What could go wrong?
Inadequate detention could make downstream flooding worse. Designing for 100 years storm as our county suggests and questionably enforces is a huge risk. Instead we should design for and enforce drainage standards for the 500 years storm.
Background
In December of 2021, MUD 47 board (the board in place prior to the May 7, 2022 election) voted 3-1-1 to give HHC 4.3 million to develop a 50 acre commercial tract along 1488. The 4.3 million will be expended on water sewer and drainage facilities for a private development that will likely bring more flooding to the neighboring community within The Township’s boundaries. There has already been flooding in this area, so this new development should NOT be allowed to add to that flooding.
What could go wrong?
Inadequate maintenance of drainage system could lead to flooding in the adjacent Woodlands neighborhood.
Background
Members of Alden Bridge Community twice formed tasks forces to address drainage issues from Del Webb. The effects of the construction, that’s mostly complete now, can be seen from outer space - see the dead trees to east and southwest of that development using google earth maps/satellite view. The trees died because of increased runoff and standing water. Fortunately the builder at Del Webb addressed the issues before moving on. Hopefully future severe rain events don’t expose new issues and the existing drainage is well maintained.
What could go wrong?
Inadequate detention could make downstream flooding worse. Design for 100 year (as is planned) instead of 500 year storm will make flooding more frequent.
Background
242 is a TX DOT road and slated to expand by two more lanes. The proposal is for 3 NEW detention ponds in the area to address runoff, but the design standard is still for 100 year storms (of which we've had several in the last 20 years) instead of upgrading to a higher standard.
Plus, these detention ponds will clearcut wooded areas and prevent future economic development. MUD67 is also planning 2 OTHER detention ponds in the area, but these would be in the Panther Branch floodplain. TxDOT should collaborate with MUD67 to reduce the number of detention ponds or include linear detention within the existing right of way, AND design for the higher rainfall amounts so that they don't add to existing flooding.
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