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
Rumors of a Ben’s Branch agreement between Bear Branch Trail Association, Friendswood and Harris County Flood Control District have circulated for weeks. On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, the deal became official when Diane Trautman, the Harris County Clerk, recorded the easement. Here is exactly what the easement does and doesn’t allow the various parties to do along Ben’s Branch.
Ben’s Branch below St. Martha’s Catholic School is characterized by hairpin turns and trees growing right down to and into the stream.
49-Page Ben’s Branch Easement Finally Signed
The easement is like a contract that spells out the rights, obligations and limitations of each party.
Bear Branch Trail Association Rights and Obligations
This is an agreement between three parties that modifies the original deed of gift between Friendswood and the Bear Branch Trail Association (BBTA).
BBTA:
Gives Harris County Flood Control the right to operate in an area 100 feet wide, 50 feet on either side of the creek’s centerline.
Retains the right to maintain and operate existing trails, bridges, low water crossings.
May construct, install, maintain and operate new trails in the easement area as long as they don’t obstruct water flow, cause erosion or hinder HCFCD’s “de-snagging” efforts. De-snagging is the removal of trees that have fallen or are falling into the creek.
Must share plans for new trails, bridges, etc. with HCFCD and HCFCD must approve them before any construction begins.
Acknowledges that HCFCD equipment may damage trails and agrees not to hold HCFCD liable for repairs.
Remains solely responsible for the safe condition and maintenance within the easement area and for repairs to any damage.
This low water crossing north of Bear Branch Elementary may not be removed according to the terms of the easement.Some observers have noted trees “spearing” into the narrow culverts and backing water up.But HCFCD cuts trees into small enough sections to let them pass through such openings.
Harris County Flood Control Rights and Obligations
HCFCD may:
Perform de-snagging operations related to flood control and drainage.
Clear, cut, drop, stack and stockpile trees, shrubs, vines, and vegetation for the sole purpose of flood control.
Grade and stabilize banks to protect against erosion and maintain drainage.
Plant grass, or use rip rap or man-made materials to reduce bank erosion.
Trees constantly fall into Ben’s Branch because of bank erosion. When floating trees catch on other trees or roots during floods in the narrow channel, they can form “beaver dams” that back water up into adjoining streets, homes and businesses.
HCFCD can/will NOT:
Widen, deepen, enlarge, straighten or smooth the channel in such a way as to increase channel capacity.
Maintain or repair trails or bridges, but may repair erosion that threatens them.
HCFCD has no responsibility to repair or replace storm sewer outfalls or to repair erosion around them.
Friendswood Agrees to All of Above Plus…
Friendswood agrees to all of the above. Friendswood also agrees that the terms of the easement will not trigger the automatic reversion of ownership from BBTA to Friendswood that the original deed of gift specified.
Signatories
John Hammond of Friendswood signed the easement on Monday, November 11, 2019.
Kathryn Palmer, president of BBTA signed it on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
Diane Trautman, the Harris County Clerk signed and recorded it on November 13, 2019.
Roadblocks to Flood Control Maintenance Now Removed
This means that Flood Control can now begin de-snagging and other maintenance activities within 50 feet of either side of Ben’s Branch. The area affected lies between Woodland Hills Drive and Kingwood Drive.
Geographic Limitations
North Park, Woodland Hills, Kingwood Drive and West Lake Houston Parkway define the boundaries of BBTA.
Other community and commercial associations control the creek outside of those boundaries. But those areas are already channelized and maintained by HCFCD for the most part.
Note: Those who don’t live within these boundaries may be confused by the names. Ben’s Branch is the name of the creek that runs through Bear Branch Village, Kings Forest and Hunters Ridge. The Bear Branch Trail Association overlaps all three of the community associations, but technically has nothing to do with them. BBTA is solely responsible for the greenbelts and greenbelt trails. It has nothing to do with swimming pools or deed restrictions. This can differ in other parts of Kingwood.
Compromise Between Natural Aesthetics and Flood-Risk Reduction
Everyone should realize that this easement represents a compromise. Any loss of natural aesthetics is the price of reducing flood risk to their neighbors. The three parties worked on this for more than a year.
Parts of the greenbelt will be thinned out, but you shouldn’t see wholesale widening of the creek into a massive channel. As a consequence, people who live along the creek should realize that this doesn’t offer the highest degree of flood protection. But it does help protect both greenbelts and property owners much more than before.
St. Martha Catholic School, Kids In Action, and homes on either side of the creek that flooded should be optimistic about this agreement.
The densely forested nature of the preserve along each side of the creek will look less dense. However…
The Ben’s Branch greenbelt is a minimum of 300 feet wide. In most places, it’s 400-600 feet wide. And in some places, it measures as much as 800 feet wide. This agreement affects only 100-feet.
Thus, two-thirds to seven-eighths of the natural area will remain the way it looks now. That sounds like a reasonable price to pay for helping to protect neighbors and property values in the entire neighborhood.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/17/2019
810 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 59 since Imelda
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RJR_3839.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500adminadmin2019-11-16 21:17:222019-11-16 21:19:06Text of Ben’s Branch Agreement Between Bear Branch Trail Association, Friendswood and HCFCD
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has demolished more bought-out townhome complexes in Forest Cove in the last few weeks. Contractors leveled the areas circled in white below and carried away the debris.
That means HCFCD has removed approximately 40% of the total units already.
According to Flood Control, buyouts in a situation like Forest Cove are complex. They can take longer than normal because HCFCD must close on EACH unit in a complex before they can demolish ANY.
Going, Going, Gone
Architects designed the lower floors of these units to flood. But during Harvey, water reached well into the second floors.
Residents once labored over homes now reduced to rubble.They could soon make way for a linear park, being proposed by the City of Houston Parks Board.
Future Plans for Area
When HCFCD completes the buyouts and demolition process for each complex, the area will revert to some kind of green space. It could return to nature or it could turn into a park. The Houston Parks Board has made several presentations to KSA and the Forest Cove Property Owners Association about building a linear park. The park would connect the Kingwood Trail Network to the Spring Creek Greenway via the Bevil Jarrell Memorial pedestrian bridge over the San Jacinto River.
From Buyouts to Beautiful
If the Parks Board, City and Harris County can pull this off, it would turn a negative into a positive. I don’t mean to disrespect the memories of the proud people who once carved out beautiful lifestyles near the river. But since Harvey, the flood-ravaged townhomes became a haven for looters, squatters, graffiti artists and illegal dumpers. It’s best to let go of the memories and move on at this point. HCFCD has a process for turning areas like this into recreational amenities.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/16/2016
809 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FC-Townhome-Demo-1.jpg?fit=1500%2C1125&ssl=111251500adminadmin2019-11-16 15:06:452019-11-16 15:06:57HCFCD Demolishes More Townhomes in Forest Cove
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
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_3513-1.jpg?fit=960%2C1280&ssl=11280960adminadmin2019-11-01 17:02:302019-11-01 17:20:59Q&A with HCFCD on Ben’s Branch Flooding Issues
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
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has nearly completed restoration of Taylor Gully between Bassingham and the Montgomery County line. At least one drain pipe still needs to be installed and some dirt needs to be removed. But the drainage ditch itself is looking much better.
Taylor Gully Excavated, New Pipe Installed
Said Jeff Miller, an Elm Grove resident tracking the work, said, “Most all grading and sediment removal is complete. It looks like they are finishing rebuilding and installing one last backslope interceptor pipe. In all, I counted 8 new pipes and 2 cleared pipes, the majority on the west side of the gully.”
Looking south into Taylor Gully from the culvert that separates Woodridge Village and Elm Grove. This ditch had become clogged from upstream erosion.But now, HCFCD has almost totally restored conveyance. All images courtesy of Jeff Miller.
New Drain Pipe Work Nearly Complete
HCFCD reset this inlet behind Abel and Nancy Vera’s backyard. New backslpoe interceptor pipe with concrete structure not yet poured; end of metal pipe will be trimmed flush with concrete.Drain pipe exits have been cleared.Some were totally submerged in sediment.Soil near Rustic Elms still needs to be removed and replacement pipe installed.
Thank You, HCFCD!
A big shout out to the men, women and contractors of the Harris County Flood Control District for excellent work. It will help protect hundreds of homes that flooded on May 7.
Posted by Bob Rehak and Jeff Miller
734 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_2848.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2019-09-02 09:07:042019-09-02 09:07:14Upstream Section of Taylor Gully Nearly Restored
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) needs your help. Hold your fire. Someone is shooting up their equipment on Taylor Gully. The District is performing a clean-out of the ditch to restore its conveyance so people won’t flood again, as they did on May 7th.
Harris County Flood Control is now trying to restore the conveyance of Taylor Gully, but vandals are shooting up their equipment.
Slowing Down the Job, Raising Expenses
Sandra Musgrove, Director of HCFCD’s Infrastructure Division, reports that at night, Flood Control places metal sheets over the windows of their equipment to prevent vandalism. But now, instead of throwing rocks, vandals have taken their game to the next level. They’re SHOOTING out the windows.
Harris County Flood Control asked me to communicate that this adds to the cost of jobs and slows them down. That increases people’s flood risk. Plus it’s just not neighborly. So please help.
Lock Up Your Guns, Report Suspicious Activity
Keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious activity. Chances are, anyone you see packing on Taylor Gully late at night is hunting for heavy equipment. However, I have noticed some Texas-sized bullfrogs now and then in Taylor Gully.
Seriously. It’s a crime to discharge a firearm within the City. And if caught, something like this could ruin a young person’s life.
So lock up your guns. Hold your fire. And please report suspicious activity to 911.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/15/2019
716 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Backhoe.jpg?fit=1500%2C840&ssl=18401500adminadmin2019-08-14 21:37:242019-08-14 21:37:33“Hold Your Fire! It’s Flood Control!”
Great news! Tuesday, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a $700,000 contract with Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for a Kingwood Area drainage study. The engineering firm will identify flooding sources in the Kingwood area and develop potential solutions.
Data shows that portions of Kingwood have potential for significant offsite flows from Montgomery County as well as ponding locations due to inadequate overland flow conveyance. Said another way, new upstream development is taxing Kingwood’s drainage infrastructure. This project will help ensure that a 100-year flood plain remains a 100-year flood plain, and doesn’t turn into a 10-, 20- or 50-year flood plain.
Area of investigation outlined in red.
Drainage Study Details Outlined in Contract
The contract for the work indicates its scope and details. Discussion of those begins in Appendix A on page 14. The goal of the study is to identify mitigation strategies that will return 12.4 miles of existing drainage ditches and streams within Kingwood to their originally designed 100-year service levels.
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) entered into an interlocal agreement with TIRZ 10 (Kingwood) to perform a drainage study of five main Kingwood streams to their confluence with the West and East Forks of the San Jacinto River. The five include:
G103-33-00 Bens Branch – From Rocky Woods Drive to WFSR (Length= 3.1 miles)
G103-33-01 – From North park Drive to the confluence with Bens Branch (Length= 1.3 miles)
G103-38-00 (Kingwood Diversion Ditch)- From Harris County Boundary to WFSR (Length = 4.0 miles)
G103-80-01 (Green Tree Ditch) – From Woodland View Dr to the EFSR (Length= 1.5 miles)
G103-80-03.1B (Taylor Gully)- From Harris County Boundary to Whiteoak Creek (Length= 2.5 miles)
Flood Control Will Fund Remainder of Streams/Ditches
In addition to the interlocal agreement, Harris County Flood Control District will also study all remaining streams and ditches within the Kingwood Area. Those include another 19.9 miles:
G103-33-00 Bens Branch – From Harris County Boundary to Rocky Woods Drive (Length = 2.2 miles)
G103-33-02 – From North park Drive to the confluence with Bens Branch (Length= 0.2 miles)
G103-33-03 – From Hidden Pines Dr. to the confluence with Bens Branch (Length= 0.1 miles)
G103-33-04 – From W Lake Houston Pkway to the confluence with Bens Branch (Length= 1.2 miles)
G103-36-00 (Bear Branch)- From Woodland Hills Dr. to WFSR (Length= 2.7 miles)
G103-36-01 – From Woods Estates Dr. to the confluence with Bear Branch (Length= 0.8 miles)
G103-36-02 – From Woodland Hills Dr. to the confluence with Bear Branch (Length = 0.9 miles)
G103-36-02.1- From Kingwood Dr. to the confluence with Bear Branch (Length= 0.4 miles)\
G103-36-03- From Royal Circle Dr. to the confluence with Bear Branch (Length= 0.4 miles)
G103-38-01- From Laurel Springs Ln. to the confluence with Kingwood Diversion Ditch (Length= 1.3 miles)
G103-38-01.1- From Red Oak Terrace Ct. to the confluence with Kingwood Diversion Ditch (Length = 0.4 miles)
G103-38-02- From Harris County Line to the confluence with Kingwood Diversion Ditch (Length= 0.7 miles)
G103-39-00- From Palmetto Ln. to the WFSR (Length= 1.3 miles)
G103-41-00 (Sand Branch) – From Sycamore Creek Dr. to the WFSR (Length= 2.0 miles)
G103-41-01- From Elk Creek Dr. to the confluence with Sand Branch (Length= 0.8 miles)
G103-45-00- From Trail Tree Ln. to the WFSR (Length= 0.4 miles)
G103-46-00- From Forest Cove Dr. to the WFSR (Length = 1.0 miles)
G103-46-01- From Sweet Gum Ln. to the confluence with G103-46-00 (Length= 0.7 miles)
G103-80-01.1- From Autumn Sage Ln. to the confluence with Green Tree Ditch (Length= 0.3 miles)
G103-80-03.1A (Mills Branch) – From Same Way to Whiteoak Creek (Length = 1.5 miles)
G103-80-04 (Blackland Gully) – From Maple Knob Ct. to the EFSR (Length = 0.6 miles)
The scope of work includes several stakeholder meetings with TIRZ 10, homeowner associations, and the community at large. Their purpose: to increase public awareness and understanding of the magnitude of the watershed problems, their complexities and the cost of solutions.
Drainage Study Data Acquisition Phase
The contractor will start by collecting all available information and data including:
Construction plans
Previous drainage studies
HCFCD historical flooding data
High Water Marks
Watershed Masterplan data
FEMA Repetitive Loss properties
Flooding reports
LiDAR DEM data
Aerial maps
HCFCD watershed maps
Hydrologic and hydraulic models
City of Houston GIMS data
Any other pertinent technical data in the development of this scope of services.
Field Reconnaissance Phase
Neel-Schaffer engineers will then conduct field reconnaissance of the existing drainage systems, outfalls, and drainage patterns within the project area. That will include field measurements of 27 bridge crossings, 32 culvert crossings, 16 pedestrian bridge crossings and 6 drop structures to be incorporated in the development of hydraulic models.
During this stage, Neel-Schaffer will also measure high water marks; update floodplains; and analyze stream performance and capacity to illustrate flooding issues to the County, TIRZ and community.
Identification of Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation Alternatives
The Engineer will determine structural and non-structural improvement alternatives to bring all streams back up to the 100-year level-of-service.
Neel-Schaffer will perform this analysis using full conveyance at peak flows. Engineers will identify the major constraints that affect the available solutions for each stream.
They will then consider both structural and non-structural alternatives for mitigation.
Structural Alternatives
Structural alternatives include:
Improved drainage channels including widening, deepening, and/or lining for increased conveyance capacity.
Watershed diversions using enclosed conduits (following existing roadway alignments or other public ROW).
New regional or sub-regional detention basins and modification of existing detention basins including inlet and/or outlet structures.
Enhanced conveyance using selectective clearing and re-shaping of natural channels.
Enhanced flood storage in natural and park areas using small-scale berms and grading.
Non-Structural Alternatives
Non-Structural Alternatives include:
Property buy-outs.
Coordinated ROW dedications for future improved channels and regional detention basins.
Regional detention fees for new development.
Drainage Study Will Consider Detention Ponds
This contract includes identifying detention needs, identifying potential locations, and developing schematic layouts of the detention ponds. It also includes:
Proposed Right of Way acquisition
Preliminary Cost Estimates
A project priority and implementation plan
It is not clear at this point how long this project will take.
This post is dedicated to Barbara Hillburn, the president of the Kingwood Lakes HOA, who fought long and hard to get a project like this started. Thank you, Barbara!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/14/2019 with thanks to Barbara Hillburnand Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle
715 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kingwood-Drainage-Study-Area.jpg?fit=1366%2C1088&ssl=110881366adminadmin2019-08-14 15:55:322019-08-14 15:55:43Harris County Commissioners Approve $700,000 Kingwood Area Drainage Study
Good news! Jason Krahn with the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced that the District will start restoring conveyance capacity to Bens Branch beginning August 19, 2019. The contractor’s official start date is that Monday, but it will take several days to move equipment to the site. “So the citizens of Kingwood should see the contractor on site by midweek,” said Krahn.
Project Scope
The project will include removing and disposing of approximately 76,285 cubic yards of sediment accumulations. This will be a multi-step process. First, HCFCD’s contractor, Solid Bridge Construction, LLC, must remove the soil from the creek. Then the soil must drain and dry. Finally, dump trucks will remove the excavated material.
Scope of Ben’s Branch project outlined in red.
The project will extend from Kingwood Drive south to the library, then east under West Lake Houston Parkway to the YMCA, then south again to an area adjacent to Deerwood Country Club. It will stop 1800 feet from the river where the the ditch flattens out into a natural stream, near the Y canoe launch.
Sedimentation restricting the conveyance of Ben’s Branch between the library and West Lake Houston Parkway. Looking west from bridge.
The east/west portion of this project above became severely silted during Harvey, contributing to flooding in Kingwood Greens, Town Center, the Enclave, Kingwood Village Estates. A dozen seniors died in Kingwood Village Estates from injuries sustained during the evacuation or from the stress of seeing their homes destroyed when they returned.
City Portion of Ditch South of Y Not Included
The City of Houston reports that it has not yet secured maintenance easements from adjoining property owners south of the Y.
Most of the ditch adjoins property owned by the Clubs of Kingwood. Here’s what it looks like from a drone. My thanks to Jim Zura of Zura Productions for his time and expertise in securing this footage.
Ben’s Branch out of the YMCA looking toward Lake Houston. HCFCD project does NOT include this portion which is controlled by the City of Houston. Note the dredge operation in the distance at the end of this video. Drone footage courtesy of Jim Zura, Zura Productions.
For more information about the project, consult the Kingwood pages of the HCFCD website. The project ID is # G103-33-00-X004 – Bens Branch Conveyance Restoration.
Krahn expects the lower portion of Ben’s Branch to take 9 months. 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 should stay on high alert for truck traffic when passing near construction access points.
Expect Extra Traffic
The average commercial dump truck holds ten to fourteen cubic yards. So this project could result in 5,500 to more than 7,000 round-trips before its over.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/12/2019 with video from Jim Zura of Zura Productions
713 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/g103-33-00-map_web.jpg?fit=600%2C413&ssl=1413600adminadmin2019-08-12 16:44:492019-08-12 16:59:52Ben’s Branch Clean Out to Begin August 19
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is nearing completion of its project to clean out Taylor Gully. The project will restore the ditch’s conveyance through Elm Grove. The ditch had become clogged due, in large part, to erosion from months of clear-cutting and construction activities immediately upstream in the new Woodridge Village development.
After the Flood, but Before the Clean-Out
Below, several shots taken shortly after the May 7th flood.
Erosion on Woodridge Village property. Concrete culvert in background is entrance to Taylor Gully on Harris County side of Montgomery County Line. Another shot of erosion leading to culvert, visible in upper right.Looking north at same culvert from Harris County side of county line.Flood debris carried downstream into Elm Grove portion of Taylor GullyShot taken at end of May looking south along Taylor Gully. Three weeks after the May 7 flood.
After the Clean-Out
What a difference some backhoes and bulldozers can make!
Looking south from same area today, but from opposite side of Gully. Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.
Re-contoured backslope swale with new culvert. Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.
Newly cleared Taylor Gulley Backslope Swale near the homes that flooded in North Kingwood Forest. Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.
Brand new backslope interceptor structure and improved swale by HCFCD located just north of Creek Manor where it dead ends into Taylor Gulley.Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller.
These backslope interceptor swales reduce erosion, provide additional floodwater storage, and help prevent floodwaters from impacting structures.
One Month From Statistical Peak of Hurricane Season
Today is one month from the peak of hurricane season – September 11. Hundreds of people in Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest will have an additional margin of safety thanks to HCFCD’s Taylor Gully project. Despite three months of near-perfect construction weather, Perry Homes’ contractors have only completed two of five planned detention ponds upstream. More on the construction status of Woodridge Village in my next post.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/11/2019 with photography from Jeff Miller
712 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 3 months + 4 days since the May 7th flood
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_2731.jpeg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1480640adminadmin2019-08-11 07:44:082019-08-11 07:44:20Before-After Shots of Clean-Out: HCFCD Restoring Conveyance of Taylor Gully In Elm Grove
