Z-05 Buffalo Bayou Park Revegetation and Biostabilization

The combined use of vegetation and structural elements to control erosion by stabilizing and strengthening soil. This streambank stabilization technique is often referred to as bio-stabilization.

Any time water levels rise significantly for extended periods of time, the vegetation and stability of the banks can be affected. Heavy rains or releases from Addicks and/or Barker Reservoirs can result in elevated water levels along Buffalo Bayou. Therefore, the many extended periods of high water make it difficult for vegetation to survive. There are also purposely designed ‘sediment benches’ in some of the low, flat areas adjacent to the channel that collect sediment transported by the water during storms and reservoir releases. These sediment benches are periodically accessed with equipment to remove the deposited sediment and are then revegetated with turf grass.

Native trees and shrubs, including species like bald cypress, green ash, willow stakes, sycamore, oak, water oak, buttonbush, and wax myrtle, will be planted to supplement and naturally replace the planted turf grasses over time. Other native herbaceous plants, wildflowers, and grasses will also be planted that are adapted to riparian areas and are able to improve bank stability.

The storm damage repairs were initially revegetated with Bermuda grass to provide the required site stabilization. The supplemental native trees, shrubs and grasses are being planted in the spring of 2023. Buffalo Bayou Partnership has planted a small area to serve as a prototype for the larger revegetation project that will occur later this year.

The assessment was performed along Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Dr. to Jensen Dr., approximately 25,700 Linear Feet (LF), which is nearly 5 miles.

The results of the BBFGA identified current areas of instability and potential project types to achieve improved channel stability and resiliency. These potential project types include:

• Structural bank repairs
  
• Erosion control features
  
• A combination of multiple stabilization approaches

The BBFGA includes a prioritization list of potential projects based on a scoring system that considers the following factors:

• Erosion severity
  
• Erosion threat to infrastructure
  
• Accessibility
  
• Visibility
  
• Permitting
  
• Soil type

The results will be posted to this project web page. The draft Buffalo Bayou Fluvial Geomorphic Assessment (BBFGA) is awaiting the completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Buffalo Bayou Tributaries and Resilience Study (BBTRS). The draft alternatives within the BBTRS study may have a direct impact on the BBFGA prioritized project list. Once we have more information from the BBTRS and have considered the potential impact on BBFGA, a public meeting will be scheduled.