9/6/2025 – On August 26, 2025, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) transmitted an update to Commissioners Court on the release of new flood insurance rate maps. The update showed the release date slipping yet again. This makes at least the seventh postponement in four years.
The amount of time it’s taking FEMA to vet the maps may now exceed the time it took HCFCD to create the maps.
Visual Chronology of Updates
Below are seven screen captures that I took from MAAPnext’s website, presentations and transmittals through the years.
On 11/30/2021, the maps were going to be available to the public by Spring, 2022.But by Jan 26, 2022, the release had slipped to summer or fall that year.
By November 2022, the release was an unspecified date sometime in 2023, a much larger window.
On June 8, 2023, the release date window widened to two full years. Three months later, on Sept. 6, 2023, the release had been firmly pushed to 2024.The update presented at the 8/26/25 Commissioners Court meeting shows release of maps in early 2026, but……copy on the MAAPnext project-schedule page says “end of 2026.“
Keep in mind that it can take another 2-3 years for the preliminary maps to go through public review, public comment, appeals and become the final “effective” maps.
Many different groups depend on having the best information available. They include, but are not limited to:
Developers
Home builders
Home buyers
Home sellers
Lenders
Realtors
Politicians
The National Flood Insurance Program
In some cases, their interests may be diametrically opposed.
Delays may help some in the short term. However, in the long term, sound public policy must rest on data, not delusions.
HCFCD does not have to wait for FEMA to release MAAPnext data. The District could make it publicly available with the flip of a software switch today.
If FEMA wants to change something, HCFCD can modify its maps later. But at least in the meantime, all those interests above could make decisions based on the best available data.
Harris County Appraisal District and HAR.com report that 85,163 single-family homes sold in Harris County in 2024. The same HAR report gives a total dollar volume of $41.1 billion in 2024 for single-family home sales in the Houston region. And those numbers do noteven include townhomes, condos, or commercial real estate.
I would urge anyone who suspects they may have purchased a home in a floodplain that isn’t currently shown in a floodplain – or anyone considering purchasing a home – to complain to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
If they start yanking licenses, we may quickly see maps more current than those developed 24 years ago after Tropical Storm Allison.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/6/25
2930 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/2025/09/20250906-7.18.35-PM.jpg?fit=1100%2C677&ssl=16771100adminadmin2025-09-06 21:05:342025-09-06 23:49:09Flood Insurance Rate Maps Slip for Fourth Straight Year
9/5/25 – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed investigating exposed pipelines carrying highly volatile liquids at a sand mine in Porter operated by Texas Frac Sand Materials Inc.
Exposed HVL pipelines in utility easement near Caney Creekphotographed on July 24 and August 14, 2025
TCEQ documented the pipeline issue and referred it to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates pipelines in the state. As of this writing, it is unclear whether the pipelines remain exposed.
Other Alleged Violations Found
While at the mine, the TCEQ investigator noted other alleged violations that are now part of an active enforcement action. Specifically, the report notes that the operator had not stabilized the entrance. Nor had the operator installed structural controls along the bridge that crossed White Oak Creek.
In addition, the investigator noted breaches in the dikes of the mine’s southernmost pit. One came in from White Oak Creek and the other flows out to Caney Creek.
Previous Alleged Violations
The report also notes that a 2023 investigation found three previous issues at the mine. They included failure to:
A 2024 investigation noted that the vegetative control issue had been resolved. However, the other two issues remained and were referred to the TCEQ’s enforcement division.
A followup investigation in 2024 noted failure to prevent the unauthorized discharge of process wastewater into waters of the state.
Other Problems Dating Back Before Harvey
Prior to Texas Fracsand operating the mine, Triple PG Sand Development (the property owner) operated it.
Triple PG also had multiple run ins with the TCEQ. One resulted in a million dollar lawsuit.
The lawsuit, which the state attorney general lodged on behalf of the TCEQ, has been delayed for six years by legal maneuverings. It began in October 2019 and is still waiting to come to trial in Travis County. See Case D-1-GN-19-007086.
The lawsuit alleged uncontrolled and unauthorized release of process wastewater from the mine’s dredging pond into the headwaters of Lake Houston. And it sought $1.1 million in damages plus $25,000 per day that the releases continued. The text of the lawsuit details other alleged violations dating back to 2015. However, Montgomery County Appraisal District records show that Triple PG acquired the property in early 2017.
In November 2019, Triple PG began a flimsy repair of its dikes. The repair later washed out and had to be redone. Then that repair washed out, too.
Pollution from the mine even became an issue in Tony Buzbee’s campaign for Houston Mayor.
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/2025/07/20250724-DJI_20250724140935_0601_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-09-05 15:51:542025-09-05 16:20:37TCEQ Investigates Exposed Pipelines at Porter Sand Mine, Finds More Alleged Violations
9/4/25 – Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) issued an update on its maintenance activity to Commissioners Court in a transmittal on 8/26/25. Without explaining exactly where (geographically) the money went, the 7-page overview details HCFCD’s increase in activity enabled by its November 2024 “Proposition A” maintenance tax.
The tax provides another $100 million annually dedicated to maintenance. See some of the highlights below.
Developing a Sustainable Infrastructure Practices Program
Scaling maintenance programs while addressing a Deferred Maintenance Backlog and expanding Citizen Services
Developing an Asset Management Program
It hopes to meet citizen’s maintenance expectations by Fiscal Year 2028.
Since the start of their “Major Repair and Replace” program, HCFCD has designed 65 projects, constructed 10, and completed two.
The number of “Moderate Repair and Replace” projects handled through “on-call contracts” increased from 3 to 11 so far this year. Spending on that program has nearly tripled from $2.7 million to $7.8 million.
New Equipment
HCFCD purchased $17 million of new equipment, including excavators, dozers, vehicles and chainsaws. The District has yet to take delivery of all the equipment but says, “This investment strengthens both preventive maintenance and repair efforts, allowing crews to work more efficiently and respond quickly to emerging needs.”
The District hopes to receive most of the equipment in Fiscal Year 2026.
Desilting Has Largest Percentage Increase, But…
In addition, HCFCD’s channel desilting efforts increased by 117%. Out of 2500 miles of channels in 23 watersheds, HCFCD went from desilting a total of 24.6 miles of channels to 53.5 miles. That’s a little more than 2% of the total mileage. But it is double the previous 1%.
The update does not address needed maintenance intervals. I hope that number increases. At that rate, it will take half a century before crews return to your channel.
Recruiting Challenge
Finding employees, especially equipment operators, to scale up operations has been challenging. Of the 54 new hires authorized by Commissioners Court, 22 positions have been filled and 11 offers are pending. “Recruiting has been challenging,” says the update. 24 job offers had to be withdrawn for various reasons.
Fast-Action Funding Grows by $330,000
Funding for HCFCD’s Fast Action Service Teams, which handle community concerns such as debris and fallen trees that block channels, has already increased from $1.04 million per year to $1.36 million per year.
New Computer System
To help run its Asset Management program, HCFCD is digitizing its computer systems and assets. The District hopes to complete and deploy a new Computerized Maintenance Management System by the end of 2026.
Consultant Search
HCFCD also is seeking a consultant to help scale its maintenance programs and address the backlog of deferred work. It hopes to conclude the review process, which started in May, by early Fall 2025.
Looking Ahead
HCFCD’s report concludes with these encouraging words. “The progress outlined in this report demonstrates the tangible benefits of sustained investment in maintenance and the significant return Proposition A has delivered for Harris County residents.”
“By combining new funding with strategic scaling of staff, equipment, and operational practices, the Flood Control District is rapidly addressing decades of deferred maintenance while laying the foundation for a proactive, resilient system.”
“As the Maintenance Matters program continues to grow, the Flood Control District remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community partnership. FY2026 will mark another year of historic investment, ensuring that Harris County’s flood risk reduction infrastructure is not only restored and maintained, but strengthened to serve future generations.”
For More Information or to File a Maintenance Request…
Flood Insurance Rate Maps Slip for Fourth Straight Year
9/6/2025 – On August 26, 2025, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) transmitted an update to Commissioners Court on the release of new flood insurance rate maps. The update showed the release date slipping yet again. This makes at least the seventh postponement in four years.
The amount of time it’s taking FEMA to vet the maps may now exceed the time it took HCFCD to create the maps.
Visual Chronology of Updates
Below are seven screen captures that I took from MAAPnext’s website, presentations and transmittals through the years.
By November 2022, the release was an unspecified date sometime in 2023, a much larger window.
Keep in mind that it can take another 2-3 years for the preliminary maps to go through public review, public comment, appeals and become the final “effective” maps.
Here’s the full update presented to Commissioners Court on 8/26/25.
Why the Delays?
Many different groups depend on having the best information available. They include, but are not limited to:
In some cases, their interests may be diametrically opposed.
Delays may help some in the short term. However, in the long term, sound public policy must rest on data, not delusions.
HCFCD does not have to wait for FEMA to release MAAPnext data. The District could make it publicly available with the flip of a software switch today.
If FEMA wants to change something, HCFCD can modify its maps later. But at least in the meantime, all those interests above could make decisions based on the best available data.
Harris County Appraisal District and HAR.com report that 85,163 single-family homes sold in Harris County in 2024. The same HAR report gives a total dollar volume of $41.1 billion in 2024 for single-family home sales in the Houston region. And those numbers do not even include townhomes, condos, or commercial real estate.
I would urge anyone who suspects they may have purchased a home in a floodplain that isn’t currently shown in a floodplain – or anyone considering purchasing a home – to complain to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
If they start yanking licenses, we may quickly see maps more current than those developed 24 years ago after Tropical Storm Allison.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/6/25
2930 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.
TCEQ Investigates Exposed Pipelines at Porter Sand Mine, Finds More Alleged Violations
9/5/25 – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed investigating exposed pipelines carrying highly volatile liquids at a sand mine in Porter operated by Texas Frac Sand Materials Inc.
TCEQ documented the pipeline issue and referred it to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates pipelines in the state. As of this writing, it is unclear whether the pipelines remain exposed.
Other Alleged Violations Found
While at the mine, the TCEQ investigator noted other alleged violations that are now part of an active enforcement action. Specifically, the report notes that the operator had not stabilized the entrance. Nor had the operator installed structural controls along the bridge that crossed White Oak Creek.
In addition, the investigator noted breaches in the dikes of the mine’s southernmost pit. One came in from White Oak Creek and the other flows out to Caney Creek.
Previous Alleged Violations
The report also notes that a 2023 investigation found three previous issues at the mine. They included failure to:
A 2024 investigation noted that the vegetative control issue had been resolved. However, the other two issues remained and were referred to the TCEQ’s enforcement division.
A followup investigation in 2024 noted failure to prevent the unauthorized discharge of process wastewater into waters of the state.
Other Problems Dating Back Before Harvey
Prior to Texas Fracsand operating the mine, Triple PG Sand Development (the property owner) operated it.
Triple PG also had multiple run ins with the TCEQ. One resulted in a million dollar lawsuit.
The lawsuit, which the state attorney general lodged on behalf of the TCEQ, has been delayed for six years by legal maneuverings. It began in October 2019 and is still waiting to come to trial in Travis County. See Case D-1-GN-19-007086.
The lawsuit alleged uncontrolled and unauthorized release of process wastewater from the mine’s dredging pond into the headwaters of Lake Houston. And it sought $1.1 million in damages plus $25,000 per day that the releases continued. The text of the lawsuit details other alleged violations dating back to 2015. However, Montgomery County Appraisal District records show that Triple PG acquired the property in early 2017.
In November 2019, Triple PG began a flimsy repair of its dikes. The repair later washed out and had to be redone. Then that repair washed out, too.
Pollution from the mine even became an issue in Tony Buzbee’s campaign for Houston Mayor.
In December 2019, I documented a natural gas pipeline exposed through mining activity at the Triple PG mine.
In May of 2020, TCEQ alleged the fourth unauthorized discharge of process wastewater in 10 months!
That’s critical because TCEQ requires the mine to monitor its waste for:
For More Information
So far, no large fines. But the miners have gotten some hefty tax breaks from Montgomery County.
For the full text of the TCEQ investigation, see this TCEQ report dated 8/28/25.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/5/25
2929 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.
HCFCD Issues Maintenance Update after Tax Increase
9/4/25 – Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) issued an update on its maintenance activity to Commissioners Court in a transmittal on 8/26/25. Without explaining exactly where (geographically) the money went, the 7-page overview details HCFCD’s increase in activity enabled by its November 2024 “Proposition A” maintenance tax.
The tax provides another $100 million annually dedicated to maintenance. See some of the highlights below.
Focus of Efforts To Date
To date, HCFCD has focused on three main things:
It hopes to meet citizen’s maintenance expectations by Fiscal Year 2028.
Since the start of their “Major Repair and Replace” program, HCFCD has designed 65 projects, constructed 10, and completed two.
The number of “Moderate Repair and Replace” projects handled through “on-call contracts” increased from 3 to 11 so far this year. Spending on that program has nearly tripled from $2.7 million to $7.8 million.
New Equipment
HCFCD purchased $17 million of new equipment, including excavators, dozers, vehicles and chainsaws. The District has yet to take delivery of all the equipment but says, “This investment strengthens both preventive maintenance and repair efforts, allowing crews to work more efficiently and respond quickly to emerging needs.”
The District hopes to receive most of the equipment in Fiscal Year 2026.
Desilting Has Largest Percentage Increase, But…
In addition, HCFCD’s channel desilting efforts increased by 117%. Out of 2500 miles of channels in 23 watersheds, HCFCD went from desilting a total of 24.6 miles of channels to 53.5 miles. That’s a little more than 2% of the total mileage. But it is double the previous 1%.
The update does not address needed maintenance intervals. I hope that number increases. At that rate, it will take half a century before crews return to your channel.
Recruiting Challenge
Finding employees, especially equipment operators, to scale up operations has been challenging. Of the 54 new hires authorized by Commissioners Court, 22 positions have been filled and 11 offers are pending. “Recruiting has been challenging,” says the update. 24 job offers had to be withdrawn for various reasons.
Fast-Action Funding Grows by $330,000
Funding for HCFCD’s Fast Action Service Teams, which handle community concerns such as debris and fallen trees that block channels, has already increased from $1.04 million per year to $1.36 million per year.
New Computer System
To help run its Asset Management program, HCFCD is digitizing its computer systems and assets. The District hopes to complete and deploy a new Computerized Maintenance Management System by the end of 2026.
Consultant Search
HCFCD also is seeking a consultant to help scale its maintenance programs and address the backlog of deferred work. It hopes to conclude the review process, which started in May, by early Fall 2025.
Looking Ahead
HCFCD’s report concludes with these encouraging words. “The progress outlined in this report demonstrates the tangible benefits of sustained investment in maintenance and the significant return Proposition A has delivered for Harris County residents.”
“By combining new funding with strategic scaling of staff, equipment, and operational practices, the Flood Control District is rapidly addressing decades of deferred maintenance while laying the foundation for a proactive, resilient system.”
“As the Maintenance Matters program continues to grow, the Flood Control District remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community partnership. FY2026 will mark another year of historic investment, ensuring that Harris County’s flood risk reduction infrastructure is not only restored and maintained, but strengthened to serve future generations.”
For More Information or to File a Maintenance Request…
See the entire 7-page update here.
To file a service request, visit HCFCD.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/4/2025
2928 Days since Hurricane Harvey