Upstream Activity Affects Us All
This week the Gillespie County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to replace the 24-year-old flood control ordinance. The Pedernales River Alliance recognizes and applauds the County Engineer and the Commissioners for their actions.
Their efforts were not prompted by the horrendous Kerr County flooding of July 4th. Instead, they acknowledged increasing risks of mercurial weather patterns and the need to balance property rights, development rights and safety considerations associated with ever-increasing developments along the Pedernales River and its tributaries, especially RV parks and tiny home developments.
While not targeting any particular development, the newly revised ordinance seeks to protect human life and health, minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding, minimize potential damage to public facilities and utilities located in floodplains; and to ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in a flood area. Sheriff Chris Ayala reminded us that there are 52 crossings in the county subject to flooding, each with the potential of risk of life and the costs of search and rescue missions.
Melissa Eckert, County Engineer, pointed out that some of the new regulations apply to all areas of special flood hazard and also areas of moderate and minimal flood hazard within the jurisdiction of Gillespie County. Development permits will require proof that there are no adverse impacts to streams. There are increased stipulations on RV and manufactured home parks. RV parks are also required to have an emergency preparedness plan.
Over the years, I’ve watched multiple times when the river rose over the crossing, closing Jung Lane. I have seen the river rise over the bridge in Stonewall. I have seen it rise up and kiss the bottom of the bridge on 290E. I have seen the river become the home of Bald Eagles, herons and egrets. People stop at this crossing to fish or wade in the water. This ordinance is about the entire watershed. It protects our water, our land, and our most vulnerable neighbors. What happens upstream affects us all.
I am a proud member of the Pedernales River Alliance (PRA), because I love this river and its tributaries but I respect it, too. We seek to educate ourselves and others about the benefits of good water policies and regulations that will protect the Pedernales River Watershed and those who live here. To join the PRA, visit https://pedernalesriveralliance.org
