Effective in February 1997, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC, a State agency), promulgated a set of comprehensive rules governing the permitting, operation and construction of OSSFs (on site sewage facilities) across the State. TNRCC rules allow approved municipalities to act as agents in implementing its rules.

In 1999, the City of Austin passed a simply worded ordinance that adopted all the TNRCC rules regarding OSSFs, as well as provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code. See City Ordinance 990211-E; Land Development Code 12-4-3; TNRCC rules, Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 285; and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366. WWW links for each authority are provided for your convenience at the end of this summary.

This year, the City of Austin is attempting to pass an ordinance that adopts TNRCC’s new standards as well as "more stringent standards" than those set by TNRCC and the Health and Safety Code. The City maintains that these "more stringent standards" were actually in effect from 1988 through 1999, and possibly as early as 1972. The proposed ordinance currently stands at 44 pages; the TNRCC rules and Health and Safety Code provisions are equally voluminous.

The proposed City ordinance has been reviewed by various agencies, and is presently under active review by Water/Wastewater, in preparation for being submitted to TNRCC for approval (and to justify the different standards) – prior to the City Council voting on the ordinance. It is possible that the City Council will vote to approve a draft on August 3 for the purpose of sending it to TNRCC for approval, regardless of amendments recommended by Water/Wastewater. If approved at TNRCC, the City Council will vote on it as an ordinance.

The purpose of this summary is:

1. to outline TNRCC regulations currently in effect (especially as they affect characteristics unique to our lakeside neighborhood) and
2. to outline the proposed new ordinance, including the aspects that are expected to directly affect our neighborhood; and
3. to allow you to evaluate the probable repercussions to your own property before the ordinance goes into effect.

Concerns

"When a new permit is required, the system must meet the requirements of the current rules." (TNRCC bulletin dated 9-13-99)

"Current rules" includes new separation distances (from the lake, foundation, property line, and "other structures,") larger lot size, and greater soil depth, among many other things. TNRCC separation/setback requirements are attached at the end of this summary for your convenience.

According to a TNRCC bulletin, if your system "fails" and/or is found to "pollute," your system is presently required to satisfy current TNRCC rules. If the ordinance passes, it is anticipated that your system will be required to also satisfy the "more stringent" requirements of the ordinance as well.

Some existing, built-out lots may not be capable of satisfying the new standards, due to proximity to the lake, bluffs, rocky soil, small lot size, etc. :

Other Concerns

Many citizens have objected to the vagueness of the standards regarding inspections, "pollution" and "failure" and have asked that standards be specific and objective (not susceptible to subjective interpretation by an inspector).

There is grave concern that potentially expensive decisions could be made by inexperienced and/or incompetent inspectors, allowing the OSSF owner no recourse or appeal of those decisions prior to incurring expense and/or being prohibited from using a system.

FIRST YEAR: POTENTIAL EXPENSE TO OSSF OWNERS

Even if you believe your system is functioning well, the proposed City ordinance authorizes the City to do the following in the first year the ordinance is in effect:

1. annual inspection (especially lakeside OSSFs; others every 3 years)
2. fee for license to operate (annual for lakeside)
3. homeowner to dig up all components if installation/engineering plans are not available to the inspector
4. homeowner to pump out system (for inspection and maintenance)
• if requested, to fill with water; recheck in 24 hours for rate of flow/leaks
• annual pump-out required for some systems
• maintenance contracts required for some systems
5. if "pollution" found, only "emergency repairs" are allowed
• if certain components are involved, an authorization to construct a new or remodeled system is required (no "emergency repairs" allowed)
6. If Authorization to Construct is required:
• new plans must be drawn by registered engineer or sanitarian
• apply for variance, if needed
• fee for construction permit
• additional inspections during construction
• sworn (?) declarations by engineer and installer must be filed before a new permit will be issued
• new or remodeled system on an existing built-out lot must meet current standards including increased lot size, separation distances, soil quality and depth
• if the lot cannot meet standards, homeowner may be required to purchase nearby land for OSSF, including a cluster system
7. OSSF owners must file an affidavit with deed records indicating that an OSSF exists on the property, requiring periodic inspection and permitting
8. If your system is found to "pollute" during this process, you may be prohibited from using your system; fines for violations may be up to $2000 per day per violation
9. No pit privies allowed in the interim, or at any time

Types of Systems

As you read this summary, it will help to know what kind of system you have. If you don’t know and don’t have the installation plans, the ordinance requires you to expose your system (and its components) so that a diagram of it can be made and filed with your records in the first year.

Each of the following terms is used throughout the ordinance (as well as the TNRCC regs) and each kind of system has varying requirements for construction and/or inspection.

1. Sewage Treatment System
1. "Standard"
1. septic tank (gravity flow)
2. intermittent sand filter
2. "Proprietary" (all or part of the system is owned by a person and has a trademark or patent)
2. Sewage Disposal System
1. Standard
1. absorptive drainfield
2. evapotraspirative drainfield
3. pumped effluent drainfield
2. Proprietary
1. gravel-less drainfield piping
2. leaching chambers
3. drip irrigation
3. Non-standard disposal process:
1. low pressure dosed drainfield
2. surface irrigation system
3. mound system
4. soil substitution drainfield
5. drainfields following approved aerobic units, secondary treatment and disinfection
3. All others: "non-standard"

285.3 General Requirements

All aspects of planning, installation, construction, alteration, extension, repair, operation and maintenance of OSSFs must be in accordance with this chapter.

Requests for variances must demonstrate equivalent protection of the public health and environment by alternate means proposed. Variance requests must be accompanied by planning materials prepared and sealed by either a registered sanitarian or registered professional engineer.

285.4 Facility Planning

This section purports to govern planning prior to subdivision approval.

[Some lots in ACPNA were never subdivided; however, "subdivision" is defined as a "division of a tract of property into two or more parts either by platting or field notes with metes and bounds and transferred by deed or contract for deed. 285.2(71) According to M.B. Lockhart, a paid City consultant on this ordinance, developed "illegal" lots will not be subject to the requirements of this section, unless or until they subdivide.]

For subdivisions on public water supply (platted or created after 1-1-88):

Sanitary easement: 100’ radius around well; no subsurface sewage system

Lot size: 1 acre

Area available: two times the design area, minimum

1. minimum separations distances are maintained (see Separation Table) and
2. the site has been evaluated in accordance with 285.30

1. Soil analysis: at least 2 soil borings to depth of 2 feet below proposed excavation. Size and type of OSSF to be determined on basis of most restrictive soil class.
2. Soil Texture analysis:

Ia – sandy with more than 30% gravel – unsuitable
IV – unsuitable
3. Soil structure analysis (Ib or II soils are suitable as to structure)
4. Soil depth – suitable soils shall be at least 24 inches below bottom of proposed disposal area for standard ground absorption systems; otherwise, unsuitable.
5. Restrictive horizons evaluation – unsuitable if found less than 24" below bottom of proposed drainfield
6. Groundwater evaluation: unsuitable if high water tables within 24" of bottom of proposed drainfield
7. Topography: uniform slopes under 30% -- suitable
8. Flood hazard: no new OSSFs or substantial improvements to existing OSSFs shall be allowed in the regulated floodway (see FEMA maps). Any sites within the 100 year floodplain shall be subject to special planning requirements.
9. Over-all site suitability:

If suitable soils, calculate size of system according to 285.91(Table 5).
For unsuitable sites, proprietary or non-standard systems must be used.

Construction of OSSFs must be isolated from water wells, lakes, roads and other objects subject to contamination. See Separation Table. Other objects includes streams, ponds, lakes, rivers, foundations, buildings, surface improvements, property lines, easements, swimming pools, "other structures," sharp slopes, and breaks.

285.32 Criteria for Sewage Treatment Systems

Treatment Processes

1. septic tanks (gravity flow): liquid depth shall not be less than 30 inches
1. flowline of the inlet device shall be at least 3: higher than the flowline of the outlet device. Entry point of outlet device shall be below the liquid level of the tank between 25-50% of the liquid depth of the tank. All outlet devices must use a T branch fitting; installed water tight; minimum of 3" diameter.
2. All septic tanks shall be divided into 2 or 3 compartments by use of baffles or connecting tanks (with specifications as to volume, size, etc.)
3. All septic tanks shall have an inspection and/or cleanout port on the tank top; opening not less than 12 ", but large enough to provide maintenance and equipment removal. If tank buried more than 12" below ground, shall have risers over port openings (to be sealed and capped).
4. Construction materials: steel-reinforced poured concrete or pre-cast concrete, fiberglass, reinforced plastic polyethylene. Specifications are given. Metal tanks are prohibited.
5. Installation:
1. provide 12" drop from bottom of outlet pipe to bottom of disposal area
2. 4" of sand, loam or pea gravel under and around tanks
3. tanks to be left open until inspected.
4. Back-fill with sand, loam or pea gravel (free of rock)
6. Pretreatment tanks – may be required with aerobic treatment units.
2. Intermittent Sand filters
1. sand media specifications given
2. loading rate: no more than 1.2 gal/day/sq.ft.
3. surface area – specifications given
4. depth – min. 24" of sand media
5. filter bed containment – specifications given
6. underdrains – specifications given
3. Proprietary Treatment Processes: maintenance contracts required; many specifications regarding electrical wiring, approval, testing, permits, reports, monitoring period, etc.
4. Nonstandard (all others) -- to be submitted for review by registered engineer or registered sanitarian. Permit upon approval by permitting authority.

Standard – effluent from treatment process dispersed to adjacent soil (absorptive) or into air (evaporation and transpiration)

1. Absorptive drainfield – excavation in suitable soils up to 3 feet; surface scarified; bottom no less than 18" wide; level to 1" over each 25’ of excavation. Lots of specifications given.
2. Evapotranspirative drainfield – for soils classified as "unsuitable"

(many specifications given)
3. Pumped effluent drainfield – must use low pressure dosed drainfield specifications (1000 linear feet of perforated drain pipe for 2BR; 400’ for each additional BR); trenches 6" wide; 3’ separation between trenches; 2’ separation from bottom of excavation to restrictive horizon or ground water; may not use when slopes are greater than 2.0%; and more specifications given

1. Gravel-less drainfield piping
2. Leaching chambers
3. Drip irrigation -- maintenance contracts required for all emitter systems

1. Low pressure dosed drainfield
2. Surface irrigation systems
3. Mound systems
4. Soil substitution drainfields
5. Drainfields following approved aerobic units, secondary treatment and disinfection

1. construction of plumbing to septic tank: materials (iron, dustile iron, PVC); slope shall be no less than 1/8" fall per foot of pipe; two-way cleanout plug between building and septic tank; additional cleanout plug every 50’; min. inside diameter of 3"
2. pump tanks may be necessary when tank outlet is lower than disposal field; construction criteria given
3. Grease interceptors – for discharge of large amounts of greases and oils to OSSFs
4. holding tanks – where no other methods of sewage disposal are feasible; specs given; must have scheduled pumping contract

Repairs may be made to abate an immediate, serious and dangerous health hazard, if it does not alter the system’s planning materials and functions. Emergency repairs includes such items as replacing tank lids, inlet and outlet devices, and repair of solid lines.

Written notice must be given to the permitting authority (city) within 72 hours of the repair, with a detailed description of methods and materials used in the repair. Inspection by permitting authority may be required.

[Comment: This is the only kind of repair explicitly authorized in the TNRCC rules. Presumably, one could repair and/or maintain one’s system before "failure" without having to report it.]

285.39 Maintenance and Management Practices

1. the executive director may investigate any matter concerning OSSFs and take appropriate enforcement action.
2. If the executive director determines that an OSSF is creating a nuisance, the OSSF must be brought into compliance to abate the nuisance. He may require a property owner to initiate repair no later than 30 days after notified.

Modification associated with a structure must be carried out in accordance with requirements of State Board of Plumbing Examiners; outside a structure, must be carried out in accordance with provisions of this chapter.

Comments: The TNRCC separation distance required for lakeside OSSF owners is 50’ for sewage treatment tanks or holding tanks; 75’ for soil absorption systems; 50’ for lined evapotranspiration systems, etc. Now compare the requirements of the City’s proposed ordinance, noting especially the DWPZ distances and references peppered throughout.

Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZs) and Drinking Water Protection Zones (DWPZs) in watershed areas are defined and regulated in the Land Development Code (LDC). Familiarity with these terms and concepts may be useful in understanding the ordinance:

DWPZ is defined in LDC at 25-1-21(30) as "areas within the Barton Springs Zone, the Barton Creek watershed, all water supply rural watersheds, and all water supply suburban watersheds, as described in Section 25-8-2 (Descriptions Of Regulated Areas), that are in the planning jurisdiction." This term is used throughout the ordinance; within the DWPZ, more stringent standards are required by the ordinance.

CWQZ: Generally, for a major waterway, the boundaries of the critical water quality zone are located not less than 200 feet and not more than 400 feet from the centerline of the waterway. For a minor waterway, the boundaries of the critical water quality zone are located not less than 50 feet and not more than 100 feet from the centerline of the waterway.
For Lake Austin, the shoreline boundary of the CWQZ (Critical Water Quality Zone) is the 492.8 foot contour. LDC 25-8-92(B)(1)(b). The width of a critical water quality zone, measured horizontally inland, is appears to be an additional 75 feet for a detached single-family residential use, and 100 feet, otherwise, except that a CWQZ does not extend beyond the crest of a bluff.

Note: The term CWQZ is not used in the proposed ordinance; however, the distances for CWQZ appear to be used, without the bluff exceptions.

Jurisdiction/Applicability:

1. all properties within the full purpose limits of the City of Austin, TX 78730
2. existing or proposed OSSFs within the limited purpose boundaries, "where the area has been annexed for the purpose of applying the City’s health and safety ordinances"

 

 

Full purpose boundaries ("city limits"): in ACPNA, anything below the 504.9 contour (annexed many years ago, perhaps as early as 1928).

Limited purpose boundaries (LPA): All territory within 500’ of the 504’9 contour surrounding Lake Austin was annexed for limited purposes of "planning and zoning" and "sanitation and health protection" in 1982, citing an emergency concerning the "safe, orderly and healthful growth and development of the City. . . . to assure the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and general welfare both of the public residing within the City and the public residing adjacent to the City."

This ordinance does not purport to regulate areas lying in the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction), although apparently a municipality has the authority to do so. The ETJ is governed by the TNRCC rules. If you have questions about whether your property lies outside the LPA, please refer to the jurisdictional maps provided at Bunny Run’s website, referenced at the end of this summary.

3. More stringent regulations are proposed for OSSFs in the DWPZ (Drinking Water Protection Zone). See comments above

As you read the following summary of the proposed ordinance, keep in mind that "failure" of an OSSF is not defined anywhere in the ordinance, but seems to be inherent in the definitions of pollution and/or nuisance and/or hazard to public health. TNRCC defines nuisance as: sewage, human excreta, or other organic waste discharged or exposed in a manner that makes it a potential instrument or medium in the transmission of disease to or between persons; or an overflowing septic tank or similar device, including surface discharge from or groundwater contamination by a component of an OSSF, or a blatant discharge from an OSSF.

Also, if you feel inclined to skip the sections regarding "construction," please reconsider, as it appears that construction provisions will apply to systems that fail and/or do not qualify for emergency repairs.

That is the most dangerous part of this ordinance in my estimation, because some of the developed lots in our neighborhood cannot qualify under the new construction provisions. We have been told that the TNRCC rules require upgrade to new standards upon failure. That is not explicit in the language of the proposed ordinance, as the TNRCC rules are simply adopted and incorporated by reference.

"Greywater" is not specifically addressed in the proposed ordinance; however, it is specifically addressed in the TNRCC rules and may well be included in the annual inspections required by this proposed ordinance.

The following is a section by section summary of the proposed ordinance. For a comprehensive understanding of the ordinance, you must read the actual document, as well as the relevant authorities incorporated by reference. Links to all relevant authorities are appended to this summary.

Summary of provisions:

1. An owner must hold a permit to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an OSSF.
2. An owner of an OSSF within 200 feet (measured horizontally) of the 492.8 contour (CWQZ shoreline boundary of Lake Austin) must obtain a license to operate annually. An annual license is also required for facilities that use (1) holding tanks, (2) disinfection, or (3) surface irrigation. Other OSSF owners have up to 5 years to obtain each such license.
3. If the permitting authority (City) determines that the age, type, condition or location of the facility presents a risk to public health, they may require a new license to operate sooner than otherwise required. If you have a proprietary or non-standard treatment method, the permitting authority may specify the expiration date of the license.
4. Owners of OSSFs shall notify prospective buyers and shall file an affidavit in the deed records stating that the property is served by an OSSF.
5. Authorizations to Construct:
1. A building permit may not be issued unless an authorization to construct an OSSF has been applied for (or has been found not to be required). Certificates of occupancy may not be issued unless the license to operate an OSSF has been issued.
2. If remodeling or alteration of an OSSF involves a modification or if it takes place on or over a component of the OSSF, the owner must apply for an authorization to construct (which expires one year after application)
1. Before issuing Authorization to Construct, but within 30 days of application, the City shall conduct preliminary site inspection including topography, geology, and hydrology, to confirm the submitted site evaluation and shall make a finding regarding whether construction may begin.
2. If denied Authorization to Construct, notice shall be given.
3. A person may not install or cover an OSSF until inspections have been made and approval obtained for each particular stage of installation, construction or modification.
3. Upon completion of construction or modification, the engineer or sanitarian must certify that the facility was inspected and installed as designed, and must provide an accurate set of as-built plans and specs to the City. The installer must also certify installation according to plans.
4. The City must find that the facility is in compliance and that the facility will not cause pollution, injury to the public health, or nuisance conditions; only then may a license to operate be issued.
6. Licenses to operate for existing OSSFs may be issued if:
1. the OSSF is in compliance with this chapter (the whole ordinance)
2. the use of the OSSF will not cause pollution, injury to public health, or nuisance conditions AND
1. At the time of construction, it was approved by the regulating agency, OR
2. Inspection shows it to have functional treatment and disposal units.
3. City may require the owner to uncover all or part of the facility if
1. no accurate as-built diagram of the facility is on file or
2. for an inspection
7. If license to operate is denied, the owner shall be notified in writing of the reasons the permit is denied or revoked.
8. Variances may be requested of the City in writing, demonstrating that proposed methods provide "equivalent protection" to public health and environment (prepared and sealed by registered sanitarian or professional engineer).
9. All appeals of City denials and revocations are made to City Council.
10. Enforcement and Penalties
1. City may periodically inspect to assure compliance.
2. City may require owner to provide professional reports or testing reports to help determine whether a system is in compliance.
3. City may require uncovering of components.
4. City may enter cease-work orders and bring suit for injunctive relief
5. City may revoke a permit for failure to comply
6. fines of $2000 per day per offense
7. Definition of offense: "if a person operates or allows the operation of an OSSF in a manner that causes, or that may tend to cause, pollution, injury to the public health, or nuisance conditions."
11. Subdivision planning:
1. a residential site must:
1. provide enough usable land for at least one repair or replacement of a system
2. ensure that an OSSf is an adequate distance from another OSSF, steep slope, floodway, and water well
2. meet minimum lot size requirements (if not cluster or surface irrigation)
1. inside DWPZ, residential, 1 acre per dwelling
2. outside DWPZ, residential, ¾ acre per dwelling
3. each lot must have area for effluent disposal that is the greater of
1. 7200 square feet per dwelling unit or
2. two times the design area
4. Slope (for effluent disposal) may not exceed
1. 15% for standard or proprietary disposal

   (but not drip irrigation or lined ET)
2. 30% for drip, lined ET or non-standard disposal
5. For existing small lots:
1. if subdivided prior to date of ordinance, must comply with lot size, area, and slope requirements in effect at the time of preliminary plat filing
2. if plat submission was required but was not made at time of subdivision, each lot must comply with lot size, area, and slope requirements in effect at the time of first sale of any lot in the subdivision
12. Submittal requirements/planning materials must be:
1. prepared and submitted by registered professional engineer or sanitarian if:
1. low pressure dosing on slope less than 15%
2. lined ET (without leak monitor)
3. iii. non-standard disposal
2. prepared and submitted by a professional engineer if
1. intermittent sand filtration
2. lined ET with structural stabilization or leak monitor
3. non-standard treatment process
4. concrete tank, not precast
5. surface irrigation
6. low pressure dosing on slope of 15% or more
7. secondary treatment and disinfection
13. Cluster systems
1. must have management authority
2. may not be located in floodway or 25-year floodplain
3. specific requirements for 100 yr floodplain
4. each owner connected to the system must be party to the agreement required by TNRCC
14. Maintenance contracts are required for:
1. systems using sand filtration
2. systems using non-standard or proprietary treatment process
15. Site Evaluation
1. for standard systems (but not sand filtration):
• soil profile hole excavated with backhoe
• in DWPZ, each profile hole excavated to four feet below bottom of proposed excavation
• outside DWPZ, profile holes to three feet below
2. Percolation testing may be required in the DWPZ to establish effluent floating rates to the soil (with specific perc test rates cited)
3. If 36 inches of suitable soil (without restrictive horizon) is not available below bottom of proposed drainfield, the site is unsuitable
4. In DWPZ, if high water tables are within 48 inches below bottom of proposed drainfield, site is unsuitable; outside DWPZ, 36 inches
16. Setback and separation requirements
1. soil absorption system or unlined ET bed
• 100’ from water supply lake
• 75’ if low pressure dosing is used
• 50’ if low pressure dosing with secondary treatment or nitrogen reduction followed by disinfection
2. lined ET bed
• 100’ from water supply lake
• 50’ if leak monitor is used
3. spray irrigation
• 150’ from water supply lake
• 75’ from stream or pond
• 25’ from dwelling
• 10’ from up-slope property line
• 25- from down-slope property line
• 100’ from sharp slope or break
17. Criteria for Sewage Treatment Systems
1. Each inspection/clean-out port must be located to allow direct surface access to tank components
2. Before being covered, tank shall be tested for leaks according to manufacturer’s specifications and being filled with clean water and checked for drop in water level over 24-hour period.
3. Intermittent sand filters – special requirements (12-4-66)
18. Criteria for Sewage Disposal Systems
• no chipped tires
• ET liner material specified (PVC; 30 mils thick), etc.
• Pumped effluent - lateral lines range 1.5 to 2.5 feet deep
• Pumped effluent in DWPZ, specifications for min. vertical separation, depending on soil type (different outside DWPZ)
• drip irrigation: various specifications (12-4-68 (B))
• in DWPZ: 3’ min. vertical distance for standard treatment
• but 2’ if secondary treatment; 1’ if secondary, disinfection and nitrogen (etc. depending on the soil)
• non-standard disposal:
1. low pressure dosed in DWPZ (depending on soils)
• 4 foot min. vertical distance if standard treatment
• 3 foot min. using secondary treatment
• 2 foot if secondary/disinfection/nitrogen reduction
2. mound disposal (same min. vertical separation distance as for low pressure dosed)
3. surface irrigation ("cluster"):
• effluent criteria, pH, fecal coliform, chlorine biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids specifications are given
• no rock outcroppings
• piping to be below ground
• sprinkler application to be controlled by commercial irrigation timers
• may be conducted only at night (or just before sunrise)
• must have electronic monitoring, automatic notice of failure
• must prevent from effluent from crossing property lines
• if multi-family, are must have posted warning signs in English and Spanish
• surface runoff to be prevented from leaving
19. Connection to Organized Sewage Disposal System (such as city sewer) is required if sewer comes within 100 feet of a lot containing an OSSF, and use of OSSF is prohibited (with some exceptions).
20. Other
1. composting toilets – disposal regulations
2. Abandoned OSSFs: crush or remove lid of tank and have it inspected
3. For installed OSSF but not to be used immediately, pump, secure and have it inspected
4. Septic tank must be pumped out at least once every 3 years.
5. Water softener back flush is not permitted to enter any part of OSSF
6. Use of explosives to construct/alter/repair/extend OSSF is prohibited.

Relevant Authorities and Other Commentaries:

1. Health and Safety Code:

Index: http://capitol.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/hstoc.html
Chapter 366 (On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems):
http://capitol.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/codes/HS000105.html
 
2. TNRCC rules, Chapter 285 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative

Code:
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pub/plsql/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=4&ti=30&pt=1&ch=285
Relevant sections of Chapter 285:
1. Subchapter D (OSSFs):

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pub/plsql/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=30&pt=1&ch=285&sch=D&rl=Y
2. Subchapter I: Appendices/Tables:

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pub/plsql/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=30&pt=1&ch=285&rl=91
3. Subchapter A: General Provisions:

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pub/plsql/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=30&pt=1&ch=285&sch=A&rl=Y
3. Texas Water Code

http://capitol.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/watoc.html
 
4. Proposed City ordinance governing OSSFs

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/sewage_ordinance.htm
 
5. City of Austin Land Development Code
• City’s website:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/development/ldc1.htm
• Definition of DWPZ in LDC 25-1-21 (30):

http://www.review.ci.austin.tx.us/CGI-BIN/om_isapi.dll?clientID=182640&advquery=25-1-30&infobase=austin2.nfo&softpage=Browse_Frame_Pg42&x=45&y=12&zz=
• Various watersheds defined in LDC 25-8-2:

http://www.review.ci.austin.tx.us/CGI-BIN/om_isapi.dll?clientID=182640&advquery=25-8-2&infobase=austin2.nfo&record={41868036}&softpage=Browse_Frame_Pg42&x=52&y=11&zz=
6. Bunny Run Neighborhood website:

http://www.main.org/bunnyrun/
Click on their links for:
1. maps showing jurisdictional areas,
2. their summaries of the OSSF ordinance, and
3. Ordinance 820506-D (creating limited purpose annexation areas in 1982)
7. Amstar Engineering website: "Battlefield" (comments on proposed OSSF ordinance):

http://www.amstarengineeringinc.com/battlefield.htm)
 
8. City Memo on Recurring Licensing (6-7-00)

http://www.main.org/bunnyrun/ossf/city_licensing.htm