8/25/2024 – An investigation by the Associated Press shined a light on how information is being withheld by the government that affects flood risk below dams. The secrecy also affects the cost of flood insurance that residents below dams pay.
West Fork and US59 after 2017 release from Lake Conroe during Hurricane Harvey. Floodwaters stretched 2 miles wide.
It begins, “Conflicting federal policies may force thousands of residents in flood-prone areas to pay more for flood insurance or be left unaware of danger posed by dams built upstream from their homes and worksites, according to an Associated Press review of federal records and data.”
Lieb continues, “The problem stems from a complex set of flood policies and some national security precautions taken after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.”
Lieb covers recent emergency repairs in Georgia, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin, forcing evacuations and costly repairs.
Let me try to summarize the essence of Lieb’s excellent research and articles. But first, lest you think this doesn’t affect you, let me remind you of a local example.
Local Example: Lake Livingston
Emergency repairs to the Lake Livingston Dam were made public earlier this year after 20 inches of rain fell upstream from the dam. Releases washed out some areas below it. But the nature of the repairs and who would be affected if the dam failed were kept under raps due to federal policies, according to the AP.
Key Takeaways from First AP Story
The AP Reports blame recent intense storms and aging dams on a series of emergency repairs and outright dam failures.
According to AP, “Conflicting federal policies may be inhibiting the ability of local officials to share details with residents, businesses and other property owners about the places that get could inundated with floodwaters if a dam were to fail. That same information gap also could be costing residents more for flood insurance.”
Below are some takeaways from the AP’s report on the conflicting federal policies.
Flood Insurance Discounts vs. Secrecy of Inundation Data In Event of Dam Failure
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the national flood-insurance program. FEMA also oversees the Community Rating System that offers discounts on flood insurance to communities that score high on flood safety measures.
A community that earns the best rankings (Class 1) earns its residents 45% discounts on their flood-insurance premiums. “But,” says Lieb, “it’s not easy to achieve. Just two of the 1,500 local governments taking part in the Community Rating System have earned the top discount for their residents.” That’s 0.13%.
Why only two? The Community Rating System focuses in part on dams. Receiving a Class 1 ranking requires communities “to maintain maps showing the homes, businesses and critical facilities that could get inundated with floodwaters if a dam were to fail,” says Lieb. The communities must also warn residents. But only four out of 1,500 communities nationwide have earned any credit for their local efforts regarding flood risk below dams.
Secrecy about Dams and Indundation Stems from 9/11
Some federal agencies have prohibited the release of inundation maps for dams that they own or regulate, a legacy of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. They fear dams could become targets,
The Bureau of Reclamation, which owns 430 dams requires non-disclosure agreements when sharing dam inundation maps and emergency action plans with local officials. “That has inhibited officials from sharing specific information about the risks of dam failures with residents who could get flooded,” says Lieb.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates about 1,800 power-producing dams. It too says dam inundation maps “could be useful to a person planning an attack.” FERC requires those receiving such information to sign non-disclosure agreements.
It took AP nearly two-and-half years after the news organization submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to FEMA to obtain the information regarding flood risk below dams that can cost homeowners money and lives.
Are Changes Coming?
The Bureau of Reclamation said it is revising its policies and will start allowing communities to publicly share information about dam inundation zones, including:
Potential flood-wave travel times
Flood depths and durations.
The Bureau said changes will begin in 2025, but will take 8+ years to complete.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has become more transparent. The Corps began posting dam inundation maps online in late 2021 after determining that releasing the information “is more beneficial to the public than any risk of misuse.”
“The information is more beneficial to the public than any risk of misuse.”
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2021 as reported by the AP
FEMA is considering potential changes to the Community Rating System for flood insurance.
This summer, FEMA opened a public comment period on potential changes to the Community Rating System. People can submit suggestions regarding flood risk below dams through Sept. 9. But FEMA doesn’t expect to make any changes until 2026 at the earliest, according to Lieb.
Flood Insurance Discounts in Houston and Harris County
Lieb’s second story focuses largely on the impacts to individual communities. It points out that FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is available in 22,692 communities that have adopted and enforced floodplain management regulations.
Premium discounts range from 5% to 45%.
City of Houston’s 128,767 policy holders pay NFIP premiums totaling $38.71 billion thanks to a 25% community discount.
However, 97,365 NFIP policy holders in unincorporated Harris County pay $31.31 billion. They get a 15% discount.
Thus, Houston and Harris County earn up to 20-30% less in discounts than they otherwise might.
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?
AP Reports Shine Light on Secrecy of Flood Risk Below Dams
8/25/2024 – An investigation by the Associated Press shined a light on how information is being withheld by the government that affects flood risk below dams. The secrecy also affects the cost of flood insurance that residents below dams pay.
Two Related Stories
A copyrighted story by David A. Lieb published by AP on 8/23/2024 was titled, “Takeaways from AP’s report on federal policies shielding information about potential dam failures.”
The story begins with, “Thousands of people live downstream from dams yet may not always realize the risks.”
On 8/24/24, Lieb wrote a related followup story also published by AP. It was titled, “Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at risk.”
It begins, “Conflicting federal policies may force thousands of residents in flood-prone areas to pay more for flood insurance or be left unaware of danger posed by dams built upstream from their homes and worksites, according to an Associated Press review of federal records and data.”
Lieb continues, “The problem stems from a complex set of flood policies and some national security precautions taken after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.”
Lieb covers recent emergency repairs in Georgia, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin, forcing evacuations and costly repairs.
Let me try to summarize the essence of Lieb’s excellent research and articles. But first, lest you think this doesn’t affect you, let me remind you of a local example.
Local Example: Lake Livingston
Emergency repairs to the Lake Livingston Dam were made public earlier this year after 20 inches of rain fell upstream from the dam. Releases washed out some areas below it. But the nature of the repairs and who would be affected if the dam failed were kept under raps due to federal policies, according to the AP.
Key Takeaways from First AP Story
The AP Reports blame recent intense storms and aging dams on a series of emergency repairs and outright dam failures.
According to AP, “Conflicting federal policies may be inhibiting the ability of local officials to share details with residents, businesses and other property owners about the places that get could inundated with floodwaters if a dam were to fail. That same information gap also could be costing residents more for flood insurance.”
Below are some takeaways from the AP’s report on the conflicting federal policies.
Flood Insurance Discounts vs. Secrecy of Inundation Data In Event of Dam Failure
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the national flood-insurance program. FEMA also oversees the Community Rating System that offers discounts on flood insurance to communities that score high on flood safety measures.
A community that earns the best rankings (Class 1) earns its residents 45% discounts on their flood-insurance premiums. “But,” says Lieb, “it’s not easy to achieve. Just two of the 1,500 local governments taking part in the Community Rating System have earned the top discount for their residents.” That’s 0.13%.
Why only two? The Community Rating System focuses in part on dams. Receiving a Class 1 ranking requires communities “to maintain maps showing the homes, businesses and critical facilities that could get inundated with floodwaters if a dam were to fail,” says Lieb. The communities must also warn residents. But only four out of 1,500 communities nationwide have earned any credit for their local efforts regarding flood risk below dams.
Secrecy about Dams and Indundation Stems from 9/11
Some federal agencies have prohibited the release of inundation maps for dams that they own or regulate, a legacy of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. They fear dams could become targets,
The Bureau of Reclamation, which owns 430 dams requires non-disclosure agreements when sharing dam inundation maps and emergency action plans with local officials. “That has inhibited officials from sharing specific information about the risks of dam failures with residents who could get flooded,” says Lieb.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates about 1,800 power-producing dams. It too says dam inundation maps “could be useful to a person planning an attack.” FERC requires those receiving such information to sign non-disclosure agreements.
It took AP nearly two-and-half years after the news organization submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to FEMA to obtain the information regarding flood risk below dams that can cost homeowners money and lives.
Are Changes Coming?
The Bureau of Reclamation said it is revising its policies and will start allowing communities to publicly share information about dam inundation zones, including:
The Bureau said changes will begin in 2025, but will take 8+ years to complete.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has become more transparent. The Corps began posting dam inundation maps online in late 2021 after determining that releasing the information “is more beneficial to the public than any risk of misuse.”
FEMA is considering potential changes to the Community Rating System for flood insurance.
This summer, FEMA opened a public comment period on potential changes to the Community Rating System. People can submit suggestions regarding flood risk below dams through Sept. 9. But FEMA doesn’t expect to make any changes until 2026 at the earliest, according to Lieb.
Flood Insurance Discounts in Houston and Harris County
Lieb’s second story focuses largely on the impacts to individual communities. It points out that FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is available in 22,692 communities that have adopted and enforced floodplain management regulations.
Premium discounts range from 5% to 45%.
City of Houston’s 128,767 policy holders pay NFIP premiums totaling $38.71 billion thanks to a 25% community discount.
However, 97,365 NFIP policy holders in unincorporated Harris County pay $31.31 billion. They get a 15% discount.
Thus, Houston and Harris County earn up to 20-30% less in discounts than they otherwise might.
One can only wonder how many people would have built farther back from rivers downstream from Lake Conroe and Lake Houston had they had the dam information. The SJRA consistently cites the risk of dam failure with every release during a major flood.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/24
2553 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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