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SJRA Releases Third Part of Sedimentation Study

In late December 2023, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) released the third part of its massive, years-long sedimentation study. SJRA labeled the report “Technical Memorandum 3: Annual Sediment Supply and Storage.” Only seven more steps remain in the 10-step effort.

The Larger Context

The ten steps include:

Inventorying available existing data (January 2023)
Characterizing the subwatersheds (January 2023)
Quantify sediment supply and storage volumes in three representative subwatersheds (just released)
Sediment transport modelling
Extrapolate subwatershed data to entire basin and prioritize sediment sources for investigation
Investigation of hotspots to prioritize management opportunities
Conceptual solution and strategy development
Identification of potential partners
Identifying sources for technical and financial assistance
Synthesize previous findings into final plan and publish

SJRA applied for a TWDB grant to study sedimentation in July of 2020 and accepted the grant in July 2021.

Sediment Supply and Storage Methodology/Findings

The study team collected data from three watersheds in the Upper San Jacinto River Basin: Winters Bayou/East Fork, Peach Creek/Caney Creek, and Walnut Creek/Spring Creek (also referred to as the Willow Creek area in the study). They collected samples, measured isotope concentrations, and performed a chemical analysis to determine a “fingerprint” for sediment originating in those areas. Investigators then compared fingerprints of sediment taken from Lake Houston to identify the likely source or origin.

They also measured erodibility of river banks by assessing such factors as bank height, angle, and material; root depths and density; proportion of the bank covered by vegetation, rocks, logs, etc.; and stability of soil strata.

High-Level Finding

Matt Barrett, SJRA’s Water Resources and Flood Management Director, said, “The key data obtained in the efforts described in TM 3 was the determination of where sediment appears to be originating in the sub-watersheds (i.e. upland runoff vs. streambank erosion).”

“Our findings are that sediment appears to be originating primarily from eroding streambanks.”
Matt Barrett, SJRA Water Resources and Flood Management Director

The study did not directly examine the relative contributions of clear cutting, construction practices and sand mining to sedimentation.

Other Findings

Regardless, the study yielded interesting information about the soil in each area sampled.

Erosion rates (ft/yr) at the three locations varied by more than 3X. When measured in tons/ft/yr, they varied by 4X.

*Table 3 from Page 7 of Technical Memorandum 3*

At all three streambank sites, samples were composed of varying proportions of sand, silt, and clay, with sand the most prevalent component. Samples taken from floodplains varied more, but bore a resemblance to the corresponding streambank samples.

Samples from the East Fork San Jacinto stream bank and floodplain had more than 50% fine-grained composition, i.e., silt and clay. See table below.

Study authors say, “…the relatively high proportions of fines in the East Fork … samples indicate(s) appreciable upland sediment contribution, consistent with the Pb-210 data.” (See Page 26). Pb is the chemical abbreviation for lead.

Highest Levels of Lead Coming from East Fork

Chemical sampling of Lake Houston sediments indicates that the highest percentage of lead, a naturally occurring element, was found in the East Fork Mouth Bar.

Looking farther upstream at three possible sources of the lead (upland areas, stream banks, floodplains), the authors found that floodplains and upland areas contributed more than streambanks.

*From Page 24 of Technical Memorandum 3.*

It’s impossible to determine the exact point of origin of the lead at this point in the study, say the authors.

The report never mentions Colony Ridge per se. Investigation of “hotspots” won’t happen until Step 6. (See list above.)

However, in my opinion, more study is merited to see whether the lead came from the Colony Ridge area. It has been the largest land-disturbing activity in the East Fork watershed in recent years.

Widespread destruction of wetlands in the massive Colony Ridge development may have contributed to the high lead levels. Wetlands can be pollution-catching powerhouses, according to a University of Waterloo study.

Head Scratchers

In the meantime, I’m wondering how the SJRA’s sedimentation study could have omitted the West Fork San Jacinto as a sampling site. The study does not explain. Barrett said only that they couldn’t afford to sample every watershed.

Yet the West Fork has the largest concentration of sand mines in the region (more than 20 square miles in a 20 mile reach of the river).

However, the report never mentions the phrase “sand mines.” In one paragraph on page 31, it does mention APOs (aggregate production operations). But I had to laugh. It said that ReduceFlooding.com reported “several purported breaches” of APO berms on the West Fork.

In this context, “purported” means “suspected” according to Webster’s Third International Dictionary.

Sampling Concern: Avoiding the Obvious?

I guess they didn’t see the hundreds of photographs that I took of mine breaches or mines pumping their waste into the river. Nor did they read the TCEQ investigation about a 56-million-gallon release of sludge that turned the West Fork white.

white water caused by flaunting regulations — *Confluence of Spring Creek and West Fork (right). White water originated from breach of dike at Liberty Mine.*

Neither does the report mention the terms “development” or “land clearing” – recognized by the EPA as major sources of sedimentation.

*Rupture of new development’s detention basin wall poured sediment into West Fork after minor rain.*

That contributed to this sludge fest on the West Fork.

Confluence of West Fork withy Spring Creek on 11/11/23 — *West Fork is to the right.* *But study chose to sample areas upstream on the left.*

A friend of mine with a PhD in market research once told me that good research often confirms what in retrospect should have been obvious. But the SJRA study isn’t even sampling the obvious.

No telling where their sedimentation study will go at this point. This reminds me of the SJRA’s sand trap study. It recommended relying on a sediment gage upstream from all the sand mines.

Are they avoiding the obvious in their choice of areas they sampled?

Ultimate Goal

When I asked Barrett what he hoped the study would accomplish, he said, “The ultimate goal is to develop conceptual sediment mitigation solutions and implementation strategies. These could be infrastructure projects (stream restoration, sand traps, etc.).”

He continued, “Or they could be best management practices that could be recommended to appropriate government bodies (recommending riparian buffer or enhanced stormwater protection plan requirements that a county could implement, for example).

“These solutions will be included in the Sediment Management Plan, which will provide a ‘menu’ of projects that could be implemented to help mitigate the negative impacts of sedimentation.”

I’ll withhold judgement until we get to the end of this road.

For More Information

Read the entire 66-page Technical Memorandum 3. And review other documents currently posted on the SJRA Sedimentation Study website.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/16/24

2331 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Developer Clearing Land Without Normal Safeguards

Kingwood Residences HTX II LLC is clearing 11.5 acres of land on West Lake Houston Parkway (WLHP) without the normal safeguards to control sediment-laden runoff. In recent weeks, concerned residents have emailed me multiple pictures like the ones below.

*No silt fence to retain sediment-laden runoff on site.*

*Instead, runoff is draining into the street and storm sewers.*

Normally, contractors would protect storm drains by catching silt with sand bags placed in the gutters. But this afternoon, I saw none of those either…even though the contractors were working furiously on a Sunday afternoon.

The buildup of sediment in our rivers, streams, and channels was a primary contributing cause of flooding. So why don’t contractors exercise greater caution?

Nature of Phase II Still Uncertain

The land in question is adjacent to another 19.7 acres to the northwest owned by the same developer. That land was cleared starting in 2022.

Contractors have been building apartments since then. The work was supposed to be complete by the end of last year, but is still in progress.

It’s not clear what the developer plans to put on Phase II’s land, which was purchased from Pinehurst Trail Holdings LLC in June 2023.

However, the address – Kings River Commercial Road – and the developer’s website, suggest it may be commercial. The website boasts that the developer specializes in high-end, mixed-use apartment complexes within walking distance of retail.

Kingwood Residences HTX and HTX II LLC are limited liability companies owned by High Street Residential, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company in Dallas. Their local headquarters are on 2800 POST OAK BLVD STE 400, HOUSTON TX 77056-6169.

More Photos Taken on 1/14/24

All photos below were all taken today, 1/14/24.

*Looking N toward San Jacinto West Fork out of sight in background. West Lake Houston Parkway is on left next to soupy area in foreground.*

According to the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) gage at the West Fork and WLHP less than a mile north, this area last received rain on January 8 and it totaled only .4 inches.

*Reverse angle, looking S. WLHP on right. Kings Park Way cuts through middle of frame.*

*Detention basin for Phase I (middle left) may or may not serve Phase II.*

*Cleared trees stacked three stories high.*

Enough Detention?

For properties this size, HCFCD requires .65 acre feet of stormwater detention basin capacity per acre of developed land. That comes out to roughly 20 acre feet for these combined properties.

I have requested drainage analyses and construction plans from HCFCD but have not yet received them. More news when I do.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, no wetlands exist on either parcel of land. And current FEMA flood maps show both parcels are out of floodplains.

The primary flooding concerns for these properties appear to be making sure they have sufficient detention capacity and that they don’t clog storm drains with sediment.

Ten Elements of an Effective Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan

The EPA lists 10 elements of an effective erosion control plan.

Minimize Needless Clearing and Grading
Protect Waterways and Stabilize Drainage Ways
Phase Construction to Limit Soil Exposure and Compaction
Stabilize Exposed Soils Immediately
Protect Steep Slopes and Cuts
Install Perimeter Controls to Filter Sediments
Employ Advanced Sediment Settling Controls
Certify Contractors on ESC Plan Implementation
Adjust ESC Plan at Construction Site
Assess ESC Practices After Storms

In fairness, the developer has left a natural border and phased construction. That’s good. But as the resident photos above show, they are not preventing sediment from leaving the site.

Posted by Bob Rehak 1/14/24

2329 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.

Excavation of Northpark Detention Basins Starts

Excavation of the decorative ponds that will double as Northpark detention basins at US59 began this week.

Contractors will stockpile the dirt in two places for now: behind Duncan Donuts and at a sand mine on Sorters-McClellan Road several blocks to the west. Contractors will use the dirt later to level the road surface and build access ramps for the bridge over the Union-Pacific Railroad tracks.

In other Northpark-expansion news this week, Entergy still has not started moving its utility poles and transformer.

However, CenterPoint has almost finished relocating its gas line under the road’s center drainage ditch to the south side of the road. CenterPoint also surveyed the north side of the street to place a second line there.

Finally, the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is close to finalizing a drainage agreement with the Union-Pacific Railroad. For more details, see below.

Beginning of Entry Pond Excavation

Contractors will excavate the entry ponds/detention basins in several stages. For now, they will excavate down to the water table. Later, they will excavate below the water table, pumping water into new storm sewers as they dig.

Then they will place a liner at the bottom of each pond.

Finally, the ponds will be filled to the level of the storm sewers with a combination of well- and rainwater. But that will come much later.

The distance between the top of water in the ponds and the surface of the ground will retain stormwater to help prevent flooding of the intersection during heavy rains.

The photos below were all taken on 1/13/2024.

*Looking at beginning of excavation of north pond. US59 and feeder on left, Northpark on right.*

*Looking west toward US59 bridge. These contractors appear to be defining the margins of the pond.* *Note stakes.*

*Excavated dirt on right waiting for shipment to a stockpile.* *Note storm drain on left and the wet earth that indicates proximity to water table.*

Bens Branch, which crosses under 59 farther north, often overflows and backs up toward the Northpark intersection. The pipe above will carry water into the pond instead, thus reducing flood risk.

*Start of one stockpile behind Duncan Donuts and Public Storage.*

Where the Dirt Will Go

The stockpiled dirt will eventually be used to level the roadway over box culverts (when installation is complete) and also to build up ramps for the bridge over the railroad tracks.

When contractors finish placing box culverts, the stockpiled dirt will help level the center of the roadway, which will contain two additional lanes of traffic – one going each direction.

*The bed must be raised to the level of the manhole shown above.*

*Looking west toward 59. Power lines belong to Entergy. They must be moved back to approximately where the fire hydrant is now.* *Yellow/green flags indicate route of new CenterPoint gas line.*

Moving the utility poles back will create room for turn lanes next to the bridge over the rail tracks. The turn lanes must be at ground level for traffic turning north or south onto Loop 494.

Project managers first asked Entergy to move its power lines 2020. The utility still has taken no action. Ditto for the transformer below located near the Exxon station at 59.

*Entergy transformer in red circle must also be moved back to* *make way for additional turn lanes.*

An Entergy consultant claimed the company needed 50 weeks to move the transformer above.

The City is reportedly considering legal action against Entergy because of construction delays.

Meanwhile, Entergy continues to promote its social responsibility, even as it holds up construction of the only all-weather evacuation route for 78,000 people.

Railroad Agreement Should Be Resolved by End of January

In the good-news department, the last remaining issue with UP will hopefully be resolved within a couple weeks, according to project manager Ralph De Leon. The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority sought permission to tunnel stormwater under the UP tracks to Ditch One. The railroad company required no more than a quarter-inch displacement of the tracks. Engineers figured out way to do it by splitting the flow from one pipe through two smaller pipes.

The Agreement covers both the aerial easement over UP’s tracks for the bridge and the railroad’s acceptance of the Construction Plans. The stormwater drainage pipes under the tracks held up UP’s final approval of the plans. Now that that has been resolved, UPRR is ready to accept the plans.

Approval by the City will occur in the form of an Ordinance adopted by City Council.

The City of Houston contributed $15.4 million to the Northpark Project. Here is the contract between the City and Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority.

For More Information

De Leon said, “Once the UP agreement is signed, and CenterPoint and Entergy relocate their utilities, we can start building roads. Residents should then see a significant increase in in construction activity.”

For more information about the project including construction plans, visit the project pages of the LHRA/Tirz 10 website. Or see these posts on ReduceFlooding:

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/13/24

2328 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Loop 494, Kingwood Drive Construction Virtually Complete

After more than four years of traffic disruption, TxDOT announced it has completed construction of Loop 494 and Kingwood Drive improvements. Some cleanup and a small section of sidewalk construction remains. So does the switchover from old traffic lights to new. But those things are minor compared to the heavy lifting that started in late 2019.

The result: better, safer, wider access to Kingwood and area businesses with improved drainage.

Photos from 1/10/2024

Here are some drone shots of the $11.2 million project.

*Looking E along Kingwood Drive to Loop 494 Intersection. Note additional L/R turn lanes to and from Loop 494.*

*Closer shot shows remaining sections of sidewalk.*

*Looking S at elevated and widened Loop 494 that now stretches to West Fork San Jacinto*.

*Close up of intersection. New pole-mounted stoplights are up, but not yet active. Old wire-mounted lights still need to be removed. Most visible in foreground of shot above.*

*Looking west toward I-69 and entry ponds. Insperity on left.*

Fountain and Irrigation Repairs Up Next

KSA still needs to restore electrical service to the south (left) fountain and will have to repair/upgrade the irrigation systems on both sides of the road. The repairs were postponed while construction was still in progress. KSA has already engaged engineering and landscaping experts to assess the needs and develop estimates.

It was a long slog, but the improvements should help the community and businesses for decades to come. At press time, TxDOT could not be reached regarding when it would finish site cleanup.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/11/24

2326 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Guess Where the Wetlands Were?

Guess where the wetlands were? Today, I flew over Northpark Drive and Sorters-McClellan Road near the San Jacinto West Fork. I photographed a new development called Northpark South. Much of this land is in the floodplain. And much was also classified as wetlands for sixty years.

Can you guess which portion?

*Photo of Northpark South on 1/10/24.* *Clearing essentially complete.*

Here’s what the area looked like before clearing. Note any similarities? Like that curve in between the empty area and the tree line near the road?

*Satellite photo from same area before clearing.* *Wetlands are large empty area.*

That open area directly coincides with the soupy area in the first image.

And to think, less than a half inch of rain two days ago (January 8) produced all the muck you see in the first photo. Since then, we’ve had sunny skies, low humidity, and high, desiccating winds. They dried out the rest of the site. But not the wetlands.

Contractors at Northpark South have been trying to cover up the wetlands for six weeks with little luck. Here’s a closer shot from the reverse angle.

*Photo from 1/10/24* *after less than a half inch of rain.*

Construction plans show that homes will be built over the wetlands.

Wetlands Documented Since Early 1960s

USGS has documented wetlands on this property since at least 1961, as you can see in this topographic map viewer.

However the developer apparently has not received a wetland development permit from the Army Corps. The developer’s drainage impact analysis does even not mention the word “wetland.”

Problems When Building Over Wetlands

I’ve previously posted about the problems of building over wetlands. These pictures make another potent reminder. Problems include shifting slabs; windows, cabinets and doors that stick; cracked driveways; mold; erosion; clogged storm drains; downstream flooding and more.

Before Thanksgiving, I consulted a wetlands expert about this property. The expert said, “I would NOT feel safe living on top of a former wetland this close to the river. NO WAY! The land has a memory, deep in its soils, and I would expect future issues.”

I can see the cracks in wallboard already. No wonder the developer (Century Land Holdings of Texas LLC) urges people to buy homes over the internet, sight unseen! Buyer beware.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/10/2024

1325 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.

At Least Seven Investigations Launched into Colony Ridge

Today, Harris County joined the growing list of governmental agencies looking into Colony Ridge.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have already concluded their investigations and filed Federal lawsuits against the troubled developer.

On December 29, 2023, the New York Post reported that the Internal Revenue Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have all launched their own Colony Ridge investigations. Word on the street has it that even more investigations by other Federal agencies are underway.

Then on January 5, 2024, the Daily Wire reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened an investigation into Colony Ridge.

Finally, just today (1/9/24), Harris County Commissioners Court discussed investigating the flooding, housing and environmental impacts of Colony Ridge on Harris County. The County Administrators Office and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey agreed to discuss forming a task force. They would then return to Commissioners Court for final approval of their task force recommendations.

Thrust of Many Investigations Still Uncertain

However, with the exception of the DOJ and CFPB, the direction of many of these investigations remains unknown.

For instance, the EPA could be investigating any of several different allegations, including wetlands, endangered species, and pollution violations.

Colony Ridge, which has grown at least 50% larger than Manhattan in a decade, has filled in ponds and wetlands. While the Army Corps bears initial responsibility for investigating wetlands violations, ultimately the EPA reviews permit applications under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

Recently, the developer has been pushing into wetlands near Tarkington Bayou. I took the three photos below during in October 2023 while flying over the bayou. Despite a punishing drought, you can still see evidence of ponding.

A University of Waterloo (Ontario) study found that small isolated wetlands that are full for only part of the year are often the first to be removed for development. They enjoy fewer legal protections due to their apparent isolation from jurisdictional waters.

However, the study found that they can be twice as effective in protecting downstream lake or river ecosystems than those directly connected to them. The study labeled them “pollution-catching powerhouses.” Their disconnectedness makes them more effective pollution traps.

Previously, I reported that the TCEQ found raw sewage leaking from a lift station and sewers in Colony Ridge. TCEQ estimated that 48,000 gallons escaped into the Lake Houston watershed, which supplies drinking water for two million people.

To report environmental violations to the EPA, see this page.

Another possibility: EPA may also be looking into whether Colony Ridge displaced any threatened or endangered species. Texas Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say twelve threatened and endangered species live in Liberty County. Some reportedly live in the Colony Ridge Area.

For More Information

Since 2020, I have created more than 75 posts about different aspects of Colony Ridge – from missing drainage studies to sewage spills, rivers of mud, and more. To see links to all the posts, visit this page.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/9/2024

2324 Days since Hurricane Harvey

What Some Utilities Don’t Understand about Northpark Expansion Project

Foot dragging by utilities has set the Northpark expansion project back years. What none seems to understand is that this isn’t just a normal road expansion project. It’s about creating a reliable, all-weather evacuation route for 78,000 people.

The utilities see the project as a headache. Traumatized residents see it as a lifeline.

And that’s your problem in two, simple sentences.

Evacuation Routes Under Water

Unless you lived here during Harvey, you cannot comprehend the terror of people trapped by rising floodwaters with no way out. By my count, 15 died including 12 elderly who resided near Kingwood’s Town Center, 1.25 miles north of the San Jacinto. Another died two miles north of the river. And two more died near where the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto come together. That makes almost a quarter of the 65 people who died in Harvey across all of Harris County.

Many of my neighbors crowded on the upper floors of homes and in their attics, surrounded by rising floodwaters, praying that they would live through the night. Boats evacuated the lucky ones.

Before power went out and cell phones died, I received several panicked calls from neighbors asking if I knew a way out. They had already tried everything I suggested.

I was out of town when Harvey struck and couldn’t get back in. My wife was home alone, without food, a way to cook, running water, power, a working toilet, or communication. I didn’t know if she was alive or dead. She made it through, but the uncertainty kept me up for days.

I later learned that five evacuation routes out of Kingwood had flooded badly. A sixth to the north was passable… if you could get to it.

Harvey Photos Show Depth of Water

See the pictures below. Hamblen Road was the first to go.

*Hamblen Road during Harvey. Photo by Jim Balcom. His family evacuated by boat.*

The West Lake Houston Parkway (WLHP) Bridge also became inaccessible. While the bridge remained above water, roads leading to it were under water.

*Evacuation from Kings Harbor Townhomes one block from WLHP bridge.*

*Sally Geis, rescued from the townhomes above made it out by boat. This shows her motoring by the Whataburger on WLHP north of Kingwood Drive, 1.7 miles north of the bridge.*

*That’s the top of a submerged car at the Kingwood Town Center Apartments near the library*, *one block west of WLHP.*

Kingwood Drive flooded for almost three miles between Timber Shade and Woodland Hills.

*Kingwood High School at Valley Manor flooded to the second floor.* *Kingwood Drive is in the tree line left of the parking lot.*

*US59 southbound was cut off by 240,000 cubic feet of floodwater per second. It damaged the southbound lanes of the bridge* *so badly that they took 11 months to rebuild.*

Ford Road was generally passable…if you could get to it. Many who lived close by, even in Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest could not reach it.

That leaves Northpark Drive. It too was blocked in places where channels and streams overflowed. I worked on Northpark for 20 years. And I have seen it flood routinely between Bens Branch and the Diversion Ditch during rainfalls much smaller than Harvey’s.

Regardless, it’s the best option for improvement because it’s on high ground. That means the flooding issues are fixable at an affordable cost.

Northpark Voted by Residents as the Most Important Project in Kingwood

After Harvey, multiple surveys conducted by the City of Houston and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin’s office ranked improving Northpark as the most important project in the Kingwood Area.

The project includes a bridge that will go over the railroad. Those mile-long trains frequently back up traffic even when things aren’t flooding. If they stalled during a flood when 78,000 people are trying to squeeze through a pinhole, you have an even bigger problem. And we should not forget in that regard that the UP rail bridge also washed out during Harvey.

UP Rail Bridge Wash Out — *Union Pacific railroad traffic was disrupted for months. It had to be completely dismantled. A new bridge was erected in its place.*

TXDoT Says “Should Have Been Built Years Ago”

TXDoT told Northpark Expansion Project leaders that if a freestanding town of 78,000 people had been cut off by flooding, an evacuation route would have been built years ago. But we’re not freestanding.

Multi-jurisdictional Morass

Unfortunately, we live in a multi-jurisdictional morass. Two counties. The City. Unincorporated areas. MUDs. The TIRZ. Multiple school districts. Thirty-five homeowner associations. KSA. The state. The Federal Government. Redistricting. Multiple elections that create turnover in leadership.

You get the idea. No one entity or person speaks for the entire area. Thank heavens for former Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin who pushed the Northpark Expansion Project relentlessly ever since Harvey.

So come on Entergy. Come on Verison. Come on CenterPoint. Move it. Act like your lives depended on it. Ours do.

For More Information

For more information about the project including construction plans, visit the project pages of the LHRA/Tirz 10 website. Or see these posts on ReduceFlooding:

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/7/24

2322 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Harris County To Reconsider Colony Ridge Impacts

On Tuesday, 1/9/24, Harris County Commissioners court will consider a motion by Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, P.E. to monitor the potential flooding, housing, and environmental impacts of Colony Ridge on Harris County. (See Item 282 on the Agenda.)

Ramsey submitted a similar item for the 10/10/23 session of Commissioners Court. The Court took no action at that time, but agreed to revisit the issue. Now is that time. And the political landscape has changed.

How Tuesday’s Discussion Will Differ from October’s

The discussion on Tuesday will probably differ radically from October’s.

First, Tuesday’s agenda item is broader; it includes housing and environmental impacts, not just flooding.

Second, in October, the discussion quickly devolved into an argument about the credibility of media allegations that triggered a special session of the State Legislature. Among other things, the media allegations concerned illegal immigration. At the time, County Judge Lina Hidalgo characterized them as “conspiracy theories.” Things went downhill from there.

Ultimately, the State Legislature decided not to do anything about Colony Ridge except build a DPS substation there to beef up law enforcement.

But since then, things have changed.

DOJ/CFPB Lawsuit Changes Political Landscape

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have filed a lawsuit against the developer for predatory lending practices targeted mainly at Hispanics.

The 45-page lawsuit alleges that the developer violated the:

Fair Housing Act
Consumer Financial Protection Act
Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act
Equal Credit Opportunity Act

It also offers specific examples of alleged abuses, including:

Sky-high interest rates
Untrue statements in marketing materials
Omitting material facts
Failing to provide required accurate translations
Failing to report and disclose other required information
Marketing in Spanish but providing legal documents that buyers couldn’t understand in English
Foreclosing on properties multiple times

The inclusion of housing issues in Tuesday’s agenda may broaden the base of support for action re: Colony Ridge. Suddenly, we’re talking about people allegedly abusing Lina Hidalgo’s, Lesley Briones’ and Adrian Garcia’s core constituents. All three are Hispanic.

The lawsuit has already motivated LULAC (the League of United Latin American Citizens) to join the fight. The headline of this press release on their website says, “LULAC SUPPORTS FEDERAL ACTION IN MASSIVE REAL ESTATE FRAUD CASE THAT TARGETED LATINOS IN TEXAS.” As a result…

Commissioners may now see Colony Ridge as abusing immigrants, not helping them achieve the American Dream.

Plus, Colony Ridge is expanding into Harris County. That brings the issue much closer to home for Commissioners. We could soon be talking about how the Colony Ridge developer affects voters in Harris County, not voters in Liberty county.

Putting a Finer Point on Upstream Flooding Study

Even though Commissioner’s Court did not approve Ramsey’s Colony Ridge motion last October, the other commissioners didn’t totally ignore him. Commissioner Rodney Ellis also expressed concern about flooding issues originating outside Harris County.

On December 5, 2023, Commissioners Court approved a study of several watersheds including the East Fork San Jacinto River, which drains Colony Ridge. The purpose: to identify potential flood impacts due to unmitigated flows coming into Harris County from upstream counties and to evaluate the impacts of the increased flows on erosion and sedimentation issues.

If approved, Ramsey’s agenda item for next Tuesday, could put a much finer point on that. Instead of looking at flooding issues that originate in surrounding counties in general, it would specifically look at erosion issues originating in Colony Ridge. That could potentially lead to more legal action against Colony Ridge depending on what they find.

At a minimum, I hope it stimulates a discussion about two things:

Putting some teeth in the state law that prohibits flooding neighboring properties.
Working together with neighboring counties to enforce regulations.

In regard to the latter, I would point out that Harris and Liberty Counties have almost identical regulations for construction of drainage ditches. However, we get very different results.

The image on the right was taken over Colony Ridge. Such erosion contributes to the buildup of sediment that reduces the conveyance of rivers and streams, contributing to flooding.

For more information and issues relating to Colony Ridge, see this post.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/5/2024

2320 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.

Northpark Tree Moving Starts; Pond Excavation Next

The Northpark Drive expansion project understandably slowed during the holidays. But Northpark tree moving started in earnest this week. Contractors have returned and started moving trees to clear the areas where two detention ponds will be excavated at 59.

In other news:

Concrete culvert is being stockpiled to carry stormwater from the ponds to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch via Ditch One behind the businesses on the north side of Northpark.
TXDoT has found a hazardous waste site for oil-contaminated dirt discovered during clearing for the north pond. Relocation of the waste should be complete by the end of January, if not sooner.
CenterPoint is almost finished moving its gas line that used to run down the center of Northpark. That will allow resumption of culvert placement in the center ditch.
Entergy is still delaying parts of the project by refusing to move its electric lines and transformers unless the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority pays them $1.4 million. The amount originally demanded – $711,000 – mysteriously doubled during the holidays.

To learn more about each of these items, see below.

Moving Day Arrives for Trees

Before excavation can begin on the two stormwater detention ponds at US59, numerous trees must be transplanted.

This week, Northpark tree moving began in earnest on the south side of Northpark. Trees are being moved from the center of the entry to the periphery to form a green backdrop that says “Kingwood.” They will frame a decorative pond that doubles as a stormwater detention basin.

The giant machine shown below scoops out dirt and places it to the side. Then it scoops out a tree and drops it into the hole.

*To see the complete sequence, view this post from an earlier press conference.*

*This shot shows the beginnings of the tree backdrop around what will become a pond.*

But the job isn’t done yet. More trees remain. Heavy rain earlier this week is still slowing transplantation.

*Looking south across Northpark. Wide shot shows where pond will go and trees yet to be transplanted.*

Contaminated Soil Being Relocated

Before Thanksgiving, contractors struck oil in the soil on the north side of Northpark at 59. Someone dumped it years or even decades ago. To prevent further leeching into the groundwater, contractors excavated and isolated it with plastic sheeting.

Since then, TXDoT located a suitable permanent site for the contaminated soil and contractor will soon begin moving it.

*Looking south toward Northpark over the contaminated soil.*

All contaminated soil should be removed by end of January at the latest, according to Ralph De Leon, project manager.

The ponds on both sides of Northpark will keep the US59 intersection from flooding during heavy rains, helping to ensure that the new all-weather evacuation route for 70,000 people remains passable during extreme storms.

More Box Culvert Stockpiled to Reroute Drainage

Excess water from the ponds will be routed east toward the Kingwood Diversion Ditch instead of north along 59 toward Bens Branch – a shorter route.

Why? During heavy rains drainage to Bens Branch where it crosses under 59 can back up all the way to the Northpark intersection. Re-routing it will avoid flooding along the vital 59 corridor AND Northpark without adding to the burden on the Diversion Ditch.

*Culvert stockpiled between railroad tracks and Ditch One.*

Northpark Drive drainage improvements — *Alternate route for stormwater from entry ponds to Kingwood Diversion Ditch and/or Bens Branch.*

CenterPoint Gas Line Relocation

As of this afternoon, CenterPoint had reached Russell-Palmer Road with its new gas line. It is moving the line from the median to make room for 6×8 foot concrete box culverts. The culverts will allow the Redevelopment Authority to create two new lanes inside the old lanes, rather than outside, which would be more expensive because of the need for property acquisition.

When the last quarter mile is finished to the diversion ditch, culvert placement in the ditch will resume. It was temporarily halted earlier when contractors discovered serveral conflicts with the gas line; it was higher than expected. That interfered with a consistent gradient for the drainage.

Entergy Conflict Resolution

Before Christmas, the Redevelopment Authority had agreed to pay Entergy $711,000 to move a transformer and some power lines. After Christmas, Entergy doubled the price to $1.4 million. It’s one more setback in a years-long struggle with the corporate giant. More news to follow when and if a resolution becomes clear. (Editorial comment: Entergy does not seem to share 70,000 Kingwood residents’ sense of urgency about the need for an all-weather evacuation route.)

For More Information

For more information about the project including construction plans, visit the project pages of the LHRA/Tirz 10 website. Or see these posts on ReduceFlooding:

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/4/2024

2319 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.

Woodridge Village Plans Still on Hold, But that Could Change Soon

Back in November 2023, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) terminated its excavation and removal contract with Sprint Sand and Clay. The 2021 contract called for Sprint to remove up to 500,000 cubic yards of material from Woodridge Village. Had the full amount been excavated, it would have more than doubled the stormwater detention basin capacity on the site.

*Extent of excavation at end of Woodridge Village E&R Contract with Sprint. Photo: 12/28/21.*

Only About A Third of Max Volume Excavated

But at the time HCFCD terminated the contract, Sprint had excavated only 160,748 cubic yards, an amount equal to 100 acre feet, and only about a third of the maximum allowed under the contract.

When HCFCD purchased the Woodridge Village property from Perry Homes, the site had only 70% of Atlas 14 requirements (the new standard for a 100-year storm). The lack of detention capacity contributed to the flooding of hundreds of homes in Kingwood along Taylor Gully twice in 2019.

In the end, the 160,748 cubic yards meant that the site had 96% of Atlas 14 requirements. But significantly, the additional capacity is still just a hole in the ground. It has not yet been tied into other Woodridge detention basins or drainage channels.

Termination Caused by HUD Rule

The rationale for termination of the contract had nothing to do with Sprint’s performance. Rather, it had to do with an unintended consequence of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule.

HCFCD hoped to pay for both Taylor Gully and Woodridge Village with HUD funds. But a HUD rule states that HUD funds cannot pay for work already completed on a project when a grant application is submitted.

As a result, when HCFCD applies for a HUD grant, it must:

Zero out work completed to date and stop work.
Estimate the cost of remaining work.
Wait for an award determination.

The rule also affected several other E&R projects in Harris County, such as one on TC Jester next to Cypress Creek.

It’s especially painful in this case because HCFCD listed the Woodridge Village stormwater detention basin as an alternate project for HUD funding. That means, it would only be considered if a fatal flaw knocked one of HCFCD’s primary recommendations out of the running.

HCFCD Exploring Alternative

Amy Crouser, an HCFCD spokesperson said, “Woodridge must be treated as if it were funded by HUD and GLO, which means that we cannot perform any choice-limiting actions on the site, such as the E&R contract. It will be some time before we know if any alternate projects will move to the ‘funded list.’”

Crouser then added, “However, we are investigating whether we can split the Woodridge Village Stormwater Detention Basin into two projects. That may offer some flexibility in getting the E&R contract reinstated. We should have an answer in the next few weeks.”

HCFCD has not yet publicly released the final engineering studies on Woodridge or Taylor Gully.

With interest rates falling, housing starts may pick up and increase demand for fill dirt. That could eliminate the only real drawback of an E&R contract; they can be time consuming if demand for dirt is low. Otherwise, they represent exceptional value for taxpayers. Sprint made only $1,000 from the contract but made its money back by selling the dirt at market rates.

Status of Excavation At Year End

Here’s where things stood at the end of 2023:

	Acre Feet of Stormwater Detention	% of Atlas-14 Requirement	% of Ultimate
Site Had When Purchased from Perry Homes	271	70%	47%
Had as of 12/31/23	371	96%	63.9%
Atlas 14 Requires	385	100%	66%
Had Sprint Excavated All 500,000 CY	580	150%	100%

As of 12/31/23, nothing but the cool winter wind could be heard howling through Woodridge Village.

Stay tuned for more news as it develops.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/3/2023

2318 Days since Hurricane Harvey