Concrete reinforcements under and on both sides of the bridge have collapsed from undercutting, erosion and jetting.
The stream has downcut, exposing pipelines.
Jetting has carved out a cavernous area south of the bridge.
Erosion has reached within a few feet of a utility corridor.
Storm sewer outfalls have been exposed, undercut and punctured by massive slabs of displaced concrete.
Bridge supports, once protected by sidewalls, have been exposed to more erosion.
Pictures Taken on 6/12/23 Show Extent of Damage
The bridge will probably not collapse in the next big rain. However, the cumulative damage to all these components underscores the need for urgent repair. It also underscores the need for mitigation to reduce the jetting that caused the damage.
Looking NE at downstream, eastern side of Tree Lane bridgeWider shot from same position reveals two exposed pipelines.Looking upstream under Tree Lane Bridge. Note how downcutting threatens western (left) wall also.Giant slabs of concrete have destroyed outfall.Erosion downstream of the Tree Lane bridge now is within approximately ten feet of a utility corridor.
Damage Accelerating, Repaired Just Three Years Ago
The city repaired the Tree Lane Bridge in March of 2020. Compare this post to see how it looked then. It’s amazing how much damage could be done in three years to a bridge that weathered multiple hurricanes and tropical storms for more than 50 years.
That’s a testament to insufficiently mitigated development upstream that sends ever greater volumes of water downstream – more than the opening under the bridge was designed for.
For a description of how jetting works, check this post. Basically, water backs up behind the bridge, putting greater pressure on the water flowing under the bridge.
Let’s hope the City can repair the Tree Lane Bridge again before school starts in the fall. The bridge borders Bear Branch Elementary School where 638 students attend classes.
Please check bridges near you and report any damage.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/12/2023
2113 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230612-DJI_0007.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2023-06-12 21:28:172023-06-13 09:04:40Flood Damage To Tree Lane Bridge Over Ben’s Branch Accelerates
Stormwater can cause more than flooding. For all those headed to the beach this summer, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) offers a useful website that monitors water quality and safety. It’s called Texas Beach Watch.
About Beach Watch
The program tests bacteria levels at beaches along the coast and Galveston Bay. It measures Enterococcus bacteria (fecal indicator bacteria) levels every week from March through October and every other week during the rest of the year.
Why Enterococcus Matters
So what is Enterococcus and where does it come from?
Enterococcus indicates the presence of fecal matter. And according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sources include stormwater runoff plus:
Wastewater treatment plant effluent
Leaking septic systems
Sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats
Domestic animal and wildlife waste
Improper land application of manure or sewage
Runoff from manure storage areas
Pastures
Rangelands
Feedlots.
EPA also lists natural, non-fecal sources of fecal-indicator bacteria. They include:
Plants
Sand
Soil
Sediments.
The latter contribute to a certain background level in ambient waters and vary based on local environmental and meteorological conditions.
Health and Recreation Consequences
The EPA says such pathogens can sicken swimmers and others who use rivers and streams for recreation or eat raw shellfish or fish. Other potential health effects can include diseases of the skin, eyes, ears and respiratory tract.
The EPA also says that enterococci are typically not considered harmful to humans, but their presence may indicate the presence of other disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
Overabundance of fecal bacteria in the water can cause beach closures, swimming and boating bans and closures of fishing and shellfishing areas.
Three Warning Levels and Today’s Readings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended single sample maximum criterion for Enterococcus bacteria is 104 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml. When the counts are above this level, swimming is not recommended.
The GLO rates bacteria levels at beaches as follows:
Low Bacteria counts less than 35 cfu/100 ml.
Medium Bacteria counts are between 35 and 104 cfu/100 ml.
High Bacteria counts are greater than 104 cfu/100 ml. An advisory for this beach is recommended.
Here’s what the coast looked like along the coast this morning.
Galveston looked pretty safe with the exception of two cautions.Bolivar had more cautions and an advisory.
For More Information,
For more information, please review the health risks associated with swimming in waters with high Entercoccus counts in Pathogens & Pathogen Indicators.
If you have a favorite beach, the GLO’s TexasBeachWatch.com website lets you sign up for alerts.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/10/2023 based on information from the GLO and EPA
2111 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-10-at-1.05.56-PM.png?fit=1854%2C1056&ssl=110561854adminadmin2023-06-10 14:01:302023-06-10 14:06:12Check This Website Before Heading to the Beach
The Kingwood Middle School reconstruction project is nearing completion. The new stormwater detention basins are complete, grassed in, and virtually fenced. The athletic fields have been laid out. And the track is under construction. The photos below show what the project looked like on 6/9/23.
The new KMS track and football field will go where the old school was. The detention pond, framed by trees, will help screen afternoon activities from neighbors.The pond already sports grass on the banks to retard erosion.Looking west toward Cedar Knolls.The detention basin gets an A for the most creative shape.Such basins do not have to look ugly.Lower angle shows that the basin will enhance the south entry and provide a restful look. The black wrought-iron fence looks gorgeous. And it will keep kids out of mischief.
Humble ISD has created an architectural gem in the new Kingwood Middle School. The District hopes to complete the project soon. The school itself opened in August 2022.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/9/2023
2110 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230609-DJI_0995.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-06-09 19:56:582023-06-09 19:56:59Kingwood Middle School Detention Ponds Complete, Athletic Fields Started
Flood Damage To Tree Lane Bridge Over Ben’s Branch Accelerates
Since I last reported on damage to the Tree Lane Bridge over Ben’s Branch in January, the situation has worsened considerably.
Pictures Taken on 6/12/23 Show Extent of Damage
The bridge will probably not collapse in the next big rain. However, the cumulative damage to all these components underscores the need for urgent repair. It also underscores the need for mitigation to reduce the jetting that caused the damage.
Damage Accelerating, Repaired Just Three Years Ago
The city repaired the Tree Lane Bridge in March of 2020. Compare this post to see how it looked then. It’s amazing how much damage could be done in three years to a bridge that weathered multiple hurricanes and tropical storms for more than 50 years.
That’s a testament to insufficiently mitigated development upstream that sends ever greater volumes of water downstream – more than the opening under the bridge was designed for.
For a description of how jetting works, check this post. Basically, water backs up behind the bridge, putting greater pressure on the water flowing under the bridge.
Let’s hope the City can repair the Tree Lane Bridge again before school starts in the fall. The bridge borders Bear Branch Elementary School where 638 students attend classes.
Please check bridges near you and report any damage.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/12/2023
2113 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Check This Website Before Heading to the Beach
Stormwater can cause more than flooding. For all those headed to the beach this summer, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) offers a useful website that monitors water quality and safety. It’s called Texas Beach Watch.
About Beach Watch
The program tests bacteria levels at beaches along the coast and Galveston Bay. It measures Enterococcus bacteria (fecal indicator bacteria) levels every week from March through October and every other week during the rest of the year.
Why Enterococcus Matters
So what is Enterococcus and where does it come from?
Enterococcus indicates the presence of fecal matter. And according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sources include stormwater runoff plus:
EPA also lists natural, non-fecal sources of fecal-indicator bacteria. They include:
The latter contribute to a certain background level in ambient waters and vary based on local environmental and meteorological conditions.
Health and Recreation Consequences
The EPA says such pathogens can sicken swimmers and others who use rivers and streams for recreation or eat raw shellfish or fish. Other potential health effects can include diseases of the skin, eyes, ears and respiratory tract.
The EPA also says that enterococci are typically not considered harmful to humans, but their presence may indicate the presence of other disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
Overabundance of fecal bacteria in the water can cause beach closures, swimming and boating bans and closures of fishing and shellfishing areas.
Three Warning Levels and Today’s Readings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended single sample maximum criterion for Enterococcus bacteria is 104 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml. When the counts are above this level, swimming is not recommended.
The GLO rates bacteria levels at beaches as follows:
Bacteria counts less than 35 cfu/100 ml.
Bacteria counts are between 35 and 104 cfu/100 ml.
Bacteria counts are greater than 104 cfu/100 ml. An advisory for this beach is recommended.
Here’s what the coast looked like along the coast this morning.
For More Information,
For more information, please review the health risks associated with swimming in waters with high Entercoccus counts in Pathogens & Pathogen Indicators.
If you have a favorite beach, the GLO’s TexasBeachWatch.com website lets you sign up for alerts.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/10/2023 based on information from the GLO and EPA
2111 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Kingwood Middle School Detention Ponds Complete, Athletic Fields Started
The Kingwood Middle School reconstruction project is nearing completion. The new stormwater detention basins are complete, grassed in, and virtually fenced. The athletic fields have been laid out. And the track is under construction. The photos below show what the project looked like on 6/9/23.
Humble ISD has created an architectural gem in the new Kingwood Middle School. The District hopes to complete the project soon. The school itself opened in August 2022.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/9/2023
2110 Days since Hurricane Harvey