LID 15 Levee Maintenance

The care and maintenance of the entire levee system is an ongoing process and the priority for your LID 15 board of directors. The directors oversee the management of many areas of maintenance through the work of consultants hired to keep the LID in top operational condition.

Maintenance of the levee is handled daily and includes debris removal from the detention areas, waterways, and along the levee. The upkeep of our wetland areas is dictated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer guidelines and permit regulations. These guidelines include reducing the number of infectious weeds and rodents and is another example of continued maintenance. Plantings to maintain the required natural vegetation, routine mowing, fertilization for healthy vegetation, pruning, and removal of tree limbs or fallen trees are all essential responsibilities. These efforts keep the soil healthy and assist adequate absorption and flow of water in the drainage system.

The structure of the levee is also regularly inspected along with drainage and detention functions. Upkeep of equipment, such as pumps, generators, and levee infrastructure, is also critical. Pests such as feral hogs cause destruction in the district, and regular inspections and repair of fencing along the district are necessary.

Beyond the maintenance and care for land and facilities, the district directors and engineers participate in continuous planning efforts to evaluate the need for more equipment and design, such as the current planning of the expansion of Steep bank Creek pump systems, a joint effort with LID 19.

While most of the needs for the levee systems are managed on a routine level, additional events and issues are addressed as they occur. As seen in previous posts, care for the levees and any risk to the performance of the systems is an ongoing effort that requires constant vigilance for the levees to perform as intended when the need arises. For more information about LID 15 residents are encouraged to visit www.fblid15.com.

All-Terrain Vehicles Cause Unwanted Levee Damage

It may not be something you’ve given much thought to – seeing or hearing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) bouncing freely along the levee. Not only is it against the law, but riding an ATV or another motor vehicle on the levee has consequences that can lead to flooding.

ATVs cause the stripping away of thick grass, which protects the levee from erosion. The damage from the vehicles also causes deep ruts and grooves in the soil where muddy ditches form. These trenches can affect the ability of the levee to keep water out of the district. The impact of this destruction can be felt in other ways, too, when the levees are inspected. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) routinely inspects the district’s pump stations, levee walls, and enclosure structures. This inspection information contributes to risk assessments and supports levee accreditation decisions for the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The risk of flooding into streets and homes must be fought on many fronts. Residents are asked to not use ATVs or other motor vehicles on or around the levee area. Anyone who witnesses this activity is encouraged to notify the Riverstone Home Owners office (281-778-2222), the Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constables office (281-242-4014) or the Fort Bend Sherriff’s Office (281-341-4665).

LID 15 Stormwater Protection

Stormwater runoff can impact the water quality of local streams, creeks, and bayous. As rain water flows over residential and commercial rooftops, lawns and landscaping, construction sites, and roadways, the water can carry sediment and other pollutants into the streets and gutters. The storm sewer system collects rain water and conveys it directly into local flood control ditches and waterways without filtering or cleaning any of the runoff water. Sediment, litter, pesticides, animal wastes, fertilizers, and other harmful pollutants from suburban and business areas, facilities, construction sites, or District operations can have major downstream impacts on local waterways and beaches. Rain water runoff moves most of these pollutants from a residence, facility, construction site, or place of business through the storm sewer system, and into the receiving water. However, lawn watering can also transport these pollutants.

As rain water flows over residential and commercial rooftops, lawns and landscaping, construction sites, and roadways, the water can carry sediment and other pollutants into the streets and gutters. The storm sewer system collects rain water and conveys it directly into local flood control ditches and waterways without filtering or cleaning any of the runoff water. Sediment, litter, pesticides, animal wastes, fertilizers, and other harmful pollutants from suburban and business areas, facilities, construction sites, or District operations can have major downstream impacts on local waterways and beaches. Rain water runoff moves most of these pollutants from a residence, facility, construction site, or place of business through the storm sewer system, and into the receiving water. Lawn watering can also transport these pollutants.

Runoff from over watering a lawn laden with fertilizer and insecticide, household chemical waste improperly disposed in drains, and animal waste buildup all contribute to toxins that can end up in drains and eventually to watersheds intended to protect against rising watersheds.

Proper Fertilization Practices

  • Always read the label before fertilizing the lawn
  • Follow the directions accordingly
  • When necessary, hire professionals to test the soil or apply the chemicals for you

Proper Use of Pesticides and Herbicides

  • Always read the label before spraying pesticides or herbicides
  • When necessary, hire professionals to apply the chemicals for you

Proper Animal Waste Management & Disposal Practices

  • Always pick up pet waste
  • Carry disposable bags on your walk
  • Throw away pet waste
  • Encourage others to pick up pet waste

It takes minimal effort to keep our stormwater clean. For more information on simple things you can do to protect our waterways, please visit cleanbayous.org.