Posted on September 26, 2018
After multiple set-backs, crews were finally able to begin dredging the West Fork of the San Jacinto River on Thursday, Sept. 21.
This is the first of two dredges that will carry out the removal of nearly 2 million cubic yards of shoal material along an approximately 2-mile stretch of the West Fork.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers had originally hoped to have the dredge up-and-running by Sept. 1; however, an assembly delay and recent inclement weather continued pushing back the start.
“We faced some recent delays due to weather and dredge assembly, but the dredge is on station and working to remove debris to help reduce flood risks,” said Alton Meyer, a USACE Galveston District professional engineer and project administrative contracting officer.
The dredges were deemed necessary after the Lake Houston area experienced unprecedented flooding during Hurricane Harvey last year.
Racing floodwater from upstream transported debris and sediment that built-up in the West Fork, interrupting the river’s flow and holding capacity.
The dredging operation’s goal is to remove enough material to return the river to its flow capacity before Hurricane Harvey, which officials believe will serve as a temporary flood reduction measure.
Dredge 1 starts material removal approximately 0.25 miles west of West Lake Houston Parkway and makes its way eastward to approximately 0.5 miles east of West Lake Houston Parkway.
Dredge 2 will start to the south of East End Park and dredge eastward until reaching Dredge 1’s starting location about 0.25 miles west of West Lake Houston Parkway.
The dredged material will be placed on two sites in the Lake Houston area — one site south of the river and east of Highway 59; and the other site south of Kingwood Drive and west of Highway 59.
The $69.8 million project is funded by FEMA and headed-up by the USACE. The project’s contractor is Great Lakes Dredge. Crews are scheduled to continue dredging until April 2019 and the entire project, including equipment removal, is anticipated to be complete by May 2019.
Officials warn residents to steer clear of dredging equipment while boating on Lake Houston.
Source: Chron
