CHAPTER 6
Environment
The environmental resources that represent opportunities and constraints for land
use and development in the Harlingen area are the focus of this chapter of the
Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the environmental analysis is
to conserve, protect and enhance the natural features and systems that make up
the environment of the Harlingen area.
Environmental Setting
The City of Harlingen is centrally located in Cameron County at the extreme
southern tip of Texas, north of the Rio Grande, which forms the border between
the Unites States and Mexico. The Rio Grande Valley is a delta area of highly
intensive and specialized farming, including extensive irrigation. Important
agricultural crops produced in the Valley include grain sorghum, aloe, cotton,
citrus, sugar cane, and a wide variety of cool-season vegetables including carrots,
onions, peppers, cabbage, lettuce, and sweet corn. The sources of irrigation water
are Lake Amistad and Falcon Lake reservoirs located upstream on the Rio
Grande. A complex system of irrigation canals, pipelines and ditches have been
constructed by water control and improvement districts to furnish water to farms
and communities.
Climate
Harlingen's climate is warm and semi-arid neotropical, with dry winters and hot,
humid summers. Annual rainfall averages 26 inches, occurring mostly as
thundershowers that are unevenly distributed both seasonally and geographically,
with large variation over the area. Since September 1992, the South Texas region
has experienced below average amounts of rainfall and subsequent drought
conditions. September has the highest monthly rainfall caused by tropical
cyclones in the late summer. May and June are also fairly wet months with many
thunderstorms, March is usually the driest month. Prevailing winds are southsoutheasterly throughout most of the year, except in the winter months when
north-northwesterly winds are common. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes are a
threat to the area from June to October, but major storms are rare.
Topography
The natural terrain in the Harlingen area is characterized by a flat plain formed as
an alluvial delta of the Rio Grande. The plain slopes gently to the northeast away
from the high bank along the north side of the Rio Grande and toward the Laguna
Madre along the coast. Slopes are typically less than 0.5 percent, except in
localized areas near drainageways or manmade features. The Arroyo Colorado is
the major natural drainageway flowing northeast across the Harlingen area that
has eroded a deep channel into the alluvial plain, with steep slopes in localized
areas along the upper banks of the Arroyo. Manmade irrigation canals and
drainage channels, as well as, natural drainageways break up the flat plain in
other areas.
Geology
Harlingen is located on the Coastal Plain of Texas. The surficial geology is
undifferentiated lithogically, consisting of deep sandy-clay and clayey formations
that dip gently toward the Gulf of Mexico and are of Pleistocene age or younger.
Exposed formations include the Beaumont Formation of Pleistocene age and the
overlying sediments of the Holocene (Recent) age. Geologic features of the
Coastal Plain include depressions, levees, point bars, backswamps, and meander
belts forming resacas along the old channels and subdeltas of the Rio Grande,
and South Padre Island, a barrier island, and the tidal flats of the Laguna Madre
along the Gulf Coast. The rise and fall of the sea during and after the last major
advance of the continental glaciers in North America accounts for the deposition
of the geologic materials of the Beaumont Formation and more recent materials.
During periods of glacial advance, the sea fell to perhaps 450 ft. below its present
level and major streams deepened their channels across the Continental Shelf into
the Gulf, many miles beyond the present shoreline. In intervening periods the sea
rose and deposits filled the deepened valleys and formed the broad delta plain.
The Beaumont Formation was deposited during the last of the interglacial
periods, estimated at about 70,000 years ago. Later the sea level fell again and
reached its present level about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago. The Halocene (Recent)
materials along the Rio Grande are less than 5,000 years old, having been
deposited when the sea was at about its present level.
Soils
Soils occurring in the Harlingen area have a surface layer of calcareous, grayishbrown clay, about 11 inches thick, over brown and light-brown clay that extends
to a depth of several feet. They are moderately well to poorly drained and very
slowly permeable, lack adequate surface drainage, have slight to moderate
salinity, and are prone to shrink and crack when dry and swell when wet. The
high water table is typically five to ten feet below the ground surface. Suitability
for urban development is good, but limited by poor runoff and flooding from
inadequate drainage, cracking and shifting of manmade structures caused by soil
shrink-swell potential, corrosive and salinity effects of soil on pipelines and
exposed steel, and failure of septic tank filter field disposal systems caused by
poor permeability. Suitability for planting and landscaping with flowers, shrubs
and trees can be improved by adding organic matter, improving drainage and
tillage of the clayey surface soils.
Water Resources
Availability of water for agriculture, domestic, and industrial uses has long been
a critical determinant and shaper of growth for Harlingen and the Rio Grande
Valley. Irrigation was begun about 1876 and the first irrigation systems were
established about 1905. These systems were built by large land and irrigation
companies that also cleared the land, divided it, and sold it to new settlers. By
1914, most of these companies were bankrupt. The irrigated acreage greatly
expanded in the 1920's and early 1930's when farmers organized the irrigation
districts that have successfully operated and expanded up to modern times.
Located in one of the most intensively farmed regions in the nation, Harlingen's
early development resulted from the farming enterprises and railroad
transportation lines that together supported the economy. Water is an essential
resource today for industrial and manufacturing uses, as well as continuing
agricultural and domestic uses.
Future availability of adequate water resources to serve domestic, industrial, and
agricultural demands is a critical resource issue facing cities, businesses and
agricultural users throughout the Valley. Water conservation is increasingly
important as competing demands face limitations on available reserves of surface
water. Falcon and Amistad Lakes are the two international reservoirs that supply
water to the Lower Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. The situation on
both sides of the border is expected to become more critical in future years as
growing population and industrial needs place increasing demand on the water
supply. Conservation by both municipal and agricultural water users are
receiving greater attention in water management policies. Alternatives for
recycling and reuse of available water should continue to be evaluated for
municipal and industrial users. The 3 million gallon daily reverse osmosis water
treatment and recycling component of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant No.
2 has been instrumental in meeting industry processed water demands.
Additional information and recommendations on water supply are provided in the
Water and Wastewater Element of the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan.
Wetlands
Wetlands are areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with a
frequency to support vegetation or aquatic life that requires saturated or
seasonally saturated soil conditions. Typical wetlands include swamps, bogs,
marshes, and similar areas such as sloughs, potholes, wet meadows, river
overflows, resacas, mud flats and natural ponds. Ecologically, wetlands are
unique and critical habitat for many species of plants and wildlife. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers performs identification of wetlands, and under Section
402 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899, permits are required for activities impacting identified wetlands.
Wetlands in Harlingen are likely to be found within riparian areas along the
Arroyo Colorado and its tributaries, in riverine areas along the Rio Grande at the
south boundary of the planning area, in undisturbed natural areas in close
proximity to irrigation canals and drainage ditches, and other low-lying areas
where water ponds during wet seasons of the year. Coordination with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the
development of this comprehensive plan established that the identification of
wetlands should be requested for specific project areas on a case by case basis.
The extent of floodplain areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency is indicative of areas where wetlands are more probable to be found,
although all of the floodplain areas are not necessarily considered to be wetlands.
Identified floodplain areas are shown in Figure 8-1, contained in Chapter 8 of this
Technical Plan Report.
Endangered and Threatened Species
Numerous species of plants and wildlife that are listed as endangered or
threatened species are known to occur in South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley and
Cameron County. At least 67 vertebrate species that are considered endangered
or threatened have been found in the border counties along the Rio Grande.
The Texas Natural Heritage Program (TxNHP) Information System of the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin maintains a compilation of information
about endangered, threatened and sensitive species for the state. Available
information of a general nature for Cameron County and the Harlingen area was
obtained and reviewed for this comprehensive plan. Copies of this information
are available in the office of the City of Harlingen Planning and Development
Department.
The TxNHP will review specific projects on an individual basis and can provide
site-specific assessments based upon the most up-to-date information available
from their records.
Industrial/ Hazardous Waste Sites and Petroleum Storage Tanks
All facilities that generate, transport, store or dispose of industrial or hazardous
waste are required to register with the Texas Natural Resources Conservation
Commission (TNRCC). The Office of Permitting, Remediation and Registration
at the TNRCC is responsible for implementing the federal and state laws and
regulations governing all aspects of permitting for the air, water and waste
programs; oversees the investigation and cleanup of hazardous pollutants
released into the environment; registers and manages the reporting requirements
for certain facilities; and implements the petroleum storage tank reimbursement
program. As of October 2000, there were a total of 58 registered industrial and
hazardous waste sites in the City of Harlingen. Detailed information on the name,
location and characteristics was obtained from TNRCC and is available at the
office of the City of Harlingen Planning and Development Department. As of
October 2000, there was one Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site in
Harlingen. The Niagara Chemical site, located west of the intersection of
Commerce Street and Adams Avenue, was 100% remediated in 1998 and is in
the second year of soil and groundwater monitoring.
The owners of underground and aboveground petroleum storage tanks (PST) are
required to register with the TNRCC. The Office of Permitting, Remediation and
Registration of the TRNCC administers the tank registration program, reviews
cleanup programs, and initiates enforcement actions when owners fail to comply
with regulations. There were 270 underground and aboveground PST's registered
in the City of Harlingen, as of October 2000. A complete listing of the storage
tank locations and characteristics was obtained from the TNRCC and is available
at the office of the City of Harlingen Planning and Development Department.
Archeological, Historic and Cultural Resources
There are no properties listed on the U. S. National Park Service National
Register of Historic Places located in the Harlingen area. Eligibility for listing on
the National Register includes significant historic sites and districts that are at
least fifty years of age. Given the founding date of Harlingen in 1910, there may
be increasing potential for designation of National Register sites in or near the
city as it ages.
There are Texas State Historical Markers administered by the Texas Historical
Commission located at several sites in the Harlingen area. These markers include
the following historic sites:
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City of Harlingen (SM 1969) at City Hall, 2nd and Tyler Streets "Platted 1904; incorporated 1910. Named for town in Holland, by founder
Lon C. Hill, Sr. (1862-1935), promoter of railroad and early business
enterprises. Here were organized the first irrigation district and first
navigation district in the Rio Grande Valley.
"Center for finance, wholesale business, commerce and medical services.
Site of Harlingen State Tuberculosis Hospital, Rio Grande State Center
for Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Valley Baptist Hospital.
Home of Marine Military Academy, and the Rio Grande Valley
Museum."
Harlingen Hospital (RTHL 1980) at Rio Grande Valley Museum off
Loop 499 - "First hospital in Harlingen was started by businesswoman
Ida Gilbert and nurse Marie Yeager, and was constructed in 1923. Moved
to present location in 1978."
Lon C. Hill Home (RTHL 1965) at Lon C. Hill Park - "City's first
home, a late Victorian frame cottage built in 1904 by Harlingen's founder,
Lon C. Hill, Sr."
Original Sam Houston School (SM 1985) at 513 E. Jackson Street "Site of one of the first permanent school buildings in Harlingen.
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Constructed circa. 1912 as the Main School."
Planters State Bank (SM 1985) at Intersection of Commerce and
Jackson Streets - "Site of the Planters State Bank after 1917."
Santos Lozano Building (RTHL 1980) at 112-115 West Jackson
Street - "Oldest brick building still standing in Harlingen. Designed and
constructed in 1915 by Baltazar Torres of Brownsville for the mercantile
business of Santos Lozano."
The lower Rio Grande from Laredo to Brownsville has been designated as the
Los Caminos Del Rio Heritage Corridor. Harlingen as a community has played
an important historical role in the Valley's development, and appropriate
recognition and protection should be afforded the significant historic and cultural
resources within the community.
Original Townsite - The oldest urban area in the City of Harlingen is the
original townsite that was surveyed and platted by Lon C. Hill, Sr. in 1909-1910.
The 168-block original townsite is the core area of Harlingen and includes the
Central Business District, Jackson Street Historic District, La Placita District and
the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy areas.
Central Business District (CBD) - The cultural and historic characteristics of
the CBD are threatened by economic stagnation, physical deterioration, and
declining business activity. Maintenance and enhancement of the economic
vitality and business focus of properties and uses within the CBD are a primary
goal and objective of the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan.
Jackson Street Historic District - The Jackson Street Historic District has long
been closely associated with the development of Harlingen. The district is
generally bounded by Commerce Street and the Union Pacific Railroad on the
west, the alley north of Monroe Avenue on the north, Fourth Street along the
east, and the alley south of Van Buren Avenue on the south. It was in this area
that Lon C. Hill, Sr. established the original settlement and platted the town
center. This section of downtown parallels the history of Harlingen. The high
concentration of early 20th Century commercial buildings is a vivid reminder of
the economic boom experienced during the first two decades of Harlingen's
growth. The district reflects the interesting architecture and historic character of
old Harlingen, in contrast to newer developing commercial districts such as the
Valle Vista Mall area, 77 Sunshine Strip, Ed Carey, and other commercial
corridors. The Harlingen Downtown Improvement District (DID) has focused on
the district in its efforts to revitalize the downtown as a re-emerging commercial
and entertainment district.
La Placita District - is an area of cultural and historical significance consisting
of warehouses, industry and residences on the west side of the CBD. The district
is generally bounded by the Union Pacific Railroad on the east, "F" Street on the
west, the alley south of Tyler Avenue on the south and the alley north of Jackson
Street on the north. This area is subject to an overlay district adopted by the City
Commission, which is an additional level of requirements that are superimposed
over the existing zoning in the area.
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area - considered the heart of
Harlingen with a broad mix of businesses and residences, the area is undergoing
revitalization through a partnership of private, public and nonprofit sectors of the
community. The area is bounded on the north by Jefferson Avenue, on the east
by 13th Street and on the west by "F" Street. The south boundary runs west along
Harrison Avenue to Sixth Street, then south to Tyler Avenue, then west to the
Union Pacific Railroad, then southeast to an alley between Pierce and Buchanan
Streets, then west to "F" Street.
Since the program started in 1999, initial efforts have concentrated on upgrading
the infrastructure in the residential neighborhoods, while at the same time,
focusing on economic development, housing improvement and community
awareness of the entire area.
Biological Resources
he flora (plants) and fauna (animals) of Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley are
an important environmental resource that have significant ecological, economic,
and aesthetic value. The diverse communities of plants and animals living in the
area provide and maintain natural stability and productivity. Human activities,
including land development, have important impacts upon these habitats that
must be considered and appropriately integrated with land use planning, in order
to minimize and mitigate significant negative effects on natural resources. These
biological resources represent important opportunities and assets, which can be
preserved and enhanced by appropriate consideration in planning and
development.
Ecotourism
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival - The value of natural resources to the
local economy is receiving increased recognition due to the emergence of
"Ecotourism" as a growing segment of the tourism industry. In November 1994,
the inaugural Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival was held in Harlingen, which
attracted an estimated 750 bird watchers and added about $266,000 to the local
economy. In 2000, attendance had steadily increased to over 4,000 persons from
46 states, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. In 1997, the last year an
economic impact study for the event was undertaken, the economic impact to the
local economy was estimated at $3 million. The festival is a joint effort of
birders, nature groups and the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, with
participation of State and Federal agencies. The festival not only financially
benefits the Harlingen community but also enhances environmental awareness
and conservation efforts. Harlingen's location in the Rio Grande Valley provides
opportunity to experience a diverse range of plant and animal life not afforded by
the more temperate climate in other regions of the United States.
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail - In the early 1990's, the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Transportation worked
with local governments to establish "The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail".
This driving route, which cost $1.4 million, extends 500 miles with 43 separate
loops from Beaumont-Port Arthur along the entire length of the Texas Gulf Coast
to the Rio Grande Valley.
Harlingen has taken advantage of this unique opportunity to strengthen its
established role as a major center for birding and nature tourism along the Texas
Gulf Coast. This opportunity has direct ties with the Arroyo Colorado
beautification, the Arroyo Colorado hike/bike trail and other recreation and
natural area improvement programs that are described elsewhere in this plan.
Resource Protection Programs of the Federal Government
Projects that receive Federal assistance, require Federal permits or licenses, or
potentially impact Federally protected resources must satisfy an array of
requirements and provisions aimed at protecting sensitive environmental
resources, such as parklands, wetlands, floodplains, water quality, fish and
wildlife, coastal zone, and federal lands. The most overriding of these programs
is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 which establishes a
national policy for the environment, establishes the Council on Environmental
Quality and establishes regulatory procedures for evaluation of the potential
impacts and necessary mitigation measures for programs involving any Federal
action. The specific programs and directives are outlined in the following
sections.
Wetlands Protection
Wetlands such as swamps, bogs, and marshes in their natural condition provide
many benefits including food and habitat for fish and wildlife, water quality
improvement, flood protection, erosion control, natural products, and
opportunities for recreation and aesthetic uses. The U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers has permitting authority over wetland development, derived from
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, pertaining to the dredging,
filling, or obstructing of navigable waters. This jurisdiction was extended to
wetlands by Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972, which redefined "navigable waters" as all "waters of the
United States," and authorized the Corps to issue permits for projects that involve
the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Section
404 permits may be issued on an individual or general basis when they meet
specified criteria. Certain minor types of discharges are exempt, such as normal
farming and ranching activities, constructing or maintaining farm irrigation or
drainage ditches, sedimentation basins on construction sites, and farm roads.
Other wetlands protection are also provided under the Food Security Act of 1985,
the Wetlands Executive Order and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
Floodplains Protection
Floodplains clean away water pollution, store floodwater, and have many
recreational benefits. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was
established in 1968 to reduce flood losses and disaster relief costs by guiding
development away from flood hazard areas where practical, by requiring floodresistant design and construction practices and by transferring the costs of flood
losses to the residents of floodplains through flood insurance programs. In
exchange for participation in the NFIP, the participating community must adopt
adequate floodplain ordinances with effective enforcement provisions consistent
with Federal standards to reduce or avoid future flood losses. Executive Order
11988 requires all Federal agencies to evaluate the potential effects of their
actions on floodplains and to avoid actions located in or adversely affecting
floodplains unless there is no practical alternative.
Water Quality Protection
The Clean Water Act of 1972 was enacted to preserve and restore the quality of
all waters of the United States, including wetlands. Discharge of any pollutant by
any person is unlawful unless authorized by a permit. Permits for discharges,
including point sources and stormwater discharges, are issued consistent with
national effluent limitations and state water quality standards under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The Safe Drinking Water Act
of 1974, and amendments of 1986 and 1990, deals with drinking water standards
and regulation of injection wells.
Coastal Zone Protection
The U. S. Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 declares a national interest in
the management of coastal zones, authorizes financial assistance to the states for
management and improvement of coastal zones, and requires Federal activities,
permits, licenses and assistance to be consistent with state coastal zone
management programs. Texas initiated its state coastal zone management
program in 1991and made the Texas General Land Office the lead agency for
development of a long-term plan for management of uses affecting coastal
natural resource areas such as gulf beaches and critical dune areas, such as state
and private submerged lands; coastal historic areas; coastal parks; wildlife
refuges, and preserves; and the water and submerged land of the open Gulf of
Mexico within the jurisdiction of the state. Harlingen is part of the area
designated as the coastal zone. As the program becomes effective it will effect
activities within the state's coastal zone. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of
1982 and 1990 provides protection to coastal barriers, such as South Padre
Island, by directing that Federal dollars not be spent for development purposes
within defined Coastal Barrier Resources Systems.
Fish and Wildlife Protection
Fish and wildlife resources are protected under several programs, including the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which requires consultation with the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for water projects, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
of 1918, which regulates hunting of migratory birds, and the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, which protects any endangered or threatened species and their
critical habitat areas.
Parkland Protection
Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966
prohibits the use of Federal funds for transportation projects that would use
certain types of land (primarily publicly owned parkland) unless there is "no
prudent and feasible alternative to using that land or recreation area." All possible
planning to minimize harm to parkland or other protected resources must be
undertaken before the U. S. Secretary of Transportation can approve a project.
This protection extends to public parks and to designated historical or
archeological sites of national, state or local significance. The Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and the Transportation Equity Act of 1998
also relate to parkland use.
Goals and Objectives
Specific goals and objectives relating to the Environmental element of the
Comprehensive Plan are outlined in this section. These goals and objectives are
the framework for the Environmental element.
Promote Environmental Quality
Goal 6.1 Conserve and protect significant environmental resources.
Obj. 6.1.a Unique natural areas including the Arroyo Colorado should be
preserved and protected.
Obj. 6.1.b Water conservation and water pollution prevention should be used as
a means to protect water quality and balance long-term water supply and
demand.
Obj. 6.1.c Enhance and maintain wildlife and vegetation resources in the
community.
Obj. 6.1.d Preserve and protect significant plant and wildlife habitat areas,
including critical habitats for threatened and endangered species as well as other
habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, fish, and other species.
Clean Air
Goal 6.2 Maintain air quality in the Harlingen area better than the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Obj. 6.2.a Attract businesses and industries that are "clean" industries with no
detrimental effect on air quality from emissions produced.
Obj. 6.2.b Support adequate enforcement of Federal and State air quality
standards and emission controls.
Obj. 6.2.c Implement needed transportation improvements to maintain mobility
for transport of people and goods within and through the area, and to minimize
congestion and resultant air quality impacts of inefficient transportation system
operations.
Obj. 6.2.d Implement ordinances and codes that encourage multi-modal
transportation facilities and infrastructure, especially for improving pedestrian
and bicyclist mobility.
Clean Water
Goal 6.3 Protect the quality and availability of surface and ground water
supplies.
Obj. 6.3.a Maintain and improve, as needed, the capability of the City's
wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system to operate in compliance
with applicable discharge requirements and water quality standards, while
providing adequate service to meet existing and projected community needs.
Obj. 6.3.b Maintain and improve, as needed, the 3 million gallon daily reverse
osmosis water treatment and recycling component of the City's Wastewater
Treatment Plant No. 2 to serve industry processed water demands and minimize
future need for domestic water supply sources to meet these demands.
Scenic Beauty
Goal 6.4 Promote landscape beautification and scenic enhancement,
including public rights-of-way as well as private development.
Obj. 6.4.a Enhance the cleanliness, appearance and aesthetic quality of the
community.
Obj. 6.4.b Establish standards for outdoor signs. Strengthen and implement the
on-premise sign ordinance.
Obj. 6.4.c Establish a tree-planting program as a joint public-private community
improvement program for the Harlingen area.
Obj. 6.4.d Incorporate appropriate landscaping into public improvement projects.
Obj. 6.4.e Establish a civic art program for placement of art in public places, in
cooperation with the local arts and business communities.
Obj. 6.4.f Require appropriate landscaping to be incorporated in private
development projects, especially in areas within or adjacent to residential
neighborhoods and high visibility retail and office areas.
Obj. 6.4.g Strengthen and update the landscaping ordinance for incorporation
into the zoning ordinance.