3/20/25 – Montgomery County has asked U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw for federal help in sponsoring a study on repurposing old sand mines. Please send a letter expressing your support. For less than $1 – the cost of an envelope and a stamp – you could help reduce your flood risk.
Why Repurposing is Necessary
Southern Montgomery County has more than 20 square miles of sand mines. To put that in perspective, together, they exceed the size of Lake Houston. In fact, five of the mine complexes are wider than the lake itself at its widest point.
Some mines are still producing, but many have been abandoned – without any remediation or repurposing. Worse, an area 50% larger than Harris County drains through the mines and flushes sediment from them into Lake Houston during floods. The sediment reduces room for water, backs water up, contributes to flooding, and raises water treatment costs.
Exposed sediment in San Jacinto West Fork sand mine
Potential Benefits of Redevelopment
Other areas around the world have used old mines to enhance floodplain management, ecological restoration, and community recreation. Thoughtful redevelopment of Montgomery County mines might yield significant benefits here, too. That’s why we need this study.
Challenges of Abandoned Sand Mines in Floodplains:
Flooding Risks: Abandoned sand mines in floodplains can exacerbate flooding by altering natural water flow and increasing sediment deposition downstream. For instance, during Hurricane Harvey, sand from mining operations contributed to sediment buildup in the San Jacinto River, reducing its capacity and worsening flood conditions.
Environmental Degradation: Unrehabilitated mines can lead to habitat loss, water quality issues, and destabilized riverbanks, impacting local ecosystems and communities.
Potential Repurposing Strategies
Sand-mining in floodplains typically leaves large holes in the ground. With planning, they can turn into extra storage for flood water. Typical secondary uses include:
Water Management Infrastructure:
Stormwater Retention Basins: Repurposed mines can serve as detention basins, managing stormwater runoff and reducing urban flooding.
Groundwater Recharge Zones: These areas can facilitate groundwater recharge, enhancing water availability during dry periods.
Wetland and Riparian Restoration:
Flood Mitigation: Transforming abandoned mines into wetlands can act as natural sponges, absorbing excess floodwater and reducing downstream flooding.
Habitat Creation: Restored wetlands and riparian buffers support biodiversity, offering habitats for various species and improving water quality through natural filtration.
Recreational and Educational Facilities:
Parks and Trails: Redeveloping these areas into parks with walking trails, fishing spots, and bird-watching platforms can provide community recreational spaces.
Environmental Education Centers: Establishing centers focused on local ecology and conservation can promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
The Little Miami River, Ohio, USA: Provides flood control benefits, supports a rich array of wildlife, and has become an important recreational and educational resource for surrounding communities.
Maasplassen Lakes, Netherlands: Former sand pits were transformed into a network of lakes used for water sports, nature conservation, and tourism, boosting the local economy and biodiversity.
Chattahoochee RiverLands, Georgia, USA: Abandoned sand and gravel pits are being converted into natural areas and parks as part of a greenway system, focusing on habitat restoration and public access.
Tinsley Green Sand Quarry, South Yorkshire, UK: Now supports a wide range of species, including several that are rare or protected.
Angler’s Paradise, United Kingdom: A sand and gravel pit in Devon, England, was transformed into a well-known fishing and leisure destination known as Angler’s Paradise.
Considerations for the San Jacinto Watershed
For similar plans to succeed here in the San Jacinto Watershed, in my opinion, we need:
Comprehensive Planning: Collaborative efforts among local governments, environmental organizations, and communities are essential to develop sustainable repurposing plans.
Environmental Assessments: Conduct thorough assessments to address potential contamination and ensure safe redevelopment.
Community Engagement: Involving local residents in planning ensures that projects meet community needs and gain public support.
By implementing these strategies, abandoned sand mines in the San Jacinto watershed could potentially be transformed into assets that enhance environmental health, provide recreational opportunities, and improve flood resilience for communities downstream.
Miners could incorporate the long-term vision for the area into their mine-abandonment plans. But first, we need the vision. So, reduce your flood risk for less than $1.
Suggested Letter
Here is a sample letter. Feel free to copy it or put it in your own words. But send it right away. The deadline is March 28, 2025.
[Insert Your Return Address Here]
March 20, 2025
The Honorable Dan Crenshaw
248 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Re: Supporting Flood Damage Reduction and Environmental Enhancements Study of Sand Mines Along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River
Dear Congressman Crenshaw:
I am writing to express my support for the proposed feasibility study regarding the re-purposing of sand mines along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River for flood damage reduction and environmental enhancements. This project will help mitigate flood risks, enhance water quality, restore ecological function, and improve the resilience of East Montgomery County as well as people downstream in Harris County.
The proposed feasibility study will focus on the reuse of existing sand mines. It presents an opportunity to improve drainage, provide for additional floodwater storage, and enhance recreation.
To put the problem in perspective, five of the sand mines are wider than Lake Houston. And all sand mines combined exceed the area of Lake Houston, which provides water for more than 2 million people.
We thank you for giving this project your full consideration and support and for your commitment to addressing the drainage challenges in Montgomery County Precinct 4.
Respectfully,
[Signature/Name]
Send your letter today! Granted, repurposing mines would be a long-term effort. But it could help reduce your flood risk for less than $1.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/20/25
2760 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210505-DJI_0724.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2025-03-20 17:40:362025-03-20 23:50:20Reduce Your Flood Risk for Less than $1
3/19/25 – San Jacinto West Fork sand-mining problems persisted this morning, even as the House Natural Resources Committee met to discuss legislation intended to deal with them. With one exception, the miners seemed blissfully unaware of the problems they were causing. And at least one committee member seemed to be a ringer for the sand-mining industry. He reportedly argued that the TCEQ had everything under control.
Do they? You be the judge.
Cunningham Bills Under Consideration
Three bills by Rep. Charles Cunningham discussed this morning included:
HB1532 which creates a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to help deal with sediment from the mines.
HB1163 which requires miners to develop a restoration plan and post a bond to guarantee they would do it.
HB1177 which puts more teeth in the state water code provision that prohibits flooding neighbors by creating criminal penalties.
Photos Taken During Committee Hearing
As the committee discussed merits of the bills, this is what the West Fork sand-mining problems looked like.
South end of pit sold by Hallett to Riverwalk Porter LLC.Dike has been breached since January 2024.TCEQ seems unconcerned.North end of same pit.River has flowed through pit since May 2024 instead of following its original course.TCEQ seems unconcerned.Closer shot shows sandbar now blocking original river channelwhich flows left to right.TCEQ seems unconcerned.Farther upstream, the river now flows through another pit that Hallett still owns. River flows from bottom to top. Note abandoned river channel on right.TCEQ seems unconcerned.Closer shot of exit breach in same pit.Abandoned dredge pipe at an abandoned mine immediately south of Hallett. This pipe has been there for years. The original operator should have removed it long ago. TCEQ seems unconcerned.Another pit open to the river since May 2024.TCEQ seems unconcerned.Same pit from different angle. Note river starting to cut through neighbor’s property.TCEQ seems unconcerned.More abandoned equipment at another abandoned mine. Should have been removed years ago.TCEQ seems unconcerned.For years, sediment flowed through this breach from the left and filled the channel on the right with silt. Now water in the channel is flowing back into the pond.TCEQ seems unconcerned.
One Exception
All in all, things this morning looked much the way they have since the May flood last year…with one exception. Remember that 800-foot wide river of sludge from the Hallett settling basin (right), that flowed through the woods (left) for more than a year?
Hallett is finally raising the road to staunch the flow.
Putting It All in Perspective
Of Cunningham’s three bills, two focus on prevention. But the dredging bill focuses on correction.
Ironically, one observer of today’s committee hearing felt that the members looked most favorably on the dredging bill. That makes sense. This is a business friendly state. And…
There’s more money to be made by letting companies pollute and then paying other companies to clean it up than there is by just preventing the pollution.
But it’s too early to know how the committee will vote. Check back soon to see how or if Natural Resources will address our West Fork sand-mining problems.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/19/25
2759 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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.
3/18/25 – Five sand mines upstream from Lake Houston are wider than Lake Houston itself. But that’s not the only statistic that puts the area’s sand mining issues in perspective. The combined size of all upstream mines also exceeds the size of Lake Houston. Let’s look at how these statistics relate to a bill pending in the Texas House: HB-1163.
Width of Lake vs. Width of Upstream Mines
I used Google Earth Pro to measure the width of Lake Houston just above the dam. It’s almost a half mile wider than the FM1960 bridge.
FM1960 Bridge is 1.5 Miles WideJust above the dam, Lake Houston is 1.87 miles wide.
Now let’s look at five sand mine complexes upstream from Lake Houston.
Five Mine Complexes Exceed Width of Lake Houston
These complexes on the West Fork San Jacinto and Caney Creek in the East Fork watershed are even wider than the widest part of the lake. Some of these and other mine complexes contain abandoned mines that still contain exposed sediment and abandoned equipment – both things that pertain to HB-1163.
Let’s look at their size first. Starting at SH 242, heading southeast along the West Fork and then up into the East Fork watershed…
#1 is 2.13 miles wide.#2 is 2.46 miles wide.#3 is a little more than 2 miles wide.#4 is a little more than 3 miles wide. And #5 in Porter on Caney Creek, which enters the East Fork San Jacinto above Lake Houston, is 2.5 miles wide.
Dangers of Mining in Floodways
Virtually all of these areas sit in floodways or floodplains. #4 above looked like this during the May flood in 2024.
Looking NW at West Fork during the May 2024 flood. Water flows right to left.Notice all the sediment being carried downstream (left) toward Lake Houston.
I measured the speed of water through this area by tracking floating debris with a drone. The water moved between 5 and 6 MPH, which can easily suspend sand and even some gravel.
Texas Water Development Board estimated that Lake Houston has lost about 25% of its volume due to sedimentation. The dirt swept downstream from sand mines has displaced room for water.
This is one reason why we need State Representative Charles Cunningham’s HB-1163. The House Natural Resources Committee will discuss the bill on Wednesday 3/19/25.
Those mines are supposed to be surrounded by dikes that protect them from 100-year floods. But in the photo above, the river has broken through the dikes of four pits.
Mines 50% Larger than Lake that Holds Your Water
I have calculated the surface area of the mines shown below at about 21 square miles.
Orange outlines show sand mines currently upstream from Lake Houston area.Surface area calculated in Google Earth Proat 21 square miles.
But numerous sources, including the Texas Water Development Board, list the size of the lake at less than 20 square miles.
And the lake continues to lose volume, thanks in part to abandoned sand mines that have not been revegetated.
This abandoned East Fork mine was supposed to be replanted with native vegetation to reduce erosion.But, it wasn’t…
And during the an April 2023 flood, water swept through the mine and carried that sediment downstream.
Same mine on East Fork during a flood in April 2023. Stormwater breached the dikes and swept sediment downstream.
How HB-1163 Would Help
When mines play out, owners should remove equipment and revegetate the property to reduce erosion. But not all do. That means the public must bear the costs or suffer the consequences.
HB-1163 would help remedy excessive sedimentation…at least in part. It would require sand mines to develop an abandonment plan for when they finish mining. It would also require them to post a performance bond that guarantees they execute it.
If they don’t execute the plan, they would forfeit the bond. So the City or County doesn’t get stuck with the tab for cleaning up the mess at public expense.
Leaking abandoned equipment in abandoned sand mines can poison public water.
These are more examples of “life out of balance.” And they help explain why the confluence of the West Fork and Spring Creek usually looks like this after a rain.
20 square miles of sand mines upstream on West Fork (right).These are the headwaters of Lake Houston, the water supply for 2 million people.Have a cool refreshing glass of muck anyone?
How You Can Help
Texas residents who wish to electronically submit comments related to HB1163 can do so until the hearing is adjourned by visiting: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c390.
Please let the committee know that you support Rep. Charles Cunningham’s HB1163 and why.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/18/25
2758 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250318-Hallett-Etc-Width.jpg?fit=1100%2C670&ssl=16701100adminadmin2025-03-18 17:18:142025-03-18 20:38:52Five Sand Mines Upstream from Lake Houston are Wider than Lake Houston
Reduce Your Flood Risk for Less than $1
3/20/25 – Montgomery County has asked U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw for federal help in sponsoring a study on repurposing old sand mines. Please send a letter expressing your support. For less than $1 – the cost of an envelope and a stamp – you could help reduce your flood risk.
Why Repurposing is Necessary
Southern Montgomery County has more than 20 square miles of sand mines. To put that in perspective, together, they exceed the size of Lake Houston. In fact, five of the mine complexes are wider than the lake itself at its widest point.
Some mines are still producing, but many have been abandoned – without any remediation or repurposing. Worse, an area 50% larger than Harris County drains through the mines and flushes sediment from them into Lake Houston during floods. The sediment reduces room for water, backs water up, contributes to flooding, and raises water treatment costs.
Potential Benefits of Redevelopment
Other areas around the world have used old mines to enhance floodplain management, ecological restoration, and community recreation. Thoughtful redevelopment of Montgomery County mines might yield significant benefits here, too. That’s why we need this study.
Challenges of Abandoned Sand Mines in Floodplains:
Potential Repurposing Strategies
Sand-mining in floodplains typically leaves large holes in the ground. With planning, they can turn into extra storage for flood water. Typical secondary uses include:
Water Management Infrastructure:
Wetland and Riparian Restoration:
Recreational and Educational Facilities:
Where It Has Worked Elsewhere
Other areas around the world have faced similar challenges and turned lemons into lemonade.
Considerations for the San Jacinto Watershed
For similar plans to succeed here in the San Jacinto Watershed, in my opinion, we need:
By implementing these strategies, abandoned sand mines in the San Jacinto watershed could potentially be transformed into assets that enhance environmental health, provide recreational opportunities, and improve flood resilience for communities downstream.
Miners could incorporate the long-term vision for the area into their mine-abandonment plans. But first, we need the vision. So, reduce your flood risk for less than $1.
Suggested Letter
Here is a sample letter. Feel free to copy it or put it in your own words. But send it right away. The deadline is March 28, 2025.
[Insert Your Return Address Here]
March 20, 2025
The Honorable Dan Crenshaw
248 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Re: Supporting Flood Damage Reduction and Environmental Enhancements Study of Sand Mines Along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River
Dear Congressman Crenshaw:
I am writing to express my support for the proposed feasibility study regarding the re-purposing of sand mines along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River for flood damage reduction and environmental enhancements. This project will help mitigate flood risks, enhance water quality, restore ecological function, and improve the resilience of East Montgomery County as well as people downstream in Harris County.
The proposed feasibility study will focus on the reuse of existing sand mines. It presents an opportunity to improve drainage, provide for additional floodwater storage, and enhance recreation.
To put the problem in perspective, five of the sand mines are wider than Lake Houston. And all sand mines combined exceed the area of Lake Houston, which provides water for more than 2 million people.
We thank you for giving this project your full consideration and support and for your commitment to addressing the drainage challenges in Montgomery County Precinct 4.
Respectfully,
[Signature/Name]
Send your letter today! Granted, repurposing mines would be a long-term effort. But it could help reduce your flood risk for less than $1.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/20/25
2760 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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.
West Fork Sand-Mining Problems Persist Despite Legislative Efforts
3/19/25 – San Jacinto West Fork sand-mining problems persisted this morning, even as the House Natural Resources Committee met to discuss legislation intended to deal with them. With one exception, the miners seemed blissfully unaware of the problems they were causing. And at least one committee member seemed to be a ringer for the sand-mining industry. He reportedly argued that the TCEQ had everything under control.
Do they? You be the judge.
Cunningham Bills Under Consideration
Three bills by Rep. Charles Cunningham discussed this morning included:
Photos Taken During Committee Hearing
As the committee discussed merits of the bills, this is what the West Fork sand-mining problems looked like.
One Exception
All in all, things this morning looked much the way they have since the May flood last year…with one exception. Remember that 800-foot wide river of sludge from the Hallett settling basin (right), that flowed through the woods (left) for more than a year?
Putting It All in Perspective
Of Cunningham’s three bills, two focus on prevention. But the dredging bill focuses on correction.
Ironically, one observer of today’s committee hearing felt that the members looked most favorably on the dredging bill. That makes sense. This is a business friendly state. And…
But it’s too early to know how the committee will vote. Check back soon to see how or if Natural Resources will address our West Fork sand-mining problems.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/19/25
2759 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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.
Five Sand Mines Upstream from Lake Houston are Wider than Lake Houston
3/18/25 – Five sand mines upstream from Lake Houston are wider than Lake Houston itself. But that’s not the only statistic that puts the area’s sand mining issues in perspective. The combined size of all upstream mines also exceeds the size of Lake Houston. Let’s look at how these statistics relate to a bill pending in the Texas House: HB-1163.
Width of Lake vs. Width of Upstream Mines
I used Google Earth Pro to measure the width of Lake Houston just above the dam. It’s almost a half mile wider than the FM1960 bridge.
Now let’s look at five sand mine complexes upstream from Lake Houston.
Five Mine Complexes Exceed Width of Lake Houston
These complexes on the West Fork San Jacinto and Caney Creek in the East Fork watershed are even wider than the widest part of the lake. Some of these and other mine complexes contain abandoned mines that still contain exposed sediment and abandoned equipment – both things that pertain to HB-1163.
Let’s look at their size first. Starting at SH 242, heading southeast along the West Fork and then up into the East Fork watershed…
Dangers of Mining in Floodways
Virtually all of these areas sit in floodways or floodplains. #4 above looked like this during the May flood in 2024.
I measured the speed of water through this area by tracking floating debris with a drone. The water moved between 5 and 6 MPH, which can easily suspend sand and even some gravel.
Texas Water Development Board estimated that Lake Houston has lost about 25% of its volume due to sedimentation. The dirt swept downstream from sand mines has displaced room for water.
This is one reason why we need State Representative Charles Cunningham’s HB-1163. The House Natural Resources Committee will discuss the bill on Wednesday 3/19/25.
Those mines are supposed to be surrounded by dikes that protect them from 100-year floods. But in the photo above, the river has broken through the dikes of four pits.
Mines 50% Larger than Lake that Holds Your Water
I have calculated the surface area of the mines shown below at about 21 square miles.
But numerous sources, including the Texas Water Development Board, list the size of the lake at less than 20 square miles.
And the lake continues to lose volume, thanks in part to abandoned sand mines that have not been revegetated.
And during the an April 2023 flood, water swept through the mine and carried that sediment downstream.
How HB-1163 Would Help
When mines play out, owners should remove equipment and revegetate the property to reduce erosion. But not all do. That means the public must bear the costs or suffer the consequences.
HB-1163 would help remedy excessive sedimentation…at least in part. It would require sand mines to develop an abandonment plan for when they finish mining. It would also require them to post a performance bond that guarantees they execute it.
If they don’t execute the plan, they would forfeit the bond. So the City or County doesn’t get stuck with the tab for cleaning up the mess at public expense.
These are more examples of “life out of balance.” And they help explain why the confluence of the West Fork and Spring Creek usually looks like this after a rain.
How You Can Help
Texas residents who wish to electronically submit comments related to HB1163 can do so until
the hearing is adjourned by visiting: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c390.
For those persons who will be testifying, information for in-person witness registration, can be found here: https://mytxlegis.capitol.texas.gov/HWRSPublic/About.aspx
A live video broadcast of this hearing will be available here: https://house.texas.gov/video-audio/. It starts at 8AM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Instructions related to public access to the meeting location are available at: https://house.texas.gov/committees/public-access-house-committee-meetings/.
Please let the committee know that you support Rep. Charles Cunningham’s HB1163 and why.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/18/25
2758 Days since Hurricane Harvey