In the last legislative session, State Representative Dan Huberty sponsored an amendment to Senate Bill 500. The amendment earmarked a $30 million grant for additional dredging at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. Last week, Harris County approved the grant application to the Texas Water Development Board. That will actually transfer the money so that it can be put to work.
How $30 Million Grant Would Be Spent
County Engineer John Blount explains how the money would be spent in his cover letter that accompanied the request to Commissioners.
“The approach to completing work under the grant,” says Blount, “would be for the County to receive the grant funds, make the City of Houston a subrecipient to start immediate dredging, and to develop a long-term plan for keeping the region’s raw water supply viable with adequate reservoir capacity. The County would be reimbursed from the grant for administrative and other related expenses incurred.”
County Plays Central Role In Coordinating Effort
Blount concludes, “If authorized, the County will work with the Flood Control District, Budget Office, County Attorney, City of Houston, and the State of Texas, to advance all necessary applications and agreements needed to initiate the dredging activities funded in the 2019 legislative session. Grant awards, if made, will be presented to Commissioners Court for consideration at a future date.”
Commissioners Court approved the motion unanimously in its Tuesday, December 17th meeting. And by Friday, the actual grant application had been sent to the TWDB, according to Matt Zeve, Deputy Executive Director of Harris County Flood Control. The TWDB board should consider the request at its first board meeting in January, tentatively scheduled for the 10th. Huberty expects quick approval because the Legislature earmarked the money specifically for this purpose.
As a result of sediment deposited during Harvey and Imelda, the East Fork Mouth Bar grew southward 4000 feet and now has almost reached the point where Luce Bayou and water from the Trinity River will enter Lake Houston.Photo taken 12/3/2019. Water flows from left to right.
West Fork Also Plays Role in Water Transfer
That’s also why the West Fork must remain clear. It brings water, when needed, from Lake Conroe.
Looking south across the mouth bar of the San Jacinto West Fork toward Lake Houston. Photo taken 12/3/2019.Reverse angle. Looking northwest toward the San Jacinto River and the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge. Note the submerged sand about to break through the water surface around the mouth bar.Photo taken 12/3/2019.Kayaker RD Kissling standing in less-than-knee-deep water 700 yards south of the West Fork Mouth Bar.Photo taken November, 2019.
Like icebergs, sand bars mostly exist below the surface. What you see above water is a small percentage of what exists below water.
These photos illustrate why more dredging is essential. The mouth bars form dams behind the dam that block the free flow of water and decrease reservoir capacity.
Exploring Most Cost-Effective Options for Future
Between June when the Legislature approved the money and now, the City, County and State have explored ways to work together to ensure they spend the money cost-effectively. The county hired a consultant to explore the merits of do-it-yourself dredging vs. hiring a contractor. At the moment, the partners lean toward the contractor approach. It offers long-term flexibility as they explore future needs around the lake.
In addition to the $30 million from the State, the City of Houston allocated $6 million from money left over from Harvey disaster recovery funds. The County also allocated $10 million in its flood bond for dredging.
Initial Disposal Site Already Approved
The Army Corps approved Barry Madden’s property as a disposal site for the spoils. Madden’s property is opposite River Grove Park. That puts it miles closer to the Mouth Bar than previous placement areas used by the Corps. That should reduce costs by reducing the need for booster pumps and fuel.
The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/23/2019
846 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 95 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/East-Fork-Mouth-Bar-at-Luce.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2019-12-23 13:24:352019-12-23 13:24:52Harris County Approves TWDB $30 Million Grant Application for Dredging at Confluence of San Jacinto and Lake Houston
Yesterday’s open house at the Kingwood Community Center seemed to be a hit. The SJRA, City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control and Montgomery County – all partners conducting the San Jacinto watershed study – had the subject-matter experts actually conducting the study there. The open house format gave residents a chance to interact with them one on one, tell their flood stories, and discuss possible mitigation scenarios.
Difference Between Listening and Learning
As one resident said, “I got more from 45 minutes here than a dozen town hall meetings.” I appreciate the town hall meetings, but he was right.
Quality one-on-one interaction made the difference between listening and learning.
I suspect the professionals there felt the same way. They came seeking input and they got it.
It felt like a collaboration, not a presentation.
For example, I got to quiz Adam Eaton, one of the engineers working to add more gates to the Lake Houston Dam. Finding hard information about this project has been difficult. But Mr. Eaton provided it. See budget, timeline and project milestones below.
Budget, timeline and project milestones for Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project.
Engineers hope to finish design and receive environmental approval by mid-2020. From there, TDEM and FEMA will review the plans and then hopefully release funds for construction. I asked Mr. Eaton whether there was a chance construction could NOT be approved. Answer: It’s possible, but very unlikely.
Details in Big Picture Context
I also talked at length with Matt Zeve, deputy executive director of Harris County Flood Control. Zeve, who has studied channel hydrology all his life, helped me understand why upstream communities don’t automatically benefit from projects that decrease downstream flood levels. He also helped me understand big picture issues, some of which weren’t even on my radar yet. For instance, how the extension of Highway 99 could affect flooding in Liberty County and on the East Fork twenty years from now.
David Parkhill, an author of the Brown & Root report published in 2000 was there, too. They called it a Regional Flood Protection Study back then. But it had the same objectives as the SJR Master Drainage Plan: to identify flood mitigation projects that will make a difference. Mr. Parkhill helped put the current effort in historical context. He was both fascinating and helpful!
Huffman Meeting on Thursday, 3-7:30 at May Community Center
If you missed the Kingwood meeting on Tuesday, I urge you to attend the Huffman meeting tomorrow. It will have all the same information and experts that the Kingwood meeting had. And it will be your last chance to visit an open house in this area until the next round of public comments next Spring.
The quality of input you give in this process will determine the quality of output you get.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May Community Center
2100 Wolf Road
Huffman, Texas 77336
The open house will include information about the following projects, studies, and efforts:
San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan
Kingwood Area Drainage Analysis
Huffman Area Drainage Analysis
Spring Creek Watershed Planning Study
Luce Bayou Watershed Planning Study
Willow Creek Watershed Planning Study
Jackson Bayou Watershed Planning Study
Cedar Bayou Tributary Analysis
SJRA-led Projects
City of Houston-led Projects
Harris County Permit Office
Harris County Engineering Department – Recovery and Resiliency Division
Hurricane Harvey Repair Efforts
Information about services provided by Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County and Montgomery County
The open house will last from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The format lets attendees arrive and participate at their convenience. No formal presentation will be made.
Provide Input on Master Drainage Plan
You can comment on the plans at the meeting in Huffman and throughout the duration of the study.
If you can’t attend in person, mail comments to:
Harris County Flood Control District
9900 Northwest Freeway
Houston, Texas 77092
Attn: San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan
For more information about the San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan, visit www.sanjacstudy.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/18/2019
841 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 90 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/GatesOutlineSml.jpg?fit=1200%2C919&ssl=19191200adminadmin2019-12-18 13:30:342019-12-18 13:45:24Kingwood Residents Go One on One with Flood Experts; Huffman Up Next
From December 16 -19, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and its partners will hold a series of open houses to familiarize people with the San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan (SJMDP). Residents may also give input at the meetings.
HCFCD, Montgomery County, the City of Houston, and the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), will host the open houses to provide information about the regional plan and other study efforts underway in the San Jacinto River watershed. Keeping them all straight is difficult!
Timeline for the San Jacinto River Watershed Master Drainage Plan as of 12/4/2019. Source: HCFCD.
More about the Master Drainage Plan
The SJMDP is jointly funded with 75 percent from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Planning Program and 25 percent from the four local partners.
Overall, the SJMDP aims to provide an up-to-date technical basis to identify flooding vulnerabilities for existing infrastructure and impacts from future growth to improve flood resiliency within the watershed. The SJMDP should complete in fall 2020.
The SJMDP study area covers nearly 3,000 square miles located in seven different counties and includes approximately 535 miles of stream.
Open House Dates/Times/Content
Flood Control will solicit public input and participation throughout the study. The first series of public open houses for this study effort will be held on the following dates and locations:
Tomball
Monday, December 16, 2019
3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lonestar Bekendorf Conference Center
30555 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, Texas 77375
Kingwood
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Kingwood, Texas 77345
Huffman
Thursday, December 19, 2019
3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May Community Center
2100 Wolf Road
Huffman, Texas 77336
All three meetings will have the same materials and format. Each open house will include information about the following projects, studies, and efforts in the region:
San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan
Kingwood Area Drainage Analysis
Huffman Area Drainage Analysis
Spring Creek Watershed Planning Study
Luce Bayou Watershed Planning Study
Willow Creek Watershed Planning Study
Jackson Bayou Watershed Planning Study
Cedar Bayou Tributary Analysis
SJRA-led Projects
City of Houston-led Projects
Harris County Permit Office
Harris County Engineering Department – Recovery and Resiliency Division
Hurricane Harvey Repair Efforts
Information about services provided by Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County and Montgomery County
The open houses will last from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The free-flowing meetings will have informational displays. Staff will answer questions. The open house format lets attendees arrive and participate at their convenience. No formal presentation will be made.
To Provide Input on Master Drainage Plan
You can comment on the plans at the public open houses and throughout the duration of the study.
If you can’t attend in person, mail comments to:
Harris County Flood Control District
9900 Northwest Freeway
Houston, Texas 77092
Attn: San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan
For more information about the San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan, visit www.sanjacstudy.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/4/2019
827 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 76 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-04-at-7.22.51-PM-e1575509569259.png?fit=1500%2C973&ssl=19731500adminadmin2019-12-04 19:35:392019-12-16 20:41:32Reminder: Public Open House for San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan
Earlier this week, I reported an improbable meeting in Huffman on the eve of Thanksgiving that showed promise to increase conveyance on Luce Bayou. This story is even more amazing holiday miracle. Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) crews worked on Thanksgiving Day to clear trees blocking Ben’s Branch.
HCFCD has a right to cut trees 50 feet on either side of the centerline of the Ben’s Branch and clearing started Thanksgiving week. Photo courtesy of Thomas Blailock.
I did not personally see them but received an email with images from Thomas Blailock Thursday. Blailock says, “The contractor is UFLGC from Ackerman, MS. They had 7 trucks and around 20 employees clearing on Thanksgiving Day. They have been here for 4-5 days.”
I saw evidence of their work at Tree Lane. The areas on either side of Bens Branch look like they got a haircut.
Such clearing reduces the chances that trees will fall into the creek during storms, get hung up on other trees and form “beaver dams” that back water up into neighborhoods.
The Community had mixed reaction to news of the agreement. Many were thankful for progress. Others felt the agreement didn’t go far enough. Many, like Blailock, hoped the creek could be widened or straightened.
Judging by how difficult it was to work out terms of this compromise, widening or straightening won’t happen any time soon – even as upstream development continues to dump more water faster into the creek.
An Alternative That Could Help
I have heard, however, that HCFCD has examined the possibility of widening the Kingwood Diversion ditch that runs down the western side of Woodland Hills and crosses under Kingwood Drive near the fire station. Preliminary reports from HCFCD indicate that a) their easement includes enough room to widen the ditch, b) no bridges would have to be widened (they were built with enough room under them to widen the ditch), and c) that could divert water from Ben’s Branch that would help reduce flooding along the creek.
Looking south down the diversion ditch from over Northpark Drive. That’s Woodland Hills on the left and Kings Mill on the right.Looking north along the diversion ditch toward where it intersects with Ben’s Branch in front of the new St. Martha Church. That’s Ben’s Branch crossing left to right, parallel with the power lines.HCFCD’s easement and the bridges are wide enough to widen the ditch without rebuilding the bridges. Note the extra room under the bridges on the right of the water.
Nothing is final yet. The Kingwood Area Drainage Assessment is not yet complete. So things could change. But don’t be surprised if you see this as a future recommendation.
For a full review of issues along Ben’s Branch from Kingwood Drive north past Northpark Drive and St. Martha’s new church, check out this thorough, thought-provoking presentation by Chris Bloch. It underscores the need to use all means possible to improve conveyance.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/30/2019 with help from Thomas Blailock and Chris Bloch
824 Days after Hurricane Harvey and 72 after Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_2245-002.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1480640adminadmin2019-11-29 19:15:412019-12-01 21:39:59HCFCD Crews Work on Thanksgiving Day to Clear Ben’s Branch
Harris County Flood Control District released its final report on Tropical Storm Imelda this morning. It’s a work of incredible scholarship. If you really want to know what made this storm different, this is a must read.
While Imelda was the fourth wettest storm in Texas history when measured by total rainfall, Imelda produced incredible short duration rainfall rates that exceeded Harvey in the 5-, 15-, and 30-minute time periods. And that is the key to understanding why more homes flooded in the 500-year floodplain than the 100-year floodplain.
Few Structures In Lake Houston Area Flooded from River
Says Jeff Lindner, Harris County meteorologist, “Much of the structure flooding that occurred in the Kingwood area was not a result of flooding from the river, but instead flooding of local drainage systems that were overwhelmed from the intense short duration rainfall rates. Harvey remains the flood of record along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.”
Almost Two-Thirds of Flooded Homes Outside 100-year Floodplain
Similar to other recent flooding events in Harris County a large number of flooded homes were located outside the 1% (100-yr) floodplain. Of the 3,990 homes flooded from Imelda, 2,479 (62%) were outside the 1% (100-yr) floodplain. 1,511 (38%) of the flooded homes were located inside the 1% (100-yr) floodplain.
“While house flooding did occur from creeks and bayous overflowing their banks, a large majority of the house flooding was a result of intense short duration rainfall rates overwhelming the internal drainage capacities and this is shown by the large number of homes that flooded outside the 1% (100-yr) floodplain,” says Lindner.
Rainfall Totals Throughout San Jacinto Watershed
See the actual rainfall measurements for gages throughout the San Jacinto Watershed below. All characterizations of floods (i.e., 100-year) are based on NOAA’s new Atlas 14 data.
San Jacinto River and Lake HoustonCypress CreekSpring CreekLuce BayouFlooding of Local Tributaries: Green = 10-50 yr flood, Yellow = 50-100 yr, Red = 100-500 yr, based on high water marks. 1-Hour Peaks throughout county. Note blue bullseye over US59 and Beltway 8. That’s a 500-year intensity rate.48 Hour Peaks throughout county. Notice extreme gradient from east to west. 28″ in northeast part of county and less than 2″ in the west.Regional map. Parts of Liberty, Chambers and Jefferson Counties received a 1000-year rain. As bad as Imelda was, Harris County escaped the worst part of the storm.
Details Provide Clues to Reasons for Flooding
The final Imelda report has thousands of statistics for just about every location in the county and every time period between 5 minutes and 48 hours. Scanning it may give you a feeling for why you flooded or why you did not.
Increasing Frequency of Extreme Storms
The report also contains a discussion the number of extreme storms that have hit this area recently. Some key stats:
Three of five wettest tropical cyclones in Texas history occurred in the last 20 years (Imelda, Harvey, Allison)
Among Texas storms, four of the top five occurred in southeast Texas (Imelda, Harvey, Allison, and Claudette).
Imelda is also the 5th wettest tropical cyclone ever in the 48 contiguous United States.
Six of the wettest tropical cyclones in US history have occurred in Texas.
Six of the 10 wettest occurred in the last 22 years.
Three of the 10 wettest occurred in the last three years (Imelda, Florence, Harvey).
The table below shows the top ten wettest tropical cyclones by location and year in the 48 contiguous states.
Source: Harris County Flood Control final report on Imelda.
When far more homes flood in the 500 year flood plain than the 100, it’s clear that our infrastructure is not equipped to handle the kind of storms we’re now getting.
We can no longer allow developers and engineering companies to bet on the best case scenarios when the worst case scenarios are becoming the norm. We must start building infrastructure to handle bigger storms. The old norms are failing us.
Adopt best practices for developers that require detention ponds to be built as each portion of a site is cleared, rather than waiting until the entire site is cleared.
Discourage building in 100-year floodplains by limiting the percentage of impervious cover and homes per acre, while increasing the amount of detention required and elevation beneath the homes.
Until MoCo Commissioners take these steps, they will continue to knowingly inflict pain, suffering and damage on downstream neighbors and their own residents.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/11/2019
804 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 55 since Imelda
The conclusions expressed in this post represent my opinions on matters of public policy 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/2019/11/County-1-Hour-Peak.png?fit=1290%2C1000&ssl=110001290adminadmin2019-11-11 12:00:152019-11-11 16:19:56Final Report on Imelda Says 62% of Flooding Outside of 100-Year Floodplain
After St. Martha’s Catholic School and Kids in Action almost flooded on a two inch rain earlier this week, I asked Harris County Flood Control a series of questions about Ben’s Branch. The questions covered a variety of topics. They included the Kingwood Drainage Assessment; flood mitigation alternatives along the creek; preservation of natural amenities; a maintenance agreement with Friendswood and Bear Branch Trail Association; timing for all of the above; and more.
St. Martha’s school on Tuesday after two inches of rain
Harris County Flood Control District continues to be a paragon of openness and transparency.Below: detailed answers to the questions people have been asking.
Q. Ben’s Branch is included in the Kingwood Drainage Assessment. When will that study be complete?
A. Our consultant is scheduled to submit the Draft Feasibility Report for HCFCD review in May 2020. We plan to hold a public meeting by early 2020 to present preliminary results and then a second meeting to present final results and recommendations for future actions.
Q. Will the consultant report findings on creeks “as they go” (one by one) or deliver one summary report at the end? (The concern: that they could sit on recommendations for months that might prevent flooding in the interim.)
A. We do not envision the alternative analysis to be completed on a creek by creek basis, but we are working to identify some initial projects that could be recommended for implementation prior to completion of the report.
This assessment is to determine level of service and make recommendations for projects to move into preliminary engineering once this assessment has concluded. Some projects might require partnerships to implement.
Q. I understand that you are close to reaching a maintenance agreement with Friendswood for the natural portion of Ben’s Branch between North Park and Kingwood Drive. Can you send me a copy of the proposed maintenance agreement or, as a backup, summarize the key features?
We are seeking an easement from the Bear Branch Trail Association, with a waiver from Friendswood Development Company, to perform desnag activities for stormwater conveyance purposes on the portion of Bens Branch between Woodland Hills and Kingwood Drive where we currently have no property rights; that is, from approximately 1,500 feet downstream of Woodland Hills to approximately 3,000 feet upstream of Kingwood Drive. Please go to the Interactive Maps of Kingwood Assessment Area on our website and look at the fuchsia line along Bens Branch on the “Channel Right-of-Way in the Kingwood Area” map.
We will share the easement language once it has been finalized.
Q. How long have you been working on this easement?
Since October 24, 2018.
Q. How will this easement differ from your normal easements?
When Friendswood Development Company granted fee ownership of this portion of Bens Branch to the Bear Branch Trail Association, they retained certain rights and set specific restrictions on the property that would make it impossible for HCFCD to perform its necessary flood control responsibilities.
This agreement is different because the Friendswood Development Company wants to restrict HCFCD’s rights to “widen, deepen, enlarge, straighten, or smooth the channel in such a way as to increase channel capacity.”
HCFCD has been working to negotiate the right to enter this property and complete channel maintenance operations for drainage purposes, while still maintaining the aesthetics that are important to both the Friendswood Development Company and the Bear Branch Trail Association. HCFCD will request the right to review plans for future improvements placed within the channel (e.g., bridges and low water crossings).
HCFCD cannot allow activities that could increase the risk of flooding where we spend public dollars.
Q. What were Friendswood’s concerns?
They wanted no alteration of the channel geometry and to retain the ability to add trails, bridges, and other structures without obtaining permits from HCFCD.
Q. Will the maintenance described in the agreement be enough to restore conveyance of Ben’s Branch so that it doesn’t flood surrounding homes and businesses?
We plan to perform desnag operations to remove obstructions so that stormwater can be conveyed efficiently. HCFCD can’t guarantee that flooding won’t occur in surrounding homes and businesses. HCFCD can selectively remove vegetation along the banks and other debris in the channel to increase the capacity of the channel to convey stormwater downstream.
Q. What will it take to avoid flooding? Said another way, what obstacles do you face in restoring conveyance?
Before we can perform these activities, we need to have property rights and the ability to safely access the site.
Q. What would Harris County Flood Control prescribe for Ben’s Branch to protect people from flooding?
We have not formally begun our process to identify alternatives; however, we expect to explore these alternatives for the Bens Branch channel:
Expanding the Kingwood diversion ditch from 150 feet to approximately 300 to use more of the right of way. Because the Kingwood diversion channel diverts water from the Montgomery County portion of the upper Bens Branch watershed, and there appears to be available capacity in the diversion channel, we will look into whether diverting more flow down the diversion channel would result in reduced flows along Bens Branch. Please note that we anticipate that this option would require a stormwater detention basin along the lower limits of the diversion channel.
Effectiveness of building stormwater detention basins in the upper Bens Branch watershed (Montgomery County side). This will only be feasible if large undeveloped tracts are identified for possible future basins.
Evaluation of channel conveyance improvement needs along the entirety of Bens Branch. Some improvements may need to be considered on portions of the channel within which HCFCD has no legal authority to work. If this is the case, HCFCD would coordinate with the property owners to determine what improvements could be completed.
Q. Are there compromises that would provide protection from flooding without destruction of the natural amenities which residents also value? I realize this may involve a discussion of degrees of protection.
As part of this study, HCFCD will be identifying alternatives to provide 100-year level of protection within the channels, using the rainfall rates from the newly adopted Atlas 14. These alternatives will identify the magnitude of improvements necessary to handle approximately 18 inches of rainfall runoff in a 24 hour period.
There are times that flood risk reduction competes with natural and public amenities; when that occurs, HCFCD works to minimize impacts to natural amenities. Once alternatives are identified, Kingwood Area residents will have a chance to voice their opinions and concerns with our alternatives. Please note that at some point it might become necessary for the Kingwood community to decide between higher levels of flood protection and maintenance of existing amenities.
Q. Do you have any idea yet why St. Martha’s and Kids in Action almost flooded on a one year rain? What has changed in your opinion?
We do not have any formal findings as to the potential causes for the excessive ponding along Bens Branch near the Kids in Action / St. Martha’s area. The intensity of the rainfall contributed to the ponding; inlets are typically designed to handle approximately 1” per hour, and when the rainfall intensity exceeds this, there is ponding in streets and parking lots.
It also appears that there may be a downstream blockage since extremely slow velocities were seen in the water in this area and there are much lower water surface elevations in the Bens Branch channel sections further downstream. HCFCD has contacted the Bear Branch Trail Association to ask them to assess their channel and remove any blockages.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/1/2019 with help from Beth Walters of HCFCD
794 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 43 since Imelda
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Today, Harris County Flood Control contractors demolished the townhomes on Aqua Vista Street in Forest Cove. Flooded during Harvey, then abandoned and vandalized, they burned the week before July 4th this year.
Townhomes flooded by Harvey, were burned during the week before the Fourth of July.Today, there’s nothing left. See below.
Only a tiny pile of rubble and some steel girders remain of that block of townhomes this afternoon. They should be gone by the end of the day.The demolition crew was scooping up the last of the structural beams when I photographed the site today.Into a giant truck they went.Tomorrow, there will be nothing left here but faded dreams of happier times.
Update on Remainder of Buyouts
HCFCD has purchased 80% of the townhomes on Aqua Vista St., Marina Drive and Timberline Court. There are 16 units remaining to purchase.
“We’ve demolished three buildings and four more will be demolished by the end of November,” said Matt Zeve, Deputy Director of Harris County Flood Control. “To date, we’ve spent approximately $4.1 million for all costs (appraisal, purchase price, closing cost, relocation, and demolition).”
“A FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) resulting from Hurricane Harvey is partially funding this acquisition. 75% of the cost is from the federal HMGP grant and 25% (plus some relocation costs) is funded by HCFCD. The estimated costs of the townhome buyouts, once complete, will total approximately $5M.” said Zeve.
“HCFCD hopes to complete all acquisition and demolition by the end of 2020,” he said.
Bittersweet Memories
Despite persistent flooding problems, right up until Harvey, many families loved the river lifestyle that these townhomes offered. Since then, they have become an eyesore, a haven for squatters, and a dumping ground. While many former owners and renters will lament the loss of these townhomes, they will also understand the need to move on.
At tonight’s Town Hall meeting at the Kingwood Community Center, the Houston Parks Board will talk about plans for this area. They include a green belt trail to connect the Spring Creek greenway to the Kingwood trail network through Forest Cove.
The Town Hall meeting starts at 6:30 pm.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/17/2019 with help from Matt Zeve, Harris County Flood Control
779 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 28 since Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/RJR_3749.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500adminadmin2019-10-17 17:22:252019-10-17 17:38:49HCFCD Demolishes Flooded, Burned, Vandalized Townhomes on Aqua Vista in Forest Cove Today
Jeff Lindner, meteorologist for Harris County Flood Control, has issued a 29-page report packed with statistics that puts Imelda in a historical context.
Contents of Imelda Report
The report starts out by summarizing what happened when and where during Imelda. It discusses far more than rainfall; it covers high water rescues, fatalities and more.
“Imelda demonstrated the susceptibility of the area to intense short duration rainfall rates,” says Lindner. That pretty much sums up the storm, but not the report.
Imelda Inch by Inch
“Lake Houston and 20.0-30.0 inches from Crosby to Huffman. 12-hr storm totals averaged 6.0-10.0 inches from the Spring Branch area to Lake Houston and 13.0-18.0 inches from Crosby to Huffman. 3-hr storm totals averaged 6.0-10.0 inches from northwest Houston to Huffman. 1-hr storm totals averaged 4.0-6.0 inches from Humble to northwest Houston including a maximum 1-hr total of 6.4 inches at Greens Bayou and US 59 and a 2-hr total of 9.2 inches. While just outside of Harris County, a 48-hr rainfall of 30.4 inches was recorded on the East Fork of the San Jacinto River at FM 2090 in the Plum Grove area,” says Lindner.
Comparing Imelda to Allison and Harvey
Many people have asked how Imelda compared to Harvey and Allison. It’s all in there. With max rainfall totals for each storm ranging from 5-minutes to four days. That was particularly illuminating in terms of explaining why some people flooded during one storm and not the other.
The report also includes:
A comparison of recent extreme rainfalls in Harris County for all those who worry we are on the verge of the apocalypse.
An analysis of overbook flooding for East and West Forks of the San Jacinto, Lake Houston, and other bayous.
House flooding estimates
High water marks
Rainfall intensity reports for multiple locations across the region
Contour maps showing rainfall intensities around the county
762 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 11 Days since Imelda
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In June and July, Harris County Flood Control cleared the upper portion of Ben’s Branch near Northpark Drive and Woodland Hills. Now, excavation of the lower portion of Ben’s Branch between Kingwood Drive and the YMCA on West Lake Houston Parkway has begun.
Looking south from the Kingwood Drive Bridge over Ben’s Branch. Fuddrucker’s and Remax are out of frame to the left.
One of the Largest Drainage Features in Kingwood
Ben’s Branch is one of the major drainage features in Kingwood. The purpose of the project: to restore conveyance. The stream/ditch cuts diagonally through the center of the community from the new St. Martha Church to King’s Harbor. Thousands of homes and businesses depend on Ben’s Branch to evacuate storm water efficiently.
Prior to Harvey, the ditch had not been cleared out in decades. It had become seriously clogged from erosion. Kingwood badly needs this maintenance.
Damages Near Ben’s Branch
During Harvey, Ben’s Branch contributed to the flooding of:
Every business in Kingwood’s busy Town Center area
Every home in the Enclave
Hundreds of homes in Kings Forest, Bear Branch, Foster’s Mill and Kingwood Greens
Kingwood Country Club’s Forest Course and Golf Advantage School
The Kingwood YMCA and Library
Kingwood High School
Hundreds of apartments
Twelve seniors in Kingwood Village Estates also died as a result of injuries sustained during evacuation or the stress of dealing with condos that the storm destroyed.
Construction will last through the end of the year. HCFCD will remove approximately 77,000 cubic yards of sediment. Crews began work at Kingwood Drive and are heading downstream. They have not yet reached the point where Ben’s Branch turns east, cuts under West Lake Houston Parkway, and then curves around the Y to head south again.
The project extends from Kingwood Drive downstream to 1,800 linear feet downstream of West Lake Houston Parkway.
HCFCD project started at the red line and is heading south.
Example of how badly Ben’s Branch has become silted. Approximately 70-80% of the conveyance was lost. The little orange dot in the upper center of the frame is a member of the HCFCD survey crew. Image taken last spring, looking west from West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge.
Traffic and Other Impacts
Construction equipment will access the work area via the established access points from Kingwood Drive, Bens View, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Denmere. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.
In order to repair and remove sediment from Ben’s Branch, the contractor will need to remove some trees and vegetation along Bens Branch, and in areas designated for access to the channel from the public road right of way.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BensBranch_04.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500adminadmin2019-09-12 12:31:172019-09-12 12:31:25Excavation of Lower Portion of Ben’s Branch Kicking into High Gear
Beginning last year, developers clear cut the area upstream of the Harris County line without sediment control measures in place. That let erosion from the Woodridge Village property (see below) clog Taylor Gully with sediment.
Photo taken after May 7th flood showed massive erosion over large parts of Woodridge Village. Dirt from this area washed through the culvert in the background which had no erosion control measures in place at the time.
Cleaning that sediment out of Taylor Gully will help restore the natural conveyance of the ditch and reduce future flood risk to Harris County residents.
Video courtesy of Jeff Miller. It looks up Taylor Gully toward the Montgomery County Line in the background and then pans downstream toward Rustling Elms. He was standing with his back to Creek Manor.The culvert you see at the start of this shot is the same culvert in the background of the erosion photo above.
Reducing Flood Risk
Approximately 200 homes adjacent to this ditch flooded on May 7th. Residents appreciate every extra margin of safety they can get, especially since Perry homes and its subsidiaries are far from finished with installing detention upstream.
It was less than a week ago that Harris County commissioners accepted the right of way agreement. That allowed flood control to begin this project. Hats off to to the hard and fast working people at HCFCD!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/16/2019 with video from Jeff Miller
686 Days since Hurricane Harvey
All thoughts expressed in this post are my opinions on matters of public policy 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/2019/07/MaintenanceBeginsTaylorGully.jpg?fit=1500%2C840&ssl=18401500adminadmin2019-07-15 22:07:082019-07-15 22:07:14Excavation of Taylor Gully Began Monday
