Dear Supporter,
The City of Austin announced today that it is shifting its efforts from slope stabilization to flood risk reduction in response to the landslide along Shoal Creek. The landslide took place on Friday, May 4, 2018. An additional movement took place on May 8, 2019.
The landslide deposited rock, soil and debris in the creek that has reduced its capacity to convey floodwaters. This partial blockage in the creek increases the chance of flooding on Lamar Blvd.
The City was previously pursuing a scope of work that would have included a slope stabilization component, as well as addressing flooding and drainage issues, the damaged park trail and wastewater pipe. Those efforts did not come to fruition.
The City is now in the planning stage for a project to restore some of the flood capacity of Shoal Creek and protect parkland from further erosion. This project does not include a slope stabilization component, but it does help address public safety issues that arose from the landslide. It focuses on reducing flood risk and protecting the creek and public infrastructure. The current project will include removal of some of the debris from Shoal Creek and widening of the creek at certain locations. The City advises that more information on the timeline and cost will be available this spring.
Statement from Pease Park Conservancy CEO Heath Riddles:
“Pease Park Conservancy's number one priority is the safety of the folks in the park, so we are encouraged that the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department is moving forward on mitigating the flood risk created by the Shoal Creek Landslide. However, we are disappointed that the stabilization efforts surrounding the landslide are unable to move forward at this time. We want the park to be safe, and we want to see the trail replaced, so that folks can get back to fully enjoying Austin's first and oldest public park."