After Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Engineering examined regulations throughout the region and recommended minimum drainage standards to reduce future flooding in the region’s cities and counties. Harris County even offered to pay the cost of inventorying existing standards and having an engineering firm draft recommended revisions. But almost 2000 days after Harvey, only half of the area’s cities and counties have taken action. Among those not acting: Montgomery and Liberty Counties. Here’s a breakdown of who has done what as of January 18, 2023, according to Harris County.
Already Upgraded
Twenty took Harris County up on its offer. They have already successfully updated their drainage regulations. They include:
Cities of
Baytown
Bellaire
Bunker Hill Village
Deer Park
El Lago
Friendswood
Galena Park
Hilshire Village
Houston
Humble
Jersey Village
Katy
La Porte
Pasadena
Piney Point Village
Seabrook
Southside Place
Taylor Lake Village
Tomball
Waller County
Considered Updates But Haven’t Acted
Twelve had requested and received an analysis, but had not yet implemented recommendations. They include:
Cities of:
Hedwig Village
Jacinto City
League City
Missouri City
Nassau Bay
Pearland
Shoreacres
South Houston
Spring Valley
Webster
West University
Fort Bend County
Not Acting
Eight have not updated ordinances and regulations. These include communities that did not respond to and those that refused Harris County’s offer. They include:
Cities:
Hunter’s Creek Village
Morgan’s Point
Stafford
Waller
Counties:
Brazoria
Galveston
Liberty
Montgomery
In fairness, Montgomery County did hire a firm in August 2022 to update/revise its drainage criteria manual and subdivision rules. The scope of work included examining some of the recommendations below made by Harris County. But work was expected to take at least a year.
Recommendations for Minimum Drainage Standards
The minimum drainage standards recommended by Harris County included:
Use Atlas 14 rainfall rates for sizing storm water conveyance and detention systems.
Require a minimum detention rate of 0.55 acre feet per acre for any new development on tracts one acre or larger. However, single-family residential structures and accessory buildings on existing lots would be exempt.
Prohibit the use of hydrographic timing as a substitute for detention on any project, unless it directly outfalls into Galveston Bay.
Require “no net fill” in the current mapped 500-year flood plain, except in areas identified as coastal zones only.
Require minimum Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) of new habitable structures be established at or waterproofed to the 500-year flood elevation as shown on the effective Flood Insurance Study.
I would add one more to the list:
No clearing or grading before environmental and drainage studies are completed, and during grading, measures are taken to protect neighbors from runoff.
This seems to be particularly troublesome issue for those surrounding new developments.
Self Interest
Harris County Engineering originally positioned adoption of the minimum drainage standards as a condition for receiving partnership money from the 2018 flood bond.
Clearly, not everyone sees that has a powerful incentive. Those outside Harris County likely see little benefit, especially since the Equity Prioritization Framework has delayed funding in those areas.
Perhaps Harris County should have emphasized how adoption of the minimum standards could help reduce flooding for ALL people in the region – including those within Montgomery and Liberty Counties.
During heavy rains in late January, I received dozens of reports of flooding in Montgomery and Liberty Counties. As growth in surrounding areas explodes, lax regulations are starting to inflict suffering on those area’s own citizens.
They should adopt higher standards for their own benefit, not just Harris County’s.
Photo taken January 30, 2023 along Harris/MoCo border near San Jacinto West Fork after 1.32 inches of rain.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/5/23
1986 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/2023/02/20230130-DJI_0926.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-02-05 12:25:022023-02-05 12:32:31Montgomery, Liberty Counties Still Have Not Adopted Minimum Drainage Recommendations
Adventure awaits. After more than a year under construction, the controversial Laurel Springs RV Resort has finally opened between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks that parallel Loop 494 and Lakewood Cove.
Oh, and then there were the mysterious, unexplained black spots that kept showing up in the detention basin.
Grand Opening Theme: Adventure Awaits
With all that in mind, the Laurel Springs RV Resort came up with the perfect theme for its Grand Opening: “Adventure Awaits.”
In lieu of Grand Opening banners, marching bands, cookies and punch, the owner is offering 50% discounts through February 15th. The online booking form showed one flat rate – $69 per night – for all spots, sizes, and lengths of stay.
But the form was a bit confusing; it showed yucca trees and mountains in the background! Imagine the surprise when the snowbirds arrive!
Photos Taken During Grand Opening
Here’s what the resort looked like earlier this week.
Looking NNW from over Lakewood CoveLooking NNE from over power line corridorNorthern portion was not yet complete. Looking S. Ideal spot for railroad buffs.Water collecting below detention basin has not dried in months.
I counted ten RVs on the day I took these photos. But I never did see the yucca trees and mountains featured on their reservation page.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/4/2023
1985 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.
It won’t be long now before we start seeing moving trucks at the Preserve at Woodridge. The new high-density, low-grass, pet-friendly, community of 131 free-standing rental homes has reached a milestone. The entire development is framed out. See the pictures below.
Photos Taken on January 29, 2023
Looking SE toward Kingwood Park High School from over St. Martha Catholic Church parking lot.Last homes under construction on the SW corner of the new subdivision.Looking toward the west from over the detention pond gives you a feeling for how close together these homes are.65% impervious cover according to the RG Miller plans.The pearlescent, allegedly “grass lined” stormwater detention basin seems to still leak silty stormwater into this tributary of Ben’s Branch.
Who is the Market For These Homes?
It will be interesting to see what types of tenants this subdivision attracts. The website shows a picture of young adults by a pool. These homes might represent a step up from apartments for some of them.
But none of the website’s pictures feature empty-nesters who might be looking to downsize. The long walks between cars and front doors could make it difficult to get all those groceries into the kitchen.
And the small amount of parking could deter families with more than one car.
Glad it’s not my money at risk. But maybe they’ve identified a new market niche.
The biggest complaints I hear are that these homes don’t fit the character of the surrounding community. People worry about negative impacts on their property values.
I have also heard firefighters express safety concerns about the proximity of the homes.
Regardless of how you feel, it’s too late to do anything about these now.
History of Project
To see the progression of this project, see the following posts:
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/2023/02/20230129-DJI_0830.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-02-03 17:07:162023-02-03 17:14:01Preserve At Woodridge All Framed Out
Montgomery, Liberty Counties Still Have Not Adopted Minimum Drainage Recommendations
After Hurricane Harvey, Harris County Engineering examined regulations throughout the region and recommended minimum drainage standards to reduce future flooding in the region’s cities and counties. Harris County even offered to pay the cost of inventorying existing standards and having an engineering firm draft recommended revisions. But almost 2000 days after Harvey, only half of the area’s cities and counties have taken action. Among those not acting: Montgomery and Liberty Counties. Here’s a breakdown of who has done what as of January 18, 2023, according to Harris County.
Already Upgraded
Twenty took Harris County up on its offer. They have already successfully updated their drainage regulations. They include:
Considered Updates But Haven’t Acted
Twelve had requested and received an analysis, but had not yet implemented recommendations. They include:
Not Acting
Eight have not updated ordinances and regulations. These include communities that did not respond to and those that refused Harris County’s offer. They include:
In fairness, Montgomery County did hire a firm in August 2022 to update/revise its drainage criteria manual and subdivision rules. The scope of work included examining some of the recommendations below made by Harris County. But work was expected to take at least a year.
Recommendations for Minimum Drainage Standards
The minimum drainage standards recommended by Harris County included:
I would add one more to the list:
This seems to be particularly troublesome issue for those surrounding new developments.
Self Interest
Harris County Engineering originally positioned adoption of the minimum drainage standards as a condition for receiving partnership money from the 2018 flood bond.
Clearly, not everyone sees that has a powerful incentive. Those outside Harris County likely see little benefit, especially since the Equity Prioritization Framework has delayed funding in those areas.
Perhaps Harris County should have emphasized how adoption of the minimum standards could help reduce flooding for ALL people in the region – including those within Montgomery and Liberty Counties.
During heavy rains in late January, I received dozens of reports of flooding in Montgomery and Liberty Counties. As growth in surrounding areas explodes, lax regulations are starting to inflict suffering on those area’s own citizens.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/5/23
1986 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.
Adventure Awaits: Laurel Springs RV Resort Opens
Adventure awaits. After more than a year under construction, the controversial Laurel Springs RV Resort has finally opened between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks that parallel Loop 494 and Lakewood Cove.
During construction, contractors:
Oh, and then there were the mysterious, unexplained black spots that kept showing up in the detention basin.
Grand Opening Theme: Adventure Awaits
With all that in mind, the Laurel Springs RV Resort came up with the perfect theme for its Grand Opening: “Adventure Awaits.”
In lieu of Grand Opening banners, marching bands, cookies and punch, the owner is offering 50% discounts through February 15th. The online booking form showed one flat rate – $69 per night – for all spots, sizes, and lengths of stay.
But the form was a bit confusing; it showed yucca trees and mountains in the background! Imagine the surprise when the snowbirds arrive!
Photos Taken During Grand Opening
Here’s what the resort looked like earlier this week.
I counted ten RVs on the day I took these photos. But I never did see the yucca trees and mountains featured on their reservation page.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/4/2023
1985 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.
Preserve At Woodridge All Framed Out
It won’t be long now before we start seeing moving trucks at the Preserve at Woodridge. The new high-density, low-grass, pet-friendly, community of 131 free-standing rental homes has reached a milestone. The entire development is framed out. See the pictures below.
Photos Taken on January 29, 2023
Who is the Market For These Homes?
It will be interesting to see what types of tenants this subdivision attracts. The website shows a picture of young adults by a pool. These homes might represent a step up from apartments for some of them.
But none of the website’s pictures feature empty-nesters who might be looking to downsize. The long walks between cars and front doors could make it difficult to get all those groceries into the kitchen.
And the small amount of parking could deter families with more than one car.
Glad it’s not my money at risk. But maybe they’ve identified a new market niche.
The biggest complaints I hear are that these homes don’t fit the character of the surrounding community. People worry about negative impacts on their property values.
I have also heard firefighters express safety concerns about the proximity of the homes.
Regardless of how you feel, it’s too late to do anything about these now.
History of Project
To see the progression of this project, see the following posts:
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/3/23
1984 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.