warrior Ln.
• Colton-Bluff Springs Rd. by Alum Rock Dr.
• Convict Hill Rd. between Flaming Oak Place and MoPAC
• David Moore Dr. north of Sweetwater River Dr.
• Delwau Ln. at Shelton Rd.
• W. Dittmar between Loganberry and S. Congress
• Joe Tanner Ln., near Hwy. 290
• Johnny Morris Rd. between FM 969 and Loyola Ln.
• Lakewood Dr., 6700 block
• W. Monroe St. between S. First and Roma St.
• McNeil Dr. between Camino and Burnet
• Nuckols Crossing at Teri Rd.
• Parkfield Dr. from Thornridge to Mearns Meadow
• Possum Trot between Inland Place and Quarry Rd.
• Old Bee Caves Road, near Hwy. 290
• Old San Antonio Rd. between FM 1626 and IH 35
• Old Spicewood Springs Road, between Loop 360 and Spicewood Springs Rd.
• O’Neal Ln., between MoPAC service road and Waters Park Rd.
• Posten Ln., 7900 block
• River Hills Rd., off Cuernavaca
• Rogge Ln. between Ridgemont and Delwood Dr.
• Rutland from Mearns Meadow to N. Lamar
• Spicewood Springs Road, between Loop 360 and Old Lampasas Trl.
• Springdale Rd. from Ferguson to Breeds Hill Dr.
• Wasson Rd. near S. Congress Ave.
• Waters Park Rd. between 183 and MoPAC

The City may use a number of different methods to announce an evacuation, including: • NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio • Local Radio and TV • Door to door • An automated phone call with a recorded message to landlines or registered cell phones.

Please keep in mind that floods can happen faster than emergency personnel can respond, so you should monitor the situation yourself as well. There may not be a warning from the City.  

The FEMA floodplain maps are used for administering flood insurance. FEMA floodplains are based the conditions that existed at the time of the floodplain study, including buildings, parking lots, driveways, bridges, culverts and channel geometry.

The City of Austin regulatory floodplain is used for development and building permits. Its floodplains are based on fully developed conditions. In other words, all of the land area is assumed to be fully built out with the maximum impervious cover currently allowed by zoning. Generally, the regulatory floodplains cover a greater area of land than the FEMA floodplains. In some cases, for example in the urban watersheds, the FEMA and City of Austin floodplains are exactly the same.
 

It’s a good idea to determine the risk your property has of flooding. Is your house next to a creek or storm drain channel? Is it located at the low-point of a roadway or at the bottom of a hill? These are indications that flood insurance may be a good idea.

Mortgage companies usually require flood insurance for homes and businesses in the floodplain. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by stormwater.

Keep in mind that people outside of floodplain areas file more than 20% of flood insurance claims and receive about one-third of disaster assistance, when it is available.

For more information about who must purchase flood insurance, download FEMA’s Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet.

In regard to lowering your premium, you may already be getting a 20% discount because of the steps Austin takes to guard against flooding. In addition, there may be some improvements that you can make to protect your house or business from flooding. For more information, call our hotline at 512-974-2843 or email floodpro@austintexas.gov.

An elevation certificate may also be helpful. Prepared by a surveyor or engineer, elevation certificates show the elevation of your home in comparison with the expected elevation of floodwaters. If the certificate shows that the lowest floor elevation in your house is above the expected inundation levels, it should lower your insurance premium. The City may already have one on file for your house or business, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy. Please call or email us to find out.

Download these FEMA publications to find out more about protecting your property:

• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards
• Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding
• Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures
• Above the Flood: Elevating your Floodprone House
• Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage

• Risk of Property Damage: If your home is in the 100-year floodplain, it has a 26% chance of being flooded over the course of a 30-year mortgage. There are steps you can take to reduce property damage. For more information, visit www.floodsmart.gov, explore our FAQs or call our hotline at 512-974-2843.

• Safety: Flooding can be deadly. Monitor the weather, consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio and prepare a family disaster plan. Learn more about where the floodplain is located on our interactive floodplain map. For more information about flood safety, visit our Flood Safety and Preparedness page.

• Restrictions: Stricter permit regulations apply for any building, remodeling, construction or other development on properties in the floodplain. In some cases, it may be impossible to get a permit. For more information on restrictions, go to Floodplain Development Information.

In some cases, the area of land subject to flooding has not changed, but we have now have better information to base predictions on where the flooding is likely to occur. During floodplain studies, we gather more information about topography, elevations, bridges and the amount of impervious cover. 

The City does not grandfather development from using the best available floodplain information. If your property is shown to be in the floodplain with the new study, then you may be grandfathered for flood insurance premiums, but will no longer be eligible for a preferred risk policy. Visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance or contact your insurance agent.
 

It’s a good idea to determine the risk your property has of flooding. Is your house next to a creek or storm drain channel? Is it located at the low-point of a roadway or at the bottom of a hill? These are indications that flood insurance may be a good idea.

Mortgage companies usually require flood insurance for homes and businesses in the floodplain. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by stormwater.

Keep in mind that people outside of floodplain areas file more than 20% of flood insurance claims and receive about one-third of disaster assistance, when it is available.

For more information about who must purchase flood insurance, download FEMA’s Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet.   

The City conducts engineering studies to determine the extent of the regulatory floodplains. We use historical rainfall information, aerial photography, ground surveys, and engineering computer software to complete these studies. We update floodplain studies about every 10 years.

Turn Around - Don’t Drown. Approximately 75% of flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Try to avoid driving during heavy rainfall. If you must drive, look for water over the road, avoid low water crossings, and turn around if a road is barricaded or if there is water over the roadway. Keep in mind that at night, during heavy storms, it may be difficult to see that a road is flooded.

There are many other dangers during a flood as well. In general, stay away from creeks and drainage infrastructure during rainfall.  

There is more information about flood safety on our Flood Safety and Preparedness page.

There are six priority areas in the Onion Creek buyout area. We are currently purchasing properties in Priority Area 3. We have limited City funding left for this project and without federal funding, it may take many years to reach Priority Area 6. We are continuing to work with the federal government to get federal funding for this project.

The City of Austin is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this project. The Corps of Engineers helped study the situation, identify the solution and develop the priority areas. As planned, the bulk of the funding would come from the Corps of Engineers. The federal government has approved this project as part of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act. However, they have yet to appropriate funding.

Yes, you are allowed to sell your house. You must disclose that you are in a buyout area and any previous flooding on your property. Talk to your real estate agent about any other necessary disclosures.

Our real estate agents will help you find comparable housing outside of a floodplain. The buyout includes funding for relocation costs. This will help cover any difference in cost between your current home and the comparable ones. The families who have already been bought out have told us that this process worked well for them, and they were happy with their new homes.

Consider buying flood insurance if you do not already have it. You can take simple steps to protect your possessions by storing important papers, photographs or valuables in watertight containers, placed on a high shelf. In addition, there may be some improvements that you can make to protect your house or business from flooding. For more information, call our hotline at 512-974-2843 or email floodpro@austintexas.gov.

If flooding is imminent and you have time, the following steps can limit damages: • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. • Move valuables, such as papers, furs, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations. • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach and rinsing. • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

Download these FEMA publications to find out more about protecting your property: • Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards • Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding • Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures • Above the Flood: Elevating your Floodprone House • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage

The 100-year storm is an event that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. To put that in perspective, during the span of a 30-year mortgage, there is a 26% chance that a 100-year event will occur.

The amount of rainfall necessary to produce a 100-year storm is partially dependant on the duration of the storm. If the rain falls over the course of 3 hours, it takes about 6 inches for it to be classified as a 100-year rainfall. But if those same 6 inches fall over the course of 3 days, it would be considered a much smaller rainfall event. The standard 100-year design storm for the City of Austin has a duration of 24-hours and produces a total rainfall of over 10 inches. To learn more about rainfall return periods in Austin, see section 2 of the Drainage Criteria Manual.

 During a large storm, it is normal for the intensity to vary widely across the city. In September 2010, Tropical Storm Hermine produced rainfall totals equivalent to a 100-year storm over portions of the Bull Creek watershed. However, other areas of Austin did not experience as severe a storm. Keep in mind that even if a large storm has recently occurred, there is the same percent chance of an equally large storm occurring the following year.

Creek flooding occurs when the water rises in a creek and starts flowing out of the banks. Local flooding is not directly associated with a creek. It occurs before the water gets to a creek when runoff from heavy rainfall overwhelms the existing storm drainage system. The stormwater may flow through streets, yards and structures as the water seeks a path to a creek. This may happen because there are not enough ditches or storm drains or because there is something blocking the flow of water. 

We look at a number of factors, including safety and cost. Some questions we ask are: 

• What is flooding? Is it a house, a yard or a street that is flooding?
• Are there multiple properties in the same area that are flooding?
• Is there a safe way in and out of the neighborhood during a flood?
• Could improvements to the City’s infrastructure help with this problem? Would increasing the capacity of the storm drain system or raising the roadway help?
• Is there a cost-effective solution?
• Is the problem potentially life threatening?
• Is there a nearby erosion or water quality issue that could also be addressed with a project?
• Is the flooding likely to happen again?

A drainage easement is a part of your property where the City has limited rights of access and/or use. Generally, you cannot make any improvements in a drainage easement. That means no fences, sheds, walls, trails or buildings. You should avoid planting trees or much landscaping as well.

A drainage easement has two possible purposes. It may be needed for the flow of storm water. For example, drainage ditches and creeks are typically within a drainage easement. In this case, anything that prevents the flow of water; that might catch debris; that might be washed away; or that might cause a dam-like effect is problematic.

Alternatively, the easement may be needed to access drainage infrastructure. In this case, anything that might make it difficult to drive a truck through or dig up an underground pipe is problematic.

Call 3-1-1. The Watershed Protection Department will send someone to document the flooding. This helps us understand where projects are necessary.

Call your homeowners insurance company and follow their instructions to file a claim and repair your house. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages due to flooding. Here are some precautions: • Check for structural damage before entering your house. Don’t go in if the building might collapse. • Do not use matches, cigarette lighters, or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Use a flashlight. • Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. • Look out for snakes and other animals. • Be careful walking around. Look for nails, broken glass or other hazards. Floors may be slippery due to mud. • Document the damage with photographs. • Clean right away. Throw out food and medicines that may have come in contact with flood water. • Boil water vigorously for five minutes until local authorities proclaim your water supply is safe. • Before you start repairs, contact the Development Assistance Center at 512-974- 6370 about possible permitting requirements.

Download this FEMA publication to find out more about repairing your home: Repairing Your Flooded Home.

It’s a good idea to determine the risk your property has of flooding. Is your house next to a creek or storm drain channel? Is it located at the low-point of a roadway or at the bottom of a hill? These are indications that flood insurance may be a good idea.

Mortgage companies usually require flood insurance for homes and businesses in the floodplain. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by stormwater.

Keep in mind that people outside of floodplain areas file more than 20% of flood insurance claims and receive about one-third of disaster assistance, when it is available.

For more information about who must purchase flood insurance, download FEMA’s Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines booklet.   

Consider buying flood insurance if you do not already have it. You can take simple steps to protect your possessions by storing important papers, photographs or valuables in watertight containers, placed on a high shelf. In addition, there may be some improvements that you can make to protect your house or business from flooding. For more information, call our hotline at 512-974-2843 or email floodpro@austintexas.gov.

If flooding is imminent and you have time, the following steps can limit damages: • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. • Move valuables, such as papers, furs, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations. • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach and rinsing. • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

Download these FEMA publications to find out more about protecting your property: • Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards • Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding • Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures • Above the Flood: Elevating your Floodprone House • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage

This question is impossible to answer except in hindsight. When someone dies, there is a temptation to think the result might have been different if they had just stayed in the car or had just managed to get out of the car. Calling 9-1-1 when your vehicle first stalls has helped some people survive. The best thing is to avoid this situation, by turning around if a road is flooded. Better yet, avoid driving in heavy rainfall, since sometimes visibility is so poor, it is hard to see that a road is flooded. 

You can look this up on our interactive floodplain map. Or you can call our floodplain hotline at 512-974-2843 or email floodpro@austintexas.gov.

You don’t. It is not possible to tell if a flooded low water crossing is safe just by looking at it. Approximately 75% of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Shallow water can be deceptively swift and easily wash your vehicle off the road. Water over a roadway can conceal damage to the roadway or supporting structure. You may find that there is no longer a road under the water. When a low water crossing is flooded, don’t chance it.Turn Around - Don’t Drown!

Keep monitoring the situation and get ready to potentially evacuate. The flooding may get much worse very fast. In Austin, our creeks can rise several feet in just a few minutes. Keep in mind that the road providing access to your home may become impassible before water enters your house. Leave before the road is flooded.

If there’s time, the following steps can help limit damage:

• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. • Move valuables, such as important papers, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations. • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach and rinsing. • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

For guidance in how to prepare an evacuation kit or stock emergency supplies ahead of time, visit Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  

We are still processing the requests but expect to have approval similar to last year. As soon as we receive confirmation, we will update the information here. In 2011:

• Landscapers – 15 credits were approved
  • Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Certification Renewal Requirements
• Pesticide Applicators – 6  credits were approved
  • Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator CEU Information
• Some certifications are self-documenting
• Arborists  - see the post approval process
  • International Society of Arboriculture CEU Information
• Irrigators cannot receive any CEUs at this training, but check with the City of Austin Water Conservation Division about upcoming seminars for irrigation contractors
  • Texas Irrigation License Renewal Information
• Landscape Architects – per TABE, CEU credit interpretation is left up to the individual; however, our interpretation is the lectures on the first day would qualify for two sustainable and one structured category credit,
  • Texas Board of Architectural Examiners CEU Information

On the registration form, we ask if you have a physical Austin address or if the majority of your customers are in Austin.

Yes. The City's Green Garden program has been merged with the City's Grow Green program to avoid confusion due to similar names and to reach more people with a consolidated website.

This series is now called the Grow Green Landscape Professionals Training. The program will continue to offer the same high level of training, and professionals who complete the training series will be recognized on the webpage for three years. After three years, professionals must attend another Grow Green training class to maintain their presence on the webpage.

If you are from the 2009 class, your three years will expire soon. To maintain your listing, sign up and attend one day in the 2012 series.

If you are from the 2010 or 2011 class, you will be listed on the Grow Green webpage for three years from the time you completed training. You do not have to take any of the classes this year to maintain a listing on the webpage.

Grow Green Resources

Send the following information to the program coordinator:

• The number of people who will mark drains (and note if any participants are under age 18)
• The area of town most convenient for you (name a street intersection) or if you are willing to work anywhere there is a need
• Possible times/dates to set up a 5-10 minute appointment to review the process and sign paperwork.

1. Read through all of the action items
2. Partner with others and adopt earth-wise habits to preserve Austin’s natural resources.  If 30% of your neighborhood becomes Green Neighbors, YOU WIN!  Or, if you earn 50 credits on the Green Neighborhood Challenge, YOU WIN!   (this is on p. 26 of the booklet, but I can’t find it online)
3. When you’ve reached your goal, fill out, print, and submit your Green Tally Sheet
   • Green Neighbor
   • Green Neighborhood

There are several ways you can help, such as:

• Marking storm drains
• Volunteering for a clean-up

An Earth School teacher will bring all of the materials that students need.

The Earth School presentation can accommodate up to 30 students per presentation.

If your school is not able to schedule all of the presentations in one day, you can schedule two consecutive days.

Yes, there is a high demand to attend camp so please be committed to attending the full week.

The tunnel will capture, carry and discharge Waller Creek flood waters into Lady Bird Lake. This will significantly reduce the 100-year floodplain and provide flood relief for nearly 28 acres of land. The tunnel will also alleviate the problem of stream bank erosion. The project will result in construction of a new Parks and Recreation Department boat facility, improvements to Waterloo Park and surface improvements adjacent to the creek side inlets.

The cost for construction is $106 million. The overall program cost is $146.5 million and includes land acquisition, engineering and project management. The tunnel project is funded through the Waller Creek Tax Increment Financing Zone.

The tunnel will be constructed 60 to 70 feet underground using a roadheader, which cuts through rock. The access for the excavation necessary for the tunnel will be between Fourth and Fifth streets, a central point along the approximately one mile route of the tunnel. As a result, the excavation will not require trenching. Further, individuals on the surface will likely not realize excavation is taking place far below them.

City Ordinance

§ 3-4-6 DEFECATION BY A DOG OR CAT.

"An owner or handler shall promptly remove and sanitarily dispose of feces left on public or private property by a dog or cat being handled by the person, other than property owned by the owner or handler of the dog or cat."

Potential fine: Up to $500

• Yard signs
• Newsletter article template
• Brochures
  • Scoop the Poop
  • Off-Leash Dog Parks
  • Flea Fact Sheet

Ordenanza de la Ciudad

§ 3-4-6 defecación de un perro o gato.

"El dueño o manejador retirará prontamente y sanitariamente deshacerse de las heces que quedan en propiedad pública o privada por un perro o un gato a cargo de la persona, con excepción de los bienes de propiedad por el propietario o gestor del perro o del gato."
Potencial de bien: Hasta $ 500