The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department has identified the Tannehill Branch Creek Watershed as a priority for water quality improvements such as removal of pollution, improving stream flow and creating a natural habitat along the creek.
Tannehill Branch Creek experiences a number of water quality issues. These range from high nutrient levels in the water to a lack of plant and wildlife habitat near creek banks, contributing to problems like erosion and unwanted algae growth.
Project Overview
The project aims to address water quality issues and to enhance the riparian health of the creek. This project will focus on two specific areas: Bartholomew Park and Morris Williams Golf Course. Both of these locations currently have existing stormwater control facilities, and the plans call for the following retrofits and improvements:
- Modify the existing flood detention pond at Bartholomew Park to include a permanent wet pond
- Improve the existing wet pond and construct a second wet pond at Morris Williams Golf Course
- Create a constructed wetland at Morris Williams Golf Course
- Enhance natural habitat along Tannehill Branch Creek
- Support existing recreational uses within parkland along Tannehill Branch Creek
- Upgraded wastewater lines along Tannehill near Morris Williams Golf Course as part of a partnership with Austin Water
- A new Safe Routes to School trail through Bartholomew Park.
Project Objectives
- Remove nutrients and improve wildlife habitat near creeks
- Increase amount of rain water soaking into the ground (infiltration)
- Increase the amount of normal flow through the creek (baseflow)
- Facilities/Recreational Upgrades consistent with PARD Vision Plan for Bartholomew Park
- Stream channel stabilization (Morris Williams)
Timeline
Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:
- Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
- Design – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.
- Bidding and Permitting – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.
- Construction – when the project is built.
Preliminary Engineering was completed in 2021, Design is estimated to be completed in 2025, and Construction is estimated to begin in 2026 -2027.
January 18, 2023 Community Meeting
Project Contacts
Project Manager
- Minda Sarmiento, P.E., Public Works Department, (512) 974-5645
Project Sponsors
- Lee Sherman, P.E., Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-6555
- Clayton West, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-9792
Documents