XS Ranch is a 10,000-acre master planned community in Bastrop County, Texas. The XS Ranch development has a rural aesthetic appeal, with planning priorities including low density residential areas with abundant open space areas. Preservation of existing aquatic features, including streams, drainageways, stock ponds, riparian corridors, and natural floodplains, was incorporated into the design and planned as an amenity for future landowners.

aci environmental consulting prepared a Section 404 USACE Individual Permit (IP) for unavoidable impacts to Waters of the U.S. and a Compensatory Mitigation Plan including 7.59 acres of stream restoration and preservation along a tributary of Big Sandy Creek near its confluence with the Colorado River. Preparation of the IP also included surveys for each of three endangered species (Houston toad, bald eagle, and Navasota ladies’ tresses) and their habitats.

Archeologists from aci conducted a historic and cultural resources survey, including a geomorphological analysis of onsite soils

Agency coordination was conducted with the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act and with the Texas Historical Commission regarding Section 106 National Register of Historic Places eligibility of onsite cultural resources. During the IP public comment process, concerns from TCEQ, EPA, TPWD, THC, and TWDB were addressed.

Additionally, a Miscellaneous Easement Permit was obtained from the General Land Office for a bridge crossing over the Colorado River, a state-owned land.