Download - LCRA's T160 Project within the BCP
T-160 (Marshall Ford to McNeil) Transmission Line Upgrade
through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserves
Jennifer LeeperLCRA Senior Environmental Coordinator
Oct. 8, 2015
Project• LCRA Transmission
Services Corporation
• Upgraded existing 14.5-mile T-160 (Marshall Ford to McNeil) transmission line
• From 69-kV (kilovolt) to 138-kV
• Serving significant growth in Austin and northwest of Austin
Project Location and Balcones Canyonlands Preserves (BCPs)
Crosses multiple preserves
Endangered Species
Golden-cheeked Warbler (GCWA) Black-capped Vireo (BCVI)Photo by John Ingram
Endangered Species
Karst invertebrates Jollyville Plateau Salamander(JPS)
Project Phases to Reduce ImpactsStarted early discussions – worked directly with BCP biologist, City of Austin hydrogeologist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Phase I – Clearing/trimming and soil borings
Phase II – Construction
BCCP MitigationMitigation through the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Infrastructure Application process to offset impacts to habitat
Why mitigate?
Photo by Ron Smith Photo by Jennifer Leeper
FWS Guidance Met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for guidance concerning project activities and JPS habitat
Outside Services for JPS and KarstHired Zara Environmental, LLC (Zara) to assist with karst investigations and best management practices to avoid impacts to the JPS
Photos by Zara Environmental, LLC
Work by Zara to Reduce Impacts• Down-hole video analysis of soil borings• Subsurface drainage basin mapping of
protected caves (BCCP requirement) • Void mitigation plan
Photo by ZaraEnvironmental, LLC
Photo by Ron Smith
Best Management Practices to Protect Endangered Species
Galvanized versus Weathering Steel
Untreated Versus Treated Water
Breeding season for GCWA and BCVI is March 1-Sept. 1
Golden-cheeked WarblerBlack-capped Vireo
Preventing the Introduction of Exotic Species
Tawny Crazy Ants
Red Imported Fire Ants
Stormwater Controls and Jute Matting
Jute Matting
Preventing the Spread of Oak Wilt
Protection and Containment of Spills
Preventing Wildfires
Key IngredientsCommunication PlanningCreativity FlexibilityTeamworkRespectTraining and awarenessBalance
BCVI Habitat in the TL ROW
Photo by William Reiner
Transmission Line Corridor on the City of AustinKent Butler Ecological Reserve
Habitat Improvement in 2009…
2009 Nest
Habitat improvement areas
… Led to BCVI Nest Success in 2013, 2014 and 2015!
2013 Nest
2014 Nest2015 Nests
BCVI on Nest
Photo by William Reiner
Success at Kent Butler
Three BCVI fledged the nest by May 22, 2015, offspring of the banded male that had returned from the previous year
Photo by William Reiner
BCVI Nesting on Ribelin Preserve
Nest not successful, but ROW vegetation attracted BCVI
Photo by Erik Huebner
Questions?