This is a story about implying you will do one thing and then doing the opposite. Like saying you will “take care to protect all vegetation” when you really intend to remove it all.
From the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the Laurel Springs RV Resort approved by the City of Houston.
Laurel Springs RV Resort as of 12/5/2021
Weasel Words as Getaway Vehicles
To pull off this feat of verbal legerdemain, some developers and engineers use “weasel words,” which are their “getaway vehicles.”
“Weasel words” are qualifiers that help to create a legal defense.
“…that does not need to be removed for construction purposes.”
Then they removed every tree, shrub and blade of grass on the site.
A Deceitful Charade
Developers all over Houston use this deceitful charade. And it’s time it stopped. If a developer has no intention of preserving any natural vegetation, the focus of stormwater pollution prevention plans should shift to other measures.
These developers DID promise to use silt fencing. And they actually installed some, but only on one side of the site.
So what’s to stop sediment carried by overland sheet flow from washing downhill into the beautiful cypress ponds that represent the signature feature of Harris County Precinct 4’s new Edgewater Park?
Laurel Springs RV Resort. “Look out below.”
Becoming Rule Rather than Exception
Developments like this have turned into the rule rather than the exception.
Not one of these developments would be fatal by itself. But taken together, we’re sowing the seeds of the next big flood. Trees consume rainwater and also slow runoff, reducing flood risk.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/6/21
1560 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/2021/12/20211205-DJI_0998.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2021-12-06 13:02:502021-12-06 15:36:07“…Care Will Be Taken to Protect All Vegetation…”
The new Kingwood Middle School is now being “glassed in,” at least the portions that are not brick. The glass will seal the interior from the weather outside and let new sets of contractors begin their work. Those include interior trades such as electricians, plumbers, painters, drywall, flooring and ceiling specialists. Since my last update on November 10, the contractors have made much progress. According to Humble ISD, the new school should open next August.
Once contractors have sealed the structure, the schedule no longer depends on weather and they can move much more quickly.
Multiple trades can work simultaneously in different parts of the building.
Progress in Photos
Here are pictures taken on 12/5/2021 that show the current status.
Approximately half of the exterior that will receive glass is already glassed in.
One of the entries. Exterior on right has not yet begun.
New Kingwood Middle School from over Woodland Hills Drive. The old school, right, will be torn down after this school year finishes.
Brickwork and roofing on the western portion of the building are almost complete. Some scaffolding remains for stonemasons on the opposite side of the building.
Construction moved from west to east. The eastern portions of the exteriors and roofing (right) are less finished.
Looking north to south. Once the old school is demolished (top of frame), athletic fields will be re-established in that area along with a permanent detention pond.
Looking SE at new Kingwood Middle School construction
The southeastern portion of the new Kingwood Middle School on Cedar Knolls still has a long way to go.
To compare previous monthly updates, search for “Kingwood Middle School”.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20211205-DJI_0943.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2021-12-05 20:29:302021-12-05 20:29:34December Update: Kingwood Middle School Being “Glassed In”
TxDOT’s Grand Parkway extension (a.k.a. State Highway 99) is rapidly moving east and south toward I-10. As it arcs around the northeast quadrant of the Houston Metro Area, it will open up vast new areas to development. Below is a map showing several already under development.
Yesterday, as I was photographing different areas near Huffman and New Caney near the San Jacinto East Fork, I captured these shots of the Grand Parkway extension and FM1485. The Grand Parkway is still under construction in this area, but it’s rapidly getting there.
SH99 and FM 1485, looking northeast toward Colony Ridge and Liberty County.SH 99 and FM 1485 looking north with San Jacinto East Fork running through middle of frame from top to bottom.SH 99 and FM 1485 Looking east over San Jacinto East Fork
I’ve taken shots of this area before and am fascinated by the difference in the spans of the bridges. Part of what you’re seeing is the difference between standards for Farm-to-Market Roads and State Highways. But you’re also looking at the consequence of an increase in expected rainfall rates, more upstream development, and learning from experience. FM1485 frequently goes under water nowadays.
Detention Pond under Bridge: Permanent?
One of the curious things I noticed yesterday was a large detention or sediment retention pond under the bridge. TxDOT has rerouted the East Fork around it as you can see in the first and second photos. I wonder if they will keep it as a large detention pond under the freeway when they complete construction. Or whether they will return the river to its normal course and plant trees between the two roads as you see in the distance.
Stay Away During Construction
Traffic detours through this area are a nightmare. Stay away if you can. It took me an hour to get from here to Kingwood yesterday via 1485, 494 and US59 at 2:30 pm. The distance: only 7 miles as the crow flies.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/4/2021
1558 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 776 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20211203-DJI_0936.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2021-12-04 21:06:442021-12-04 21:06:47Grand Parkway Extension is Getting There
“…Care Will Be Taken to Protect All Vegetation…”
This is a story about implying you will do one thing and then doing the opposite. Like saying you will “take care to protect all vegetation” when you really intend to remove it all.
Weasel Words as Getaway Vehicles
To pull off this feat of verbal legerdemain, some developers and engineers use “weasel words,” which are their “getaway vehicles.”
“Weasel words” are qualifiers that help to create a legal defense.
The developers of the Laurel Springs RV Park promised Houston Public Works that they would take care to protect natural vegetation, but attached two dependent clauses:
Then they removed every tree, shrub and blade of grass on the site.
A Deceitful Charade
Developers all over Houston use this deceitful charade. And it’s time it stopped. If a developer has no intention of preserving any natural vegetation, the focus of stormwater pollution prevention plans should shift to other measures.
These developers DID promise to use silt fencing. And they actually installed some, but only on one side of the site.
So what’s to stop sediment carried by overland sheet flow from washing downhill into the beautiful cypress ponds that represent the signature feature of Harris County Precinct 4’s new Edgewater Park?
Becoming Rule Rather than Exception
Developments like this have turned into the rule rather than the exception.
Not one of these developments would be fatal by itself. But taken together, we’re sowing the seeds of the next big flood. Trees consume rainwater and also slow runoff, reducing flood risk.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/6/21
1560 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.
December Update: Kingwood Middle School Being “Glassed In”
The new Kingwood Middle School is now being “glassed in,” at least the portions that are not brick. The glass will seal the interior from the weather outside and let new sets of contractors begin their work. Those include interior trades such as electricians, plumbers, painters, drywall, flooring and ceiling specialists. Since my last update on November 10, the contractors have made much progress. According to Humble ISD, the new school should open next August.
Multiple trades can work simultaneously in different parts of the building.
Progress in Photos
Here are pictures taken on 12/5/2021 that show the current status.
To compare previous monthly updates, search for “Kingwood Middle School”.
It was only a year ago that this site was nothing more than dirt and a dream.
To see architectural renderings of the new building when complete, see this page on Humble ISD’s web site.
Posted by Bob Rehak on December 5, 2021
1559 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Grand Parkway Extension is Getting There
TxDOT’s Grand Parkway extension (a.k.a. State Highway 99) is rapidly moving east and south toward I-10. As it arcs around the northeast quadrant of the Houston Metro Area, it will open up vast new areas to development. Below is a map showing several already under development.
New Developments Already Under Way
East Fork Crossing: Tale of Two Bridges
Yesterday, as I was photographing different areas near Huffman and New Caney near the San Jacinto East Fork, I captured these shots of the Grand Parkway extension and FM1485. The Grand Parkway is still under construction in this area, but it’s rapidly getting there.
In March, this Grand Parkway in this area was nothing but dirt. By June, they were clearing land down to the Luce Bayou InterBasin Transfer Canal. Now it’s concrete as far as the eye can see. At least from the East Fork.
I’ve taken shots of this area before and am fascinated by the difference in the spans of the bridges. Part of what you’re seeing is the difference between standards for Farm-to-Market Roads and State Highways. But you’re also looking at the consequence of an increase in expected rainfall rates, more upstream development, and learning from experience. FM1485 frequently goes under water nowadays.
Detention Pond under Bridge: Permanent?
One of the curious things I noticed yesterday was a large detention or sediment retention pond under the bridge. TxDOT has rerouted the East Fork around it as you can see in the first and second photos. I wonder if they will keep it as a large detention pond under the freeway when they complete construction. Or whether they will return the river to its normal course and plant trees between the two roads as you see in the distance.
Stay Away During Construction
Traffic detours through this area are a nightmare. Stay away if you can. It took me an hour to get from here to Kingwood yesterday via 1485, 494 and US59 at 2:30 pm. The distance: only 7 miles as the crow flies.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/4/2021
1558 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 776 since Imelda