The Harris County Flood Control District has been awarded three “Sustainability Stars” from the West Houston Association for incorporating stormwater quality treatment wetlands, trees and other sustainable elements in its Jersey Meadows Stormwater Detention Basin project in Jersey Village.
The Harris County Flood Control District has been awarded three “Sustainability Stars” from the West Houston Association for incorporating stormwater quality treatment wetlands, trees and other sustainable elements in its Jersey Meadows Stormwater Detention Basin project in Jersey Village.
The association praised the Flood Control District for its investigation and use of sustainable elements in the planning, design and construction of the Jersey Meadows basin, which is located on a 42-acre site that had been part of the Jersey Meadows Golf Course. The basin, HCFCD Unit E535-01-00, was completed in 2014 to safely hold excess stormwater during periods of heavy rain, to keep it away from homes and businesses.
The association’s Sustainability Stars program recognizes land development and infrastructure projects in Greater West Houston, providing its members with information on the value of sustainable practices. Planting trees and improving stormwater quality are part of the Flood Control District’s mission to “build flood damage reductions projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values.”
In its award, the WHA noted that Flood Control District also used design elements to reduce long-term maintenance and mowing costs, provide natural wildlife habitat, and make the facility more attractive. The project included:
- A permanent wet bottom pool with stormwater quality treatment wetlands
- Separate mitigation wetlands to replace altered habitats and aquatic resources
- An award-winning tree planting plan that reforested the site with native trees and shrubs
- An agreement with the City of Jersey Village allowing for construction of a trail around the basin perimeter
The WHA presented its Investigation Star, Investment Star and Integration Star to Flood Control District Executive Director Russ Poppe at a ceremony December 5 at The Westin Houston-Memorial City. Other project partners include the City of Jersey Village, Harris County Precinct 4, R.G. Miller Engineers, and Serco Construction Group. Previously honored as 2014 Project of the Year by the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council, the project is located in the White Oak Bayou watershed.
About the Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.