applying for a bccp infrastructure permit
TRANSCRIPT
BCCP Infrastructure Permit Processes and Procedures
BCCP Infrastructure Mitigation Program
Infrastructure planning is critical to minimizing habitat loss and fragmentation within the BCP
The City of Austin manages the infrastructure mitigation program on behalf of the BCCP Coordinating Committee. This process allows for construction of public schools, roadways, utilities, and other capital improvement projects throughout the permit area.
BCCP Infrastructure Mitigation Program
Project is eligible to participate in the regional Balcones Canyonland’s Section 10(a) permit if it lies outside of the preserve acquisition boundary or within an approved corridor inside of the preserve acquisition boundary
Participation will cover incidental take of endangered species habitat, particularly golden-cheeked warbler habitat that the project might impact
Resources to Assist with
Infrastructure Planning
Infrastructure workshop booklet
City of Austin BCP website www.baloncanyonlands.org
◦ Appendix B of the BCCP
◦ Flow Chart
◦ Maps: BCCP Permit Area, existing and planned corridors,
ArcGIS Online
◦ Forms (including Habitat Assessment Application)
Mitigation fee zone maps www.co.travis.us/maps
BCCP Coordinating Committee Secretary (& staff)
Infrastructure Guidelines for
Permit Area and BCP
Outside Permit Area Inside BCP
Inside Permit Area/Outside BCP
Appendix B – Infrastructure Management Plan
Defines infrastructure corridors in
preserves or expected preserves
Defines where each use can be applied to a
corridor
Also describes how “take” outside
preserves may be mitigated through BCCP
Inside the Permit Area,
Outside of the BCP
Any new construction or maintenance
◦ Complete and submit a BCCP Infrastructure
Project - Habitat Assessment Application to BCCP
Secretary
◦ BCCP Secretary makes habitat determination
◦ Guidelines from Appendix B recommended
Inside the Permit Area,
Outside of the BCP
To participate in BCCP mitigation:
◦ BCP signatories mitigate through BCCP credits (mitigation bank)
◦ Non-BCCP participants can purchase participation certificates
Non-BCCP participants can also work directly with USFWS
What You Need to Know
BCCP Infrastructure Project - Habitat
Assessment Application
Vegetation Maintenance Plans
Emergency Maintenance
Vegetation Clearing Dates
Oak Wilt Prevention Plans
Wildfire Prevention Plan
Habitat Assessment Application (pages 32 & 33 in the workbook)
BCCP Habitat Assessment Application
1. Applicant Information
2. Landowner
3. Project Name
4. Brief Project Description
5. Description of Vegetation Disturbance
6. Dimensions of Disturbed Area
7. Total Acreage of Disturbed Area
8. Attachments Spatial Data
9. USFWS Participation?
BCCP Habitat Assessment Application
Applicant
◦ Submit Habitat Assessment Application
◦ GIS / CAD Data appreciated
City of Austin Staff
◦ GIS Spatial Overlay Analysis
Map the Project Limits and Overlay it onto the
Habitat Zones
Calculate Area of Disturbance in Each Zone
◦ Issue Mitigation Determination Letter
BCCP Habitat Mitigation
Mitigation Deducted from Agency
Mitigation Bank
Purchase Mitigation Participation
Certificates
◦ GCWA Mitigation Zone 1 = $5,500 / ac
◦ GCWA Mitigation Zone 2 = $2,750 / ac
◦ BCVI Mitigation Zone = $5,500 / ac
◦ Karst Mitigation Zone 1 & 2 = $1,000 / ac
BCCP Mitigation Zones - GCWA
Zone 1
Zone 2
BCCP Mitigation Zone - BCVI
BCCP Mitigation Zone - Karst
Zone 1
Zone 2
Within the BCP: Guidelines for
Scheduled Maintenance
Specific guidelines for access routes
Specific guidelines for vegetation management
Written plans to BCCP and preserve owner (application preferred)
Approval from preserve owner and BCCP Secretary for each maintenance event
Vegetation Maintenance Plans
Coordinating Committee Secretary
should be notified of any planned
maintenance within preserves
The notification should contain:
◦ Description of planned work
◦ Dates the work will be performed
Opportunity to design and secure pre-
approval
Segment*
Danger
Zone**
Maximum
Vegetation
Height**
Maintenance
Frequency
(years)
Date Last
Maintained Trees to Remove*** Describe maintenance methodology****
*Expand the table on this form as needed to include all segments. Segments will be defined between each tower or valve.
** Height above ground surface ***List by species and number
****Manual or mechanical (if mechanical give detailed description of equipment and methodology.
Infrastructure Corridor:
Landowner/managing entity:
Infrastructure Owner:
Infrastructure Description
Type (electric, water, wastewater, other):
Length: Width:
Description (Voltage, pipe size, other):
Required Information (page 38 in the workbook)
Within the BCP: Guidelines for
Emergency Maintenance
Threats to public health and safety
Act immediately to address needs
Act to minimize effects to species
Notify BCCP Secretary within 5 days
afterwards
Site Clearing Requirements
Clearing allowed September through
February.
After March 1st work must cease unless
◦ Bird-monitoring survey conducted using
USFWS protocols
◦ No nesting birds within 300 feet
◦ Natural vegetation already removed
Oak Wilt Prevention Policies
City of Austin
◦ http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/City_Arborist/Oak_Wilt_Policy.pdf
Travis County
◦ http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/bccp/pdfs/draft_plan/tier_ii_management_handbook/tier_iia-3_oak_wilt_management.pdf
LCRA
◦ http://www.lcra.org/portal/page/portal/library/media/public/docs/rfps/helpful/oak_wilt.pdf
Wildfire Prevention Plan
A pre-action plan used to help prevent
accidental wildfire ignitions on wildlands
and to provide initial response when
ignitions are encountered.
A Wildfire Prevention Plan Is
To reduce the risk to employees, the public,
emergency responders, and resources.
90% of unwanted fires in Texas are estimated
to be caused by human activities.
It is always fire season in Central Texas.
Move the City of Austin toward the goal of
being a Fire Adapted Community.
Why Do We Require It
Wildfire Prevention Plan Requirements
A written plan prepared by the entity
receiving access is required for all
activities conducted by contractors,
consultants, infrastructure owners,
researchers and formal visitors on City of
Austin owned BCP.
Major plan elements to meet these goals.
◦ Accurate description of the area and duration of
the work.
◦ Identification of the nearest entry point for
emergency responders.
◦ Expectations for personnel and equipment to
prevent, spot, and extinguish ignitions.
◦ Contact information for partner field staff and
BCP/WCD staff.
Elements of the Wildfire Prevention Plan (pages 36 & 37 in the workbook)
Expectations
• Take every reasonable precaution to prevent
unwanted ignitions on BCP property.
• Closely monitor operations with the potential to
cause an ignition.
• Contact emergency responders with accurate
information for location and access to an ignition.
• Take reasonable actions to extinguish an ignition
without endangering personnel or the public.
• Evacuate field personnel and contact WCD staff
in the event of an ignition.
Wildfire Prevention Plan
For additional information, contact
Lucien (Luke) Ball
(512) 972- 1683 desk
(512) 940- 3452 cell
Where to Find Forms
City of Austin’s Wildland Conservation
Division’s BCP Webpage ◦ www.baloncanyonlands.org
Questions?
Kimberlee Harvey Environmental Program Coordinator (GIS)
City of Austin
Austin Water Utility
Wildland Conservation Division
(512)972-1686