Council approves hazardous-materials through-route along FM 110 to protect Edwards Aquifer habitat

San Marcos City Council approved a resolution directing staff to submit a proposed nonradioactive hazardous-materials (NRHM) transport route to the Texas Department of Transportation that would route through traffic onto FM 110 instead of across the downtown I‑35 river crossing.

A staff presenter told council the proposal is intended to reduce the chance of a hazardous release crossing the San Marcos River and to comply with the city’s commitments under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service incidental-take permit. The proposed route would require through traffic carrying placarded hazardous materials to exit I‑35 and travel on FM 110 around the city; it would not prohibit deliveries to addresses inside the city.

Nut graf: The route is aimed at minimizing the environmental risk to the San Marcos River and the federally protected species it supports by shifting through traffic away from downtown river crossings. The city must submit the proposal to TxDOT, which will perform its own review and public notice before deciding whether to approve designation.

Key points - Staff explained the route and its intent to reduce spill risk to the San Marcos River and meet obligations under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. - The proposed route would direct through hazardous-material traffic onto FM 110 to avoid an I‑35 river crossing through the center of town. - The council voted to authorize the city manager to submit the route to TxDOT and to execute documents necessary for the submission; the motion passed 7–0.

Supporting details The presenter said the city had conducted outreach to adjacent political subdivisions (roughly a 25-mile radius) and received no comments from agencies or governments notified. TxDOT will require a route-analysis report (completed with consultant assistance) and will conduct state-level public notification if the city petitions for designation; final designation by TxDOT would return to council for an ordinance and installation of approved signage.

Quote - "The intent of these proposed routes is to minimize potential of a spill or release of a hazardous material and where that spill might occur," — Staff member (presentation to council).

Ending Council authorized the city manager to submit the proposed FM 110 NRHM route to TxDOT and to execute the necessary documents; TxDOT will then publish notice and determine whether to approve the route before the city can adopt a formal ordinance and install signage.

sections":{"lede":"Council approved sending a proposed hazardous-materials through-route via FM 110 to TxDOT to reduce the risk of spills over the San Marcos River.","nut_graf":"The route aims to help the city meet requirements in the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan and an incidental-take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by steering through traffic away from downtown river crossings.","ending":"If TxDOT approves the petition, the city will adopt an ordinance and install signage to direct carriers along the approved route."},