The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) has applied for a Flood Infrastructure Fund Grant from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to extend its Flood Early Warning System in San Jacinto county. The abridged grant application covers the cost of three new gages that would measure rainfall and flood height (but not flow rates). SJRA would install the gages on:
Winters Bayou at SH150
San Jacinto East Fork at FM945
Peach Creek at FM3081
Complement to Potential HCFCD
These gages would complement four others that Harris County Flood Control District is considering for San Jacinto county.
Winters Bayou at FM2693
East Fork at SH150
Winters Bayou at Tony Tap Road
East Fork at SH105
Locations of potential SJRA and HCFCD gages in San Jacinto county
HCFCD could display the information from both its own gages and SJRA gages on its Flood Warning System (FWS) website. The FWS site lets residents view data from all gages throughout the region in one location.
Gage Components and Communications Infrastructure
Equipment installed at each location would include break-away mounting pole, box enclosure with antenna mast, rain gage, river/stream stage sensor, and alert transmitter/sensors.
Components of the system susceptible to water damage would be installed above at least the 0.2% annual chance inundation level, based on Atlas 14 data.
SJRA would transmit data obtained from the gages to its ALERT2 network and display it on its Contrail system. This would let San Jacinto County staff and residents easily access and view the data at any time. These gages would become part of a growing regional network of gages.
Extent of Application
The grant application includes:
Verifying that signals can reach SJRA’s repeater tower in Montgomery County.
Site survey work at the proposed gage locations
Installation of the gages
San Jacinto county would provide ongoing maintenance after training by SJRA staff. That would include including twice-per-year inspection, periodic cleaning, and any required repairs or corrective maintenance.
Project Benefits
The intent of the Flood Early Warning System: to provide early warning to downstream residents, businesses, and property owners. The gages will also help county emergency personnel and responders protect life and personal property which can be moved to a safe location with adequate warning (vehicles, valuables, etc.).
The grant, says the SJRA, would benefit the entire population of San Jacinto County (27,819 in 2018). San Jacinto county lies between Cleveland and Lake Livingston.
Properties downstream of the gages would directly benefit by the proposed flood early warning system (FEWS). But other benefits would extend to the rest of the county. For example:
More time to evacuate in advance of a storm could reduce the burden on county-wide emergency services.
It could also give the county more time to close roads and tend to other needs during the event.
The gages could also benefit areas downstream of San Jacinto County. For instance, they could provide advance streamflow data to HCFCD.
Gages Located Near Habitual Road Closures
San Jacinto County says multiple major storms have impacted the areas downstream of the proposed gages, including Hurricanes Harvey, Rita, and Ike, as well as storms in 1994, 1998, 2015, and 2016. All caused road closures, high water rescues, etc. These have historically been low population areas, but are growing rapidly.
Additionally, the proposed gage at Peach Creek and FM 3081 could provide some benefits to a small area of Montgomery County, as Peach Creek runs along the county line between San Jacinto and Montgomery Counties. It is possible that some or all of the gaging equipment may be installed on the Montgomery County side of the county line, depending on site conditions.
Cost and Timing
SJRA anticipates the extension of its Flood Early Warning System can be completed in 18 months.
San Jacinto County participated in the process of developing this project. SJRA anticipates the total project will cost $65,000.
All applications for the TWDB Flood Infrastructure Fund Grants go through a two stage process. This abridged application is step one. If TDWB deems the project valuable enough, and if it has enough money, TDWB would invite SJRA to submit a more detailed application for step two.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/8/2020
1044 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FEWS-San-Jac-County.jpg?fit=1200%2C915&ssl=19151200adminadmin2020-07-08 16:10:192020-07-08 16:10:43Details of SJRA Grant Application for Flood Early Warning System in San Jacinto county
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
Details of SJRA Grant Application for Flood Early Warning System in San Jacinto county
The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) has applied for a Flood Infrastructure Fund Grant from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to extend its Flood Early Warning System in San Jacinto county. The abridged grant application covers the cost of three new gages that would measure rainfall and flood height (but not flow rates). SJRA would install the gages on:
Complement to Potential HCFCD
These gages would complement four others that Harris County Flood Control District is considering for San Jacinto county.
HCFCD could display the information from both its own gages and SJRA gages on its Flood Warning System (FWS) website. The FWS site lets residents view data from all gages throughout the region in one location.
Gage Components and Communications Infrastructure
Equipment installed at each location would include break-away mounting pole, box enclosure with antenna mast, rain gage, river/stream stage sensor, and alert transmitter/sensors.
Components of the system susceptible to water damage would be installed above at least the 0.2% annual chance inundation level, based on Atlas 14 data.
SJRA would transmit data obtained from the gages to its ALERT2 network and display it on its Contrail system. This would let San Jacinto County staff and residents easily access and view the data at any time. These gages would become part of a growing regional network of gages.
Extent of Application
The grant application includes:
San Jacinto county would provide ongoing maintenance after training by SJRA staff. That would include including twice-per-year inspection, periodic cleaning, and any required repairs or corrective maintenance.
Project Benefits
The intent of the Flood Early Warning System: to provide early warning to downstream residents, businesses, and property owners. The gages will also help county emergency personnel and responders protect life and personal property which can be moved to a safe location with adequate warning (vehicles, valuables, etc.).
The grant, says the SJRA, would benefit the entire population of San Jacinto County (27,819 in 2018). San Jacinto county lies between Cleveland and Lake Livingston.
Properties downstream of the gages would directly benefit by the proposed flood early warning system (FEWS). But other benefits would extend to the rest of the county. For example:
The gages could also benefit areas downstream of San Jacinto County. For instance, they could provide advance streamflow data to HCFCD.
Gages Located Near Habitual Road Closures
San Jacinto County says multiple major storms have impacted the areas downstream of the proposed gages, including Hurricanes Harvey, Rita, and Ike, as well as storms in 1994, 1998, 2015, and 2016. All caused road closures, high water rescues, etc. These have historically been low population areas, but are growing rapidly.
Additionally, the proposed gage at Peach Creek and FM 3081 could provide some benefits to a small area of Montgomery County, as Peach Creek runs along the county line between San Jacinto and Montgomery Counties. It is possible that some or all of the gaging equipment may be installed on the Montgomery County side of the county line, depending on site conditions.
Cost and Timing
SJRA anticipates the extension of its Flood Early Warning System can be completed in 18 months.
San Jacinto County participated in the process of developing this project. SJRA anticipates the total project will cost $65,000.
All applications for the TWDB Flood Infrastructure Fund Grants go through a two stage process. This abridged application is step one. If TDWB deems the project valuable enough, and if it has enough money, TDWB would invite SJRA to submit a more detailed application for step two.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/8/2020
1044 Days since Hurricane 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