Public Information
Application for River and Creek Crossing FAQs
Q: What does the San Antonio River Authority have jurisdiction over, and why?
A: The San Antonio River Authority has jurisdiction over the bed and banks of the San Antonio River from the City of San Antonio to the confluence of the Guadalupe River as it travels from Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and onto Goliad and divides Victoria & Refugio Counties.
The San Antonio River Authority has jurisdiction as legislated by the Texas State Legislature, as prescribed in Chapter 276, page 556 of the Acts of the 45th legislature. To read the legislation enabling the San Antonio River Authority click here.
Q: How do I find out if SARA has jurisdiction over a certain tributary of the San Antonio River Authority in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties?
A: Please call the SARA Real Estate Office at (210) 227-1373. You must be able to provide the latitude and longitude coordinates of the location.Q: Are multiple lines accepted in the same crossing?
A: Yes, but it is subject to review.
Q: What are your casing requirements?
A: SARA does not require casing of the pipeline crossing as long as the minimum cross-section clearance is maintained to reduce the potential for future exposure of the pipe from movement of the river. The typical minimum clearance pipe elevation (11 ft. clear between the thalweg of the river/creek and the top of the pipe) should be held a minimum of 100 ft. in each direction from the thalweg. If the crossing is in a bend, additional clearance width may be required. In all cases, the applicant shall provide SARA with coordinates of the proposed crossing for SARA to finalize cross-section clearance requirements for that specific site.
SARA requires that the pipe design have a 50 year minimum life expectancy so the pipe material and thickness should specified accordingly.
Casing pipe may be an option for more conventional bore and pipe jacking operations but is not possible in directional bore construction. SARA prefers directional boring, when in suitable geological material, because the bore profile is typically well beyond the top of bank and has little to no impact upon the stream banks. Once the life expectancy of the directional bore pipe is over, we anticipate that a new line will be constructed and any additional right of way needs will be addressed.
Please refer to SARA's Engineering Review Requirements for Pipeline Crossings.
Q: Does an environmental report need to be attached to the application?
A: No. But if available, please attach to application.
Q: How far in advance does the application need to be submitted?
A: Eight weeks minimum prior to need of easement.
Q: What exactly are you looking for in a "certified survey of the installation site"?
A: The certified survey must be signed and sealed by a RPLS. Please refer to Survey & Mapping Standards under "Real Estate" on SARA's website.
Q: Could you provide me a name and phone number of your survey department?
A: Click here for information regarding our survey department.
Q: Will SARA accept monetary donations in exchange for expediting crossing application?
A: No.
Q: Does SARA accept credit card payments?
A: No. The application administrative fee and the easement consideration must be paid by check only.
Q: What does a completed application packet need to contain?
A: Checklist for Complete Application:
- Application for Use of San Antonio River Authority Real Estate Interests
- Project Description Page
- Map of Project Area
- Certified Survey with Metes & Bounds & Plan/Profile Drawing
- Methods of Environmental Protection (spills, maintenance, etc.)
- Administrative Fee (only checks are accepted for payment)
NOTE: PLEASE ALLOW EIGHT WEEKS FOR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED