Author: FBLID 15

As an update to yesterday’s post, we wanted to include the latest hydrologic predictions for the Brazos River at Richmond. This reading serves as a barometer to the severity of a storm. As you can see at 8:15 pm tonight they accounted for an increase in predicted rainfall. The river is still expected to fall during the weekend, but for the next few days, we will be entering into a flood stage.

What does that mean?

Any water level in the Brazos at Richmond that rises to 45 feet is considered a flood stage. From 45’ to 48’ it is considered a “minor flood stage.” At 48 feet it is considered a “moderate flood stage.” Higher than 50’ is a Harvey type event and is a “major flood event.” You can find this information here. At this time the event is still considered to be a “minor flood stage.”

LID 15 Response

Over the past week, the levee operator (LMS) has been pumping down the water levels in preparation for the event. As you may recall after Harvey LID 15 and LID 19 purchased twelve (12) portable pumping units adding additional power for the district. These are located at the Steep Bank Pump Station and are expected to be pumping this week in addition to the standard pumps. These portable units will add an extra 81,000 gallons per minute pumping power to the district.

As a reminder during rain events, you will see higher levels of water in the ponds and levees. Periods of heavy rains may produce ponding on the streets. These will be temporary situations as the pumps catch up to a downpour. Please drive safely and do not attempt to drive into high waters.

We will post the hydrologic indicators and provide additional updates throughout the event.

Recently you may have noticed a rise in the river. To remind everyone, once the river reaches a certain level our gates close and we begin pumping any excess water out of the district. High water events are rated minor, moderate and high. This is predicted to be a minor level water event. We do not anticipate any issues. The district equipment is working as expected and the river levels are predicted to drop over the next few days.

Please remember, you may see increased detention pond levels as well as street ponding during heavy rains until we can get water levels pumped down. At this time, all internal levels are empty and we will continue to keep them as low as possible throughout the week as rain enters our area.

We will provide a new post if any of the conditions change. Otherwise we will use this thread to update the water levels periodically through the week.

Jeff Anderson was appointed in December by LID #15’s Board of Directors to fill the vacant director position in Precinct #3. He has extensive knowledge in all aspects of a levee district’s operations. Jeff was the development manager for Taylor Woodrow (Morrison) for the original Avalon neighborhood located within the boundaries of LID #14 to the west of our district. His oversight included the creation of a new levee district along with the design, permitting and construction of the levee. Jeff worked closely with the LID #14 board and their consultants during its initial years of existence.

Upon his departure from Taylor Woodrow (Morrison) in 2003, the county commissioner approached Jeff to fill an open position on the LID #14 board. Jeff served as the district’s board president from 2003 until his recent appointment with LID #15. He was instrumental in negotiating the financial cost-sharing agreement amongst seven levee districts when the perimeter levee was raised in 2008.

Jeff and his wife moved to Riverstone in late 2017. “Living only a few lots away from the levee district’s pump station I was keenly interested in the district’s operations. When I learned that a board position was available, I immediately submitted my resume. I knew that I had the required experience and was eager to share my knowledge.”

Jeff is the owner of Crossmark Development & Construction, LLC a commercial and residential Design+Build construction company. He has served as President of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity. He enjoys helping others and is currently spearheading volunteer efforts to rebuild a church in Wharton severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Each summer Jeff sets aside time to rebuild/refurbish homes across the nation for Group Mission Trips. Jeff and his wife Cindy have been married for 40 years and have resided in Sugar Land since 1993. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Please welcome Mr. Jeff Anderson to the board of directors of your Levee Improvement District 15.