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Austin Watershed and code staff press for engineering study and repairs at Mia Riverside after repeated sewage discharges
Summary
Staff told the commission that Mia Riverside (1601 Royal Crest Drive) has produced numerous private sewage discharges into city storm drains; Austin Watershed documented 13 violations and recommended an engineer‑prepared evaluation and a repair schedule, and the commission adopted staff recommendations requiring a private‑wastewater study and corrective actions.
Austin Watershed Protection and Austin Development Services told the Building and Standards Commission on Dec. 6 that the Mia Riverside apartment complex has repeatedly discharged raw sewage from a private wastewater system into parking areas and city storm drains.
Brian Evans, an inspector with the development services repeat‑offender unit, described numerous inspections beginning in May 2025 that documented open cleanouts, trenches and sewage flowing into private and public drainage. He said the property was placed on the repeat‑offender program and staff had not received an engineer’s action plan for the wastewater system.
Bridal/Brian Maynard, described in the record as an environmental compliance specialist with Austin Watershed Protection, said Watershed has documented 13 private sewage discharge violations in the past 18 months and coordinated with Austin Water to confirm the discharges originated in the private system. Maynard warned that sewage containing pathogens can expose residents and that discharges flow into the city stormwater system and ultimately Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River.
Staff recommended, and the commission adopted, an order requiring a comprehensive private‑wastewater evaluation by a Texas‑licensed engineer within 30 days, finalization of permits, correction of all violations, and inspections by Austin Development Services. If compliance is not achieved after the 46th day, staff will assess $1,000 per week in civil penalties, with interest at 10% per year until paid.
Owner representatives and on‑site managers described recent repairs by a contracted plumbing firm and said they have repaired major issues and intend to complete a full camera inspection and engineered study. Commissioners asked about timing and a plan for verification; staff confirmed the order’s technical requirements and enforcement timeline.
Outcome: Commission adopted staff findings and directed a prompt engineering study and repairs, with weekly penalties beginning if the required actions are not completed.
