Runoff from Thunder Rock construction impacts neighbors
Construction on a new road between Centurion Parkway and RM 2147 in Marble Falls has reportedly caused significant runoff issues for neighbors of the Thunder Rock Estates project. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Stormwater runoff from construction of a new Thunder Rock project is reportedly impacting the properties of some residents in Channel Oaks and Horseshoe Bay. The city of Marble Falls is working with developers to help mitigate the impacts and correct the drainage issues.
Thunder Rock Estates is a project from the same developers responsible for the sprawling neighborhoods surrounding the Texas 71-U.S. 281 intersection in south Marble Falls. The estates will be multi-acre properties on custom lots running along a road that is currently under construction by the developer between Centurion Parkway and RM 2147.
According to a letter sent by Marble Falls City Engineer Jeff Prato on June 11 to Thunder Rock developer Spyglass Partners LLC, at least three property owners had claimed that runoff from construction of the Centurion Parkway-RM 2147 connector was impacting their land. Among other things, the letter requested a review of the project’s drainage engineering and erosion management.
“When (the developer) cleared all of the vegetation (from the construction site), it allowed water to move rapidly,” Prato told DailyTrib.
Prato’s letter requested a response by Friday, June 19, and for developers to:
- Continue to work with city staff to respond to inquiries from adjacent property owners, should they arise;
- Validate if the construction plans were submitted to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for review and approval.
- Request that the project design engineer meet with the city, and in good faith, ensure that design of temporary and permanent best management practices are most conducive to this development.
- Establish a phased plan to construct drainage improvements so that runoff and sediment can be conveyed properly during construction.
The letter noted that the city had been contacted by a resident from the Channel Oaks subdivision on April 30, claiming that their property had been “inundated with erosion” from the Thunder Rock construction. Another property owner contacted the city with similar concerns on June 2, and another on June 11.
Prato responded to at least one of the concerned property owners by email, stating:
“City staff was made aware of the significant amount of runoff and debris that came from the Thunder Rock Estates Development after the substantial rainfall events that occurred the past few weeks.
“Since then, we’ve worked with the developer and contractor to remedy their erosion control measures such that it is contained. Mitigating the erosion was the first step, however, there is now the question of long-term drainage.
“Although this answer is not satisfactory in the interim, we are working diligently to make sure this does not occur again.”
dakota@thepicayune.com