Frequently Asked Questions  PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3
Why don’t we just buy-out all of the people who live in the floodplain and then leave the creek alone?
Why are people allowed to build or live in the floodplain?
Buy-outs are one of the non-structural “tools” being considered in the study.
Raising existing structures is also being evaluated.
People who move into the floodplain are required to comply with floodplain regulations.
This usually means elevating their houses.
My house has flooded several times, including very recently during Tropical Storm Allison.
Why does the Corps keep studying the problem without doing anything about it?
Clear Creek supports a number of beneficial land uses, including residential land use, recreation, wildlife habitat and industrial/commercial, among others.
All of the various uses of the creek must be considered so that a project that is acceptable to the public, local sponsors, and the Corps can be developed.
Why can’t we just limit new development in the watershed and preserve the creek the way it is?
Even if there was no further development in the watershed, there still exists the likelihood of flooding of existing development.
The Corps and the local sponsors lack the authority to limit development, in the floodplain or elsewhere.
However, local floodplain managers are in the process of developing a “Floodplain Management Plan” for the watershed.
The Corps is providing technical support and planning assistance for this effort.
An effective floodplain management plan is essential to protect the integrity of the project for years to come.
In 1997 we attended a public meeting and gave our input on several viable alternatives to the proposed channelization project.
Why haven’t those been implemented?
Citizens and the local sponsors asked the Corps, in 1997, to consider changes to the original channelization project that was under construction.
The suggested changes were significant enough that the Corps was required to perform the current reevaluation study (the General Reevaluation Report) before any project could proceed.
A number of project milestones have been reached, including development of a vast amount of baseline data necessary to effectively evaluate flood risk management measures.
In the Spring of 2002, the Study Team conducted two internal, full day “work sessions” and developed a list of 20 potential flood risk management measures for Clear Creek.
During the coming year, the Study Team will continue with hydraulic/hydrologic analysis of the 20 flood risk management measures that have been identified, and an economic “benefits-to-cost” analysis will be performed for each measure.
Environmental mitigation and eco-restoration actions necessary to offset project impacts will also be evaluated.
Is storm surge being considered in the study?
Yes. The study is considering the impact of storm surge.
However, the flood reduction measures being considered are restricted to addressing storm water in the main stem of Clear Creek and not tidal surge protection.
The gate on the second outlet was built for the purpose of maintaining the level of the lake during extreme tidal conditions.
It is opened when storm water runoff causes the Clear Lake water level to exceed the Galveston Bay water level.
How do I find out how plans that are being developed will affect my land and my home?
Attend our public meetings, visit our website at www.clearcreekproject.com, and look for our newsletters in your local paper and mailbox.
We are making every effort to keep you informed.
Are local citizens involved in the reevaluation process?
Yes. A Citizen Advisory Committee established by the local sponsors will be involved in the reevaluation process.
Members include citizens, residents of the area and environmental leaders.
The Clear Creek Steering Committee, which is comprised of representatives of various municipalities in the watershed, is also coordinating with the Study Team as project planning progresses.
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