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Eliza Springs Daylighting Proposal (postponed from Jan 29)
November 24 @ 11:31 pm
To help protect the endangered Barton Springs and Austin Blind Salamanders, we are proposing changes to Eliza Spring – that’s the sunken, fenced-off amphitheater area just outside of Barton Springs Pool.
About the Project
Eliza Spring is home to the largest known population of the Barton Springs Salamander. In the 1920s, flow from the spring was enclosed in a pipe, made of concrete and metal. This pipe sent the flow from Eliza Spring into Barton Springs pool. Currently, this pipe doesn’t even make it to the pool. Instead, it discharges into the Barton Springs bypass culvert, a concrete tunnel that runs underneath the sidewalk at the pool and protects the pool from minor floods. This concrete and metal environment does not make for ideal salamander habitat.
The Watershed Protection Department is proposing to convert the pipe back to an open stream, a process known as daylighting. This would return the spring run to a more natural state and enhance the salamander habitat, improving the potential for long term recovery of the species.
Stream daylighting can also reduce maintenance requirements of Eliza Spring by removing the potential for the pipe to become obstructed with rocks and tree roots.
Important Documents
Conceptual Design (Draft, posted November 20, 2013)
Public Involvement
Come to a monthly public meeting to find out more and share your ideas: from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center (Splash!) at Barton Springs Pool, one Wednesday a month.
- Oct. 23, 2013
- Nov. 20, 2013
- Dec. 18, 2013
- Feb. 5, 2014 (postponed from Jan. 29)
- Feb. 19, 2014
- March 19, 2014
- April 9, 2014
- May 21, 2014
- June 18, 2014
Background
Because Barton Springs is habitat for two endangered species, the City of Austin needs a U.S. Fish and Wildlife permit to keep the pool open. To obtain the permit, the City of Austin must details steps that it will take to help promote the welfare of the salamanders. These steps are meant to offset any harm that the use of the pool might cause. The restoration of Eliza Springs is listed as one of the conservation measures in the permit.
The restoration is being funded solely through the Watershed Protection Department’s Drainage Utility Fee.
The first phase of the project was completed in 2012 and included coordination with the Texas Historical Commission and a structural assessment of the Eliza amphitheater.
We are currently in the second phase, which includes designing and constructing the project. The design is expected to take nine months. Conceptual designs, engineering drawings and cross sections, will be available for viewing at the November 20 public meeting.