Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist just issued an alert concerning increasingly heavy rainfall potential for this evening. And the National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all counties in the Houston region.
Conditions Right for Heavy Rainfall
“Short range model trends are starting to paint a concerning picture for this evening,” said Lindner, “as a slow-moving, low-level boundary moves into the area and helps to focus a west-to-east oriented line of thunderstorms. Recent trends and high-resolution models suggest potential training bands of heavy rainfall this evening into the overnight hours.”
“Given parameters in place including deep tropical moisture, slowing storm motions, and a good feed of low-level flow off the Gulf, excessive rainfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour will be possible and this will lead to rapid street flooding.”
“If storms anchor or slow over an area for a few hours, the rainfall total could quickly reach 4-6 inches with higher isolated amounts,” said Lindner.
All Houston Region Currently in Danger Zone
Lindner feels all areas within the region may feel the effects. “Everywhere should be ready. As of Noon, I suspect the main focus area will be Waller, Austin, NW Harris, SW Montgomery Counties. But we will have to see how things develop this afternoon.”
For the moment the main concern is street flooding.
The front will lift back northward on Thursday and will likely trigger another round of showers and thunderstorms.
NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch
The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of south central Texas and southeast Texas, including the following areas, in south central Texas, Coastal Jackson and Inland Jackson. In southeast Texas, Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Coastal Matagorda, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, Grimes, Houston, Inland Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Matagorda, Madison, Matagorda Islands, Montgomery, Northern Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, Southern Liberty, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton. *
From 7 PM CDT this evening through Wednesday morning
A line of strong thunderstorms will develop over southeast Texas this evening and slowly move eastward through Wednesday morning. A combination between the slow moving nature of the thunderstorms, back building/training of thunderstorms, and recent rainfall over the area has led to an increasing threat of flash flooding.
NWS predicts rainfall rates may reach one to three inches per hour or more at times.
The NWS also feels uncertainty remains in the timing and location of the line of strong thunderstorms.
On average, two to four inches of rain is expected through tomorrow morning with isolated areas of six to eight inches possible.
These storms with heavy rainfall may be capable of flooding roadways. Low water crossings may flood becoming impassable and dangerous. Small creeks and bayous may see minor rises.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/23/2020
1029 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 278 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Water-Vapor-Texas.jpg?fit=1220%2C1216&ssl=112161220adminadmin2020-06-23 13:36:002020-06-23 13:36:14Flash Flood Watch: Training Bands of Heavy Storms Could Quickly Drop 4-6 Inches Or More
More recent independent laboratory testing has verified fecal contamination in at least two drainage ditches in Colony Ridge. Moreover, residents claim they have found fecal contamination in other Colony Ridge ditches and streams, too. It’s not clear whether those additional spills have been tested.
During heavy rains, fecal contamination can quickly wash downstream and eventually wind up in Lake Houston.
A major concern of residents is the frequency of sewage leaks.
Results of TCEQ Investigation
Maple Branch Creek carried black water into the East Fork.
TCEQ cited Quadvest L.P., the sewage and water provider for Colony Ridge, for “unauthorized discharge of wastewater which resulted in a documented serious impact to the environment.”
A month after TCEQ documented this discharge, 33 inches of rain fell on nearby Plum Grove during TS Imelda.
Here are results of the first test and pictures of the sewage.
The first site on a ditch next to County Road 5023 showed 3090 and 3130 units of fecal coliform, with none detected in the control sample. Maria Acevedo photographed this problem on June 4, 2020.
Photo on June 4, 2020 by Maria Acevedo on CR 5023 where Eastex took samples.
Sludge oozing down same ditch.
Second Eastex Report Shows VERY STRONG Fecal Contamination
Samples collected and analyzed by Eastex Environmental Labs, eliminating chain of custody issues.
The lab told Acevedo that they found “very strong fecal contamination.”
Maria acevedo
Residents who wish to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, contacted me about this site a week before Eastex sampled it.
Location of Second Sample Photographed on 6/12/2020
I photographed that ditch on Friday, 6/12/2020. It’s on the southeast corner of Colony Ridge. While there, I photographed cloudy water bubbling up out of the ground and running down a ditch toward Tarkington Bayou (see photos below).
Foul water and trail of greenish-brown sludge (left) bubbling up through ground……then flowed into ditch toward Tarkington Bayou at bottom of hill.Close up of water/sludge in ditch.Silt fence in ditch was propped up, ensuring foul water could ooze under it.Farther down the ditch, contaminated water was pooling, and turning green and black.In places, it had dried due to extreme heat. Temp was in 90’s.
Photos Taken Two Days Later Show Attempted Coverup
I came back two days later on 6/14 to explore the same area some more. The foul water still bubbled up, but someone with a bulldozer attempted to cover up the evidence in the ditch.
Sludge and contaminated water bubbled up from same hole on 6/14/2020.However, the evidence in the ditch near the road had been freshly covered up by a bulldozer.
The Leaks Go On
If the incidents above were isolated, one might dismiss them. But they seem to be part of a larger, recurring pattern that neither Colony Ridge, Quadvest, nor Liberty County have stopped.
A resident says this sanitary sewer was leaking for more than two months into a ditch in a residential neighborhood and stunk like sewage.Photo by Maria Acevedo on CR5006 on March 18, 2020.
The largely Hispanic residents complain among themselves. But few reportedly file reports for fear of raising their profiles with authorities and perhaps answering difficult questions in court. Meanwhile, the sewage leaks go on. Both Colony Ridge residents and those downstream pay the price.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/23/2020
1029 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 278 since Imelda
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/2020/06/IMG-7112.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=15761024adminadmin2020-06-23 00:04:242020-06-23 01:56:3148,000 Gallons of Fecal Contamination Found in Liberty County’s Colony Ridge Ditches, Streams; Problems Persist
Photo Courtesy of Dee Price. Taken at East End Park where Peach Creek, Caney Creek and East Fork all come together.
Stopping Beaver Dams Before They Start
During floods, the downed trees get swept downstream. They form “beaver dams” that back water up when the debris hangs up on other trees, boat docks, bridges and the Lake Houston dam itself. Removing the debris lowers the risk of flooding and damage.
During Harvey, such debris gathered in supports of the Union Pacific Bridge over the west fork, where it contributed to flooding in Humble.
Union Pacific Bridge immediately after Harvey. Photo Courtesy of David Seitzinger.Donna Dewhirst’s boat dock received a 70-foot surprise during Harvey.Rail bridge over Lake Houston after Harvey. Photo courtesy of Donna Dewhirst.Logs collect at Lake Houston Spillway. Photo taken on 6/16/2020.
Improving Boater Safety
The debris pickup also improves boating safety when lake and rivers are low. Submerged trees can injure and kill boaters and water skiers.
Semi-submerged trees in Lake Houston just north of FM1960 Bridge. Photo taken March 6, 2020.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/21/2020
1028 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/DSCF2256-copy.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2020-06-21 13:09:402020-06-21 13:09:51New Phase of East Fork Cleanup Begins
Flash Flood Watch: Training Bands of Heavy Storms Could Quickly Drop 4-6 Inches Or More
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist just issued an alert concerning increasingly heavy rainfall potential for this evening. And the National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all counties in the Houston region.
Conditions Right for Heavy Rainfall
“Short range model trends are starting to paint a concerning picture for this evening,” said Lindner, “as a slow-moving, low-level boundary moves into the area and helps to focus a west-to-east oriented line of thunderstorms. Recent trends and high-resolution models suggest potential training bands of heavy rainfall this evening into the overnight hours.”
“Given parameters in place including deep tropical moisture, slowing storm motions, and a good feed of low-level flow off the Gulf, excessive rainfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour will be possible and this will lead to rapid street flooding.”
All Houston Region Currently in Danger Zone
Lindner feels all areas within the region may feel the effects. “Everywhere should be ready. As of Noon, I suspect the main focus area will be Waller, Austin, NW Harris, SW Montgomery Counties. But we will have to see how things develop this afternoon.”
The front will lift back northward on Thursday and will likely trigger another round of showers and thunderstorms.
NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch
The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of south central Texas and southeast Texas, including the following areas, in south central Texas, Coastal Jackson and Inland Jackson. In southeast Texas, Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Coastal Matagorda, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, Grimes, Houston, Inland Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Matagorda, Madison, Matagorda Islands, Montgomery, Northern Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, Southern Liberty, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton. *
A line of strong thunderstorms will develop over southeast Texas this evening and slowly move eastward through Wednesday morning. A combination between the slow moving nature of the thunderstorms, back building/training of thunderstorms, and recent rainfall over the area has led to an increasing threat of flash flooding.
NWS predicts rainfall rates may reach one to three inches per hour or more at times.
The NWS also feels uncertainty remains in the timing and location of the line of strong thunderstorms.
These storms with heavy rainfall may be capable of flooding roadways. Low water crossings may flood becoming impassable and dangerous. Small creeks and bayous may see minor rises.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/23/2020
1029 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 278 since Imelda
48,000 Gallons of Fecal Contamination Found in Liberty County’s Colony Ridge Ditches, Streams; Problems Persist
Last year, the TCEQ found sewage coming from a lift station and sewers in Liberty County’s Colony Ridge development, the world’s largest trailer park. TCEQ estimates Quadvest, the water and sewer supplier in Colony Ridge, released as much as 48,000 gallons of sewage into Maple Branch Creek, a tributary of the East Fork, at a minimum, causing a fish kill (Page 51).
More recent independent laboratory testing has verified fecal contamination in at least two drainage ditches in Colony Ridge. Moreover, residents claim they have found fecal contamination in other Colony Ridge ditches and streams, too. It’s not clear whether those additional spills have been tested.
During heavy rains, fecal contamination can quickly wash downstream and eventually wind up in Lake Houston.
A major concern of residents is the frequency of sewage leaks.
Results of TCEQ Investigation
TCEQ cited Quadvest L.P., the sewage and water provider for Colony Ridge, for “unauthorized discharge of wastewater which resulted in a documented serious impact to the environment.”
A month after TCEQ documented this discharge, 33 inches of rain fell on nearby Plum Grove during TS Imelda.
More Recent Tests by Eastex Environmental Labs
Eastex Environmental Labs in Cold Springs collected and analyzed at least two sets of samples this year. The first was for Liberty County. The second was for Maria Acevedo, a concerned resident.
First Eastex Report shows Fecal Contamination
Here are results of the first test and pictures of the sewage.
The first site on a ditch next to County Road 5023 showed 3090 and 3130 units of fecal coliform, with none detected in the control sample. Maria Acevedo photographed this problem on June 4, 2020.
Second Eastex Report Shows VERY STRONG Fecal Contamination
In the second lab report obtained by ReduceFlooding.com, Eastex Labs found 5120 units of fecal contamination per 100 milliliters in Frances Ditch on 6/19/2020. A second sample taken from the same location found 4870. A control sample detected none.
Residents who wish to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, contacted me about this site a week before Eastex sampled it.
Location of Second Sample Photographed on 6/12/2020
I photographed that ditch on Friday, 6/12/2020. It’s on the southeast corner of Colony Ridge. While there, I photographed cloudy water bubbling up out of the ground and running down a ditch toward Tarkington Bayou (see photos below).
Photos Taken Two Days Later Show Attempted Coverup
I came back two days later on 6/14 to explore the same area some more. The foul water still bubbled up, but someone with a bulldozer attempted to cover up the evidence in the ditch.
The Leaks Go On
If the incidents above were isolated, one might dismiss them. But they seem to be part of a larger, recurring pattern that neither Colony Ridge, Quadvest, nor Liberty County have stopped.
The largely Hispanic residents complain among themselves. But few reportedly file reports for fear of raising their profiles with authorities and perhaps answering difficult questions in court. Meanwhile, the sewage leaks go on. Both Colony Ridge residents and those downstream pay the price.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/23/2020
1029 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 278 since Imelda
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.
New Phase of East Fork Cleanup Begins
Last week, cleanup pontoons motored up and down the East Fork and its tributaries near East End Park in Kingwood. Giant claws mounted on the pontoons plucked downed trees and branches out of the water and off the shoreline. It was all part of a continuing effort by the City of Houston to remove debris that contributes to flooding.
Stopping Beaver Dams Before They Start
During floods, the downed trees get swept downstream. They form “beaver dams” that back water up when the debris hangs up on other trees, boat docks, bridges and the Lake Houston dam itself. Removing the debris lowers the risk of flooding and damage.
During Harvey, such debris gathered in supports of the Union Pacific Bridge over the west fork, where it contributed to flooding in Humble.
Improving Boater Safety
The debris pickup also improves boating safety when lake and rivers are low. Submerged trees can injure and kill boaters and water skiers.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/21/2020
1028 Days since Hurricane Harvey