Project Description
This project involves the optimization of an existing regional stormwater detention basin in the Armand Bayou watershed, the Red Bluff Stormwater Detention Basin, formally identified as HCFCD Unit B500-04-00. The project will examine ways to make the most effective use of this basin in connection with potential future stormwater conveyance improvements that would reduce flooding risks in the area.
In order to move ahead with a potential future project to modify one or more existing channels in the area to improve stormwater conveyance, the basin will be needed to provide additional stormwater detention mitigation to prevent downstream impacts.
During the preliminary engineering stage of this project, alternatives may include:
- Expanding or deepening the existing basin compartments, which may require additional right-of-way acquisition,
- Revising the existing infrastructure that connects the basin to Armand Bayou B100-00-00,
- Considering one or more tributary channels upstream of the Red Bluff basin for stormwater conveyance improvements, to reduce flooding risks in the watershed.
Stormwater detention basins often work in conjunction with channel conveyance improvement projects to reduce flooding risks. While the channel conveyance improvements move the stormwater more efficiently out of an area, the stormwater detention basin takes in and temporarily stores stormwater to ensure that the increased conveyance does not transfer the flooding risk to downstream communities. Typically, stormwater detention is constructed first, and can provide flood risk reduction benefits on its own.
This project was recommended by the Armand Bayou Watershed Planning Study. https://www.hcfcd.org/Activity/Active-Projects/Armand-Bayou/F-96-Armand-Bayou-Watershed-Planning-Project
Funding for this project and others in the Armand Bayou watershed is included in the 2018 Bond Program and Bond ID F-99, which provides $10 million for right-of-way, design and construction of stormwater conveyance improvements along Armand Bayou.