June 26, 2022
Harris County Flood Control District had a virtual public meeting on June 16 to report on Phase 2 of their studies on large diameter stormwater conveyance tunnels. The Phase 2 study focused on tunnel feasibility, appropriate tunnel dimensions, projected cost, and which bayous in the area might be suitable for tunnels. The types of stormwater tunnels that are being considered would be 30-45 ft. in diameter, extend approximately 9-25 miles in length, and be constructed 80-100 ft. underground. The study evaluated 23 Harris County watersheds and identified 11 watersheds where tunnels would likely be most effective and beneficial. Phase 2 did not address specifics about actual tunnel configuration, design, or environmental impacts. Those aspects will be addressed in coming Phase 3 studies. It is projected that Phase 3 Studies, once begun, could take up to three years to complete.
Link to video recording of the June 16 public meeting: Tunnel Study public meeting - YouTube
Harris County Flood Control District, Stormwater Tunnels Project website, with link for submitting comments:
Below is what the Project website states about plans for Phase 3 of the tunnel studies:
Phase 3: Additional Investigation
The Flood Control District will determine the scope elements of Phase 3 of the feasibility study in the Fall of 2022 and could begin Phase 3 itself in the Spring of 2023. Ahead of this Phase 3 kickoff, the Flood Control District is requesting public input from community engagement meetings and additional community outreach to solicit the community’s feedback and identify key topics that the community would potentially like to see addressed in the Phase 3 investigation.
It is expected that Phase 3 would consider further engineering analyses (validation of assumptions, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geotechnical investigations, and evaluation of active vs passive systems). It will examine the countywide economic benefits of adding a tunnel system to our current stormwater management network, as well as the process needed to integrate the tunnel system within existing neighborhood drainage, bayous and stormwater detention basins. Additionally, Phase 3 includes further environmental analysis and exploring funding strategies to pay for a tunnel system.
Community engagement will continue to be a priority, so additional meetings are planned. Once begun, Phase 3 of the feasibility study is expected to take approximately three years.
The Flood Control District will determine the scope elements of Phase 3 of the feasibility study in the Fall of 2022 and could begin Phase 3 itself in the Spring of 2023. Ahead of this Phase 3 kickoff, the Flood Control District is requesting public input from community engagement meetings and additional community outreach to solicit the community’s feedback and identify key topics that the community would potentially like to see addressed in the Phase 3 investigation.
It is expected that Phase 3 would consider further engineering analyses (validation of assumptions, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geotechnical investigations, and evaluation of active vs passive systems). It will examine the countywide economic benefits of adding a tunnel system to our current stormwater management network, as well as the process needed to integrate the tunnel system within existing neighborhood drainage, bayous and stormwater detention basins. Additionally, Phase 3 includes further environmental analysis and exploring funding strategies to pay for a tunnel system.
Community engagement will continue to be a priority, so additional meetings are planned. Once begun, Phase 3 of the feasibility study is expected to take approximately three years.
Background about the tunnel studies can be found in this recent Bayou Banner article by Tom Douglas:
Photo credit:
Houston Stronger. https://gbep.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-21-HS-BBCP-HPB-Overview.pdf