On Wednesday, the city celebrated the completion of the new Lundelius-McDaniels Water Qual­ity Pond, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located in South Austin just off the Paisano Trail, the pond uses “state-of-the-art biofiltration technology” to help purify storm water before it makes its way to the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs. According to the city, the $3.9 million project will enable the removal of 35,000 pounds of pollution a year from storm water. Notably, that water originates from a neighborhood built before the Save Our Springs Ordinance tightened up water quality regulations. Wednesday’s ceremony also provided an occasion for officials to share news of the city’s newest accolade: The Environmental Protection Agency has designated Austin one of 10 “model cities” for green infrastructure, an announcement that should please people and
salamanders alike.

This article appears in June 17 • 2011.

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