Proximity to abandoned sand mines can bring down home values. But with care, abandoned sand mines can also become community assets. People and planning can make the difference.
Ever since Hurricane Harvey when mountains of sand blocked the San Jacinto West Fork, contributing to the flooding of thousands of homes and businesses, I have predominantly focused on the negative consequences of sand mining. But a recent experience with ChatGPT 40 gave me a glimmer of hope.
ChatGPT 40 Experience
I started peppering the AI bot with questions about sand mining. Here’s the entire 58 page list of questions and responses. The last one I asked opened my eyes to new possibilities:
“Can you list case studies of sand pits near rivers that have been successfully repurposed.”
Within seconds ChatGPT came up with five. See the bot response verbatim below.
ChatGPT said:
Yes, there are several case studies where sand pits near rivers have been successfully repurposed. These examples demonstrate how abandoned sand mines can be transformed into valuable community resources or natural habitats with proper planning and management.
1. The Maasplassen, Netherlands
Background: The Maasplassen region in the Netherlands consists of a series of lakes created by sand and gravel extraction along the Meuse River (Maas). Over the years, these pits were repurposed into recreational areas and natural reserves.
Repurposing Strategy: The Dutch government, in collaboration with local municipalities and environmental organizations, transformed these former sand pits into a network of lakes that serve multiple purposes, including water sports, nature conservation, and tourism.
Successes: The area now supports diverse ecosystems and provides recreational opportunities like sailing, fishing, and swimming. It has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, contributing to the regional economy while also enhancing biodiversity.
2. Chattahoochee RiverLands, Georgia, USA
Background: Along the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, several abandoned sand and gravel pits were left after decades of mining operations. These pits were identified as potential sites for repurposing as part of a larger vision to create the Chattahoochee RiverLands greenway.
Repurposing Strategy: The project involves converting these pits into natural areas and parks that are integrated into a broader greenway system. Plans include restoring native vegetation, creating trails, and ensuring public access to the river.
Successes: While the project is ongoing, it has already seen success in terms of community engagement and environmental restoration. The repurposing efforts aim to reconnect people with the river, enhance flood resilience, and create wildlife corridors.
3. Tinsley Green Sand Quarry, South Yorkshire, UK
Background: The Tinsley Green sand quarry, located near the River Don in South Yorkshire, was a large sand extraction site that became disused in the late 20th century.
Repurposing Strategy: The site was transformed into a wetland nature reserve, known as Tinsley Green Wetlands, through a combination of regrading, habitat creation, and community involvement. The focus was on creating habitats for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Successes: The wetland now supports a wide range of species, including several that are rare or protected. It has become a key site for biodiversity in the region and is used for environmental education and passive recreation.
4. The Little Miami River, Ohio, USA
Background: Along the Little Miami River in Ohio, several sand and gravel pits were abandoned after mining activities ceased. These sites were initially left unmanaged, posing environmental risks.
Repurposing Strategy: Local authorities and environmental groups collaborated to restore these pits into wetland areas and floodplain habitats. The efforts included soil remediation, reforestation, and the creation of wildlife habitats.
Successes: The restored areas now provide flood control benefits, support a rich array of wildlife, and have become important recreational and educational resources for the surrounding communities.
5. Angler’s Paradise, United Kingdom
Background: A sand and gravel pit in Devon, England, was transformed into a well-known fishing and leisure destination known as Angler’s Paradise.
Repurposing Strategy: The site was creatively repurposed by stocking the lakes with various fish species and developing facilities for anglers and tourists. The project also focused on enhancing the natural beauty of the area through landscaping and the creation of wildlife habitats.
Successes: Angler’s Paradise is now a popular destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts. It contributes to the local economy through tourism while also maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship and habitat preservation.
These case studies illustrate that with careful planning, community involvement, and a focus on sustainability, abandoned sand pits near rivers can be successfully repurposed into assets that benefit both people and the environment.
I quickly looked them up using a conventional search engine. I began to see some potential with the very first one. It led me to wonder whether something like these could work in the San Jacinto watershed.
The thing we’ve never had that all these examples had is a long-term vision that united parties with disparate interests. They include miners, trade associations, environmentalists, residents, regulators, developers, county leaders, and more.
Perhaps it could be done with careful planning and the cooperation of committed people who shared a long term goal.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/23/24
2551 Days after 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=19001200adminadmin2024-08-23 19:45:082024-08-23 19:48:42How Abandoned Sand Mines Can Become Community Assets
8/22/24 – If you still have storm debris from Hurricane Beryl, what you do by when depends on where you live and what you need picked up. Procedures and deadlines differ for:
Harris County Precinct 3 Unincorporated Areas
City of Houston
Montgomery County
This post describes what people in those areas need to do to ensure their debris gets removed. Read thoroughly and act swiftly. Some deadlines are only days away.
Beryl debris. Scenes like this were reported throughout the Houston Areaand not all have been removed.
The City of Humble has completed its cleanup effort and so is not included in this post.
Harris County Precinct 3 Unincorporated Areas
The final deadline for reporting storm debris is Monday, September 2. If you still have storm debris in your yard, please be sure to place it at the curb and report it for final pickup. You can do so online or by phone.
Select “Road & Bridge Maintenance” in the service menu
Type “Hurricane Beryl Debris” in the comments section
To report by phone:
Call 713-274-3100 during business hours, Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 4:30 PM.
Instructions:
Please remember to separate your debris for efficient pickup! Visit www.pct3.com or see below for separation guidelines.
From Harris County Precinct 3 Newsletteron 8/22/24.
City of Houston
The City’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) collected more than 2.1 million cubic yards of Beryl-related storm debris by August 15. The Department expects to conclude the first pass of storm collections by Saturday, August 31.
In preparation for the next phase of debris collections, SWMD requests residents to place all remaining storm debris at the curbside no later than Sunday, August 25. The department will begin the second pass in earnest on Monday, September 2.
“Residents do not need to report their storm debris to 3-1-1.”
“Storm debris contractors will drive down every street and collect storm debris piles in all public rights of way,” explained this Solid Waste webpage.
SWMD urges residents to:
Separate storm debris from bulk waste, and demolition and construction debris at the curbside. Contaminated debris piles might delay collection until the next bulk waste month.
Ensure that tree trunks are 3 feet or less in diameter and 3 feet or less in length and tree branches are 6 feet or less in length.
Place debris piles within 10 feet onto private property lines as crews cannot encroach beyond that limit.
Beryl struck before the Derecho cleanup finished. Beryl alone created an estimated 4 million cubic yards of storm debris – enough to fill NRG Stadium. So please be patient.
Montgomery County
To have Beryl storm debris picked up, Montgomery County residents must register by August 30. Click this link to begin registration.
If you are still waiting on the first or second passes, make sure you RE-REGISTER and upload a debris photo.
Property owners must fill out a debris removal survey to ensure your vegetative debris will be picked up— tree branches, trees stumps, tree trunks, and branches.
Place vegetative debris as close to road/curb as possible. But do not block ditches or the roadway.
Montgomery County is only picking up vegetative debris. The county is not removing appliances, demolition debris or construction waste.
DO:
Ensure debris is easily accessible
Place it away from obstacles like trees, poles, fire hydrants, meters, mailboxes, or any other structure that could hinder removal
Place it in a county or city right of way.
DON’T:
Block roadways or ditches. Avoid blocking water flow.
Include non-storm-related debris: Only storm-related vegetative debris will be collected.
Use trash bags for tree debris.
Place debris on private property: Collection is limited to the County/City right-of-way.
Place debris in gated communities: Collection does not occur in gated communities.
Obstruct traffic: Avoid placing debris in a way that could pose hazards for drivers.
Residents who live on cul-de-sacs or dead end streets require special equipment to maneuver in tighter areas. That may take longer, so please have patience.
Montgomery County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) is handling the Beryl response. The information provided when you register will enhance their ability to allocate resources appropriately and expedite the debris removal process.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/22/2024
2550 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 45 since Beryl
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240806-RJR_3763.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2024-08-22 14:38:132024-08-22 20:12:08Still Have Storm Debris?
For everyone else, I’ve posted a brief summary below. It covers key provisions, including those that affect lake lowering to help reduce flood risk. Spoiler alert: I made a startling discovery at the end of the contract doc.
But let’s start from the top of the Lake Conroe contract.
Key Definition
The first few pages lay out the customary recitals and definitions found in all contracts. The key definition is that of a 1987 Certificate of Adjudication (Number 10-4963, shown in Appendix A) that governs the impoundment, use, diversion, and priorities of water in Lake Conroe.
Ownership Interests
The meat of the contract starts in Article II on page 5: Interests of the Parties. Key points:
SJRA owns the land that constitutes the Lake.
The City owns two-thirds of the water in it.
SJRA owns the remaining one-third.
Each party has the right to sell its share of the water.
Other revenues from the operation of Lake Conroe, such as income from marina leases, go toward operating and maintaining the lake.
Operational Responsibilities
Article III on Page 6 of the Lake Conroe contract lays out operational responsibilities.
SJRA:
Operates and maintains the lake and dam.
Handles all the accounting and reporting for water impounded and released.
Maintains metering devices and monitors withdrawals (must be accurate within ±5% or better)
Lets lakefront homeowners pump water directly from the lake for $150/year to water their lawns
Joint Responsibilities:
Annual reports to public and TCEQ of withdrawals.
Annual withdrawals by their respective customers.
Release of Water and Reservoir Levels (Section 3.04, )age 8)
SJRA must release water when requested by City (subject to restrictions in the Certificate). But it must do so in a way that maximizes the operational yield of the lake.
Liability and Indemnification (Section 3.05, Page 9)
Both parties are jointly liable for damages when the lake is operated according to established procedures.
If one side is negligent, that party assumes sole responsibility for any damages.
Other sections in Article III cover:
Defense of claims
Regulatory compliance
Water Quality
Annual budget and what happens if City Council fails to approve the annual budget
Monthly payments by the City to SJRA for capital, operations and maintenance expenses
Flood mitigation (Section 3.16 (c), Page 17)
Reports and Inspections; Incidental Matters
Article IV, starting on Page 17 covers:
Annual audits
Inspection of records
Disposal of surplus property
Length of Contract
This contract replaces the original 1968 Lake Conroe contract between the City and SJRA. It will remain in effect until terminated by mutual agreement during the useful life of Lake Conroe.
Default and Notice; Remedies; Mediation
Article V covers how the parties will handle disputes. It starts on page 18 and goes through page 23. Basically, it covers procedures leading up to mediation in the event of disagreements.
Force Majeure
Article VII covers force-majeure events. In law, “Force Majeure” means “unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.” This section defines what happens during Acts of God, such as hurricanes, storms, floods, droughts, etc.
This Article allows the temporary suspension of normal rules, except those regarding payments. However, it requires resumption of the normal rules after the event.
Other Provisions
Article VIII contains addresses and contact information for each party and approval procedures.
Article IX includes provisions concerning applicable law (State of Texas), procedures for amendments, etc.
Exhibit A
The Certificate of Adjudication from the Texas Water Commission, dated February 25, 1987, limits total withdrawals from Lake Conroe to 100,000 acre feet per year. It lists the maximum withdrawal rate as 700 cubic feet per second.
Note: Some at the SJRA and City have chafed at this limitation. It restricts pre-release rates that could lower Lake Conroe in advance of approaching storms. Some want to raise the limit so that more water could be released earlier and reduce flood peaks.
The TCEQ amended the Certificate in 2010. It keeps the total withdrawals and max withdrawal rate above constant. But it added an additional use for the water. To the original municipal, industrial and mining categories, they added agriculture. It says they did that because they had not received any complaints about the previous limits within each category.
This is, in essence, a permit to release/sell water. And the permit comes with an obligation – to implement water conservation plans, which the TCEQ letter also spells out.
Exhibit B
This 2016 letter from SJRA’s management to the City explains a residential-lawn-watering permit program for lakefront homeowners. The program lets them pump water directly from the lake for a permit fee of $150 per year (as of 2016). That’s 41 cents per day.
They saved the best part for last. This was a real eye opener.
The permits mandate a “drought contingency plan” that impose watering restrictions when the level of the lake gets to 199 feet above mean sea level. Astute readers may remember that SJRA’s seasonal lake lowering plan took the lake down to 199 for large parts of the year.
Editorial Comment
Hmmmmm. Could that be why the Lake Conroe Association (LCA) fought seasonal lake lowering so vigorously?
People protesting the seasonal lake lowering policy wore red shirts saying “Stop the Drop,” and packed SJRA board meetings.
We may never know with certainty whether the loss of lawn watering was the sole or a contributing reason. But either way, unlimited watering of giant lawns for only 41 cents per day certainly helps explain at least some of the pushback from the LCA.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/21/24
2549 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/2019/04/LC-Dam-e1719277556742.jpg?fit=1200%2C549&ssl=15491200adminadmin2024-08-21 20:00:532024-08-22 10:37:16Details of Lake Conroe Contract between SJRA, City
How Abandoned Sand Mines Can Become Community Assets
Proximity to abandoned sand mines can bring down home values. But with care, abandoned sand mines can also become community assets. People and planning can make the difference.
Ever since Hurricane Harvey when mountains of sand blocked the San Jacinto West Fork, contributing to the flooding of thousands of homes and businesses, I have predominantly focused on the negative consequences of sand mining. But a recent experience with ChatGPT 40 gave me a glimmer of hope.
ChatGPT 40 Experience
I started peppering the AI bot with questions about sand mining. Here’s the entire 58 page list of questions and responses. The last one I asked opened my eyes to new possibilities:
Within seconds ChatGPT came up with five. See the bot response verbatim below.
ChatGPT said:
Yes, there are several case studies where sand pits near rivers have been successfully repurposed. These examples demonstrate how abandoned sand mines can be transformed into valuable community resources or natural habitats with proper planning and management.
1. The Maasplassen, Netherlands
2. Chattahoochee RiverLands, Georgia, USA
3. Tinsley Green Sand Quarry, South Yorkshire, UK
4. The Little Miami River, Ohio, USA
5. Angler’s Paradise, United Kingdom
These case studies illustrate that with careful planning, community involvement, and a focus on sustainability, abandoned sand pits near rivers can be successfully repurposed into assets that benefit both people and the environment.
I quickly looked them up using a conventional search engine. I began to see some potential with the very first one. It led me to wonder whether something like these could work in the San Jacinto watershed.
The thing we’ve never had that all these examples had is a long-term vision that united parties with disparate interests. They include miners, trade associations, environmentalists, residents, regulators, developers, county leaders, and more.
Perhaps it could be done with careful planning and the cooperation of committed people who shared a long term goal.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/23/24
2551 Days after 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.
Still Have Storm Debris?
8/22/24 – If you still have storm debris from Hurricane Beryl, what you do by when depends on where you live and what you need picked up. Procedures and deadlines differ for:
This post describes what people in those areas need to do to ensure their debris gets removed. Read thoroughly and act swiftly. Some deadlines are only days away.
The City of Humble has completed its cleanup effort and so is not included in this post.
Harris County Precinct 3 Unincorporated Areas
The final deadline for reporting storm debris is Monday, September 2. If you still have storm debris in your yard, please be sure to place it at the curb and report it for final pickup. You can do so online or by phone.
To report online:
To report by phone:
Call 713-274-3100 during business hours, Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 4:30 PM.
Instructions:
Please remember to separate your debris for efficient pickup! Visit www.pct3.com or see below for separation guidelines.
City of Houston
The City’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) collected more than 2.1 million cubic yards of Beryl-related storm debris by August 15. The Department expects to conclude the first pass of storm collections by Saturday, August 31.
In preparation for the next phase of debris collections, SWMD requests residents to place all remaining storm debris at the curbside no later than Sunday, August 25. The department will begin the second pass in earnest on Monday, September 2.
“Storm debris contractors will drive down every street and collect storm debris piles in all public rights of way,” explained this Solid Waste webpage.
SWMD urges residents to:
Beryl struck before the Derecho cleanup finished. Beryl alone created an estimated 4 million cubic yards of storm debris – enough to fill NRG Stadium. So please be patient.
Montgomery County
To have Beryl storm debris picked up, Montgomery County residents must register by August 30. Click this link to begin registration.
If you are still waiting on the first or second passes, make sure you RE-REGISTER and upload a debris photo.
Montgomery County is only picking up vegetative debris. The county is not removing appliances, demolition debris or construction waste.
DO:
DON’T:
Make sure you follow FEMA debris removal guidelines.
Residents who live on cul-de-sacs or dead end streets require special equipment to maneuver in tighter areas. That may take longer, so please have patience.
Montgomery County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) is handling the Beryl response. The information provided when you register will enhance their ability to allocate resources appropriately and expedite the debris removal process.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/22/2024
2550 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 45 since Beryl
Details of Lake Conroe Contract between SJRA, City
8/21/24 – The City of Houston approved a new Lake Conroe contract with the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) last September.
For those interested in a deep dive, I’ve posted the entire 48-page document on my Reports Page under the San Jacinto River Authority tab.
For everyone else, I’ve posted a brief summary below. It covers key provisions, including those that affect lake lowering to help reduce flood risk. Spoiler alert: I made a startling discovery at the end of the contract doc.
But let’s start from the top of the Lake Conroe contract.
Key Definition
The first few pages lay out the customary recitals and definitions found in all contracts. The key definition is that of a 1987 Certificate of Adjudication (Number 10-4963, shown in Appendix A) that governs the impoundment, use, diversion, and priorities of water in Lake Conroe.
Ownership Interests
The meat of the contract starts in Article II on page 5: Interests of the Parties. Key points:
Operational Responsibilities
Article III on Page 6 of the Lake Conroe contract lays out operational responsibilities.
SJRA:
Joint Responsibilities:
Release of Water and Reservoir Levels (Section 3.04, )age 8)
Liability and Indemnification (Section 3.05, Page 9)
Other sections in Article III cover:
Reports and Inspections; Incidental Matters
Article IV, starting on Page 17 covers:
Length of Contract
This contract replaces the original 1968 Lake Conroe contract between the City and SJRA. It will remain in effect until terminated by mutual agreement during the useful life of Lake Conroe.
Default and Notice; Remedies; Mediation
Article V covers how the parties will handle disputes. It starts on page 18 and goes through page 23. Basically, it covers procedures leading up to mediation in the event of disagreements.
Force Majeure
Article VII covers force-majeure events. In law, “Force Majeure” means “unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.” This section defines what happens during Acts of God, such as hurricanes, storms, floods, droughts, etc.
This Article allows the temporary suspension of normal rules, except those regarding payments. However, it requires resumption of the normal rules after the event.
Other Provisions
Article VIII contains addresses and contact information for each party and approval procedures.
Article IX includes provisions concerning applicable law (State of Texas), procedures for amendments, etc.
Exhibit A
The Certificate of Adjudication from the Texas Water Commission, dated February 25, 1987, limits total withdrawals from Lake Conroe to 100,000 acre feet per year. It lists the maximum withdrawal rate as 700 cubic feet per second.
Note: Some at the SJRA and City have chafed at this limitation. It restricts pre-release rates that could lower Lake Conroe in advance of approaching storms. Some want to raise the limit so that more water could be released earlier and reduce flood peaks.
The TCEQ amended the Certificate in 2010. It keeps the total withdrawals and max withdrawal rate above constant. But it added an additional use for the water. To the original municipal, industrial and mining categories, they added agriculture. It says they did that because they had not received any complaints about the previous limits within each category.
This is, in essence, a permit to release/sell water. And the permit comes with an obligation – to implement water conservation plans, which the TCEQ letter also spells out.
Exhibit B
This 2016 letter from SJRA’s management to the City explains a residential-lawn-watering permit program for lakefront homeowners. The program lets them pump water directly from the lake for a permit fee of $150 per year (as of 2016). That’s 41 cents per day.
They saved the best part for last. This was a real eye opener.
The permits mandate a “drought contingency plan” that impose watering restrictions when the level of the lake gets to 199 feet above mean sea level. Astute readers may remember that SJRA’s seasonal lake lowering plan took the lake down to 199 for large parts of the year.
Editorial Comment
Hmmmmm. Could that be why the Lake Conroe Association (LCA) fought seasonal lake lowering so vigorously?
We may never know with certainty whether the loss of lawn watering was the sole or a contributing reason. But either way, unlimited watering of giant lawns for only 41 cents per day certainly helps explain at least some of the pushback from the LCA.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/21/24
2549 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.