PUBLIC NOTICE
HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland - Ralston Acres
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (DR) funds for 2017 Mitigation under GLO Contract # 22-129-000-D405 from HUD Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002.
The proposed Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) project includes upsizing existing storm sewers, regrading roadside ditches, and creating two detention ponds to hold stormwater. The project serves the Ralston Acres Subdivision and adjoining areas, as well as businesses located along John Ralston Road located north of Beaumont Hwy (BUS 90), south of Green River Dr, east of John Ralston Rd, and west of C. E. King Pkwy in Harris County TX, 77044. The project center point is at 29.832460°, -95.223006°
A portion of the project area is in the 500-year Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as indicated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 48201C0705M, effective on January 6, 2017. A total of 12.08 acres is located within the 500-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain. A total of 2.23 acres are located within the 100-year FEMA floodplain, and the remainder is located outside FEMA-mapped floodplains. This proposed project is considered functionally dependent on the floodplain and floodway under 24 CFR 55.1(c)(1).
A wetland delineation was conducted and submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in a report dated August 2021. The delineation identified 6.73 acres of wetlands within the proposed detention basin impact area, none of which is jurisdictional. This project is not considered a critical action under 24 CFR Part 55.
Harris County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
Alternative 1 (Proposed Action)-Two wet Bottom Basins w/culvert and ditch upgrades
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and the creation of two detention basins in undeveloped land west of the subdivision. The northern pond (pond A) would have 50.88 ac-ft of capacity and outfall into P117-00-00. Pond B will have a capacity of 22.90 ac-ft and outfall into P115-00-00.
This proposed alternative will improve the floodplain by improving floodwater retention, floodwater drainage, water quality, and evapotranspiration. Hydrologic analysis shows no adverse impacts to flood conditions of the receiving waters. The wet=bottom design create
•Detention location minimizes disruption and hazards to surrounding community
• Maximizes potential detention volume
• Location relative to receiving water maximizes effectiveness
• Offsets loss of wetland habitat
• Would require use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity
Mitigation:
Anticipated standard erosion control measures for the detention basin are as follows:
• Vegetated slopes
• Rip rap at the inflow area and along the treatment flow path
• Concrete overflow weir
• Creating a buffer zone by minimizing impact to riparian forest
Alternative 2 upsize culverts with 2 dry bottom detention ponds:
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and the creation of two detention basins at in a wooded lot immediately east of the project area. The northern basin would be along P117-00-00 and have a capacity of 6.2 ac-ft. The southern basin would be along P115-00-00 and have a 10 ac-ft capacity.
a) Basins would need to be placed within non-jurisdictional wetlands.
b) Minimal wetland preservation compared to larger pond size
c) Would require undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.
Alternative 3 Upsize culverts and inline detention:
Upsize driveway culvers and widen ditches to create in-line detention.
a) Inadequate storage capacity within ROW
b) Would still require undeveloped land to achieve the needed storage capacity
c) Flooded ditches create a potential safety hazard.
Alternative 4: No Action Alternative:
The No Action Alternative refers to continuing existing conditions without implementing the proposed project. The Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR § 1502.14) require consideration of the No Action Alternative, which serves as a benchmark against which federal actions can be evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, no project would be constructed, and the potential beneficial or adverse environmental impacts identified in this Environmental Assessment would not occur. The No Action Alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of mitigating flood risk within the Pine Trails Subdivision by providing additional system capacity. Under the No Action Alternative, area residents and businesses would continue to be affected by area flooding. Extreme flood events in this area would continue to result in lost wages, damage to homes and businesses, mobility disruptions, and potential exposure to health risks associated with standing water.
Based on the above analysis, HCED considers Alternative 1 the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).
Because of all the factors mentioned above, Harris County will be able to make a Finding of No Significant Impacts, using the preferred alternative. Harris County will ensure compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.
Harris County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that no practicable alternative exists. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be submitted to the Housing and Community Development, 13105 Northwest Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77040 and (832) 927-8230, Attention: Thao Costis, Executive Director. Comments may also be submitted via email at DRplancomments@harriscountytx.gov during the 7-day public comment period beginning on June 26, 2024, and ending on July 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Full descriptions of the projects may also be reviewed from Monday - Friday during business hours, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., at the same address as above.
(Public Notice: Ralston Acres Final Floodplain and Wetlands)
PUBLIC NOTICE
HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland - PINE TRAILS
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (DR) funds for 2017 Mitigation under GLO Contract # 22-129-000-D405 from HUD Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002.
The proposed Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) project includes construction to upsize existing residential storm sewers, improve the drainage capability of the roadway pavement and contiguous sidewalks, and create two detention ponds on county-owned land to hold stormwater before out falling into Sulphur Gully.
The project consists of Phases 1, 2, 5, and 6 of a project to serve the approximately 64-acre Pine Tails Subdivision, located north of Wallisville Rd, south and east of Highway 90, and west of Uvalde Rd in Harris County, TX, 77049. The project center point is at 29.811870, -95.201049.
A portion of the project area is in the 500-year Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as indicated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Numbers 48201C0705M, 48201C0710M, 48201C0715M, 48201C0720M, effective on January 6, 2017. A total of 2.97 acres are located within the 500-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain. A total of 0.04 acres of the project are located within the FEMA Regulatory Floodway. A total of 0.10 acres are located within the 100-year FEMA floodplain. The remainder is located outside FEMA-mapped floodplains. This proposed project is considered functionally dependent on the floodplain and floodway under 24 CFR 55.1(c)(1).
A wetland delineation was conducted in December and January 2022 and submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in a report dated February 2022. The delineation did not identify any wetlands within the proposed detention basin site. This project is not considered a critical action under 24 CFR Part 55.
Harris County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
Alternative 1 (Proposed Action-Two Dry Bottom Basins w/Storm Sewer Upgrades
Upsizing of residential storm sewer pipes and creating two detention basins in undeveloped land west of the subdivision. Pond A would have 18 ac-ft of capacity to serve the NW portion of the subdivision. Pond B will have a capacity of 68.9 ac-ft to the southwest. Outfalls would be constructed into Sulphur Gully (P109-00-00).
This proposed alternative will improve the floodplain by improving floodwater retention, drainage, water quality, and evapotranspiration. Hydrologic analysis shows no adverse impacts on the flood conditions of the receiving waters. The detention basin's side slopes will be concrete-lined, and the bottom will contain reinforced concrete pilot channels, but they will otherwise be stabilized with standard turf vegetation.
• Detention location minimizes disruption and hazards to the surrounding community
• Maximizes potential detention volume
• Location relative to receiving water maximizes effectiveness
• Would require the use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.
Mitigation:
Anticipated standard erosion control measures for the detention basin are as follows:
• Vegetated slopes
• Rip rap at the inflow area and along the treatment flow path
• Concrete overflow weir
• Creating a buffer zone by minimizing impact on riparian forest
• Avoid wetlands near Basin B
Alternative 2:
Upsizing of residential storm sewer pipes and creating two detention basins at 14120 and 14440 Wallisville Rd with 60 and 45 ac-ft of capacity, respectively. One pond in the undeveloped area west of the subdivision with 55 ac-ft of capacity.
• 14120 Wallisville is located at the site of Tice Elementary School. Its placement would create a potential hazard to children and remove trees that create a sound barrier between the school and Wallisville Road.
• The site at 14440 Wallisville is within North Shore Park and would displace sports fields, a valuable recreational resource for the community.
• Would require the use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.
• Disruptive construction on Wallisville Road, a major roadway in the area, would be required.
Alternative 3:
Upsizing of residential storm sewer pipes and creating two detention basins with a combined capacity of 17.5 ac-ft at 14120 Wallisville Rd and two ponds in the undeveloped area west of the subdivision. Pond A would provide 26.5 ac-ft of capacity, and Pond B 11.3 ac-ft. Outfalls would be constructed into Sulphur Gully (P109-00-00) and Big Gulch (P107-00-00).
• 14120 Wallisville is located at the site of Tice Elementary School. Its placement would create a potential hazard to children and remove trees that create a sound barrier between the school and Wallisville Road.
• Undeveloped land would still be required to achieve the needed storage capacity.
• It would require disruptive construction on Wallisville Road, a major roadway in the area.
Alternative 4: No Action Alternative:
The No Action Alternative refers to continuing existing conditions without implementing the proposed project. The Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR § 1502.14) require consideration of the No Action Alternative, which serves as a benchmark against which federal actions can be evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, no project would be constructed, and the potential beneficial or adverse environmental impacts identified in this Environmental Assessment would not occur. The No Action Alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of mitigating flood risk within the Pine Trails Subdivision by providing additional system capacity. Under the No Action Alternative, area residents and businesses would continue to be affected by area flooding. Extreme flood events in this area would continue to result in lost wages, damage to homes and businesses, mobility disruptions, and potential exposure to health risks associated with standing water.
Based on the above analysis, HCED considers Alternative 1 the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).
Because of all the factors mentioned above, Harris County will be able to make a Finding of No Significant Impacts, using the preferred alternative. Harris County will ensure compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.
Harris County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that no practicable alternative exists. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be submitted to the Housing and Community Development, 13105 Northwest Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77040 and (832) 927-8230, Attention: Thao Costis, Executive Director. Comments may also be submitted via email at DRplancomments@harriscountytx.gov during the 7-day public comment period beginning on June 26, 2024, and ending on July 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Full descriptions of the projects may also be reviewed from Monday - Friday during business hours, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., at the same address as above.
(Public Notice: Pine Trails Final Floodplain and Wetlands)
PUBLIC NOTICE
HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland - North Forest
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (DR) funds for 2017 Mitigation under GLO Contract # 22-129-000-D405 from HUD Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002.
The proposed Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) project includes construction to upsize 700 linear feet of existing residential storm sewer pipe, improve drainage on an additional 6045 ft of roadway and sidewalk, and create a 106 ac-ft wet-bottom detention pond complex (center point 30.000339°, -95.434907°) surrounded by a 4283ft trail. The project serves the North Forest Subdivision, located north of West Richey Rd, south of FM 1960, east of Ella Blvd, and west of Interstate 45 in Harris County, TX, 77090. The project center point is at 30.003434°, -95.437395°.
A portion of the project area is in the 500-year Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as indicated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Numbers 48201C0705M, 48201C0710M, 48201C0715M, 48201C0720M, effective on January 6, 2017. 15.38 acres are located within the 500-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain. 3.56 acres are located within the 100-year FEMA floodplain. None of the project is located within the FEMA Regulatory Floodway. The remainder is located outside FEMA-mapped floodplains. This proposed project is considered functionally dependent on the floodplain and floodway under 24 CFR 55.1(c)(1).
A wetland delineation was conducted in December and January 2022 and submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in a report dated February 2022. The delineation identified 6.91 acres of wetlands within the proposed detention basin site. This project is not considered a critical action under 24 CFR Part 55.
Harris County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
Alternative 1 (Proposed Action-Two Dry Bottom Basins w/Storm Sewer Upgrades
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and creating a detention basin in undeveloped land south of the subdivision. The basin would have 106 ac-ft of capacity. Stormwater will outfall into HCFCD channel P145-03-03.
This proposed alternative will improve the floodplain by improving floodwater retention, drainage, water quality, and evapotranspiration. Hydrologic analysis shows no adverse impacts on the flood conditions of the receiving waters. The detention basin's side slopes will be grass-lined, and the bottom will contain reinforced concrete pilot channels, but it will otherwise be stabilized with standard turf vegetation.
• Detention location preserves the community by avoiding home buy-outs
• Location relative to receiving water maximizes effectiveness
• Would require the use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.
Mitigation:
Anticipated standard erosion control measures for the detention basin are as follows:
• Vegetated slopes
• Rip rap at the inflow area and along the treatment flow path
• Concrete overflow weir
• Creating a buffer zone by minimizing impact to riparian forest
Alternative 2:
Replacement of 1850 linear feet of residential storm sewer and creating two detention basins. Pond A would be located SW of the intersection of Ella Blvd and P145-03-03 with a capacity of 103 acre-feet. Pond B would be located south of the subdivision between Deer Lick Dr and Calvin Rd with a 52 ac-ft capacity. One pond in the undeveloped area is west of the subdivision and has a 55 ac-ft capacity.
a) Requires five parcels to be purchased
b) Would disturb plugged oil wells
c) Would require use of 2 areas of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.
Alternative 3:
Dividing the existing system into two sections. The first section would maintain the current drainage pathway. The second would flow into a new 90-ac ft wet-bottom pond south of the subdivision.
a) Would not efficiently convey water away from the subdivision
Alternative 4: No Action Alternative:
The No Action Alternative refers to continuing existing conditions without implementing the proposed project. The Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR § 1502.14) require consideration of the No Action Alternative, which serves as a benchmark against which federal actions can be evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, no project would be constructed, and the potential beneficial or adverse environmental impacts identified in this Environmental Assessment would not occur. The No Action Alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of mitigating flood risk within the Pine Trails Subdivision by providing additional system capacity. Under the No Action Alternative, area residents and businesses would continue to be affected by area flooding. Extreme flood events in this area would continue to result in lost wages, damage to homes and businesses, mobility disruptions, and potential exposure to health risks associated with standing water.
Based on the above analysis, HCED considers Alternative 1 the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).
Because of all the factors mentioned above, Harris County will be able to make a Finding of No Significant Impacts, using the preferred alternative. Harris County will ensure compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.
Harris County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that no practicable alternative exists. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be submitted to the Housing and Community Development, 13105 Northwest Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77040 and (832) 927-8230, Attention: Thao Costis, Executive Director. Comments may also be submitted via email at DRplancomments@harriscountytx.gov during the 7-day public comment period beginning on June 26, 2024, and ending on July 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Full descriptions of the projects may also be reviewed from Monday - Friday during business hours, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., at the same address as above.
(Public Notice: North Forest Final Floodplain and Wetlands)