Encroachment of Human Settlements on the Natural Environment

The 12th Street bridge across Shoal Creek in Austin, Texas. The bridge, as well as a hike and bike trail and drainage pipes, have altered the natural flow of the creek in this densely developed area of town.
 
This section of the 1400 block of Waller Creek has been artfully channelized. In this area the creek runs through Waterloo Park. Across Red River Boulevard is Brackenridge Hospital and the state capitol complex is just a few blocks away.
 
This section of lower Waller Creek has been substantially altered by adjacent development: an office complex and a hike and bike trail.
 
This ice plant in central Austin is right on the bank of Waller Creek. Some of the excess water from the plant can be seen draining into the creek.
 
This is one of the parking lots and supply buildings of the state capitol complex along Waller Creek. Once a residential neighborhood, this entire area of central Austin has been transformed during the past twenty-five years into a large collection of state office buildings. Along with the office buildings have come numerous high-rise parking facilities and ground-level lots. The runoff from the impermeable surfaces in these parking lots drains directly in Waller Creek.
 
Rail lines just north of Cesar Chavez Boulevard turning south toward the Town Lake Bridge. The Seaholm powerplant is in the distance. Although no longer a primary generation facility for the City of Austin Electric Department, the Seaholm plant was sited on the banks of Town Lake for cooling water.
  

Created by Katrin Molch, October 1995. Last revised 21  January 1998. RRR.