Area of new repairs outlined in red.For reference, Kingwood’s Deer Ridge Park is in upper right.The outlined area shows where trees will be removed and is approximate.
Ditch To Be Straightened, Erosion Repaired
HCFCD plans to straighten the ditch and repair erosion. That will require the removal of trees which have grown up in the ditch and along its banks. See below.
In the area to be repaired, erosion and vegetation have made the ditch deviate from its normal course over time. The red line indicates the original path. The purple line indicates the current patch. Source: HCFCD.Severe erosion threatens trails, safety and homes on both sides of the ditch.Trees have grown up in the ditch, reducing its conveyance and blocking floodwaters.To repair erosion and restore ditch, trees will need to be removed.
Bird Survey Finds No Nests Impacted
HCFCD has not specified the number of trees it will remove. However, the District has conducted a Bird Survey to ensure repairs will not impact any active nests near the portion of the Kingwood Diversion Ditch undergoing repair.
Protecting Homes from Future Erosion
“We will work to minimize the impacts to trees and nature, but we need to be able to get our equipment in to make repairs,” said Beth Walters, a spokesperson for HCFCD. “We do not know exactly how many trees will need to be removed. Unfortunately, it will be noticeable, but the repair will protect fences and homes from future erosion.”
Property threatened by diversion ditch erosion. Photo from January 2019.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/8/2020
1044 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Ditch-Erosion_01-e1727832989391.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2020-07-08 12:34:042020-07-08 12:38:03HCFCD About to Start Next Phase of Kingwood Diversion Ditch Repairs
On June 15, the SJRA submitted an abridged application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The SJRA wants to develop a joint operations plan for Lake Houston and Lake Conroe reservoirs. The grant assumes that FEMA approves construction of additional gates for Lake Houston after completion of preliminary engineering in the second half of next year. The addition of gates could potentially make a pre-release strategy for Lake Houston more viable and that could be a game changer for operations of both dams.
If the floodgates on the Lake Houston spillway are upgraded to discharge as much water as Lake Conroe’s, there will be a definite need to rethink how these two dissimilar dams can work together.
The Flood Infrastructure Fund applications are a two-step process: Abridged Applications provide the TWDB with information needed to prioritize projects. Applicants whose projects rank within the program’s available capacity are invited to submit full financial-assistance applications at a later date. Those provide more detailed financial, legal, engineering, and other information. Once the full review process is complete, the TWDB will consider project funding.
The two stage process ensures:
Projects meet criteria before applicants invest the vast majority of their time and effort
TWDB has enough money to fund the most worthy projects
It’s much like getting a commitment letter from a bank before you fill out a full mortgage application.
Why Joint Operations Plan Needed
Widespread flooding in the Lake Houston Area during Hurricane Harvey underscored the need for a joint operations plan with Lake Conroe. Many downstream residents reported they thought the flood threat had passed. Then the SJRA opened its flood gates and started releasing up to 79,000 cubic feet per second. By itself, that would have been the 9th largest flood in West Fork history.
Those who flooded question the timing and volume of the release, and whether a pre-release strategy could have reduced downstream damage.
Once additional gates are in place at Lake Houston, says the SJRA in its application, a joint operations plan will benefit both water supply and flood mitigation.
Objective of Plan
The main goal of the plan is to determine:
The most efficient and safe operation of the two reservoirs…
… in series …
… by evaluating multiple individual components of operational strategy.
Components of Joint Plan
Informing Future Protocol for Lake Houston Gates
SJRA suggests that information and strategies developed as part of this effort could impact the development of CWA’s operating protocol for the future Lake Houston gates.
Joint Notification Protocol Development
The river authority also says that it is important that both reservoir operators develop joint notification protocols and public communication strategies. These must be consistent with the requirements of House Bill 26 passed during the 86th Texas Legislative Session. During Harvey, many downstream residents claim they received no warning of the SJRA release or the need to evacuate.
Forecasting Tools
Another major part of the grant covers forecasting tools. SJRA is currently developing a reservoir forecasting tool for Lake Conroe, funded partially via a grant from TWDB. It will predict lake levels and release rates from the Lake Conroe dam based on:
Weather forecasts
Observed rainfall
Lake levels
Other data.
A similar tool for Lake Houston could help synchronize forecasting for both reservoirs including the entire Lake Houston watershed (approximately 3,000 square miles). This could provide scientific data that governs pre-release at either reservoir and operations at Lake Houston.
Average Monthly Household Income in Project Scoring
Much of the application discusses demographics of the watershed. The TWDB scoring process gives preference to rural and low-to-moderate income areas. References to AMHI refer to Average Monthly Household Income. Unfortunately (for grant purposes), the AMHI for this watershed is 164% of the state average.
That limits the maximum amount of a grant to 50% of the project cost. A social vulnerability index also acts as a tie breaker.
Next Steps in Application Process
The TWDB is currently screening and prioritizing abridged applications for projects.
Before the end of the summer, TWDB will invite extended applications for the high priority projects.
Extended applications are due this Fall.
TWDB will begin making financial commitments this winter.
For the full text of the abridged grant application, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/7/2020
1043 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200616-RJR_3280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2020-07-07 19:49:402020-07-07 20:06:19Details of Proposed Lake Houston-Lake Conroe Reservoir Joint Operations Grant
The once-beautiful townhomes, in the floodway of the West Fork, were designed to have first floors that flooded. But Harvey’s raging floodwaters reached well into the second floors. 240,000 cubic feet per second raging down the West Fork didn’t leave much. After Harvey, structural instability made these townhomes unsafe and uninhabitable.
Townhomes on Aqua Vista in Forest Cove that were demolished by Harvey and then HCFCD.
Almost three years after Harvey, little has changed except for the accumulation of discarded mattresses and couches that grows larger every week.
Buyout of Townhomes Slow and Cumbersome
Today, Harris County Flood Control (HCFCD) has bought out and torn down several of the buildings within this complex. But the process is slow and cumbersome. HCFCD can tear nothing down until all units in a building have been bought.
Without pointing a finger at anyone, the entire process, which stretches from Marina Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue is a logistical nightmare. Such eyesores lower property values and drag down communities.
After viewing the image above, HCFCD said it would accelerate these buyouts. Resolution can’t come too soon for my taste. They serve only one purpose at this point – as a stark reminder not to build near a river.
Posted by Bob Rehak on July 4, 2020
1040 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200627-DJI_0035.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2020-07-04 19:40:212020-07-04 20:03:21One Year Ago Tonight, Flooded Townhomes Burned for Third Time Since Harvey
HCFCD About to Start Next Phase of Kingwood Diversion Ditch Repairs
On Monday, July 13, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) plans to begin more repairs to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch. In June, HCFCD repaired severe erosion near Walnut Lane between Trailwood and Forest Cove. The new repairs will begin farther down the ditch between Forest Cove and Deer Ridge Estates, just north of Deer Springs Drive. See map below.
Ditch To Be Straightened, Erosion Repaired
HCFCD plans to straighten the ditch and repair erosion. That will require the removal of trees which have grown up in the ditch and along its banks. See below.
Bird Survey Finds No Nests Impacted
HCFCD has not specified the number of trees it will remove. However, the District has conducted a Bird Survey to ensure repairs will not impact any active nests near the portion of the Kingwood Diversion Ditch undergoing repair.
Protecting Homes from Future Erosion
“We will work to minimize the impacts to trees and nature, but we need to be able to get our equipment in to make repairs,” said Beth Walters, a spokesperson for HCFCD. “We do not know exactly how many trees will need to be removed. Unfortunately, it will be noticeable, but the repair will protect fences and homes from future erosion.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/8/2020
1044 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Details of Proposed Lake Houston-Lake Conroe Reservoir Joint Operations Grant
On June 15, the SJRA submitted an abridged application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The SJRA wants to develop a joint operations plan for Lake Houston and Lake Conroe reservoirs. The grant assumes that FEMA approves construction of additional gates for Lake Houston after completion of preliminary engineering in the second half of next year. The addition of gates could potentially make a pre-release strategy for Lake Houston more viable and that could be a game changer for operations of both dams.
About the TWDB Application Process
The TWDB website explains the application process and eligibility requirements for grants from the Flood Infrastructure Fund. State Senator Brandon Creighton’s SB7 made the Flood Infrastructure Fund possible in 2019.
The Flood Infrastructure Fund applications are a two-step process: Abridged Applications provide the TWDB with information needed to prioritize projects. Applicants whose projects rank within the program’s available capacity are invited to submit full financial-assistance applications at a later date. Those provide more detailed financial, legal, engineering, and other information. Once the full review process is complete, the TWDB will consider project funding.
The two stage process ensures:
It’s much like getting a commitment letter from a bank before you fill out a full mortgage application.
Why Joint Operations Plan Needed
Widespread flooding in the Lake Houston Area during Hurricane Harvey underscored the need for a joint operations plan with Lake Conroe. Many downstream residents reported they thought the flood threat had passed. Then the SJRA opened its flood gates and started releasing up to 79,000 cubic feet per second. By itself, that would have been the 9th largest flood in West Fork history.
Once additional gates are in place at Lake Houston, says the SJRA in its application, a joint operations plan will benefit both water supply and flood mitigation.
Objective of Plan
The main goal of the plan is to determine:
Components of Joint Plan
Informing Future Protocol for Lake Houston Gates
SJRA suggests that information and strategies developed as part of this effort could impact the development of CWA’s operating protocol for the future Lake Houston gates.
Joint Notification Protocol Development
The river authority also says that it is important that both reservoir operators develop joint notification protocols and public communication strategies. These must be consistent with the requirements of House Bill 26 passed during the 86th Texas Legislative Session. During Harvey, many downstream residents claim they received no warning of the SJRA release or the need to evacuate.
Forecasting Tools
Another major part of the grant covers forecasting tools. SJRA is currently developing a reservoir forecasting tool for Lake Conroe, funded partially via a grant from TWDB. It will predict lake levels and release rates from the Lake Conroe dam based on:
A similar tool for Lake Houston could help synchronize forecasting for both reservoirs including the entire Lake Houston watershed (approximately 3,000 square miles). This could provide scientific data that governs pre-release at either reservoir and operations at Lake Houston.
Average Monthly Household Income in Project Scoring
Much of the application discusses demographics of the watershed. The TWDB scoring process gives preference to rural and low-to-moderate income areas. References to AMHI refer to Average Monthly Household Income. Unfortunately (for grant purposes), the AMHI for this watershed is 164% of the state average.
That limits the maximum amount of a grant to 50% of the project cost. A social vulnerability index also acts as a tie breaker.
Next Steps in Application Process
For the full text of the abridged grant application, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/7/2020
1043 Days after Hurricane Harvey
One Year Ago Tonight, Flooded Townhomes Burned for Third Time Since Harvey
On July 4, 2019, 10 pieces of fire equipment responded to a fire at the Forest Cove Townhomes on Timberline Drive. It was the second fire that week and the third that year. Unfortunately, the townhomes that burned that night still stand.
The once-beautiful townhomes, in the floodway of the West Fork, were designed to have first floors that flooded. But Harvey’s raging floodwaters reached well into the second floors. 240,000 cubic feet per second raging down the West Fork didn’t leave much. After Harvey, structural instability made these townhomes unsafe and uninhabitable.
Then came the squatters, looters, illegal dumpers and graffiti artists. FEMA made these townhomes the centerpiece of a 2018 video. Little has changed since then, a stain on the Agency’s reputation.
Buyout of Townhomes Slow and Cumbersome
Today, Harris County Flood Control (HCFCD) has bought out and torn down several of the buildings within this complex. But the process is slow and cumbersome. HCFCD can tear nothing down until all units in a building have been bought.
Without pointing a finger at anyone, the entire process, which stretches from Marina Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue is a logistical nightmare. Such eyesores lower property values and drag down communities.
In some communities, burned homes can be condemned and torn down within 30 days. But the eyesore below has stood for a full year. It has attracted illegal dumping and and anti-social graffiti.
After viewing the image above, HCFCD said it would accelerate these buyouts. Resolution can’t come too soon for my taste. They serve only one purpose at this point – as a stark reminder not to build near a river.
Posted by Bob Rehak on July 4, 2020
1040 Days after Hurricane Harvey