You may be aware that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) are currently engaged in the feasibility phase of a so-called Section 216 study (from Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970), called the "
Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study". The $6 million study is aimed at flood risk management. The scope is to address residual risks associated with flood risk impacts to structures in the pool area upstream of both reservoirs and downstream along Buffalo Bayou.
Potential flood risk management measures include:
- Additional reservoir/dam
- Increased reservoir storage capacity
- Reservoir water level equalization
- Improved outlet discharge capacity
- Improved inflow and outlet discharge channels
- Acquisition of flowage easements and buyouts
- Changes in dam operation plan
- Harris County may develop ways to better inform residents of their risks
The potential measures include both structural and non-structural changes:
Structural:
- Tunnels
- Bypass
- Diversion
- Levees
- New Reservoir/Dam
- Detention
- Channel Improvements
- Sedimentation Basin
- Increase Reservoir Storage
- Auxiliary Spillway Improvements
- Modify Existing Discharge Capacity
- Relocation of Auxiliary Spillway
Non-Structural:
- Change Release Schedules in the Addicks and Barker Water Control Manual
- Buyout/Acquisition
- Dry/Wet Flood Proofing
- Flood Warning Systems
- Signage
- Public Education/Outreach about Risk
- Update Emergency Action Plan/Hazard maps
In connection with the study, five public engagement meetings have been scheduled (you are welcome to attend any or all of the meetings):
April 30, 2019, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Kingsland Baptist Church Activity Center
20555 Kingsland Blvd.
Katy, TX 77450
May 2, 2019, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
St. John Vianney Catholic Church Activity Center
625 Nottingham Oaks Trail
Houston, TX 77079
May 7, 2019, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Trini Mendenhall Community Center
1414 Wirt Rd.
Houston, TX 77055
May 8, 2019, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
University of Houston Downtown
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
3rd Floor (Main St. Level) of Academic Building
1 Main St., A350
Houston, TX 77002
May 9, 2019, 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Cypress Ridge High School
9th grade cafeteria
7900 N. Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77041
For additional information, contact the USACE project manager:
Andrew Weber, P.E.
(409) 766-3118
