Tropical storm formed in the central Caribbean Sea late yesterday and tied a record going back 170 years.
28th Storm of Year
Eta became the 28th tropical storm of the 2020 hurricane season and tied 2005 for the most tropical storms in an Atlantic hurricane season since records began in 1851.
Satellite images show the system still lacks any defined inner core.
Tropical Storm Eta formed late yesterday in the central Caribbean.
“Eta is a fairly large system,” says Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner, “and such systems generally take time to consolidate and develop. Eta is moving westward and this motion is expected to continue for the next 72 hours.”
Hurricane Threat to Nicaragua and Honduras Tuesday
On its current track, Eta should slam into Nicaragua and Honduras Tuesday morning. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts Eta will intensify into a hurricane on Monday. NHC also predicts heavy rainfall and flash flooding through Thursday, with landslides in higher elevations.
Fading High-Pressure Ridge Creates High Uncertainty Beyond 72 Hours
Eta is under the influence of a high-pressure ridge that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to near Cuba, which is forcing the system toward the west. After landfall, the system should significantly slow down as the high pressure ridge begins to weaken. “The main question,” says Lindner, “will there be enough of a defined system remaining to get pulled northward over the western Caribbean Sea and potentially the SE Gulf of Mexico. Given the expected land interaction and general slow motion beyond 72 hours, the confidence in the forecast for later this week is lower than average. Adjustments in the track are likely over the next several days.”
Intensity
“There could be a period of rapid intensification prior to Eta making landfall over central America,” adds Lindner.
The Houston Area has been extremely lucky this year. Only one storm flooded only part of the City. Just to our east, Louisiana endured direct impacts from five storms.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/1/2020 based on info from HCFCD and NHC
1160 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1000x1000.jpg?fit=1000%2C1000&ssl=110001000adminadmin2020-11-01 13:12:442020-11-01 13:12:48It’s Official; 2020 Ties Record For Most Tropical Events in Recorded History
Often, I post about sand mines or developments that encroach on floodplains and floodways to the detriment of people downstream. But when I learned of this story, it made me extremely happy. The Bayou Land Conservancy (BLC) announced last week that Joe Swinbank and Don Poarch, partners at Sprint Sand & Clay, have donated 117 acres of unspoiled wetlands to the organization. The land borders Spring Creek in Tomball, north of Lone Star College and Harris County Precinct 4’s Spring Creek Park. It will have a significant impact on conservation, according to the BLC.
Natural wetlands on the tract donated to BLC by Swinbank and Poarch. This and all photos below are courtesy of the Bayou Land Conservancy.
“We are excited to own this ecologically rich nature preserve that will help us connect the community to the benefits of land conservation”, said BLC board chair Lisa Lin. “This donation will benefit the community for many generations, and be an enduring legacy of the incredible generosity of Mr. Swinbank and Mr. Poarch.”
Spring Creek meanders along the property’s southern border.
Ecologically rich wetlands such as these help retain water during floods, reducing the impact on downstream residents.
Land Originally Purchased for Mining
“As the greater Houston area continues to grow at a rapid pace, striking a healthy balance between land preservation and land development has never been more important as we seek to protect the many economic and community benefits we all enjoy,” Swinbank said. “The Bayou Land Conservancy’s extensive network of preserved trails and waterways just minutes from Houston is impressive in its form and function—a model of what can be achieved when community stakeholders work together. We’re proud to partner with the Conservancy to continue these important environmental efforts and extend BLC’s preserved trails and waterways west into the Tomball area.”
Don Poarch echoed his partner’s sentiments in acknowledging the award. “We’re grateful for the recognition as this year’s Conservation Champions and happy to continue to champion the BLC and its important mission to preserve these lands for natural flood control, cleaner water and wildlife protection,” Poarch said. “On behalf of our entire team at Sprint Sand & Clay, Joe and I hope this land along Spring Creek enhances the community with protected green space while providing beautiful trails and waterways for people to reconnect with nature and each other.”
Family History Led to Donation
Beyond the positive environmental and community impact, the land in Tomball has personal significance to Swinbank and his family. “My wife was raised in the area, and her extended family has deep roots in Tomball and Rosehill going back to the area’s original German settlers,” Swinbank added. “My family and I couldn’t be happier that the Conservancy will ensure this land is preserved and protected for generations to come.”
Location of new preserve
Online Gala to Honor Conservationists Nov. 13
BLC will honor Swinbank and Poarch at its annual Annual Land Lover Gala as Conservation Champions. The Gala will be held virtually this year from 6-7 pm on Friday, November 13th. More information about the event can be found here. Wildlife film maker Ben Masters will be the keynote speaker. Mark your calendar.
No-Cost Gala Great Way to Learn More About BLC
Because of COVID, BLC’s net proceeds will likely be down this year. There’s no cost to attend the virtual event. “We’d just like to encourage people to join us,” said Jill Boullion, Executive Director of the BLC.
On a personal note, I will say this. The Bayou Land Conservancy and its committed staff stand tall among many worthy conservation groups in the Lake Houston Area. Their cooperative strategy is simple.
They put conservation easements on environmentally important land that is bought or donated so that it serves its natural function. They make a huge difference and deserve everyone’s support.
Bayou Land Conservancy protects land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife. BLC is a nationally accredited, community-sponsored land preservation organization working to permanently protect land, with a focus on the streams that feed Lake Houston, an important source of drinking water for millions in the region. More information is available at: www.bayouland.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/31/2020
1159 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20190627-Poarch-Swinbank-22-2019-6-27.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2020-10-31 14:30:112020-10-31 20:53:56Sand Miners Donate 117 Acres of Unspoiled Wetlands Along Spring Creek to Bayou Land Conservancy
Today, October 30, 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to send testimony to the Texas House of Representatives Interim Committee on Aggregate Production Operations (APOs). The committee is looking into production practices of sand mines and other types of APOs across Texas.
If you haven’t yet submitted comments, please take time to put something together—even if it’s just a few paragraphs!
Write about how YOU personally have been or will be impacted by sand mines. Pick one or two of these key issues that will most affect you personally:
???? Air quality ???? Water quality, use and availability ???? Surface and ground water contamination and flooding ???? Rapid development of APOs without adequate regulatory oversight, mine planning, or reclamation ???? Truck traffic ???? Nuisance issues: blasting, noise, odor, visible blight ???? Economic impacts, devaluation of property
How to Submit Comments
When you are ready to submit your testimony, email it to jeff.frazier_hc@house.texas.gov (jeff DOT frazier UNDERSCORE hc) or press the link below. Make sure to include:
Your name
Address
Phone number
Testimony in attachment (PDF preferred, Word Document OK, preferably five pages or less)
Sand mining is necessary to make concrete and support growth. No one wants to put sand miners out of business. People do, however, have legitimate issues with egregious sand-mining practices.
They want sand produced in a manner that respects public safety, health, homes, and the environment.
Since starting this website I have created more than 200 posts about problems with the way sand mining is actually practiced in the Houston Area, and how dangerous practices contribute to flooding. To learn more, use the search phrase “sand mines” or see the index page. Here are some examples.
Sand mining in floodways on West ForkDischarging industrial waste water into the public drinking water supplyAnother discharge of industrial wastewater into the headwaters of Lake HoustonFailure to stabilize soil or restore land to alternative us after abandonment of mine.Mining too close to natural gas pipeline and exposing itEndangering five pipelines carrying highly volatile liquids near the West Fork San JacintoWest Fork sand dune deposited during Harvey downstream from 20-square miles of mines in floodway. It contributed to the flooding of more than 7,000 structures.River mining without a permitFlooding adjacent property with floodwaterBarely plugged breach near LMI mine on West ForkPumping wastewater into wetlands
Don’t tolerate sand-mining practices that jeopardize your home, family and community. Write today.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/30/2020
1158 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/2020/05/20191104-RJR_4147.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2020-10-30 14:58:542020-10-30 15:23:05Submitted Your Sand Mine Testimony Yet?
It’s Official; 2020 Ties Record For Most Tropical Events in Recorded History
Tropical storm formed in the central Caribbean Sea late yesterday and tied a record going back 170 years.
28th Storm of Year
Eta became the 28th tropical storm of the 2020 hurricane season and tied 2005 for the most tropical storms in an Atlantic hurricane season since records began in 1851.
Satellite images show the system still lacks any defined inner core.
“Eta is a fairly large system,” says Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner, “and such systems generally take time to consolidate and develop. Eta is moving westward and this motion is expected to continue for the next 72 hours.”
Hurricane Threat to Nicaragua and Honduras Tuesday
On its current track, Eta should slam into Nicaragua and Honduras Tuesday morning. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts Eta will intensify into a hurricane on Monday. NHC also predicts heavy rainfall and flash flooding through Thursday, with landslides in higher elevations.
Fading High-Pressure Ridge Creates High Uncertainty Beyond 72 Hours
Eta is under the influence of a high-pressure ridge that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to near Cuba, which is forcing the system toward the west. After landfall, the system should significantly slow down as the high pressure ridge begins to weaken. “The main question,” says Lindner, “will there be enough of a defined system remaining to get pulled northward over the western Caribbean Sea and potentially the SE Gulf of Mexico. Given the expected land interaction and general slow motion beyond 72 hours, the confidence in the forecast for later this week is lower than average. Adjustments in the track are likely over the next several days.”
Intensity
“There could be a period of rapid intensification prior to Eta making landfall over central America,” adds Lindner.
The Houston Area has been extremely lucky this year. Only one storm flooded only part of the City. Just to our east, Louisiana endured direct impacts from five storms.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/1/2020 based on info from HCFCD and NHC
1160 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Sand Miners Donate 117 Acres of Unspoiled Wetlands Along Spring Creek to Bayou Land Conservancy
Often, I post about sand mines or developments that encroach on floodplains and floodways to the detriment of people downstream. But when I learned of this story, it made me extremely happy. The Bayou Land Conservancy (BLC) announced last week that Joe Swinbank and Don Poarch, partners at Sprint Sand & Clay, have donated 117 acres of unspoiled wetlands to the organization. The land borders Spring Creek in Tomball, north of Lone Star College and Harris County Precinct 4’s Spring Creek Park. It will have a significant impact on conservation, according to the BLC.
“We are excited to own this ecologically rich nature preserve that will help us connect the community to the benefits of land conservation”, said BLC board chair Lisa Lin. “This donation will benefit the community for many generations, and be an enduring legacy of the incredible generosity of Mr. Swinbank and Mr. Poarch.”
Land Originally Purchased for Mining
“As the greater Houston area continues to grow at a rapid pace, striking a healthy balance between land preservation and land development has never been more important as we seek to protect the many economic and community benefits we all enjoy,” Swinbank said. “The Bayou Land Conservancy’s extensive network of preserved trails and waterways just minutes from Houston is impressive in its form and function—a model of what can be achieved when community stakeholders work together. We’re proud to partner with the Conservancy to continue these important environmental efforts and extend BLC’s preserved trails and waterways west into the Tomball area.”
Don Poarch echoed his partner’s sentiments in acknowledging the award. “We’re grateful for the recognition as this year’s Conservation Champions and happy to continue to champion the BLC and its important mission to preserve these lands for natural flood control, cleaner water and wildlife protection,” Poarch said. “On behalf of our entire team at Sprint Sand & Clay, Joe and I hope this land along Spring Creek enhances the community with protected green space while providing beautiful trails and waterways for people to reconnect with nature and each other.”
Family History Led to Donation
Beyond the positive environmental and community impact, the land in Tomball has personal significance to Swinbank and his family. “My wife was raised in the area, and her extended family has deep roots in Tomball and Rosehill going back to the area’s original German settlers,” Swinbank added. “My family and I couldn’t be happier that the Conservancy will ensure this land is preserved and protected for generations to come.”
Online Gala to Honor Conservationists Nov. 13
BLC will honor Swinbank and Poarch at its annual Annual Land Lover Gala as Conservation Champions. The Gala will be held virtually this year from 6-7 pm on Friday, November 13th. More information about the event can be found here. Wildlife film maker Ben Masters will be the keynote speaker. Mark your calendar.
No-Cost Gala Great Way to Learn More About BLC
Because of COVID, BLC’s net proceeds will likely be down this year. There’s no cost to attend the virtual event. “We’d just like to encourage people to join us,” said Jill Boullion, Executive Director of the BLC.
On a personal note, I will say this. The Bayou Land Conservancy and its committed staff stand tall among many worthy conservation groups in the Lake Houston Area. Their cooperative strategy is simple.
Bayou Land Conservancy protects land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife. BLC is a nationally accredited, community-sponsored land preservation organization working to permanently protect land, with a focus on the streams that feed Lake Houston, an important source of drinking water for millions in the region. More information is available at: www.bayouland.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/31/2020
1159 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Submitted Your Sand Mine Testimony Yet?
Today, October 30, 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to send testimony to the Texas House of Representatives Interim Committee on Aggregate Production Operations (APOs). The committee is looking into production practices of sand mines and other types of APOs across Texas.
Write About Your Experience
Written comments will be evaluated and considered by the committee when they make their decisions.
If you haven’t yet submitted comments, please take time to put something together—even if it’s just a few paragraphs!
Write about how YOU personally have been or will be impacted by sand mines. Pick one or two of these key issues that will most affect you personally:
???? Air quality
???? Water quality, use and availability
???? Surface and ground water contamination and flooding
???? Rapid development of APOs without adequate regulatory oversight, mine planning, or reclamation
???? Truck traffic
???? Nuisance issues: blasting, noise, odor, visible blight
???? Economic impacts, devaluation of property
How to Submit Comments
When you are ready to submit your testimony, email it to jeff.frazier_hc@house.texas.gov (jeff DOT frazier UNDERSCORE hc) or press the link below. Make sure to include:
Deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 30, 2020.
Not Choice Between Growth and Safety
Sand mining is necessary to make concrete and support growth. No one wants to put sand miners out of business. People do, however, have legitimate issues with egregious sand-mining practices.
Since starting this website I have created more than 200 posts about problems with the way sand mining is actually practiced in the Houston Area, and how dangerous practices contribute to flooding. To learn more, use the search phrase “sand mines” or see the index page. Here are some examples.
Don’t tolerate sand-mining practices that jeopardize your home, family and community. Write today.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/30/2020
1158 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.