On June 29, 2021, Harris County Commissioners approved two contracts for preliminary engineering on the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Taylor Gully Projects. This week, I’ve been getting reports of boots on the ground. So I grabbed my camera and went looking for activity this morning. I found a soil survey truck at Kingwood Drive next to the Diversion Ditch. I also found regular surveyors on Taylor Gully about a block south of Woodridge Village.
Both activities are among the first steps in preliminary engineering. And both are among the first steps in finding flood-mitigation solutions for a huge percentage of Kingwood’s population.
This drone shot shows the surveying crew a little more than one block south of Woodridge Village on Taylor Gully.
Looking downstream in opposite direction toward Rustic Elm Bridge out of sight around bend.
The surveyors were capturing elevations of the banks, slopes, ditch bottom, and backslope swalesof Taylor Gully.
Taylor Gully Objectives and Scope
HCFCD has asked Idcus, Inc. to develop up to five conceptual alternative scenarios for modifying Taylor Gully. Alternative scenarios may include:
Expanding Detention On Woodridge Village Site so that no channel improvements are necessary.
Determining amount of detention and channel improvements necessary to ensure no adverse impact all the way to Lake Houston.
Finding the optimum balance between maximum flood protection and minimum construction costs.
Deliverables include:
Channel and basin layouts
Estimates of benefits for various levels of storms (100-year, etc.)
Right-of-way requirements
Cost estimates for right-of-way acquisition, engineering and construction management.
Performance metrics, i.e., estimated acreage of land inundation, number of structures in floodplain, number of structures flooded and miles of inundated roadway.
A scoring matrix to rank alternatives.
Scope of Taylor Gully Project includes the two halves of Woodridge Village outlined in gold above the ditch.
Kingwood Diversion Ditch Objectives and Scope
HCFCD hired Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for preliminary Kingwood Diversion Ditch engineering. They must:
Evaluate existing site conditions, previous studies, other projects that could affect this one, topography, rights-of-way, utilities, and soil surveys.
Evaluate existing bridges
Conduct and H&H analysis to assess existing and proposed conditions (from 2-year to 500-year storms).
Analyze Channel Improvements including the:
Impact of TIRZ #10’s latest design to replace the Northpark Bridge
Diversion structure at the confluence of Bens Branch and the Diversion Channel
Drop structures in lieu of a concrete lined channel to minimize high velocities due to the steep grade between Walnut Lane and Deer Ridge Estates Blvd.
Develop phased construction plans based on available funding, potential impacts and benefits.
Conduct two public engagement meetings and coordinate with community groups.
Deliverables include:
Surveys
Geotechnical investigations, i.e., bridge borings
Environmental assessment
“Jurisdictional” determination. Does this channel fall under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps as it nears the West Fork? If so, channel design may need to be altered.
Determination of detention pond requirements
Exploration for subsurface utilities
Obtaining permits from the Corps
Landscape architect services
Scope of Diversion Ditch Project runs from St. Martha Catholic Church in Montgomery County to the San Jacinto West Fork at River Grove Park. This is the ditch that runs past the fire station on Kingwood Drive.
Why These Two Projects First?
Both of these projects evolved from the Kingwood Drainage Analysis finalized late last year. That study identified nine channels that needed improvement. These two were recommended for immediate help because:
They help the largest number of people.
HCFCD already owns land to expand and deepen the Diversion Ditch.
Diversion Ditch enhancement will immediately take pressure off Ben’s Branch, and help flooding there.
Note that Ben’s Branch has already gone through a four-phase major maintenance project designed to restore its original conveyance.
Here is Harris County Flood Control District’s Summary of Results from the 600-page Kingwood Area Drainage Analysis.
A Good Sign
Both of these projects go far beyond maintenance, which portions of both of these ditches have already received. While we’re still far from construction, the work that kicked off this week will improve flood safety for a large part of Kingwood.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/4/2021
1436 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210804-RJR_8789.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2021-08-04 14:00:282021-08-04 14:27:38Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Taylor Gully Preliminary Engineering Projects Begin
Want to learn how to create healthy, resilient, natural spaces in your community that can mitigate the effects of flooding? Harris County Precinct 4 will sponsor a free event this weekend at Jesse Jones Park called “Floods and Phytoremediation.”
The event will be held indoors in the park’s Nature Center. People can also participate virtually via Zoom. To register for the virtual alternative, click here. Drop-ins are welcome for the in-person option; no registration is necessary.
What is Phytoremediation?
This event definitely takes the prize for Best Title in the Curiosity Category. I didn’t even know what phytoremediation was. But once I looked it up, I got very interested.
Phytoremediation uses living plants to clean up soil, air, and water contaminated with certain types of hazardous contaminants. The term is a marriage of the Greek phyto (plant) and Latin remedium (restoring balance). It takes advantage of plants’ abilities to concentrate elements and compounds from the environment and to detoxify various organic compounds.
Goal of Program
Organizers of the program hope to make the community more resilient to extreme precipitation events by making people more knowledgeable about the possibilities and getting them more involved.
Staff and volunteers at Jesse Jones Park hope to plant thousands of trees and other vegetation along the creek this fall and winter to:
Help slow and absorb flood waters
Phytoremediate toxins
Prevent erosion
Beautify the area.
“Once established, these areas could be utilized in the research about phytoremediation,” said Jason Naivar, the Superintendent of Jesse Jones Park.
Grants from NOAA and the Boston Museum of Science helped make the program possible.
Learn More about Health Hazards of Extreme Flooding and How Plants Can Reduce Toxicity
Jesse Jones Park and Lonestar College-Kingwood have partnered to bring together experts to speak about the health hazards of extreme flooding. They will also focus on how native plants can help reduce the toxicity of these events.
Speakers include:
Jason Naivar-Superintendent of Jesse Jones Park introduce the program and explain the history of flooding in Jones Park.
Theresa Harris of American Association for the Advancement of Science will speak on initiating public engagement projects.
Dr. Kristy Daniel of Texas State University will speak on volunteer training in science.
Dr. Brian Shmaefsky from Lone Star College Kingwood will discuss general aspects of phytoremediation.
Professor Xingmao (Sam) Ma of Texas A&M University will focus on phytotechnology related to civil engineering practices.
All Jones Park events allow for proper social distancing. Bring your own water bottle, however. Due to Covid concerns, the park’s water coolers are still shut down.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/3/2021
1435 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210803-Screen-Shot-2021-08-03-at-3.23.39-PM-copy.jpg?fit=924%2C1200&ssl=11200924adminadmin2021-08-03 15:40:092021-08-03 15:42:15Don’t Miss “Floods and Phytoremediation” This Saturday At Jesse Jones Park
A front moving into the region could bring high hourly rainfall rates and rapid street flooding, according to Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist. He says, “A weak front will move into the area today and tonight, and stall near the coast or just offshore on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Weather Live radar composite as of noon CDT, 8.2.21.
Slow-Moving Front, Training Cells, Possible Street Flooding
“The slow-moving front is moving southward across north and central TX. Numerous showers and thunderstorms have already formed along it. The air mass in the Houston region will become increasingly unstable this afternoon. Expect numerous, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms to develop across the region,” says Lindner.
“The combination of slow movement, deep tropical moisture, and the potential for training all points toward a heavy rainfall threat this afternoon,” he said.
“The main threat will likely be short-term rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour leading to rapid onset street flooding.”
Jeff Lindner, Harris County meteorologist
Mainly South of I-10 and Offshore by Tomorrow
Lindner continued, “The front will push toward the coast tonight and may even move offshore on Tuesday. A slightly drier air mass will build into the region behind the front with rain chances focusing near the coast and across Gulf waters later today and tomorrow.”
He sees the main rain chances on Tuesday for areas south of I-10. However, he also predicts much of the activity will be offshore.
Enjoy the slightly drier air mass and “cooler” temperatures behind the front as it washes out by late week. After that, onshore flow will return along with humidity. “By next weekend, heat index values could near advisory levels,” Lindner warns.
Tropics to Pick Up by Mid-August
On an unrelated topic, Lindner sees no concerns for the next 5 days for tropical development in the Atlantic basin. However, Lindner sees signals that the Atlantic basin will become increasingly favorable for development toward mid August.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8.2.21based on information provided by HCFCD
1434 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Radar-8.2.21-noon.jpg?fit=1200%2C1677&ssl=116771200adminadmin2021-08-02 12:26:042021-08-02 12:27:55Possible Street Flooding Later Today
Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Taylor Gully Preliminary Engineering Projects Begin
On June 29, 2021, Harris County Commissioners approved two contracts for preliminary engineering on the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and Taylor Gully Projects. This week, I’ve been getting reports of boots on the ground. So I grabbed my camera and went looking for activity this morning. I found a soil survey truck at Kingwood Drive next to the Diversion Ditch. I also found regular surveyors on Taylor Gully about a block south of Woodridge Village.
Both activities are among the first steps in preliminary engineering. And both are among the first steps in finding flood-mitigation solutions for a huge percentage of Kingwood’s population.
Taylor Gully Objectives and Scope
HCFCD has asked Idcus, Inc. to develop up to five conceptual alternative scenarios for modifying Taylor Gully. Alternative scenarios may include:
Deliverables include:
Kingwood Diversion Ditch Objectives and Scope
HCFCD hired Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for preliminary Kingwood Diversion Ditch engineering. They must:
Walnut Lane and Deer Ridge Estates Blvd.
Deliverables include:
Why These Two Projects First?
Both of these projects evolved from the Kingwood Drainage Analysis finalized late last year. That study identified nine channels that needed improvement. These two were recommended for immediate help because:
Note that Ben’s Branch has already gone through a four-phase major maintenance project designed to restore its original conveyance.
Here is Harris County Flood Control District’s Summary of Results from the 600-page Kingwood Area Drainage Analysis.
A Good Sign
Both of these projects go far beyond maintenance, which portions of both of these ditches have already received. While we’re still far from construction, the work that kicked off this week will improve flood safety for a large part of Kingwood.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/4/2021
1436 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Don’t Miss “Floods and Phytoremediation” This Saturday At Jesse Jones Park
Want to learn how to create healthy, resilient, natural spaces in your community that can mitigate the effects of flooding? Harris County Precinct 4 will sponsor a free event this weekend at Jesse Jones Park called “Floods and Phytoremediation.”
It starts at 1PM, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, TX 77338 near Spring Creek. For directions, click here.
The event will be held indoors in the park’s Nature Center. People can also participate virtually via Zoom. To register for the virtual alternative, click here. Drop-ins are welcome for the in-person option; no registration is necessary.
What is Phytoremediation?
This event definitely takes the prize for Best Title in the Curiosity Category. I didn’t even know what phytoremediation was. But once I looked it up, I got very interested.
Phytoremediation uses living plants to clean up soil, air, and water contaminated with certain types of hazardous contaminants. The term is a marriage of the Greek phyto (plant) and Latin remedium (restoring balance). It takes advantage of plants’ abilities to concentrate elements and compounds from the environment and to detoxify various organic compounds.
Goal of Program
Organizers of the program hope to make the community more resilient to extreme precipitation events by making people more knowledgeable about the possibilities and getting them more involved.
Staff and volunteers at Jesse Jones Park hope to plant thousands of trees and other vegetation along the creek this fall and winter to:
“Once established, these areas could be utilized in the research about phytoremediation,” said Jason Naivar, the Superintendent of Jesse Jones Park.
Grants from NOAA and the Boston Museum of Science helped make the program possible.
Learn More about Health Hazards of Extreme Flooding and How Plants Can Reduce Toxicity
Jesse Jones Park and Lonestar College-Kingwood have partnered to bring together experts to speak about the health hazards of extreme flooding. They will also focus on how native plants can help reduce the toxicity of these events.
Speakers include:
All Jones Park events allow for proper social distancing. Bring your own water bottle, however. Due to Covid concerns, the park’s water coolers are still shut down.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/3/2021
1435 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Possible Street Flooding Later Today
A front moving into the region could bring high hourly rainfall rates and rapid street flooding, according to Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist. He says, “A weak front will move into the area today and tonight, and stall near the coast or just offshore on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Slow-Moving Front, Training Cells, Possible Street Flooding
“The slow-moving front is moving southward across north and central TX. Numerous showers and thunderstorms have already formed along it. The air mass in the Houston region will become increasingly unstable this afternoon. Expect numerous, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms to develop across the region,” says Lindner.
“The combination of slow movement, deep tropical moisture, and the potential for training all points toward a heavy rainfall threat this afternoon,” he said.
Mainly South of I-10 and Offshore by Tomorrow
Lindner continued, “The front will push toward the coast tonight and may even move offshore on Tuesday. A slightly drier air mass will build into the region behind the front with rain chances focusing near the coast and across Gulf waters later today and tomorrow.”
He sees the main rain chances on Tuesday for areas south of I-10. However, he also predicts much of the activity will be offshore.
Enjoy the slightly drier air mass and “cooler” temperatures behind the front as it washes out by late week. After that, onshore flow will return along with humidity. “By next weekend, heat index values could near advisory levels,” Lindner warns.
Tropics to Pick Up by Mid-August
On an unrelated topic, Lindner sees no concerns for the next 5 days for tropical development in the Atlantic basin. However, Lindner sees signals that the Atlantic basin will become increasingly favorable for development toward mid August.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8.2.21 based on information provided by HCFCD
1434 Days since Hurricane Harvey