Cypress Upper White oak Bayou Restoration E133
Image during Harvey August 2017
Copyrighted Images Lee Rodriguez Photography
Beginning of Channel E 133 July 2016 (single drain)
![7550a34e937ec5140539f144192c9964 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7550a34e937ec5140539f144192c9964.jpg)
Beginning of Channel E 133 July 2016
(double drains not visible)
![Double drains here Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/a1be95e78492ce8b3c4668bb0dfda81e.png)
Community Environmental Activist Kathi Valenti For the Restoration of Channel E133 ( 2016-2017)
We did not know each other, and we live in different subdivisions. But we both knew something must be done to help prevent flooding. As we gathered information, we tried to figure out what would improve the area. We want this website to educate and inform our neighbors. In every neighborhood we visited, people said they tried to bring change, but they failed. No one devoted the time and energy to thoroughly examine the Upper Cypress White Oak Bayou watershed, photograph the problems, write about it, and make the county officials aware of the specifics. This story proves that two people can make a difference.
![kv-letter-of-recognation Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/kv-letter-of-recognation-1.jpg)
As we drove in every direction, neighbors loaded dumpsters with carpet, furniture, sheetrock and sentimental possessions. Many were too exasperated, emotionally and physically drained to share their stories. Thankfully, some people seemed temporarily relieved to express their heartbreaking flood stories. Rapidly rising water forced one man to seek refuge in his third-story attic. Haunted by those stories and our own horrific experiences, we were compelled to seek substantial solutions.
*E-133 refers to the channel south of Cypress- North -Houston (next to Harris County Fresh Water Supply 61 Bldg.).
The channel leads to White Oak Bayou.
The water from the following areas drain into E133:
Tower Oaks Meadows
Bonaire
Meisterwood
Barwood Bend
Ravensway (front southern half)
Ravensway Lake
Cypress Corner (businesses, church, and houses)
Wortham Estates
Village at Cypress
Cypress Stone Village
Evidence of the Neglected Bayou
![AnyConv.com__7c65a9692185d5b442b36dd198578515 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__7c65a9692185d5b442b36dd198578515.jpg)
Dead tree blocking the water flow in the bayou
![1033ebf7b21cef66b83c86c2418f362d Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1033ebf7b21cef66b83c86c2418f362d.jpg)
![80be43b701c967ed3475aec35cd7e86c Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/80be43b701c967ed3475aec35cd7e86c.jpg)
The bayou needs our protection from people dumping trash
![AnyConv.com__2e955fd6926fe545f395a05e923ed278 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__2e955fd6926fe545f395a05e923ed278.jpg)
We attended county and community meetings that did not provide flooding solutions.
Identifying the responsible county agency for each and every unmaintained culvert, ditch, bayou, channel, and the underground pipes was challenging due to the unusual drainage configurations
(early 60's Cypress drainage systems merged with new infrastructure as developments engulfed the original area).
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) maintains and cleans the bayous and channels.
For our area, Precinct 3 maintains and cleans the underground drains and pipes, ditches, and culverts.
Numerous phone calls, personal meetings, and several e-mails produced no action.
![16a0c64b1f8345d2797b605caa9f5193 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/16a0c64b1f8345d2797b605caa9f5193.jpg)
![5b190c977cc00b512da89c93d4163195 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5b190c977cc00b512da89c93d4163195.jpg)
Please be aware that trash ends up in Galveston Bay. Trash contributes to flooding. Be part of the solution.
![AnyConv.com__d1b1c9e91b61eb350dd78d5a8e5d5a78 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__d1b1c9e91b61eb350dd78d5a8e5d5a78.jpg)
Notice the height of the trash in the trees
![AnyConv.com__fb96f48510960c427be14bbfbde63197 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__fb96f48510960c427be14bbfbde63197.jpg)
A tarp and plastic tangled in the tree
Relentlessly determined to advocate for bayou maintenance and drainage infrastructure restoration,
we pleaded our case to the Harris County Commissioners' Court, the governing body for Harris County.
Judge Ed Emmett and four appointed precinct commissioners preside over the court, hear their constituents' concerns, and decide how to handle each issue. After our plea to the court, we were sent to a meeting room with Harris County Engineer, Mr. John Blount, and Executive Director of Harris County Flood Control, Russ Poppe. We had an extensive discussion concerning basic drainage maintenance,
detention and retention pond requirements for new developments, and private-well drilling at the floodplain.
![AnyConv.com__72065a2b7f603287896e49d866148e13 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__72065a2b7f603287896e49d866148e13.jpg)
Trash and debris blocking water flow- stagnant water
![AnyConv.com__c91373d03dc7bfb52cbcf09d87ae1b15 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c91373d03dc7bfb52cbcf09d87ae1b15.jpg)
![5f0336cf2cf8dfcd23f083ae0d163735 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5f0336cf2cf8dfcd23f083ae0d163735.png)
Trash on the bank and debris in the water
![AnyConv.com__0c7be2218abbd3745d5b8c14c9fa8505 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0c7be2218abbd3745d5b8c14c9fa8505.jpg)
Several trustworthy sources stated that Channel E133 and the underground drains were neglected for over 30 years.
Mr. Blount and Mr. Poppe confidently assured us that HCFCD collected summer silt samples from Channels E133 and K163, and
Harris County Engineering would soon survey the surrounding subdivisions. Then they would decide whether action would be taken.
Bayou Maintenance Overdue
![AnyConv.com__96fcf2e66510076b2cc8df3bbe2169df Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__96fcf2e66510076b2cc8df3bbe2169df.jpg)
The waterway filled with dirt and vegetation
![AnyConv.com__ab5182e55ac5df1e7600245544ced250 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__ab5182e55ac5df1e7600245544ced250.jpg)
Island impeding water flow
![AnyConv.com__47bb9e9e05bbffdacec935d1859c106d Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__47bb9e9e05bbffdacec935d1859c106d.jpg)
Quarterly maintenance overdue
![AnyConv.com__c9e556977ad36f2d7b8cda72bdc37bbc Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c9e556977ad36f2d7b8cda72bdc37bbc.jpg)
Double drains partially visible
![6871a44b82e5577b27b08f75286dc54f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6871a44b82e5577b27b08f75286dc54f.png)
The grass was over four feet tall in many areas
![AnyConv.com__b9c8c78d6458d1add34632991f5fcd17 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__b9c8c78d6458d1add34632991f5fcd17.jpg)
The narrow bayou
![AnyConv.com__1191e7b1cb6043380cb1d9378219c799 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__1191e7b1cb6043380cb1d9378219c799.jpg)
Island blocking water flow in the bayou
For the next several weeks, we battled insects, snakes, thick brush, major debris, and the stench of stagnant water to
photograph the deplorable conditions of the bayou.
We asked the neighbors to provide details (the direction of the water flow, the variance of the water depth from street to street, etc.) about how the floodwaters flowed through their neighborhoods.
![AnyConv.com__080428284fad5de2f744983759212797 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__080428284fad5de2f744983759212797.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__b16052fb0e8999701c5d217ee84c1a9b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__b16052fb0e8999701c5d217ee84c1a9b.jpg)
![1741c3bfa074d821b01343eef81ce2fd Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1741c3bfa074d821b01343eef81ce2fd.png)
A variety of debris ends up in the bayou
We read every article about flooding in the Houston Chronicle, the Community Impact, and other pertinent publications.
We watched 2016 drone footage, viewed underground pipe maps, and examined years of rain gauge totals from HCFCD. We observed, photographed, and measured the water in the ditches and the channel after heavy rainfall.
We spoke to several experienced engineers and asked them many questions. We loaded flood images and neighbors' letters on flash drives along with a government form that stated the issues that concerned us and what we wanted to be done. We sent all the information to U.S. Congressman John Culberson and Michael McCaul. We called to confirm Congressman McCaul received the data, and the secretary said the package went to the social security office.
Unbelievable!
After four months, Congressman McCaul's office told us flooding is a local government responsibility.
However, we gained a valuable advocate, Mary Schneider, at Congressman Culberson's office.
The HCFCD cut trees and thick brush on the bank despite the fact that the tree roots slowed erosion. After one rain, the mulch added to the debris in the bayou.
![AnyConv.com__62d3d3958ebdf704a2cca48dbfbbb138 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__62d3d3958ebdf704a2cca48dbfbbb138.jpg)
Before trees and brush cut and mulched
![AnyConv.com__f36c731cd1c14471f867554c43a57436 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__f36c731cd1c14471f867554c43a57436.jpg)
Ten trash bags dumped in the brush
![AnyConv.com__6e48e831a77dbe6d8ca02deb97fab06f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__6e48e831a77dbe6d8ca02deb97fab06f.jpg)
After trees and brush cut and mulched
![AnyConv.com__65c1bf74d289e766a847ec591adcff3b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__65c1bf74d289e766a847ec591adcff3b.jpg)
More trash hidden in the brush
We continued to communicate with county workers about who was responsible for removing the trash.
In an unproductive meeting with officials and a couple neighbors, we were told that the trash would not be picked up.
![7cc5238851283e9104748d993ea7713f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7cc5238851283e9104748d993ea7713f.png)
Tree roots slow erosion
![AnyConv.com__1fa6f84cefdf0281320654092d2e292a Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__1fa6f84cefdf0281320654092d2e292a.jpg)
The stump is all that's left of the large tree in front of the orange barrel
![AnyConv.com__f369cbd3e559e0e2e737d63069d0dd08 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__f369cbd3e559e0e2e737d63069d0dd08.jpg)
Litter finds a home at the bayou
![AnyConv.com__c1b0c55fbe7eab52592156dcd571dc15 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c1b0c55fbe7eab52592156dcd571dc15.jpg)
The green stumps show where trees were chopped
![AnyConv.com__c62e7759c6fc8c580ac366f8aa3941f6 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c62e7759c6fc8c580ac366f8aa3941f6.jpg)
Mulch and trash in the bayou after one week on the bank
![AnyConv.com__44d8da5a692c7307ccfa715151237446 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__44d8da5a692c7307ccfa715151237446.jpg)
The first rain after the county mulched the trees led to mulch in the bayou at Fallbrook
According to Ms. Susan Chadwick, Executive Director of Save Buffalo Bayou, studies have shown that trees and bank vegetation clean the storm water more effectively than expensive sewer treatment plants.
And trees are powerful storm water detention devices. If we stop the banks from eroding sediment,
we reduce the bacteria and pollution in the water.
No Room for Water
![AnyConv.com__ec250cdd609c48d44c89d034040bc363 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__ec250cdd609c48d44c89d034040bc363.jpg)
WOW! You can almost see both drains (October 2016)
![AnyConv.com__115f5e5b06b104e5d58ececea8e4dbaf Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__115f5e5b06b104e5d58ececea8e4dbaf.jpg)
An almost invisible drainage channel
![AnyConv.com__beaf22c6ec2b53297ce0f83b8180922c Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__beaf22c6ec2b53297ce0f83b8180922c.jpg)
Solid dirt islands in the channel
![AnyConv.com__e51126d801207b220e8294dd3c8e8c43 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__e51126d801207b220e8294dd3c8e8c43.jpg)
Islands in the channel and bayou
![feec82fc47fd2adc1dfd803f93039581 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/feec82fc47fd2adc1dfd803f93039581.png)
Filled with decades of dirt and debris, we were compelled to spotlight the neglect of the bayou. It could no longer be ignored. The floodwaters could wreak havoc in our community while we waited for the county to clean the bayou.
Such an obvious common-sense solution that could prevent so much misery, but we needed to convince them to do it.
Back To Commissioners' Court
![b4bb8eea977014bd5e3534a5254daa4c Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/b4bb8eea977014bd5e3534a5254daa4c.png)
Drain here
![AnyConv.com__10cf572b4111d73fdea73bf03529a841 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__10cf572b4111d73fdea73bf03529a841.jpg)
After many unsatisfactory responses, we compiled our data, printed 60 photographs, and headed back to Commissioners' Court. One image was an old truck bed under the discharge from the water treatment plant. Other images included full trash bags, wood, broken drainage pipes, doors, a bed mattress, a toilet, etc. We handed the images to the court to show the neglect bayou. We left feeling unheard and defeated. We were encouraged by a phone message from pollution control about the truck bed. Pollution control removed the truck bed the following day.
![AnyConv.com__842c5ecd9a70ec55ef635b879a494a62 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__842c5ecd9a70ec55ef635b879a494a62.jpg)
Bayou Restoration Begins
![AnyConv.com__35a7f113a116c2aca3a72da5644fb24d Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__35a7f113a116c2aca3a72da5644fb24d.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__6b57299e34cc2360a55c5bbd8ca2dfaa Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__6b57299e34cc2360a55c5bbd8ca2dfaa.jpg)
We innocently walked by the mounds of dark, odiferous sludge (not knowing that it was emitting VOCs) which quickly gave us both a headache. Volatile Organic Compounds are compounds that easily become vapors or gasses. Some common VOCs include TCE (degreasers, spray lubricants) and benzene (industrial solvent). We took soil and water samples to prove toxins were in the water and soil. We filled the sanitary containers to the top so that the VOCs could not escape, and we stored them at the correct temperature. When we returned to our homes, we discovered that we suffered from the same symptoms of nausea and weakness. After staying away from the bayou, we slowly recuperated.
![AnyConv.com__6b68c77d22e66ec53c8b16c702878537 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__6b68c77d22e66ec53c8b16c702878537.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__a9273d829a44b0cfdfc59218ee6494e3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__a9273d829a44b0cfdfc59218ee6494e3.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__4f7ced8f554378385030a05230697f71 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__4f7ced8f554378385030a05230697f71.jpg)
![c61430301a4759a32dd32c68d15cf5f3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/c61430301a4759a32dd32c68d15cf5f3.png)
We were told the noxious sludge piles littered with plastic debris would be hauled away, and some sludge was taken to a class 2 type landfill (the county is only required to test for SVOCs - not VOCs).
Shockingly, some of the sludge was spread out and flattened on the bank, which defeated the purpose.
![AnyConv.com__806029d8fefefbf86f38d6c82defa0df Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__806029d8fefefbf86f38d6c82defa0df.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__0c5c9f3235d2458315b77ec6707c86d1 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0c5c9f3235d2458315b77ec6707c86d1.jpg)
November 2016 flattened bayou dirt on the bank
![AnyConv.com__277a81668203bab1d8ffb974622ccabd Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__277a81668203bab1d8ffb974622ccabd.jpg)
October 2016 Bayou in critical condition
![f51d6fee69b1bbcc92da161d67f2cfd3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/f51d6fee69b1bbcc92da161d67f2cfd3.png)
November 2016 (after dredging) same area as image to left
These images were taken in the same general area of the channel. Bayou capacity is crucial.
![AnyConv.com__730624db3b4a03941c2758df6c1f345b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__730624db3b4a03941c2758df6c1f345b.jpg)
October 2016
![AnyConv.com__fb542637e259f4640f71aaa1f76ffa89 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__fb542637e259f4640f71aaa1f76ffa89.jpg)
November after dredging the bayou 2016
Two days before Thanksgiving, Kathi noticed a saturated area on the bayou bank and photographed the resulting bank erosion.
Cathy reported the leak to Harris County Pollution Control (after being transferred to several agencies).
Surprisingly, the county worker showed up the day after Thanksgiving to investigate the leak.
![AnyConv.com__f6d634190f00aca488f3b1983bb50faa Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__f6d634190f00aca488f3b1983bb50faa-1.jpg)
Chris from pollution control checking the leak
![AnyConv.com__0153b92a694ab3343b09c9b2c5bdffa6 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0153b92a694ab3343b09c9b2c5bdffa6-1.jpg)
Chris's footprint in the mud from the leak
During the month of November, Kathi diligently monitored and photographed the workers clearing the bayou. County officials explained to us how each procedure would be done. But the workers were not always informed about the proper protocol. Frustrated by the lack of oversight and the thought of the sludge sitting on the bank forever, we continued to voice our complaints.
![AnyConv.com__5058be5dd4932f3241b1f83bea76729c Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__5058be5dd4932f3241b1f83bea76729c.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__fcf547ef6b0390aae8c4d619a314816f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__fcf547ef6b0390aae8c4d619a314816f.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__4a4039dd9bbeeeaa480002f07c1913f5 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__4a4039dd9bbeeeaa480002f07c1913f5.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__92b67c23e43adec0694fbdcad22f43a3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__92b67c23e43adec0694fbdcad22f43a3.jpg)
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![AnyConv.com__7c59cad0dbf675c7317690ede0b57c3b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__7c59cad0dbf675c7317690ede0b57c3b.jpg)
The backhoe scooped the dirt from the front of the channel
(at Cypress- North- Houston) and dumped it on the bank. The dirt which blocked the drains for so many
years was flattened onto the bank. The county officials told us they would haul it away.
So much dirt left on the bank lessened the bayou's capacity to hold water.
![AnyConv.com__a4a588b350b95aa55314b67cc2f8485f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__a4a588b350b95aa55314b67cc2f8485f.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__c5467c8ff3eb0c479f1078d142ccd2e4 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c5467c8ff3eb0c479f1078d142ccd2e4.jpg)
Despite the imperfect implementation of the bayou dredging, the bayou's capacity to hold and drain water has improved due to our bulldog tenaciousness.
![AnyConv.com__39fe106205064a3196c69ec382529010 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__39fe106205064a3196c69ec382529010.jpg)
After the channel dredging, we witnessed our first wildlife sighting there
![AnyConv.com__1f0bcd8fac2d66770c3cc807e81d1f9f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__1f0bcd8fac2d66770c3cc807e81d1f9f.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__28b5aa61ffdeae867a90efbb8cf9c6e6 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__28b5aa61ffdeae867a90efbb8cf9c6e6.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__bbd9c87b014cc2a6677f0705b6ac7df3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__bbd9c87b014cc2a6677f0705b6ac7df3.jpg)
Conquering The Drains
Workers were in front of the drain while the backhoe worker scooped a load of drain dirt. What came next was completely unexpected. A visible chemical plume emanated from the toxins, which were trapped in the dirt inside the drain, and immediately sickened everyone in the area.
![AnyConv.com__8e2be1dadb0acd55a71e6b06be90c4e5 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__8e2be1dadb0acd55a71e6b06be90c4e5.jpg)
It was time for Precinct 3 to tackle the daunting clogged drains that have impeded water drainage for decades.
![AnyConv.com__30d39469ec491a763fed56691b91e108 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__30d39469ec491a763fed56691b91e108.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__ab4d4a6dbb0dbd167e9edf0501d059b0 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__ab4d4a6dbb0dbd167e9edf0501d059b0.jpg)
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Since the dirt hardened over many years, it would require several tanker trucks with pressurized water to begin to dislodge it. In December, many different crews repeated this process to saturate and soften the contents inside the drain. Precinct 3 felt the drain would allow for adequate water flow (see image below).
![8cf1d8734d6da22bd55c6aa50e96b1f1 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/8cf1d8734d6da22bd55c6aa50e96b1f1.png)
After many pressurized washings, the "Grand Canyon" rock remained
Water Flow Still Impeded
Precinct 3 agrees to continue the drain cleaning.
Hooray!
It was time for Precinct 3 to tackle the daunting clogged drains that have impeded water drainage for decades.
![AnyConv.com__958ba3f3ef020c8d6b873aa72673c91e Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__958ba3f3ef020c8d6b873aa72673c91e.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__857a2b5d738e28ac96709a953db9c56e Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__857a2b5d738e28ac96709a953db9c56e.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__0e6c969eeadc8ccd98b6cdf1dfca72a8 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0e6c969eeadc8ccd98b6cdf1dfca72a8.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__4a5e338e2d8761d71eb646fd0bba3d71 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__4a5e338e2d8761d71eb646fd0bba3d71.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__29153e34054095447176f78597d0c308 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__29153e34054095447176f78597d0c308.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__c6a004a8ee82f172b3bf2859ab490db0 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__c6a004a8ee82f172b3bf2859ab490db0.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__0e6c969eeadc8ccd98b6cdf1dfca72a8 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0e6c969eeadc8ccd98b6cdf1dfca72a8.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__83520b61c66ebea8bd645f5048159814 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__83520b61c66ebea8bd645f5048159814.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__2817358a33ef14ca0061f504663765de Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__2817358a33ef14ca0061f504663765de.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__b967cd15da3a021df6fe30c04b5c2bde Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__b967cd15da3a021df6fe30c04b5c2bde.jpg)
Since the double drains and the single drain (off to the right) are responsible for water drainage for over $40 million worth of property value (according to Harris County Appraisal District), it is essential for them to be clean and clear. Precinct 3 wanted to see if the rain would finish cleaning the drains. But looking at the dirt and debris that remained after the pressurized water, it was apparent the dirt needed to be forcibly removed and hauled away. If hard rain flushed the dirt and debris out, it would fill the channel and bayou. More e-mails, phone calls, and pictures convinced them to finish cleaning those drains.
![AnyConv.com__e1919affcd733b5bd9467092180c30ed Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__e1919affcd733b5bd9467092180c30ed.jpg)
Dirt finally softening
![AnyConv.com__81d13e8b73a3714f3fb101c10e85b864 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__81d13e8b73a3714f3fb101c10e85b864.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__093ad7936dd59b8ba0bedfd24aeca91b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__093ad7936dd59b8ba0bedfd24aeca91b.jpg)
The crew stacks sandbags to keep the toxins from flowing downstream
![AnyConv.com__12fe206cae6ae2543e052c4028dfe21f Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__12fe206cae6ae2543e052c4028dfe21f.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__9812a33073bc89c2b6535ccdf60f10d4 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__9812a33073bc89c2b6535ccdf60f10d4.jpg)
Chemicals swirling on the surface
![AnyConv.com__5686da4f7de6bd3fc637f255ef4b24f0 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__5686da4f7de6bd3fc637f255ef4b24f0.jpg)
The stench is overwhelming
![AnyConv.com__3bd62b9ce9cf7fb1ed89989c70ccd8c3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__3bd62b9ce9cf7fb1ed89989c70ccd8c3.jpg)
Toxins washed out from drain
![AnyConv.com__7189155329be1eadc359644bb61397f2 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__7189155329be1eadc359644bb61397f2.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__a08e7dd772b44bc21709c5ceed217445 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__a08e7dd772b44bc21709c5ceed217445.jpg)
Tire that washed out from single drain
![AnyConv.com__ae5b1c3275ff220dad06b503b3c2aa2e Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__ae5b1c3275ff220dad06b503b3c2aa2e.jpg)
Collecting a liquid sample
Because the double drains' shape prevented the county vehicles from entering them, Precinct 3 sent a skilled, experienced skid-steer loader and Kubota small front-end loader operator to attack the stubborn dirt at the double drain entrance. More tanker trucks of water and more crews repeatedly flushed the most clogged drain.
![AnyConv.com__994e5f92df79c34a4bc0439b90a1dd3b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__994e5f92df79c34a4bc0439b90a1dd3b.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__80a1a6523c84f7885bc3235727c41c44 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__80a1a6523c84f7885bc3235727c41c44.jpg)
After three weeks, Precinct 3 still trying to remove the "rock" in the drain
![AnyConv.com__d2bb8d7317524fd053d5bde273fe049b Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__d2bb8d7317524fd053d5bde273fe049b.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__49f6e906168692dff3209dcdca456f0a Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__49f6e906168692dff3209dcdca456f0a.jpg)
Inside the drain after weeks of pressurized water
![AnyConv.com__d95d94900683b5511f316d9b6c6d3437 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__d95d94900683b5511f316d9b6c6d3437.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__45e68cd7eb61d5cd011768ce30096817 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__45e68cd7eb61d5cd011768ce30096817.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__27a21bd2d5b5aed7f0b18b338cafd2dc Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__27a21bd2d5b5aed7f0b18b338cafd2dc.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__88352a557457aa9c832a6c0b93257cfd Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__88352a557457aa9c832a6c0b93257cfd.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__eeee6eae2f6afa86fbc3fee3f93dfe77 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__eeee6eae2f6afa86fbc3fee3f93dfe77.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__0bde2bc52b7ca70f83e9e232f49ba2fd Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__0bde2bc52b7ca70f83e9e232f49ba2fd.jpg)
Spray jet nozzle
![AnyConv.com__705e6af5ca941062e4d62498537670d3 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__705e6af5ca941062e4d62498537670d3.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__8bc67e82e6d764544edc0cf6745287bb Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__8bc67e82e6d764544edc0cf6745287bb.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__111ec510bcf9a030327ab213269fd0bb Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__111ec510bcf9a030327ab213269fd0bb.jpg)
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Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack instructed the crew to finish cleaning the drains. They used shovels to remove the remaining debris and dirt. This will drastically improve drainage for hundreds of homes, many businesses, and churches.
![AnyConv.com__78b2a4a272cf8d4a6328946c286dca66 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__78b2a4a272cf8d4a6328946c286dca66.jpg)
Fortunately, the single drain is about 6 ft. high so the equipment could go inside the drain.
In total, about 12 dump trucks loads of dirt were removed from two of the drains.
![AnyConv.com__9c4035ef4f4e29987a73ba716799ea72 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__9c4035ef4f4e29987a73ba716799ea72.jpg)
Inside the single drain before the final cleaning
![AnyConv.com__a4a8e3be84389325acf6d637276609bf Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__a4a8e3be84389325acf6d637276609bf.jpg)
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The crew took dirt out of the single drain and moved it so backhoe could remove it from the channel
![AnyConv.com__46cb0fa03e8a5a4b0c8cb43875f98266 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__46cb0fa03e8a5a4b0c8cb43875f98266.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__605b5a5c615547a997591e636d2976ee Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__605b5a5c615547a997591e636d2976ee.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__5b6a20fd9008a1b37d5518f82cf3fa68 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__5b6a20fd9008a1b37d5518f82cf3fa68.jpg)
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HCFCD cleaned Channel E133, from Cypress-North-Houston south to White Oak Bayou. They dredged about 50 truckloads of dirt from the bayou, channel, and drains and underground pipes. This is more important as development so close to the floodplain has negatively affected the surrounding areas. According to Samuel Brody, an urban planning professor at Texas A&M University, every square meter of concrete in Houston, on average, translates into about $4,000 of extra flood damage.
Harris County officials are listening to their constituents, but more must be done.
In the fiscal year, 2016-17, public pressure influenced officials to force developers to increase detention pond requirements and improve drainage. But according to the Community Impact Magazine from March 2017, HCFCD did not increase requirements in the White Oak Bayou watershed. The county purchased land for detention ponds and bought 63 homes that repeatedly flooded. However, we saw no information on any land purchases for detention ponds in the White Oak Bayou watershed. People should secure debris, avoid blowing lawn clippings into the drains and throw their trash away. The extent of plastic bottles, aluminum cans, construction materials, styrofoam containers, fence pickets, plastic bags, etc. that we saw in the water is staggering. We are moving our focus to Channel K163 in the Cypress Creek watershed. Onward ho!
Clean Drains
![AnyConv.com__f1862ce0f32667d1b9e7dd8408160143 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__f1862ce0f32667d1b9e7dd8408160143.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__6feefec7f814832a8b2007690f5ef0ad Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__6feefec7f814832a8b2007690f5ef0ad.jpg)
April 1 2017 Inside the far left side of the double drain
![AnyConv.com__a8a2bfc3d9f4ffb648cea2233e6629c1 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__a8a2bfc3d9f4ffb648cea2233e6629c1.jpg)
April 1 2017 Inside the single drain
April 1 2017 Inside the channel
![AnyConv.com__4df39dddb4d8f0ab3e787c1aac82dddf Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__4df39dddb4d8f0ab3e787c1aac82dddf.jpg)
April 1 Inside the right side of the double drain
![AnyConv.com__ee7758758634dafae91bdb04f5ecf575 Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__ee7758758634dafae91bdb04f5ecf575.jpg)
It was time for Precinct 3 to tackle the daunting clogged drains that have impeded water drainage for decades.
![AnyConv.com__3323dfdcdb5c41d8de576dbbb860c59e Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__3323dfdcdb5c41d8de576dbbb860c59e.jpg)
![AnyConv.com__80d39d1924e5a42158c7d8a406d8587a Lee Rodriguez Photography](https://leerodriguezphotographers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AnyConv.com__80d39d1924e5a42158c7d8a406d8587a.jpg)
This image was taken August 26, 2017 during Hurricane Harvey.
This is channel E133 just outside of it's banks.
Special thanks to the following people:
U.S. Congressman John Culberson, Mary Schneider, and all the men that worked in the channel and the drains.