Guess Where the Wetlands Were?

Guess where the wetlands were? Today, I flew over Northpark Drive and Sorters-McClellan Road near the San Jacinto West Fork. I photographed a new development called Northpark South. Much of this land is in the floodplain. And much was also classified as wetlands for sixty years.

Can you guess which portion?

Here’s what the area looked like before clearing. Note any similarities? Like that curve in between the empty area and the tree line near the road?

That open area directly coincides with the soupy area in the first image.

And to think, less than a half inch of rain two days ago (January 8) produced all the muck you see in the first photo. Since then, we’ve had sunny skies, low humidity, and high, desiccating winds. They dried out the rest of the site. But not the wetlands.

Contractors at Northpark South have been trying to cover up the wetlands for six weeks with little luck. Here’s a closer shot from the reverse angle.

Construction plans show that homes will be built over the wetlands.

Wetlands Documented Since Early 1960s

USGS has documented wetlands on this property since at least 1961, as you can see in this topographic map viewer.

However the developer apparently has not received a wetland development permit from the Army Corps. The developer’s drainage impact analysis does even not mention the word “wetland.”

Problems When Building Over Wetlands

I’ve previously posted about the problems of building over wetlands. These pictures make another potent reminder. Problems include shifting slabs; windows, cabinets and doors that stick; cracked driveways; mold; erosion; clogged storm drains; downstream flooding and more.

Before Thanksgiving, I consulted a wetlands expert about this property. The expert said, “I would NOT feel safe living on top of a former wetland this close to the river. NO WAY! The land has a memory, deep in its soils, and I would expect future issues.”

I can see the cracks in wallboard already. No wonder the developer (Century Land Holdings of Texas LLC) urges people to buy homes over the internet, sight unseen! Buyer beware.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/10/2024

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The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.