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Special Topics
Worried About Downstream Impacts?
The USACE recognizes the concerns of the Clear Lake communities that flood risk management measures proposed for Clear Creek could
negatively impact the lake. Many flood risk management measures are known to have adverse impacts to downstream reaches. However, the
GRR team is committed to recommending a final plan that fully offsets any such impacts. The economic optimization process being followed
will identify the most cost efficient plan, but adjustments may be necessary to arrive at this final plan.
There are two factors that will assist in meeting this constraint. First, the GRR analysis has demonstrated that large-scale channel
rectification like that proposed in the old Authorized Federal Project is no longer economically feasible due to rising
land and mitigation costs. Second, the Clear Lake Second Outlet has been tested by real flood events (Tropical Storm Allison) and found
to be very effective in discharging floodwater. It was designed to offset large flow increases that
were expected from the old project. Since the NED plan does not impact Clear Lake, the Lake communities will gain all the benefits from the Second Outlet flood reduction.
What are the Second Outlet and Gated Structure?
The Clear Creek Second Outlet is located near S.H. 146, just north of Clear Creek's natural outlet
into Galveston Bay at Kemah/Seabrook. The Second Outlet was built to mitigate the increased inflows expected from the original
Authorized Federal Project by allowing the Lake to drain into Galveston Bay faster during periods of heavy
rains upstream. The gate protects Clear Lake from sediment inflow and salinity intrusion from Galveston Bay
and helps to maintain the existing hydrologic and environmental conditions of the Lake during dry periods.
The gates were not designed to provide tidal or hurricane protection to the Lake. The Second Outlet will be
included as a functional component of any new plan of action that the Project Team may develop.
When are the gates opened?
When Clear Lake's elevation is above +3.0 feet and exceeds Galveston Bay's elevation.
When the Clear Lake elevation is higher than the Galveston Bay elevation by any amount, and a rise in the Clear Lake elevation
is anticipated above +3.0 feet from rainfall exceeding 3 inches.
During a storm ebb tide associated with passage of either a cold front or "norther," spring tide recession, or flood
relief, and to be used as an aid for flushing deposited sediment from the second outlet channel.
Once per month to exercise gates, actuators and generator. This may be cancelled if gates have been operated within
the month for reasons listed above.
When are the gates closed?
When the Clear Lake elevation is equal to or lower than the Galveston Bay elevation.
When the Clear Lake elevation is below +3.0 feet.
When sustained winds exceed, or are forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS) to exceed, 55 mph.
When Clear Lake's elevation is rising and is anticipated to exceed +8.3 feet.
When the Galveston Bay elevation is forecasted by the NWS to exceed +6.0 feet.
What Role have Public Comments Played in the Project?
In the spring of 2001, the Clear Creek Project Team held three Public Meetings to solicit oral and written
comments from citizens regarding flood risk management solutions. These meetings were held in Friendswood,
League City and Pearland. They were well attended and the Project Team collected more than 100 comments.
For a full list of the comments from each meeting, please click on the links below:
March 15, 2001 - Friendswood Public Meeting Citizen Comments
May 3, 2001 - League City Public Meeting Citizen Comments
May 9, 2001 - Pearland Public Meeting Citizen Comments
In April 2002, the Project Team held an internal brainstorming session with the goal of developing an initial
list of flood risk management measures. During this two-day brainstorming session, the Project Team evaluated
each and every comment provided by citizens at all three public meetings. The result was a list of 21 flood
risk management measures.
These measures were then individually modeled for flood risk management benefits and cost effectiveness. The results
of this effort was compiled by the Project Team into the 'First Added Measures Notebook'.
The Project Team held two additional public 'open houses' in February 2004 to provide a project status report and present
examples of the flood risk management and ecosystem restoration measures under consideration. Public comments
were also accepted at these meetings. The Clear Creek Project Team strives to keep the public involved in each step
of the planning process. We encourage you to visit the web site for updates and submit your questions or comments at anytime.
Give Us Your Comments
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for frequent updates and additional special topics. The Project Team is committed to keeping stakeholders well informed
of all progress made on the Clear Creek flood risk management Project.
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