Jeff Miller, an Elm Grove resident, just reported receiving a note from Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD). Will Sherman, HCFCD’s Precinct 4 coordinator, indicated the following.
Plans for Taylor Gully
The right-of-way transfer to HCFCD for the upper portion of Taylor Gully (see map below) is scheduled to be on the next Commissioners Court agenda on July 9th.
HCFCD right of way access along Taylor Gully (left) should be complete by July 9.
That portion of Taylor Gully has become badly clogged with sediment due to the construction of Woodridge Village upstream just across the Montgomery County line.
Part of the erosion in the area clearcut for the new Woodridge Village subdivision. Tree line on the left is the Harris/Montgomery County Line. No erosion control measures were in place at the time of this photo during the heavy rains in early May.
Here’s what Taylor Gully looked like on 6/24/19.
Reinforced concrete box culvert on Taylor Gully at the Harris/Montgomery County Line. 10′ high culverts appear to be half clogged with sediment. Harris County is in foreground. Woodridge Village and Montgomery County are in background.Photo by Jeff Miller.
HCFCD plans to do it again “soon” as part of a general debris removal process on multiple channels in Kingwood.
The wider effort should begin this August.
Blockage on lower portion of Taylor Gully. Photo courtesy of Chris Kalman.When banks erode and trees fall into ditches and creeks, the trees can catch other debris floating downstream and form “beaver dams” that back water up into neighborhoods.
Work on Ben’s Branch Expanded
Yesterday, HCFCD extended its work on Ben’s Branch west of Woodland Hills. They excavated the area between North Woodland Hills and the businesses on the south side of North Park Drive (Walgreens, Firestone, McDonalds, etc.).
HCFCD maintenance work along Bens Branch west of Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood. Photo courtesy of Thomas Blailock.
To Report Blockages Near You
If you are aware of downed trees blocking a channel near you:
Photograph it using a cell phone (most of which embed GPS coordinates in images)
Record the nearest street location and trail-access points
With contributions from Jeff Miller, Thomas Blailock and Chris Kalman
673 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_2433.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2019-07-03 16:39:352019-07-03 17:07:47HCFCD Schedules Maintenance for Taylor Gully, Other Ditches
This past Sunday night, the Houston Fire Department battled a blaze in the abandoned townhomes on Aqua Vista Street in Forest Cove. Since Harvey, the townhomes have been uninhabitable. 240,000 cubic feet per second roaring down the West Fork of the San Jacinto destroyed their structural integrity, literally ripping some of the buildings in half.
Townhomes in Forest Cove on Aqua Vista St.burned on Sunday, July 1, 2019
Ironically, the townhomes have also become a case study in how quickly properties can deteriorate when left unattended.
Then on Sunday, someone or something reduced most of one complex to ashes. The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. It is the second fire in this complex this year; in January, the Houston Chronicle reported another.
Remaining Buildings a Magnet for Decay
Flood-damaged and abandoned townhome at the intersection of Timberline Drive and Aqua Vista Street in Forest Cove.Despite the City’s efforts to keep the area clean, it has become a major dumping ground.
In recent months, the once-attractive townhomes have become an embarrassment. Despite efforts by the City to clean up the area, it has become a fertile dumping ground for old tires, used furniture and landscape waste.
What Next for West Fork?
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is buying out the townhomes and demolishing them, building by building, as quickly as they can. Matt Zeve, Deputy Executive Director of HCFCD said, “HCFCD owns all but three units in the building that burned. We’ll expedite the remaining purchases and proceed with demolition ASAP.”
That raises the obvious question, “What will become of this area?”
The townhomes lie on the north side of the San Jacinto West Fork.
Planning a Rebirth…Within Some Limits
Flood Control notes that legal restrictions exist. Says Zeve, “The properties purchased with FEMA grant assistance must remain as open space in perpetuity. Open space can include parks, flood reduction projects, grazing, and more. (See the attached FEMA deed restrictions and compatible uses.)
HCFCD will own the land in perpetuity. However, HCFCD has the ability to transfer the property to another public entity or conservation agency. Maintenance agreement options also exist.
Community and natural values will factor into the process. However, whatever is decided it must meet FEMA’s deed restrictions.
FEMA deed restrictions define compatible uses.
“The Property shall be dedicated and maintained in perpetuity as open space for the conservation of natural floodplain functions. Such uses may include: parks for outdoor recreational activities; wetlands management; nature reserves; cultivation; grazing; camping (except where adequate warning time is not available to allow evacuation); unimproved, unpaved parking lots; buffer zones; and other uses consistent with FEMA guidance for open space acquisition, Hazard Mitigation Assistance, Requirements for Property Acquisition and Relocation for Open Space.”
Buildings Prohibited With a Few Exceptions
No new structures or improvements may be erected on the Property other than:
A public facility that is open on all sides and functionally related to a designated open space or recreational use;
A public restroom; or
A structure that is compatible with open space and conserves the natural function of the floodplain, including the uses described above, and approved by theFEMA Administrator in writing before construction of the structure begins.
Public May Be Part of Process
Because HCFCD owns the property, community values will be considered in its future. However, the question is larger than the land that HCFCD will own. It also involves land that Romerica currently owns as well as surrounding vacant properties along Hamblen. Many suggestions have come forward so far.
Bayou Land Conservancy would like to conserve any wetlands in their natural state, and turn the rest of the floodplain land into parks.
These are all great ideas. They could reduce flood risk AND re-establish the reputation of Kingwood and Forest Cove as two of the most enviable places to live in the City of Houston.
It’s time to start the conversation now. I hope all stakeholders can come together to create a master plan for the area bordering the West Fork along Hamblen.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/2/2019
672 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/MarinaTwnhms_02.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500adminadmin2019-07-02 18:55:282019-07-02 19:09:29Planning for Rebirth of West Fork
One month into the 2019 hurricane season, only about 23 percent of the Woodridge Village Detention Ponds have been substantially excavated and have outflow control devices installed. At the time of the May 7th Elm Grove flood, that percentage was only 9 percent. So in a little less than 2 months, Rebel Contractors has more than doubled the percentage completed. However, as we head toward the peak of hurricane season, approximately three quarters of the detention capacity remains unexcavated, dysfunctional, or both.
Contractors also have yet to finish grading, planting, and cementing portions of the ponds that they have excavated.
Only 2 of 5 Detention Ponds Substantially Excavated
The first phase of the 268-acre Woodridge Village shows a total of 4 detention ponds. But Rebel Contractors has excavated only two on the southern end so far: S1 and S2.
Together they provide a total of 49 acre-feet of storage. Pond N1 has not yet been excavated and Pond N2 does not yet have an outflow control device that will retain the water upstream from Elm Grove.
Detention for Phase 1 of Woodridge Village
In Phase 1, Pond N2, has no additional excavation. Existing excavation was done by Montgomery County starting in 2006. The county removed approximately 3-4 feet of dirt in a 20 acre area. Ultimately, N2 will be the largest pond in the development with 154.7 acre feet of detention. Note: the figures quoted below differ slightly from those I quoted earlier because LJA Engineers presents conflicting data in its Drainage Impact Analysis for Montgomery County.See pages 7 and 54.
UltimateDetention for Woodridge Villagefrom Page 7 of the document titled Report Addendum-2027-1002.N2 currently covers about 10 acres to a depth of 6-8 feet. However, it will be enlarged and deepened so that it holds 154.7 acre feet.That’s more than half of all the detention on the property.
Ultimately, the 5 ponds will have a total of 271 acre feet of storage. An acre foot covers one acre to a depth of one foot. So the five ponds will hold a little more than one foot of rainfall per acre of development.
Woodridge Village Detention by Pond in Ultimate Phase
That means, 12 inches of water should be able to fall on the entire development without flooding any adjoining properties. But with only 23% of detention functional (S2 – green, and S1 – blue), that 12 inches of detention is effectively reduced to 3 inches right now.
How Much is Functional and Where?
The bullet points and pie chart below summarize the total storage and current status of each pond as of July 1, 2019. The figures for acre-feet are taken from the map above representing the ultimate phase of development.
N1 = 13.2 acre feet (not started)
N2 = 154.7 acre feet (started by Montgomery County circa 2002, but is not fully excavated, nor is there any outflow control device installed to detain water upstream of Elm Grove)
N3 = 42 acre feet (does not appear to be started)
S1 = 18.6 acre feet (mostly functioning, but not fully finished)
S2 = 42.5 acre feet (mostly functioning, but not fully finished)
Total detention when complete = 271 acre feet
Total detention not functional as of July 1, 2019 = 77%
Video of Woodridge Village Detention Pond S2 shot from north of Village Springs in Elm Grove at end of June. Courtesy of Jeff Miller.This shot, also by Jeff Miller, gives you a sense of the scale of the S2 detention pond.Remember, as large as it looks, it’s only designed to hold 16% of the runoff above it.Taylor Gulley below the concrete box culvert that controls the outflow from S2 is becoming badly silted.Those openings are each supposed to be 10′ x 6′. They look far less than that right nowbecause of the sediment.
N2 Will Contain More than Half of All Detention
Google Earth image showing the triangular shaped N2 detention area in March of 2011.This land was partially excavated by Montgomery County circa 2006-2012. The developer plans to widen and deepen it, but has not done so yet.Google Earth image showing same area in February of 2019.According to MCAD-tx.org, Montgomery County still owns the triangular area that will become Detention Pond N2.This is what N2 looked like at the end of May. It had not changedsince the May 7th flood.N2 from the reverse angle looking south on 7/1/19. Still no appreciable change.
N1 – Still No Excavation
This is where the N1 detention pond should be on the north section near the Webb Street entrance.No excavation in sight.
N3 – Still No Excavation Visible
Likewise, no excavation is visible near where the N3 pond should be.
In Phase 1, Figure Four, a subsidiary of PSWA and Perry Homes, will develop 30 acres in the northern section and 58 acres in southern section. Ponds N1, S1 and S2 are to be built during this phase.
The hydrologist notes that a portion of N2 is already in place (although there is nothing there yet to detain the water upstream from Elm Grove). She also notes that:
N2 will be widened during the Ultimate phase
A pilot channel within N2 and the E-W channel immediately downstream will be graded during Phase 1 to provide flow-line continuity with other proposed structures.
A concrete lined channel on the eastern side of the subdivision will be extended 150′ between the E-W junction and a 36″ plastic pipe.
Much work remains before their tables and charts on water flow can be used.
Remember, per their own report, the larger portion of Woodridge Village is in the north. It comprises two thirds of the development and the ground there slopes 10 times greater than the southern portion. (1 degree vs. 0.1 degrees).
The Woods are Gone, But We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet
As Elm Grove resident Jeff Miller said, “It sure seems to me that once they clear cut the north, that the potential for flooding rose exponentially.”
Let’s see!
More clear-cut area.
No functional detention.
Sloping toward Elm Grove.
And only one fourth of the total detention installed on the southern section.
I would agree.
As we approach the second anniversary of Harvey in 7 weeks, everybody on the periphery of this development is on edge…no pun intended.
Montgomery County needs development rules that protect neighbors from such development practices.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/1/19with help from Jeff Miller
671 Days since Hurricane Harvey
All thoughts expressed in this post are matters of opinion and safety involving public policy. 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/2019/07/Phase2-Detention.jpg?fit=1500%2C1191&ssl=111911500adminadmin2019-07-01 23:14:372019-07-02 07:29:30Only 23% of Woodridge Village Detention Ponds Now Functional
HCFCD Schedules Maintenance for Taylor Gully, Other Ditches
Jeff Miller, an Elm Grove resident, just reported receiving a note from Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD). Will Sherman, HCFCD’s Precinct 4 coordinator, indicated the following.
Plans for Taylor Gully
The right-of-way transfer to HCFCD for the upper portion of Taylor Gully (see map below) is scheduled to be on the next Commissioners Court agenda on July 9th.
That portion of Taylor Gully has become badly clogged with sediment due to the construction of Woodridge Village upstream just across the Montgomery County line.
Woodridge did not have erosion control measures in place when three storms in early May caused massive erosion.
Here’s what Taylor Gully looked like on 6/24/19.
Following approval of the right of way transfer:
Regarding debris in the downstream portion of Taylor Gully:
Work on Ben’s Branch Expanded
Yesterday, HCFCD extended its work on Ben’s Branch west of Woodland Hills. They excavated the area between North Woodland Hills and the businesses on the south side of North Park Drive (Walgreens, Firestone, McDonalds, etc.).
To Report Blockages Near You
If you are aware of downed trees blocking a channel near you:
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/3/2019
With contributions from Jeff Miller, Thomas Blailock and Chris Kalman
673 Days after Hurricane Harvey
Planning for Rebirth of West Fork
This past Sunday night, the Houston Fire Department battled a blaze in the abandoned townhomes on Aqua Vista Street in Forest Cove. Since Harvey, the townhomes have been uninhabitable. 240,000 cubic feet per second roaring down the West Fork of the San Jacinto destroyed their structural integrity, literally ripping some of the buildings in half.
Since then, the townhomes have borne the marks of looters, squatters, drug dealers, vandals and illegal dumpers. When FEMA came to Houston to create a video about the horrors of Harvey and the need for flood insurance, they used these townhomes as a backdrop.
Then on Sunday, someone or something reduced most of one complex to ashes. The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. It is the second fire in this complex this year; in January, the Houston Chronicle reported another.
Remaining Buildings a Magnet for Decay
In recent months, the once-attractive townhomes have become an embarrassment. Despite efforts by the City to clean up the area, it has become a fertile dumping ground for old tires, used furniture and landscape waste.
What Next for West Fork?
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is buying out the townhomes and demolishing them, building by building, as quickly as they can. Matt Zeve, Deputy Executive Director of HCFCD said, “HCFCD owns all but three units in the building that burned. We’ll expedite the remaining purchases and proceed with demolition ASAP.”
That raises the obvious question, “What will become of this area?”
Planning a Rebirth…Within Some Limits
Flood Control notes that legal restrictions exist. Says Zeve, “The properties purchased with FEMA grant assistance must remain as open space in perpetuity. Open space can include parks, flood reduction projects, grazing, and more. (See the attached FEMA deed restrictions and compatible uses.)
HCFCD will own the land in perpetuity. However, HCFCD has the ability to transfer the property to another public entity or conservation agency. Maintenance agreement options also exist.
Community and natural values will factor into the process. However, whatever is decided it must meet FEMA’s deed restrictions.
FEMA deed restrictions define compatible uses.
Buildings Prohibited With a Few Exceptions
No new structures or improvements may be erected on the Property other than:
Public May Be Part of Process
Because HCFCD owns the property, community values will be considered in its future. However, the question is larger than the land that HCFCD will own. It also involves land that Romerica currently owns as well as surrounding vacant properties along Hamblen. Many suggestions have come forward so far.
These are all great ideas. They could reduce flood risk AND re-establish the reputation of Kingwood and Forest Cove as two of the most enviable places to live in the City of Houston.
It’s time to start the conversation now. I hope all stakeholders can come together to create a master plan for the area bordering the West Fork along Hamblen.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/2/2019
672 Days after Hurricane Harvey
Only 23% of Woodridge Village Detention Ponds Now Functional
One month into the 2019 hurricane season, only about 23 percent of the Woodridge Village Detention Ponds have been substantially excavated and have outflow control devices installed. At the time of the May 7th Elm Grove flood, that percentage was only 9 percent. So in a little less than 2 months, Rebel Contractors has more than doubled the percentage completed. However, as we head toward the peak of hurricane season, approximately three quarters of the detention capacity remains unexcavated, dysfunctional, or both.
Contractors also have yet to finish grading, planting, and cementing portions of the ponds that they have excavated.
Only 2 of 5 Detention Ponds Substantially Excavated
The first phase of the 268-acre Woodridge Village shows a total of 4 detention ponds. But Rebel Contractors has excavated only two on the southern end so far: S1 and S2.
Together they provide a total of 49 acre-feet of storage. Pond N1 has not yet been excavated and Pond N2 does not yet have an outflow control device that will retain the water upstream from Elm Grove.
In Phase 1, Pond N2, has no additional excavation. Existing excavation was done by Montgomery County starting in 2006. The county removed approximately 3-4 feet of dirt in a 20 acre area. Ultimately, N2 will be the largest pond in the development with 154.7 acre feet of detention. Note: the figures quoted below differ slightly from those I quoted earlier because LJA Engineers presents conflicting data in its Drainage Impact Analysis for Montgomery County. See pages 7 and 54.
Ultimately, the 5 ponds will have a total of 271 acre feet of storage. An acre foot covers one acre to a depth of one foot. So the five ponds will hold a little more than one foot of rainfall per acre of development.
How Much is Functional and Where?
The bullet points and pie chart below summarize the total storage and current status of each pond as of July 1, 2019. The figures for acre-feet are taken from the map above representing the ultimate phase of development.
Photos and Video of S2 as of End of June 2019
Jeff Miller shot his video of S2, the pond immediately north of Village Springs in Elm Grove. It shows what progress looked like at the end of June. The pond has been widened by sloping the sides even more since the last update.
N2 Will Contain More than Half of All Detention
N1 – Still No Excavation
N3 – Still No Excavation Visible
Much More to Come Per Hydrologist’s Report
In Phase 1, Figure Four, a subsidiary of PSWA and Perry Homes, will develop 30 acres in the northern section and 58 acres in southern section. Ponds N1, S1 and S2 are to be built during this phase.
The hydrologist notes that a portion of N2 is already in place (although there is nothing there yet to detain the water upstream from Elm Grove). She also notes that:
Much work remains before their tables and charts on water flow can be used.
Remember, per their own report, the larger portion of Woodridge Village is in the north. It comprises two thirds of the development and the ground there slopes 10 times greater than the southern portion. (1 degree vs. 0.1 degrees).
The Woods are Gone, But We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet
As Elm Grove resident Jeff Miller said, “It sure seems to me that once they clear cut the north, that the potential for flooding rose exponentially.”
Let’s see!
I would agree.
As we approach the second anniversary of Harvey in 7 weeks, everybody on the periphery of this development is on edge…no pun intended.
Montgomery County needs development rules that protect neighbors from such development practices.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/1/19 with help from Jeff Miller
671 Days since Hurricane Harvey
All thoughts expressed in this post are matters of opinion and safety involving public policy. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.