SOS Litigation Wins, Setbacks & Texas Drought Updates

Last week, we received disappointing news on the lawsuit SOS brought against the City of Austin’s approval of the Statesman PUD, for violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act and Austin City Charter. The judge ruled against our motion for summary judgment and in favor of the motions submitted by the City of Austin and the intervening party, a company affiliated with developer Endeavor Real Estate Group. While we are understandably disappointed with this outcome, we are actively evaluating our options. 

The outcome of this case may well decide the future protections, or lack thereof, for Lady Bird Lake from over-development along its south side. It will also impact the extent to which the community will maintain public access to the tree-lined canopies of the Hike and Bike Trail. This case may determine whether the community has the right to full disclosure regarding actions taken in a proposed Planned Unit Development, including non-zoning matters such as the relocation of the Hike and Bike Trail, waivers of environmental regulations, and modifications to the shoreline. 

We also raised a claim that the City Council restricted speakers to a total of one minute for all zoning items, which translates to less than 20 seconds per item related to the Statesman PUD. This speaker limit is inherently unreasonable and contradicts the Texas Open Meetings Act.
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Given the significance of this case for government transparency and the fundamental right to participate, we are currently assessing our options for appeal. ​

After a long fight against ill-advised plans to dispose of wastewater via irrigation on a site that funnels into Roy Creek Canyon and the Pedernales River, Save Our Springs Alliance and neighbors of the Mirasol Springs development reached a settlement agreement on the contested wastewater permit for the development. Through the agreement, SOS, Save the Pedernales, and Mirasol neighbors, were able to secure improvements to the quality of the wastewater to be disposed of, monitoring of soil moisture levels to lessen the likelihood of wastewater runoff into surface and groundwater, setbacks and buffers from surface water and springs, and increased water quality monitoring in nearby springs.
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SOS will continue to closely watch the situation as it progresses and remain ready to jump in to defend the water quality and endangered species that call Roy Creek Canyon and the Pedernales River home. Please support our continued work to protect these unique and fundamental waterways.

It was yet another frustrating day at Austin City Hall at the June 5th Austin City Council meeting. Within the 118-item agenda, which remarkably generates relatively little discussion from the dais, there were several items we were tracking. 

Items 16/17. On a 7-4 vote, City Council approved water and wastewater services for a property that released itself from the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Both the City's Watershed Protection Department Staff and Environmental Commission (unanimous) recommended denial of these service extensions due to non-compliance with Austin's environmental regulations. Providing water and wastewater to this development would increase environmental harm, exceeding the City's impervious cover limits (20% vs. 58% proposed) over the Northern Edwards Aquifer, upstream of Jollyville Plateau Salamander habitat. We're disappointed in the City Council's decision but thankful to Council Members Duchen, Alter, Qadri, and Siegel for voting against.

Item 55. This item would fund a new "floating dock" for Parks' storage, near the Camacho Recreation Center, on Lady Bird Lake. This item was postponed to July 24, 2025. Stay tuned.

Item 94. City Council approved broad environmental code waivers for its proposed billion-dollar expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, an expansion that could increase erosion and nutrients in Walnut Creek. The Council also neglected to incorporate any of the recommendations of the Environmental Commission in the approved ordinance, which included increasing Critical Water Quality Zone mitigation for Walnut Creek. This project is a gross over-expansion of existing infrastructure, one that could be avoided by simply better managing wastewater and conserving more water upfront. Austin taxpayers and our environment will be paying for this boondoggle for many years to come.
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Item 22. Speaking of boondoggles, the Austin City Council approved the initiation of rezoning for the proposed convention center, despite the objections of neighboring residents and other concerned Austinites over the dead-space the new center will create in what should be a vibrant area of Downtown Austin. This convention center is being funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue that could otherwise support Austin's local artists, musicians, and historic/environmental spaces that actually generate tourism to Austin. For more information about the expansion and how to sign the petition to fight back against it: click here. ​

We have some great snorkel tours coming up...Grab your tickets now for upcoming Eco-tours at our beloved Barton Springs with these environmental leaders: 
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Saturday, July 12 - Caroline Lunning, take a dive into the springs with a Barton Springs Lifeguard and super fun explorer!
Sunday, July 20 - Justin Gronquist, son of Wayne Gronquist who helped protect Barton Springs back in the heyday. Get ready for some good stories!

JULY ECO-TOUR TICKETS
 
 2025 Summer Membership Drive: Become a member of SOS for only $10 during our summer membership drive. Memberships help us protect more lands and all new members receive discounted eco-tours and a free pair of SOS shades! We also have new t-shirts and merch to show your love for SOS. 
When and Where: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during summer break, at the South Gate (906 Azie Morton) entrance of Barton Springs Pool 9am-3pm

Intern Spotlight: Meet Landry 
Hey there, I'm Landry Kern, a Senior at University of Texas at Austin, I'm majoring in Sustainability, specifically concentrated on Natural Resource Management!
I'm originally from Lubbock, Texas.
I have been familiar with Save Our Springs as a leading environmental nonprofit in Austin since I began my college career. I was enthusiastic to have the opportunity to join the mission of conserving Austin’s water resources and expand my experience in conservation through environmental outreach. 
My favorite part about Barton Springs is its role as an important uniting resource for our community. Barton provides a unique escape from the city to be able to enjoy nature in the middle of downtown Austin. 
A fun fact about me is that I am a certified open water scuba diver! 

As we mentioned last week, Central Texas remains in the grip of a historic drought. While any rain is welcome, it matters where it falls and much of it has missed the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Here are some recommendations to engage more deeply in water conservation in the coming months: 

1. Adopt immediate water‐saving habits – take short showers, cut outdoor watering, fix leaks, run full loads only, and talk to your neighbors compassionately about our collective water shortage. 
2. Support and demand policy change – urge your utilities and officials to implement stricter usage restrictions on major water guzzling corporations, indicate support for efficiency programs like the purple pipe reuse, and ask for stronger incentives for both residential AND industrial clients.
3. Champion alternative supplies – back initiatives like San Antonio’s expanded aquifer storage, responsible wastewater reuse, and consider installing a rainwater collection system in your home or business. 
4. Prepare for prolonged drought – recognize that rainfall alone won't replenish our aquifers; long-term planning, policies, and community engagement are essential.

If you care about preserving Austin's environment for future generations, please donate today. Your contribution strengthens our fight in the courtroom and beyond.

In Solidarity,
SOS Alliance

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