NPDES STORM WATER PROGRAM
Construction in the Barton Springs Watershed

NOTE: Several links take you to other sites, you may have to back up or close the new window to return to this page. Many of the guidance documents, permits, etc. available on-line are in PDF format and you will need the free Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.

NEW: TCEQ took over permitting of all construction activities in Texas (except for those under the authority of the Texas Railroad Commission and those on Indian Country Land) on March 5, 2003.

The Barton Springs Watershed (also known as the Barton Springs Recharge and Contributing Zones) is a roughly 375 square mile area in southern Travis, northern Hays, and eastern Blanco Counties in and near Austin, Texas. Storm water runoff in this area recharges the Edwards Aquifer, which feeds the Barton Springs located in Austin's Zilker Park. The Barton Springs are the only know habitat for the endangered Barton Springs salamander.

In accordance with conditions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's May 6, 2002, Biological Opinion on continued operation of the Construction General permit in the Barton Springs Watershed, EPA is reminding permittees of their duty to comply with all terms and conditions of the permit and their obligation to comply with all applicable state and local water quality requirements.

The principle permit requirement is to implement a pollution prevention plan that controls storm water runoff quality during the construction phase, reflects any more stringent state and local requirements (Part IV.D.2.d), and is protective of endangered species (Part IV.D.2.c(6)). Local requirements for project design and both short term and long term water quality controls include those established by the City of Austin, City of Dripping Springs, and Village of Bee Caves. All projects in the Barton Springs Watershed must also comply with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's Edwards Aquifer Rules (see TNRCC link below).

HELPFUL LINKS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE OPERATORS IN THE BARTON SPRINGS WATERSHED

US Fish and Wildlife Service - Final Biological Opinion on EPA's Construction General Permit

City of Austin's Barton Springs Salamander Page

University of Texas at Austin, Department of Zoology's Barton Springs Salamander Page

TNRCC's Edwards Aquifer Protection Program

Map of Barton Springs Watershed

Region 6 Storm Water Construction Activity Web Page

Water Quality Protection Division