Water Level
|
630.36 ft
updated 6:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Riverboat contract has a sewage problem
Posted: Mon, 9 Mar 2015 09:29 PM - 15,357 Readers
By: Sunny Sone
Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and City Council Member Leslie Pool raised concerns last week about Lone Star Riverboat’s practices at the regular Council meeting Thursday, postponing the vote on a revenue contract until March 26. A memo to Council regarding the contract outlined sewage and marine toilet compliance issues and questioned whether Lone Star’s dock could withstand the next five to 10 years. The company improperly documented liquid waste disposal in 2014, providing one written trip ticket for waste for the entire year. It did submit several invoices as well, but the city does not classify invoices as acceptable records. Lake Austin Task Force member Carol Lee, who was appointed to the panel by Tovo, analyzed manifest information. In an email to the Austin Water Utility, Lee wrote that with more than $500,000 in gross revenue for 2014, the 200 gallons of waste recorded on Lone Star’s single manifest “just doesn’t seem like an accurate accounting of waste from that boat’s holding tank.” Her correspondence with the water utility led to the discovery of the company’s noncompliant record-keeping. The city requires waste generators and transporters to track liquid waste from excursion boats on Lady Bird Lake to trucks onshore with manifests or trip tickets. This is necessary because there is no sewage pump-out facility on the lake. Of Lone Star’s three-boat platoon, two are not in compliance with marine toilet regulations. The city requires any excursion boat carrying more than 20 passengers to have separate toilets for men and women. “The Little Star” can carry 34 passengers and “The Southern Star” a maximum of 60, but neither have any toilets. The memo also questions Lone Star’s proposed addition of 30 seats, noting the additional seats are ambiguous in code compliance — it’s unclear whether those seats would add to or replace seats on noncompliant boats. The memo encourages Council to consider requiring the company to install a boat sewage pump-out station before expanding services. The contract would not require Lone Star to expand or replace its current dock. Instead, the company would improve accessibility and compliance with the American Disabilities Act in nearby parkland. The Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Board co-signed the contract, even though the waste disposal issue was raised during an Environmental Board meeting in February. If approved, the contract is anticipated to bring in $150,000 in revenue over five years, with a possible 60-month extension.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,403 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,062 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
30,995 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,170 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,119 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,522 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,307 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,579 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,353 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,912 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,513 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,541 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,034 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
27,955 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,801 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,454 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,715 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,304 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,517 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,212 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,582 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,305 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,735 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,242 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,196 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,507 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,247 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,427 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
26,924 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,187 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,282 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,828 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,253 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,507 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,125 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,805 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,871 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,209 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,627 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,532 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,519 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,537 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,113 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,776 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,517 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,232 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,037 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,319 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,664 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,268 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,065 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
23,918 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,195 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,650 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,276 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,481 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,459 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,630 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,542 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,364 Readers |
News Archives 2015 - Select a Month
|