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Buffalo Bayou & Lower White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study
Buffalo Bayou and lower White Oak Bayou watersheds. Study areas of the main channels are highlighted in green.
Study Overview
The Harris County Flood Control District is undertaking the Buffalo Bayou and Lower White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study to identify ways to reduce damage due to flooding along Buffalo Bayou and lower White Oak Bayou and to explore opportunities to improve the natural environment along these bayous.
The study area encompasses Buffalo Bayou from Barker Reservoir eastward through downtown Houston to the Houston Ship Channel Turning Basin, a distance of about 32 miles. Additionally, the study area extends along White Oak Bayou north and west from downtown Houston to Loop 610, a distance of about 7 miles.
> See Study Area History
The District initiated the study in September 2005 in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Overall, a plan is expected to be identified by 2012, although the process to obtain federal approval and funding may take longer.
> See the Study Fact Sheet (PDF, 496KB, 09/07/2008)
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Study Purpose
The purpose of the study is to determine if federal interest exists in a flood damage reduction project, as well as to identify opportunities for ecosystem restoration. The federal interest defines the amount of money the federal government would be willing to pay for the construction of a project identified through the study.
The study will investigate flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration opportunities and will identify a recommended plan that has public support and is competitive for federal funding.
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Flood Damage Reduction
The District utilizes a number of techniques, or components, throughout Harris County to reduce damages due to flooding. Components that will be considered as part of this study include:
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When considering flood damage reduction components, the District must evaluate the beneficial and adverse impacts to environmental, social, and economic resources. Some of these include impacts to natural resources, construction costs, economic value of homes and businesses, and water quality.
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Ecosystem Restoration
The purpose of an ecosystem restoration project is to restore portions of the study areas environment that have degraded along the channels. In addition to investigating the potential for an ecosystem restoration project, the District routinely develops flood damage reduction components that are sensitive to the environment.
Examples of ecosystem restoration components include:
- Plantings of trees and vegetation along the bayou or tributaries
- Creation of tidal marshes
- Restoration of wetlands
- Creation of wetlands in stormwater detention basins
- Reconnection of oxbows
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The success of an ecosystem restoration component is calculated by the changes in quantity and quality of the habitat. Some opportunities will be more feasible than others at specific sites along the bayous. If an ecosystem restoration project to cost share with the Corps of Engineers is not identified, the District will incorporate aesthetic and environmental features such as tree plantings, bank stabilization efforts, and the creation of wetlands into the study.
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Your Input is Important to Us
To submit study related comments, contact the study team via the E-mail Form.
For more information about this study or to receive e-mails or notices about public meetings, as well as progress updates on the study, please submit your request via the Sign-up Form or call the Harris County Flood Control District Federal Study Hotline at 713-684-4040.
> E-mail Form
> Sign-up Form
You may also mail study-related comments to:
Buffalo & Lower White Oak Study Manager
Harris County Flood Control District
9900 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77092
See also general contact information about the Harris County Flood Control District.
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Buffalo Bayou & Lower White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study
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