TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
WORKSHOPS
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WORKSHOP 1: Floodplain Management 101
Notes: Morning and Afternoon Sessions
1 hour lunch break - on your own
Instructors:
Shawn Snyder, CFM; Texas Water Development Board
Dale Hoff; FEMA Region 6
Topic: This workshop will cover the following:









Texas and Federal laws and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Flood Mitigation Grant Programs
Local Communities & the NFIP
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Variances and NFIP Requirements
Community Assistance Visits & Contacts
Elevation Certificates
FEMA Map Amendments
Substantial Improvements/Damage
8:00 am - 4:45 pm
WORKSHOP 2: Managing Floodplain within Waters of the US
This one day workshop is presented by the Austin chapter of the Environmental and Water Resources
Institute (EWRI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and will include review of the enabling
legislation and subsequent legislation that supports the NFIP, options for changing FEMA’s floodplain maps,
detailed review of the requirements and content of LOMCs and the obligations stemming from the NFIP to
other local, state and federal ordinances/laws specifically Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
7:30 – 3:00 pm
8:00 – 8:15 am
8:15 – 9:00 am
9:00 – 9:45 am
9:45 – 10:15 am
PRELIMINARY
Registration
Welcome
Presenter: Roy Sedwick, CFM, TFMA
Abstract: Overview of TFMA and their connection with EWRI.
Regulatory Framework – NFIP
Presenter: Mike Segner, MBA, CFM, TWDB
Abstract: Discussion on regulatory framework, including processes,
notifications including 404, Section 10, 408 lists, who can sign what, who needs
to be contacted in the process? This includes review of the responsibilities of
the local floodplain administrator and applicants of LOMCs.
Waters of the US & Waters of the State
Presenter: Chandler Peter, USACE
Abstract: This presentation explores the regulations related to Waters of the
US and Waters of the State. Begin to build awareness of the “3 legged stool” –
Flooding – Habitat – Stability.
BREAK
1 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
10:15 – 11:00 am
LOMR/CLOMR/LOMA/LOMF/Elevation Certification
Presenter: Ataul Hannan, PE, CFM, HCFCD
Abstract: A presentation discussing the distinction between each application
(e.g. CLOMR vs LOMR, LOMR vs LOMR-F, etc), when to use which, and the
process to successfully submitting to FEMA. This includes a top 10 list of things
not to do.
11:00 – 11:45 am Sustainable Channel Design
Presenter: Melissa Bryant, PE, SARA
Abstract: This session will talk over sustainability, stream stability, case
studies, Floodplain mgmt, 404, SARA Mission, etc.
11:45 – 1:00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Announcements and EWRI Promo
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Issues Facing Municipalities, Part 1 (population <100,000)
Presenter: Various
- San Marcos – David Rabago, PE
- Sugar Land – Christopher Steubing, PE, CFM
- Grand Prairie – Romine Khavari, PE
- County
Abstract: This session will include presentations by representatives of small
municipalities across Texas discussing their processes, challenges,
experiences, successes, and lessons learned.
2:00 – 2:30 pm
BREAK
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Issues Facing Municipalities, Part 2 (population >100,000)
Presenter: Various
- City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, PE, CFM
- City of Fort Worth – Steve Eubanks
- San Antonio – Daniel Aguilar, PE, CFM
- Amarillo – Mark Read, PE, CFM
Abstract: This session will include presentations by representatives of large
municipalities across Texas discussing their processes, challenges,
experiences, successes, and lessons learned.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Panel Discussion
Presenters:
David Madden, USACE / Ataul Hannan, PE, CFM, HCFCD /
Romine Khavari, PE, Grand Prairie / Kevin Shunk, Austin / Matagorda County
Abstract: Open Q & A.
4:30 – 4:45 pm
Closing Remarks
8:00 am - noon
WORKSHOP 3: Mitigation Grants
Instructors:
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)
Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
Topic: This workshop will discuss the various grants that are available
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WORKSHOP 4: Floodplain Management for the Oil & Gas Industry
Topic: The following topics will be discussed.
PRELIMINARY
2 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts

San Antonio River Authority’s Best Practices Handbook to Assist Communities in the Eagle
Ford Shale
Presenter:
Melissa Bryant, PE; San Antonio River Authority
The presentation will discuss the San Antonio River Authority (SARA’s) Best Practice Handbook to
Assist communities in the Eagle Ford Shale.

Floodplain Permitting for the Oil and Gas Industry in Lavaca County, Texas
Presenters:
Kathy Shepard, Floodplain Manager; Lavaca County, Texas
Brett Sachtleben, PE, CFM, Program Manager; Atkins North America, Inc.
The Eagle Ford Shale boom has resulted in a significant increase in oil and gas activity in Lavaca
County. Although the activity has been overwhelmingly positive for the County’s economy, local
municipalities were initially challenged by the sudden increase in construction activity. Lavaca
County’s permitting processes were completely adequate to handle the development of a historically
rural farming and ranching community; however, the fast-paced and unique activity that came as part
of the Eagle Ford Shale boom required a change in the County’s floodplain permitting processes. By
working with County Commissioners, oil and gas companies, and engineers, the County revised their
floodplain permitting process. The common sense permitting process is efficient, avoids impacts to
flood hazard areas, and requires the construction of long-lasting drainage infrastructure to
accommodate the oil and gas industry.

TPWD Permitting Requirements When Crossing Waters of the State
Presenters:
Alan Butler, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Tom Heger, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
This presentation will cover Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) permitting requirements
when crossing waters of the State, including Aquatic Impact Plans and Sand and Gravel Permits

Questions & Answers
8:00 am - noon
WORKSHOP 5: Manufactured Homes in the SFHA
Instructors:
John Johnston, PE, CFM; City of Victoria
Topic: This workshop will cover requirements for manufactured homes located in the Specical Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA).
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WORKSHOP 6: How to Review a 2D Model - A Client’s Perspective
Instructors:
Anthony Henry; HDR Engineering
Sam Edwards, PE, CFM; HDR Engineering
Topic: As floodplain managers desire to get a more complete understanding of flooding problems, 2D
modeling of complex situations has become more and more common. You are a local floodplain
administrator. A consultant has just dropped off a report and a DVD with a 2D model of the existing and
proposed floodplain conditions for you to review. Where do you start? First make sure all the files are there
– we will review a list of file extensions for the most common 2D models. After reviewing the report and the
workmaps, consider the justification for using a 2D model. Does 2D automatically mean better? Just
because we can use it – should we? Many riverine systems should still be modeled with 1D, and we will
PRELIMINARY
3 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
discuss reasons for 2D. Applicable sections of FEMA’s Appendix C will be discussed. Next we will open up
a typical 2D model in several of the most common software packages (XP-SWMM and InfoWorks SD), and
will explain how the model is set up while navigating through the user interface. What areas should you
check in order to have confidence in the results? For example, if the inlets are not connected properly, the
model could indicate too much or too little flow remaining on the surface. What surface roughness is used,
and does the model include additional vertical barriers? How are the results displayed, and what additional
options are available such as flow velocity arrows? This workshop aims to provide floodplain managers with
the tools they need to review and comment on 2D models.
FIELD TRIP
7:30 am – noon
Waller Creek Tunnel Project
The City of Austin, through its Watershed Protection and Public Works Department, is constructing a major
flood control diversion tunnel in downtown Austin, Texas to reduce flood levels and reclaim urban floodplain
along Waller Creek that represents a significant risk to public safety and property, which significantly inhibits
urban redevelopment. The tunnel is approximately 1 mile in length with a diameter that varies from 20.5 feet
to 26.5 feet extending from just north of 12th Street at Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake. The construction
cost of the project is approximately $101 million. The project’s mission is to provide flood protection and
water quality enhancement and thereby promote economic redevelopment.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
CONFERENCE OPENING PLENARY SESSION
8:00 am – 8:30 am
CONFERENCE WELCOME
Roy Sedwick, CFM; TFMA Executive Director
Diane Calhoun, CFM; Calhoun Consulting, LLC (TFMA President)
XXXXXXXX, City of Austin
8:30 am – 9:00 am
The City of Austin’s Approach to Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Presenter:
Mike Kelly, PE, CPESC; City of Austin
Topic: In 2011, the City of Austin made a formal commitment to exploring the use of Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) by creating the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Team. The mission of the team is to
advance the application of green infrastructure approaches to stormwater management in Austin.
Comprised of discipline experts from engineering, policy, planning, education and maintenance, the team
works to complete the following objectives:

Create a common body of knowledge regarding GSI technology, regulations, maintenance
and community acceptance for Watershed Protection and the City of Austin

Identify opportunities for the application of GSI in City-sponsored retrofits, private
development and voluntary community projects

Identify short and long term maintenance requirements
PRELIMINARY
4 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts

Create delivery plans for Capital Improvement Projects, regulatory changes, maintenance
protocol and public outreach.
Over the past two years, the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Team has completed the following tasks:
1. Completed a comprehensive benchmarking survey of other municipalities with GI Initiatives
2. Modified Ordinances and Technical Criteria to allow for the use of Green Stormwater
Infrastructure
3. Developed partnerships with local educational institutions that resulted in campus rain
gardens and enhanced expertise in design community
4. Created a comprehensive maintenance manual for use by those charged with maintaining
GSI
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Wild Dunes – A Neighborhood History of Floodplains and Floodplain Variances
Presenters:
Kevin Shunk, PE, CFM; City of Austin
David Marquez, PE, CFM; City of Austin
Topic: The certainty of floodplain maps changing over time is something that we, as floodplain managers,
are familiar with. How floodplain managers, City Council members, and the public deal with these changes
affects our communities. This presentation will focus on one particular street in Austin in the Onion Creek
Neighborhood to illustrate how variations in floodplain mapping have affected this growing neighborhood.
Due to its continued growth and annexation into the City of Austin, development in the neighborhood must
now comply with the City’s floodplain regulations based on the most current floodplain information. The City
of Austin’s floodplain management regulations go above and beyond FEMA’s minimum standards, in
particular the requirement for safe access out of the floodplain. Several property owners in this neighborhood
have requested floodplain variances from City Council with varying results. This presentation will discuss the
facts of each variance request. What would you, the floodplain administrator, the Councilmember, or FEMA,
think about building here?
10:00 am -10:20 am
Social Media: #whatsnext
Presenters:
Diane Howe, Risk MAP Program Specialist; FEMA Region 6
Kelly Stoll – Senior Strategic Communications Specialist; RAMPP
Topic: Social media has forever changed the interaction of people. As society continues to move away
from traditional media outlets, communities must implement social media strategies to engage their citizens
in an increasingly mobile world.
Federal, state, and local governments are increasingly dependent on social media not only as a mechanism
for communicating to stakeholders, but as a means of getting feedback from them as well. On January 21,
2009, President Obama stated, “Our commitment to openness means more than simply informing the
American people about how decisions are made. It means recognizing that government does not have all the
answers, and that public officials need to draw on what citizens know.”
Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the
American Red Cross, state emergency management organizations, and local disaster response entities join
news outlets and celebrities in regular use of social media to interact with the public. In fact the U.S.
Geological Survey has a Twitter account dedicated to gathering information from the public about their
earthquake experiences, calling it “citizen science.”
PRELIMINARY
5 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
This session will provide attendees an overview of the social media platforms which are most in use today, a
discussion of creating a social media strategy and policy for their organization, as well as a brief overview of
what they can do to begin using social media as an integral tool in their communications tool box.
10:20 am -10:50 am
www.ATXFloods.com
The Development of a Subscription Based Public Notification System for Austin Flooding
Presenters:
Matt Porcher; City of Austin
Tomas Rodriguez, EIT; City of Austin
Topic: The City of Austincurrently uses the www.atxfloods.com website to notify the public of road closures
due to flooding during storm events. To date, this site has been widely used by the public and the local
media during storm events. But now it is being expanded to perform additional functions. The goal of this
expansion is to provide the clearest and most meaningful data to the public and to the broadcast media.
During severe storms in Austin, there is little time for residents to prepare for flooding along a flashy
watershed. The City hopes this expanded website will be able to provide better information by including the
following:
 A multi-jurisdictional format for inserting road closures of creek flooding areas for Austin and Travis
County. This allows multiple City departments – Austin Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and
Watershed to insert information on road closures due to flooding of creeks or flooding based upon
localized events – such as clogged inlets.
 A subscription service for text messages, emails, or phone calls in order to receive imminent or
forecast flooding information. By using a notification service that relies on geocoded addresses, the
City can automatically notify the subscriber of flooding conditions at the location they are concerned
with and include a generated web-based map of the area at risk.
 A map of forecast floodplains with associated time of occurrence that can be used by a mobile
internet device.
 The placement of the data into an open format environment so that it can be used by the public and
by broadcast media for additional outreach.
This presentation focuses on the development of the enhanced www.atxfloods.com website, the
development of the back end public notification service, how maps are generated and are formatted for use
by mobile internet devices, and the outreach plan for promoting subscribers.
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Buy Your Way Out of Trouble: How to Create a Successful Floodplain Buyout Program
Presenter:
Sarah Easter, CFM, R/W-RAC; THC, Inc.
Topic: In 1999, Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) Storm Water Services contracted with THC to
implement a buyout program for properties that had been repetitively flooded. Utilizing FEMA, state grant
and local monies, THC managed the acquisition of 116 residential properties in six different neighborhoods
representing a broad range of income levels. Following the success of the program, THC has continued to
provide acquisition services for additional properties throughout Mecklenburg County. To date, we have
acquired over 200 properties, including the acquisition of two apartment complexes with a total of 213 units.
Sarah Easter, SE Regional Manager for THC, Inc., will present the buyout process and unique challenges
our agents have encountered throughout this program, including two current projects.
11:20 am -11:45 am
When Water Threatens… FloodSax Saves…
PRELIMINARY
6 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Presenters:
Bruce Brenner – FloodSax
Craig Kalkomey, PE, CFM; Jones & Carter
Topic: FloodSax is a sandless sandbag that is revolutionizing the way homeowners, businesses and
governmental agencies prevent and reduce damage from floodwaters. Due to their size and weight, they
save time and money. They are highly effective when flash flooding events take us by surprise, and
traditional methods may not be feasible. FloodSax will protect assets and maximize emergency resources so
that they are most effective and efficient when they are needed for protecting communities.
These super absorbent biodegradable multi-purpose bags are designed to replace bulky, heavy,
inconvenient sand bags. A single person can easily move a box of 20 FloodSax to the exact spot they are
needed. When dry, each FloodSax bag weighs less than one pound and lies approximately 1-inch thick,
saving up to 90% of the space equivalent to traditional sandbags and requiring less time and manpower
needed to deploy during an event. Bruce Brenner, will talk about how FloodSax can help communities save
time and money during events with the deployment of FloodSax.
In 2013, Fort Bend County, several Municipal Utility Districts, and all Levee Improvement Districts in the
County developed Emergency Action Plans to address flood events along the Brazos River. As part of each
plan, the County and each District reviewed their resources required to protect and operate the levees during
these events. Several of the Districts purchased FloodSax because they could be easily stored and easily
deployed during an event. Craig Kalkomey will discuss why one District, First Colony Levee Improvement
District No. 2, purchased FloodSax and how they were used in a non-flood related event. He will also discuss
how FloodSax could be used in construction and storm water pollution prevention situations.
TRACK A – FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATORS PANEL DISCUSSION
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
A1
Floodplain Administrators Panel Discussion
Panel: Monica Martin, CFM; Wharton County
John Johnston, PE, CFM; City of Victoria
Lisa Krobot, CFM; Matagorda County
Topic: Panel discussion with Floodplain Administrators regarding various topics and time for questions and
answers.
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm
A2
Floodplain Administrators Panel Discussion - Continuation
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
A3
Hazard Mitigation Action Plan: Safety, Strategy, and Funding
Presenters:
Katie Hogan, PE, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Ben McWhorter, EIT, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Topic: The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires all local governments to prepare a Hazard Mitigation
Action Plan (HMAP) to receive funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This
requirement is intended to help communities minimize loss of life and property due to natural hazards.
HMAPs can be developed by a single jurisdiction, or multiple jurisdictions within a region can join together to
form a multi‐jurisdictional plan. Regardless of how many entities participate in the HMAP, each community
PRELIMINARY
7 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
must first identify natural hazards that are likely to threaten their citizens and infrastructure. An in‐depth risk
assessment then must be performed for each of the identified hazards. The risk assessment includes an
analysis of how likely a hazard is to occur within a community based on historical data as well as an
assessment of the impacts a hazard will have on a community’s infrastructure and critical facilities.
The most important process in the creation of an HMAP is for a community to develop a mitigation strategy.
The mitigation strategy “identifies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and
projects being considered to reduce the effects of each hazard” (44 CFR 201.6). The mitigation actions can
include public outreach, updating or creating new ordinances, specific projects to reduce hazard risks,
implementation of community‐wide safety programs, and many other specific actions that will effectively
mitigate the loss of life and property in the event of a hazard. FEMA provides several mitigation ideas for a
wide array of hazards, but each jurisdiction is free to customize actions to best suit the needs of its
community.
The most important aspect of the HMAP is to reduce the effect of hazards; however, there are many funding
opportunities that become available to communities with an HMAP that has been approved my FEMA. There
are also funding opportunities to assist communities with the development of the HMAP.
Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) has provided consulting services for the development of the HMAPs for the
Town of Little Elm and City of Arlington and is in the process of developing the Town of Trophy Club HMAP.
FNI also assisted the Towns of Little Elm and Trophy Club in obtaining HMGP funding to develop their
respective HMAPs. This presentation will provide a summary of how to create an HMAP, its benefits for the
community, and examples of the type of funding available with an approved and adopted HMAP. It will also
provide real world experiences and lessons learned in creating HMAPs for communities.
TRACK B – BEXAR COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM
1:45 pm – 2:45
B1
The Anatomy of the Bexar County Flood Control Program:
10-Years and $500 Million Towards Managing the Floodplain in Flash Flood Alley
Presenters:
David Wegmann, PE; Bexar County
Susan Fraser, PE, CFM; Bexar County Flood Control/AECOM
Topic: To help address significant flood damages caused by two record breaking rain events in 1998 and
2002 in San Antonio, Bexar County and local government leaders united in an effort for improved flood
control, stormwater management, and water quality. As part of these efforts, the Bexar County
Commissioners Court, San Antonio City Council, the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), and 20 suburban
cities within Bexar County formed the Bexar Regional Watershed Management (BRWM) partnership. As a
commitment to the BRWM partnership, the County established and funded a 10-year, $500 Million Bexar
County Flood Control Program Management Flood Control Capital Improvement Program to address some
of the most critical issues in the County. The County has retained AECOM, GGC, Briones, and the Deberry
Group to provide program management/staff augmentation services for the planning, design, and
construction phases of the Program.
Currently, the County is nearing the end of the 6th year of the 10-year Program. With four years left to go, the
Program has completed 18 projects and has 52 projects in varying stages of planning, design, and
construction.
This presentation will detail the origination, execution, challenges, and evaluation measures of the Bexar
County Flood Control Program. The discussion of challenges will address how to staff a finite-period
program; how to deliver projects based on regional, rather than jurisdictional boundaries; how to assess
project feasibility; how to obtain community support; and how to deliver flood control projects that will
improve the quality of life for the residents of the community. A 6-Year Performance Update of the Program
PRELIMINARY
8 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
will be provided as well as an evaluation of the performance of the Program projects during the April 29,
2013 and May 25, 2013 storm events.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
B2
Bexar County Flood Control Program:
Environmental Permitting in the Floodplain
Presenter:
Jeremy Hanzlik, PE; Bexar County Flood Control/AECOM
Topic: Currently, the County is nearing the end of the 6th year of the 10-year Bexar County Flood Control
(BCFC) Program. With four years remaining, the Program has completed construction of 16 projects and
has 52 projects in varying stages of planning, design, and construction. Many lessons have been learned
regarding environmental permitting. Uniformity in approach to environmental considerations including
standardized templates, standardized scopes of work, and early coordination with regulators have played a
major role in the success of the BCFC Program. Careful environmental planning (before projects are put for
a Request for Qualifications) has contributed to well thought out projects with appropriate scoping and effort
to provide constant environmental feedback to the designers during preliminary and detailed phases of
engineering. In doing so, BCFC Program projects have successfully avoided and minimized negative
impacts to the environment while helping minimize costs and avoid potential delays associated with
environmental permitting.
This presentation will address the challenges from an Owner’s Representative (Environmental Permitting)
that were encountered by the Bexar County Flood Control Program during planning, design, and
construction. Discussion topics will include the benefits of environmental planning during preliminary design,
design considerations to minimize permitting requirements and timeline, challenges faced during
construction (e.g., environmental discoveries in the field), and lessons learned.
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm
B3
Bexar County Flood Control Program:
Construction Management in the Floodplain
Presenters:
Theodore Nelson III; Bexar County Flood Control/AECOM
Christopher Trevino, PE; Bexar County Flood Control/AECOM
Topic: Currently, the County is nearing the end of the 6th year of the 10-year Bexar County Flood Control
Program. With four years remaining, the Program has completed 16 construction projects and has 52
projects in varying stages of planning, design, and construction. Many lessons have been learned regarding
contemporary construction management principles and practices associated with construction projects
located within floodplains.
Construction projects in floodplains have their own set of unique features and challenges. From limited rightof-way, staging areas in the floodplain, environmental concerns, and storm water quality issues, these
projects require special planning and consideration. Coordination between all the parties involved including
Owners, Design Consultants, Contractors, Quality Assurance Testing Labs, Inspection Service Providers,
and Construction Managers is key to successful project completion.
This presentation will address the challenges from an Owner’s Representative (Construction Management)
aspect that were encountered by the Bexar County Flood Control Program during planning, design, and
construction. Discussion topics will include the benefits of constructability reviews, challenges faced during
construction, environmental concerns, best management practices associated with storm water pollution
prevention plans, and lessons learned.
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
B4
Bexar County Flood Control Program:
PRELIMINARY
9 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Laddie Place Phase III: A Case Study
Presenters:
Bobby Mengden, PE; (Bexar County Flood Control/AECOM
Christie Saenz, CFM; Bexar County
Topic: During a major rain event in early July 2002, San Antonio experienced approximately 8 inches of rain
in 3 hours. Much of the impact was felt in the Woodlawn Lake area where approximately 7 inches of rain fell,
230 homes were flooded, and one person drowned. The major storm water inflow system in the area is
known as the East Woodlawn Ditch System (Laddie Ditch), a system of open channels, underground storm
sewer systems, streets, and detention basins. In response to the catastrophic flooding, the City of San
Antonio constructed two detention ponds, referred to as Laddie Place Phases I & II, to mitigate the excessive
storm water flows in the existing Laddie Ditch System. However, even with construction of the Laddie Place
I &II detention ponds, a third detention pond was still needed.
Bexar County included the Laddie Place Phase III Regional Storm Water Facility (SA-2) in its 10-year, $500
million Regional Flood Control Program. The location of the project is in the urban core of San Antonio with
limited available open property for flood control measures. In addition, this project will function collectively
with the first 2 phases to reduce regional flooding in the East Woodlawn Ditch System. Design of the project
is complete and construction has begun on Laddie Place Phase III.
This presentation will address the unique challenges that were encountered by the Bexar County Flood
Control Program during project initiation and design. Discussion topics will include initial scoping
considerations, real estate acquisitions, modeling techniques, environmental considerations, public outreach
activities, and maximization of regional project benefits. Architectural renderings will also be presented in
order demonstrate the final project lay out and amenities.
TRACK C – ETHICS & OTHER FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
C1
Ethics in Floodplain Management
Presenters:
Jessica Baker, PE, CFM; Halff Associates
John P. Ivey, PE, CFM; Halff Associates
T. Lynn Lovell PE, CFM; Halff Associates
Topic: This paper outlines floodplain management ethical issues often encountered by the local floodplain
administrator, professional engineer and registered public surveyor.
Ethical requirements to certified floodplain managers (CFM’S), professional engineers (PE’s), professional
planners (AICP), registered architects (AIA), registered public land surveyors (RPLS) and other professions
and certifications will be discussed.
The presentation will include examples of floodplain modeling, mapping, planning, surveying, and the
administration and enforcement of the community flood damage prevention ordinance. Many certification
programs now include mandatory ethics policies and CEC requirements.
Discussion of the various impacts on ethical decisions:
Political pressure
Project deadlines
Supervisor or peer pressure
Financial impacts
NFIP compliance and regulations
Examples that will be discussed will include:
PRELIMINARY
10 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Riverene and coastal high hazard areas issues
Floodways and incorrect use of “no rise certifications”
Letters of Map Change and “reasonably safe from flooding” certification
Substantial improvement/damage determinations
Certifications: levee; floodproofing; coastal construction;
Other permits: wetlands/Section 404; ESA; NPDES/MS4
Elevation Certificates
Proper use of FIS Flood Profiles to determine BFE
Local floodplain administrator liability associated with floodplain determinations
Enforcement and lack of enforcement related to NFIP and local ordinances
Variances and associated liability
When State Law and local requirements exceed minimum NFIP requirements
This paper will allow audience participation
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
C2
LiMWA: Getting Ahead of the Regulatory Curve
Presenter:
David K. Stall, CFM - Floodplain Administrator / City Administrator; City of Shoreacres
Topic: This presentation reviews one community’s examination of tidal surge and wave wash impact
following Hurricane Ike (2008); the process they used to identify a flood surge hazard area; and, the
development of higher regulatory standards within the established surge hazard area. Following the 2009
adoption and enforcement of Flood Surge Hazard Area regulations the community has realized more flood
prevention benefit than had been anticipated.
Tidal flooding and destructive storm surge generated by Hurricane Ike in 2008 devastated the small
waterfront community of Shoreacres, Texas. Following Hurricane Ike the city mapped the movement of
storm debris and collected empirical evidence of the effect tidal surge and wave wash had on the city’s
structures. Using that data a geographic area was established where increased protection from storm surge
could reasonably be expected to reduce future storm surge damage.
Largely extrapolated from more restrictive Coastal High Hazard Area (Zone VE) regulations, new Flood
Surge Hazard Area regulations were adopted in 2009. The new regulations overlay both existing Special
Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE) and Coastal High Hazard Area (Zone VE) regulations within the city’s
jurisdiction.
In 2013 FEMA issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Shoreacres that included a Limit of
Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) line. The LiMWA shown along Galveston Bay reaches well into Shoreacres
closely following the city’s own Flood Surge Hazard Area.
Development under the city’s Flood Surge Hazard Area regulations has resulted in new construction
consistently exceeding minimum elevation requirements. As a result, recent construction will not be
adversely affected by FIRM elevation changes. Additionally, structures built in compliance with the city’s
Flood Surge Hazard Area regulations should be ahead of the curve should FEMA adopt future regulations
within the now advisory LiMWA boundary.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
C3
Watersheds Have No Boundaries – The Role of Houston Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in
Floodplain Management
Presenters:
Kelly Porter - H-GAC Regional Planner
Shashi K. Kumar, PE, CFM – Elected Chair of H-GAC’s Regional Flood Management
Council (City of Sugar Land)
PRELIMINARY
11 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Topic: The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is the region-wide voluntary association of local
governments in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning region of Texas. Its service area is 12,500 square miles
and contains more than 6 million people. H-GAC's mission is to serve as the instrument of local government
cooperation, promoting the region's orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens. H-GAC is
governed by a Board of Directors composed of local elected officials who serve on the governing bodies of
member local governments. H-GAC provides many tools: information, region-wide and area plans, and other
services to support the region’s local governments.
The Regional Flood Management Council (RFMC) was created by the H-GAC Board of Directors in February
2005 for the purpose of carrying out H-GAC’s Floodplain Management Policy. The RFMC’s purpose is to
assist and advise elected officials in their decision-making responsibilities by making recommendations on
issues related to all aspects of flood management in the Gulf Coast Planning Region. The Council serves as
a sounding-board for flood and floodplain management issues for the 13-county region. These issues
include, but are not limited to, flood hazard mapping studies and funding; multi-jurisdictional flood
management districts; and authorities for counties, drainage districts and cities, where needed, to effectively
manage the floodplain and provide coordination to address entire watersheds.
Texas leads the nation almost every year in flood-related deaths and damage. The H-GAC region is one of
the most vulnerable areas to both urban, river, and coastal flood hazards. Since its inception, the RFMC
has developed floodplain management tools and coordinated with local governments in addressing multijurisdictional drainage issues that span watersheds. This presentation will highlight RFMC’s important role of
flood management in the Gulf Coast Planning Region and how other entities can learn from RFMC’s
approach and successes.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
C4
Considerations for Removing a Small Dam in an Urban/Suburban Setting
Presenters:
Tim Whitefield, PE, CFM; Peloton Land Solutions
Randy Alexander, CWB; Peloton Land Solutions
Topic: This presentation will discuss the technical and non-technical issues related to the removal of a small
dam. The presentation will directly discuss, but not entirely focus on, floodplain management. In addition to
floodplain management, the presentation will highlight other pertinent factors such as those discussed in the
abstract below, which are important for a floodplain manager or consulting engineer to be aware of. The
presentation will include concept sketches, design drawings, and construction photos, and reference
applicable state and federal regulations.
Dam removal is becoming increasingly more common due to a variety of factors ranging from stream
restoration to public safety. Regardless of the reasons for removing a dam, there are a number of variables
to be considered, including ecology, Waters of the United States, floodplain management, public safety
(during and after removal), as well as cultural concerns and public perception. These factors and their
relative importance may vary based on the size of the dam, its location, downstream hazards, uses of the
impounded waters, water rights, etc. This presentation discusses these issues as they applied to the removal
of an actual small, high-hazard dam in a rapidly developing suburban area. The project required coordination
with municipal, state, and federal agencies and was accomplished within an abbreviated time frame.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
C5
Raising the Bar: Increasing Flood Protection in the City of New Orleans
Presenters:
Thomas Nye, PE, PhD; CDM Smith
Jessica L. Watts, PE, CFM; D.WRE; CDM Smith
Topic: New Orleans’ drainage system reflects the city’s unique history. New Orleans continuously struggles
to manage its drainage system, despite ongoing development, soil subsidence, and sea level rise. In 1992,
responsibility for the internal drainage system was divided between the City of New Orleans, Department of
PRELIMINARY
12 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Public Works (DPW) and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (S&WB). Since then, S&WB has
been responsible for the surface drainage system and the subsurface drainage system associated with pipe
36 inches and larger while DPW is responsible for the subsurface drainage system associated with pipe
smaller than 36 inches.
CDM Smith developed a Drainage Master Plan (DMP) for the entire City in 2010, focusing on the DPW
system. The following level of service (LOS) was defined for the DMP: the DPW system shall convey
stormwater to the S&WB system as limited by the capacity of the nearest significant downstream box culvert,
while limiting flooding of the 10-year, 24-hour design storm to 6 inches above the inlet grate inverts. The city
was divided into 15 separate watersheds and modeled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
(USEPA) Stormwater Management Model (SWMM), which is a fully dynamic hydrologic and hydraulic model
primarily used with urban watersheds. The 15 models covered 59 square miles and approximately 20,000
separate pipes representing nearly 1,200 miles of the DPW system. The existing stormwater system is not
adequate to meet the desired 10-year LOS and many of the pipes surcharge into the streets. Since much of
the city is shaped like a bowl, low and below sea level at the center rising up to levees on the edges, it was
necessary to add parallel road overflows to act as both storage and conveyance. The evaluation of the
existing system indicated that nearly 600 miles of streets were expected to flood by 6 inches or more for the
10-year storm. A plan of conveyance and storage improvements throughout the City has been prepared to
reduce flooding and meet the proposed Drainage Master Plan criteria.
TRACK D – HYDROLOGY & HYDRAULICS
1:45 pm – 2:45
D1
2D or not 2D Case Study
2-Dimensional Modeling in Urban Areas – Shoal Creek Watershed
Presenters:
Cindy Engelhardt, PE, CFM; Halff Associates
Karl McArthur, PE, CFM; City of Austin
Chad Cormack, PE; Halff Associates
Topic: Over the last several decades, the City of Austin has experienced significant development pressure.
With a significant percent of Austin’s land area in the regulatory floodplain, the City has diligently worked to
balance the need for flood protection with the economic benefits of development within these flood-prone
areas. One area that has experienced extensive development is the corridor along Shoal Creek and its
tributaries. There are two areas within the Shoal Creek watershed where two-dimensional (2D) analysis was
used to refine the one-dimensional (1D) analysis assumptions used in the development of regulatory models.
Both the lower portion of Shoal Creek in the downtown region (from 1st Street to 9th Street) and the
confluence of Hancock Branch and Grover Tributary (from Houston Street to Alegria Road) produce
extensive overflows through residential and commercial property as well as adjacent streets. There are
several major development projects under construction or planned for the downtown area and the
Hancock/Grover watershed is a popular area for redevelopment. In an effort to better plan for future
development and to ensure that such development is done in a safe and cost-effective manner, a twodimensional hydraulic analysis was performed in these areas.
The Innovyze InfoWorks RS v12.5 (IWRS) software was used to develop the 2D hydraulic models for the
study area. These models incorporated 1D elements from HEC-RAS and a 2D mesh derived from LiDAR
and survey data. The resultant models provided a better understanding of the complicated flood flow
dynamics present in the two study areas. Following completion of the 2D models, the City was faced with
the decision of whether development should be regulated based on the 2D models. For many reasons, the
City opted to continue to regulate based on 1D models, but to use the 2D results to guide the development of
the 1D models. The parameters of the 1D models were modified (within reasonable limits) to match the 2D
PRELIMINARY
13 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
results as closely as possible and the 2D results were used to identify overflows and calibrate lateral weirs in
the 1D models. The final 1D regulatory models compare well to the the 2D simulation, are defendable, are
consistent with City guidelines and do not place undue burden on the development community.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
D2
Carson Creek – 2D Model Approximation Within a 1D Hydraulic Model
Presenters:
Katina Bohrer, PE, CFM; City of Austin
Scot Laun, PE, CFM; ATKINS North America
Topic: The Carson Creek watershed, within the City of Austin, is known to frequently flood structures and
overtop roadways during large storm events. As part of the City’s proactive floodplain management, Atkins
was contracted to develop a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis resulting in a delineation of new
floodplains for Carson Creek. East of US Highway 183, the channel slope becomes extremely flat and in
some portions of the creek the channel is virtually non-existent. During a heavy rainfall event, the flow
spreads out in the overbanks and co-mingles with two adjacent tributaries. This creates a 2D flow scenario
with the exchange of flow between the mainstream and tributaries. Due to budget and schedule limitations,
the City and Atkins moved forward analyzing the Carson Creek watershed using a 1D hydraulic model in this
affected area. The analysis resulted in a model that used 4 lateral weirs and a split flow to estimate the
overbank flow and interchange between three different channels and a quarry detention area in this
complicated area. This presentation will discuss the analysis that was conducted and the iterative process of
balancing the flows and water surface elevations between the hydrologic and hydraulic models pushing the
1D hydraulic modeling limitations.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
D3
Creek Flood Master Planning Process and GIS Automation, City of Austin
Presenter:
Reem Zoun, PE, CFM; City of Austin
Topic: The City of Austin utilizes comprehensive master planning to prioritize projects for property
protection and public safety. The City places priority on public safety and the impact of property loss on
public welfare when prioritizing a flood hazard project. The highest priority is to protect vehicular and
pedestrian traffic at roadway crossings and to prevent the loss of residences and businesses due to flooding.
This presentation will provide an overview of the procedure to determine flood scores for structures in the
floodplain. For structures, a GIS-based procedure is applied to compute structure flooding depths for the 2-,
10-, 25-, and 100-year storm events using water surface elevation data from the latest H&H models, GISbased floodplain maps, best available LiDAR or other elevation data and finished floor elevation data. The
flooding depths combined with resource value of a structure are utilized to compute flood scores for each
structure. For street crossings, both depth and velocity of water are utilized to compute flood scores.
In addition, the presentation will include some of the processes that have been automated using the GIS
model-builder to make the scoring process more efficient, and less tedious
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
D4
Cypress Creek Overflow
Presenters:
Keith Smathers, PE, CFM; Brown & Gay Engineers
Steven Golz, PE; Brown & Gay Engineers
Chris Doherty, PE, CFM; Brown & Gay Engineers
Topic: In western Harris County, Texas, the primary watersheds between IH-10 and US-290 are Cypress
Creek and Addicks Reservoir. Cypress Creek flows from west to east in this area, and has limited capacity to
contain all of its tributary runoff. Runoff in excess of an approximate 10-year storm frequency event spill over
the southern watershed divide into the Addicks Reservoir watershed, and its three primary tributaries:
PRELIMINARY
14 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Langham Creek, Bear Creek, and South Mayde Creek. This overflow has been historically observed from
Cypress Creek, with subsequent flows out of Bear Creek to South Mayde Creek. This area has previously
been modeled, although the current FEMA Effective FIRM shows a significant portion of the floodplain
designated as Zone AO (Depth 1 or Depth 2).
As land development for the metropolitan Houston area progresses into the Cypress/Addicks overflow area,
much greater detail is needed to adequately plan for and design systems to maintain existing conveyance
and floodplain storage. The presence of new LiDAR mapping, updated hydrologic modeling for the Addicks
Reservoir watershed, and availability of high-powered 1D/2D modeling have provided an opportunity to
determine overland sheet flow and channelized flow patterns in much greater detail. A coupled 1D/2D model
using MIKE Flood was developed to provide detailed information about the overland flow paths and the
nature of that flooding. The model was validated through the use of historic flood data, and provides a
powerful tool to identify flow patterns, flow distribution, and effects of overland flow routing.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
D5
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Basin Flood Study: A Calibration Sensation
Presenters:
Daniel Harris, PE, CFM; Halff Associates
Charles Hickman, PE, CFM; Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Marie J. Vanderpool, PE, CFM; US Army Corps of Engineers
Topic: Communities within the Guadalupe River, Blanco River, and San Marcos River have suffered from
several major floods over the last 40 years. Major storms in 1998, 2002, 2004, 2007 and 2010 have
produced significant flood damages in the Guadalupe-Blanco River Basin. Subsequently, the GuadalupeBlanco River Authority (GBRA) partnered with the Corps of Engineers, the Texas Water Development Board
(TWDB), and 14 of its river communities in a collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive and sustainable
flood risk evaluation program to assess flood risk and investigate flood damage mitigation alternatives.
The Lower Guadalupe Interim Feasibility Study Phase 1 consists of new detailed hydrologic and hydraulic
studies on the Guadalupe, San Marcos and Blanco Rivers. A basin-wide hydrology model has been created
and calibrated to the 1998, 2004, and 2002 storm events. The calibration effort was extensive covering nine
gages across the Lower Guadalupe watershed. Calibrating such a large basin to several gages involved
challenges in determining appropriate parameter adjustments and routing methodology. Results indicate
that antecedent runoff condition and rainfall pattern have a significant impact on the parameter adjustments
required for each event calibration.
The hydrology model results were also validated with a comparison to a gage analysis performed by the
Corps of Engineers: Fort Worth District. The Corps analyzed peak flow data from ten gages in the Lower
Guadalupe Basin resulting in a set of eight frequency flows for each gage. Frequency flows at locations
between gages were interpolated from the gage analysis results. Differences in hydrologic response of the
basin at different locations made the interpolation process challenging, especially for the Blanco and San
Marcos Gages. The final challenge in the calibration process was presenting and obtaining public
acceptance of the results.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
D6
Software Selection in Stormwater Management and Modeling
Presenters:
Jeff Haeber, PE, CFM; Jones & Carter
Scott Saenger, PE, CFM; Jones & Carter
Topic: Software selection for stormwater projects is a critical piece of information that floodplain managers
must navigate. There are several factors to consider when choosing the proper software platform. Some of
which include the complexity and size of the project, project sensitivity, public acceptance, and budget.
PRELIMINARY
15 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Projects of varying scope and size may require a more detailed analysis while others only need a simplified
approach.
This presentation will discuss the common types of software used in H&H modeling and stormwater
management and points to consider when scoping a project. Both steady-state and dynamic modeling will be
discussed along with the benefits and challenges with using different types of approaches. An example 2D
dynamic modeling approach for a drainage improvement project within Fort Bend County, Texas will be
discussed and how this particular modeling approach was utilized.
TRACK E – STORMWATER & NATURAL DESIGNS
1:45 pm – 2:45
E1
Evaluation of Natural Channel Design Versus Traditional Stormwater Infrastructure in Texas:
Integrating Flood Control, Water Quality, and Ecology
Presenter:
Jennifer J. Walker, PE, D.WRE, CFM; Watearth, Inc.
Topic: This research project for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) found natural channel design
(NCD) to be an applicable stormwater management strategy within the State’s seven physiographic
provinces. Additionally, increased interest in NCD as a watershed management tool and means to reduce
maintenance costs was noted in interviews with agencies from various regions within Texas.
With stormwater quality controls playing an increasingly important role throughout the State, NCD may help
meet multiple stormwater management objectives, including: flood control, water quality, and ecological
benefits. This presentation focuses on the water quality and ecological benefits associated with NCD from a
watershed-wide perspective. Low Impact Development (LID) or Green Infrastructure is also recommended
to address currently developed areas as well as future development within the watershed to minimize stream
hydromodification due to changes in flow regime associated with development.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
E2
Reconnecting a Community to the Creek: The J.J. Seabrook Stream Restoration, Rain
Garden, and Urban Trail Project
Presenters:
Kristin K. Pipkin, PE, CPESC; City of Austin
Michelle Adlong, EIT; City of Austin
Topic: The J.J. Seabrook Stream Restoration, Rain Garden, and Urban Trail Project will transform an
unremarkable, 900-foot reach in J.J. Seabrook Greenbelt to a thriving creek corridor that benefits the
environment and the local community. The primary project goal is to restore the ecology, stability, and water
quality of the stream system. Additional goals of this comprehensive project include creating a unique sense
of place for the local community to enjoy and providing pedestrian and bike connectivity through the
neighborhood and to the park.
The project’s stream enhancement features include design of a nested channel to enhance hydrological and
ecological connectivity, replacement of a culvert with a pedestrian bridge to reconnect the stream, habitat
enhancement and native riparian vegetation, and water quality improvements. The project’s habitat
enhancement features include the construction of riffle/pool complexes to support two distinct geomorphic
reaches within the park, strategically-placed cypress bogs, habitat log structures, and deep pools to support
the local terrestrial and aquatic habitat. A defined riparian buffer zone will be established, with plant types
specific to East Austin streams and the wetland, facultative, and obligate planting zones. Native soils laden
with seed stock will be preserved and redistributed to reestablish local wetland plants. Finally, land
management changes will be made to support the restored stream corridor long-term.
Water quality in the stream will be improved not only by enhancement of native vegetation such as wetland
plants, but also by reduction of the pollutants in the stormwater runoff to the stream. To reduce impervious
PRELIMINARY
16 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
cover, some pavement on an existing road that bisects the greenbelt will be removed. The narrowed road will
be converted to an urban trail system, which will be lined with a vegetated swale and rain gardens to treat
runoff to the stream. Where feasible, storm drains in the park will be truncated, with stormwater routed
through swales before entering the stream. The project will also include features such as boulder crossings
and a meandering trail within the greenbelt that provides the community opportunities for recreation and
exploration.
The design phase is expected to continue through September 2013. Construction is expected to begin in
early 2014.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
E3
Grow Zones: The Benefits and Challenges of Restoring Natural Riparian Habitats in Urban
Creeks
Presenters:
Mateo Scoggins; City of Austin
Henry Price, EIT, CFM; City of Austin
Topic: The City of Austin is home to several unique and healthy urban greenbelts within the City’s core that
are revered and utilized by its citizens. Unfortunately Austin also is home to many other creeks and riparian
habitats that have been diminished or destroyed due to development and vegetation control plans that are
not conducive to healthy riparian zones. The City of Austin’s Watershed Protection and Parks and
Recreation Departments have initiated a new program of riparian restoration, utilizing a combination of
passive and proactive approaches, to reestablish healthy riparian zones or “Grow Zones” within the City’s
parks, creeks and greenbelts.
In addition to discussing the benefits of Grow Zones, such as erosion control, water quality mitigation, creek
bank stabilization, improved floodplain storage, groundwater recharge and healthy plant and animal habitat,
the presentation will discuss the challenges associated with establishment of new Grow Zones. These
challenges include ensuring that Grow Zones meet the floodplain management standards of the City (cause
no adverse impact), communicating to citizens the goals and timelines of riparian habitat restoration, and
encouraging strong citizen and community participation in the Grow Zones effort.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
E4
Riparian Systems and Texas
Presenter:
Laura Pittman; AECOM
Topic: As Texans, there are key words and phrases that tend to pique our interest. Some of these include:
“cooler water and air temperatures”, “increased wildlife habitat”, and “creation of recreation areas”. It may be
surprising to find that all of these things and much more are common benefits of riparian systems.
A riparian system does not have the appearance of an engineered system that provides stream bank erosion
reduction, sediment and pollutant filtration, increased groundwater infiltration, or floodwater storage and
flooding mitigation; however riparian zones do all this and are an effective and attractive means of
maintaining a healthy and vibrant stream or river.
Beyond their natural attractiveness, they are intelligently designed and engineered systems consisting of
three zones. Zone One has native trees that provide shade and bank stabilization. Zone Two contains
native shrubs (providing a habitat for wildlife) and acts to slow and absorb contaminants that the third zone
may have missed. Zone Three provides the greatest filtration and has native grasses that slow runoff.
A riparian system is an ideal method for both large and small stream maintenance and health. It is a method
that can be used in rural areas and within a municipality. This makes it a great alternative to the traditional
hard landscaping around municipal streams and rivers that often create impervious cover and flooding
issues. Additionally, usage in rural areas, like on farms or ranches, is ideal because of its natural creation of
hospitable areas for wildlife and its increased stream stabilization and groundwater infiltration. The wide
PRELIMINARY
17 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
range of applications of a riparian system makes their implementation in Texas all that more ideal for a state
just as varied.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
E5
Fluvial Physicians: Assessing the City of Round Rock’s Streams
Presenters:
Andy Carter, PE; Halff Associates
Alysha Girard, PE, CFM; City of Round Rock
Lance Shellenberger, CFM; City of Round Rock
Ryan Beardmore, CFM; City of Round Rock
Travis Kaatz, EIT; Halff Associates
Topic: How long has it been since your creeks and streams had a routine physical? Many communities
employ a reactive approach to managing flooding, capacity and erosion issues and fail to get their “checkup”.
Rather than only treating sick patients, the City of Round Rock’s stormwater management team
desired a unique and proactive approach to evaluate and categorize drainage issues along sixty-seven (67)
stream miles. The City required a procedure that would create a well-documented benchmark while
providing the flexibility for additional assessments in the future. Teaming with Halff Associates, the City
developed a modern approach to assessing their streams’ health.
For a doctor proper tools must be utilized to successfully analyze the patient. Utilizing state-of-the-art
technology, the City and Halff Associates developed a custom tablet application that allowed for systematic
collection of issues encountered in the field. A detailed schema of the data to be collected was established
through Team work sessions. The Team was also able to successfully leverage the “real-time” City’s GIS
data to assist with data collection.
Acting much like emergency medical technicians, field crews utilized this tool while walking the streams.
This allowed for “on-the-fly” field posting of perceived issue (including photos) allowing for quick coordination
and response with City staff. Once the field collection was complete, the detailed spatial database was
leveraged by office engineering staff to identify problems much like an admittance desk at an emergency
room. Reading the symptoms and consulting the published hydraulic models, the Team was able to identify
troubled areas where City action was needed. With this triage effort, projects were segregated into
categories such as operations & maintenance, active, strategic and reserve.
Similar to a doctor doing his rounds, veteran engineers were assigned to perform a secondary recovery effort
on fifty-five (55) potential projects beyond the scope of O&M. A list of potential capital projects was prepared
for consideration by the City after this additional effort. With a goal of describing the systemic approach for
stream assessment, it is the desire of the Team to demonstrate how their developed workflow and clever
tools have contributed to the first steps of a successful storm water master plan.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
E6
Green Roadway Design Challenge
Presenters:
Luis Alday, PE, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Shaun Spivey, PE; Freese and Nichols
Topic: Freese and Nichols Inc. (FNI) is participating on the Green Roadway Design Challenge organized by
the San Antonio River Authority. Evers Road is a collector street that transverses within the City of Leon
Valley and the City of San Antonio in the northwest quadrant of Bexar County. Within Leon Valley, the street
is 1.2 miles in length and is nearby to a diversity of residential neighborhoods and approximately sixty acres
of open space and public parkland. At this competition FNI transformed a standard roadway such as Evers
road with limited right of way into a low impact design.
PRELIMINARY
18 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
In this project there were several goals. Develop a design that would improve drainage, be more accessible,
have a smaller environmental impact, and ultimately be lower cost both for construction and for maintenance.
In short the goal was to make the lives of those who use this road better.
To meet each of the goals and to address the future needs of the community FNI developed a design that
would not only carry the cars across the city, but also connect pedestrians and bicyclists to the local
amenities like the library and a future hike and bike trail as well as reduce the environmental impact of the
road.
FNI narrowed the roadway slightly and added a median down the center of the road. The extra green space
in the median provided an excellent opportunity to both treat and reduce the storm water. In our design we
slope the road toward the median so that the water will drain into the green space there.
For Low impact design there are two main goals for drainage, the first is to MINIMIZE the QUANTITY of
runoff created by development. The second is to increase the QUALITY of runoff before it reaches natural
waterways, or in our case, Huebner Creek. Minimizing the QUANTITY of runoff was achieved by reducing
the amount of pavement on the conventional roadway by reducing the impervious area by 11% at the ROW
area which creates more green space and allows more rainfall to be absorbed. Increasing the QUALITY of
runoff from Evers Road was achieved by the use of bioretention cells. These vegetated depressions are
spaced like inlets down the roadway and the roadway is sloped to drain toward them. These small basins
collect and filter the water to meet the competition pollutant removal requirements.
TRACK F – FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT TEXAS
1:45 pm – 2:15
F1
East Sugar Creek: Improving Drainage in a Developed Area
Presenters:
Shashi Kumar, PE, CFM; City of Sugar Land
Sam Hinojosa, PE, CFM; Halff Associates
Chris Steubing, PE, CFM; City of Sugar Land
Andrew Moore, EIT; Halff Associates
Topic: East Sugar Creek (ESC) is a tributary to Sugar Creek and has a drainage area of approximately 770
acres consisting of mixed land use of commercial, residential and golf course areas. The creek is fed by a
large storm sewer network throughout the adjacent neighborhood and commercial areas. The ESC
watershed has historically been an area from which the City has received drainage complaints with regards
to street flooding.
The purpose of the study was to develop alternatives and recommendations for improving the efficiency of
the storm sewers in the ESC watershed. A dynamic computer model was developed of approximately
48,000 linear feet of storm sewer and open channel. The existing conditions analysis results determined that
portions of the system in the watershed did not meet current City design criteria by having capacity for the 2year storm event. The analysis also showed that while the East Sugar Creek channel has capacity to contain
the 100-year storm event, the current bottom elevation has an impact on the drainage conditions in adjacent
neighborhoods. Analysis was done to determine the impacts of the existing channel on the surrounding
neighborhood as well as the impacts of storm sewer improvements on East Sugar Creek.
This presentation will discuss the analysis of existing conditions and multiple improvement alternatives that
were explored and evaluated to reduce the risk of flooding in the neighborhoods along the creek. Hydraulic
and cost effectiveness as well as constructability were considered in the development of the improvement
alternatives.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
F2
Shoal Creek Restoration at Pease Park, Austin, Texas
PRELIMINARY
19 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Presenters:
Eric Stewart, PE, CFM, ENV SP; HDR Engineering
Morgan Byars, PE; City of Austin
Topic: The Shoal Creek Restoration project is a 1.2-mile, multi-objective urban creek and park restoration
project in downtown Austin. The project objective is to design and implement engineering and ecosystem
solutions in Pease Park and the Greenbelt that provide erosion protection in Shoal Creek, improve the
quality of stormwater runoff that enters the area, and restore native vegetation along the creek corridor. The
desired solutions retain and/or restore the natural character of the Shoal Creek greenbelt and integrate with
desired park uses and a diverse public and private stakeholder group. The project is a collaborative effort
with the City of Austin (City) Parks and Recreation Department, community stakeholder groups, and the
City's Watershed Protection Department.
Typical problems in the project area include: excessive creek bank erosion; threatened trees; compacted
soils; poor riparian integrity; invasive plants; poor water quality conditions; and poorly defined creek access
and trails. The park and stream corridor is being improved through stream bed and bank stabilization,
wastewater line relocation, low impact stormwater treatment systems, native landscape restoration
improvements, development of a park users' integration plan, and an enhanced and extended trail system.
Pease Park, established in 1875, is in an urban environment that has been heavily modified and altered
through its history. Shoal Creek, an ephemeral stream, is the dominant geographic feature running the
entire length of the park. Since the park is one of the most popular and heavily used parks in the downtown
corridor, implementation of the proposed project improvements poses many challenges. This multi-objective
restoration project serves to stabilize the creek with no adverse impact to flooding while preserving existing
desirable features and providing a stable foundation for riparian restoration, trail improvements, and water
quality enhancement facilities.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
F3
City of Austin Little Walnut Creek Flood Diversion Improvements Case Study
Presenters:
Bryan S. Martin, PE, CFM; Brown & Gay Engineers
Pamela Kearfott, PE, CFM; City of Austin
Topic: Little Walnut Creek, from Metric Blvd. to Rutland Dr. in North Austin, represents a 1,250 acre, highly
urbanized watershed posing a significant flood hazard to adjacent residential homes, apartments, and
roadway crossings. To help alleviate the flooding to the interior of structures and to reduce the extents of the
floodplain footprint within this reach, the City of Austin Little Walnut Creek Flood Hazard Reduction project
proposes a flow diversion solution to significantly reduce the amount of creek flow during the 10‐, 25‐, and
100‐year storm events. This diversion solution will maintain 1‐year creek base flows and divert approximately
2,000 cfs directly from Little Walnut Creek during the 100‐year storm event. The diverted flow will be
conveyed approximately 3,600 linear feet downstream to a regional detention pond via a 12’x12’ box culvert
located beneath Mearns Meadow Blvd. The diversion concept was selected over other traditional flood
hazard reduction strategies such as buyouts, regional detention, and channel modifications. This
presentation will outline why the diversion concept was recommended for implementation and discuss the
many design and modeling challenges involved with this type of project. Design and modeling topics include:
effective design of the flow diversion structure and debris screening; installation of a large diameter box
culvert within an existing street right‐of‐way; interconnection of local storm drains; effective dissipation of the
diversion outlet energy within Quail Creek Park; determination of downstream impacts and mitigation
measures; modeling of complex hydraulic structures with use of 1D HEC, dynamic 2D and 3D CFD models;
coordinating and obtaining approvals from local, state, and federal jurisdictions; reducing long term
operations and management requirements; and maintaining public safety.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
F4
Zacate Creek Flood Improvements, Laredo, Texas, Lessons Learned
PRELIMINARY
20 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Presenters:
Riazul Mia, PE, CFM; City of Laredo
Thomas Mountz, PE, D.WRE,CFM; RPS Espey
Topic: The City of Laredo has spent several years working with RPS Espey to improve the flood potential
along Zacate Creek, a major waterway running the heart of the City. In 2004, study began to update the
floodplain analysis and to identify viable projects to increase the flood capacity of the drainage infrastructure.
In 2011 the Zacate Creek Flood Protection Plan was completed and approved by the Water Development
Board. The plan was divided in eight different zones with cost/benefit analysis. Since improvement is Zone 2
(Canal Street Drainage) provided “best bang for the buck”, the City immediately implementing recommended
improvements. With the help from FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant, the Canal Street Channel
Improvements, Phase-2 &3 is being completed this year. The project was designed and constructed in
phases. Phase One was widening and deepening of the junction of the USACE downstream channel, canal
street concrete channel and a large tributary channel along Interstate 35. Phase Two consists of the
rehabilitation and expansion of a 1 ½ mile concrete channel. Phase Three is the expansion of the
McPherson Blvd multiple box culvert with associated channel and wastewater improvements.
This presentation will address the various bonds and grant funding mechanisms the City utilized for the
planning, design and construction of the Canal street projects. Project funding has come from the City Storm
water fee supported Revenue Bond, FEMA, Texas Water Development Board, and EDA. We will discuss
the issues associated with each funding type and the management needs of grants versus bond or drainage
utility funding. We will also discuss construction issues encountered because of the challenging times of the
last 5 years. The economy, contractor solvency, and the nearby oil & gas boom have had significant impacts
on the construction projects.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
F5
Stormwater Master Plans in Texas: As Big as the State or as Small as the Towns
Presenters:
Kelly Dillard, PE, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Justin Naylor, EIT, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Topic: Stormwater master plans need not be a one size fits all endeavor. Master plans can and should be
scaled and customized to meet the specific needs of an individual community. In Texas, Freese and Nichols,
Inc. (FNI) has used several factors or, in some circumstances, a single factor to develop a Stormwater
Master Plan as unique as the communities they serve. Every community conducting a Stormwater Master
Plan is unique in its landscape, population, leadership, topography, system age, land use, development
characteristics, and hydrologic and hydraulic conditions; therefore an effective Stormwater Master Plan
should address these distinctive elements of the community.
A successful Stormwater Master Plan may serve as the driver behind a community’s Capital Improvement
Program (CIP). CIPs can be developed based on the recommendations from a Stormwater Master Plan,
including consideration of municipality maintenance records, citizen flooding complaints and other factors
unique to the community. FNI has developed a Microsoft Access-based pair-wise evaluation tool with the
ability to link data from multiple sources, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital
modeling results, to assist communities with the development of a beneficial CIP.
Using a pair-wise
evaluation of potential projects allows a community to have a customized, interactive, and up to date
Stormwater Master Plan and CIP to maximize the benefit of the community dollars spent on Stormwater
improvements.
In the complete cycle from master planning through construction, financing is a critical component of any
Stormwater program. Funding can be available from multiple sources to aid communities in the study, design
and construction of flood protection and Stormwater mitigation projects. FNI has successfully aided several
clients in pursuit of funding assistance.
PRELIMINARY
21 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
This presentation discusses the factors behind customized Stormwater master plans, examples of highly
customized Stormwater Master Plans in the several Texas cities, details the development of CIPs using pairwise evaluation criteria and some potential funding avenues to aid in the implementation of the CIP.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
F6
Applying Metrics to Prioritize Watershed Studies Using GIS
Presenters:
Jeff Whanger, PE, SIT, CFM; Brown and Gay Engineers
Steven E. Eubanks, PE, CFM; City of Fort Worth
Topic: An integral part of any Stormwater program is the identification of system deficiencies and
development and implementation of solution strategies. Knowing where to start and which systems have the
greatest needs can be significant hurdles to progress. While there are multiple methods in which a
Stormwater Program could approach this issue, the City of Fort Worth, along with its Program Management
Team (PMT), has developed a GIS based approach to help with this task. This approach utilizes a set of
metrics that can be globally applied to all systems in the City. These metrics produce a dataset of systems
prioritized by need, and, through planning level engineering analysis, are then refined to prioritize which
systems and solutions will receive capital funds for construction.
The development of this process utilizes the City of Fort Worth’s ongoing investments in GIS asset inventory,
public outreach, and study management. This data is applied to a suite of GIS tools developed specifically
for the City of Fort Worth’s Stormwater Program. This presentation will discuss the purpose and use of the
metrics, some of the technical aspects of the metric GIS tools, and considerations that should be given when
implementing such an approach.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Panel Discussion with State Agencies
Panelist:
Dwayn Boos, Gillespie County
Bill O’Hara; General Land Office
Robert Sweeney, Attorney; Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Tom Heger; Texas Parks & Wildlife
Heidi Bojes; Railroad Commission of Texas
Michael Sims; Railroad Commission of Texas
Topic: Floodplain management topics panel discussion with representatives from various agencies
including:
 General Land Office
 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
 Railroad Commission of Texas
This session will include the opportunity to ask questions.
9:30 am - 10:00 am
By the Numbers: A More Scientific Approach to Public Outreach
Presenters:
Jameson Courtney, CFM; City of Austin
Stephanie Lott; City of Austin
Topic: Floodplain management professionals have long known that one of the keys to effective floodplain
management is increasing public awareness of flood risk and flood safety. The City of Austin, Texas, located
PRELIMINARY
22 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
in the heart of “Flash Flood Alley” has long strived to keep flash flood safety in the forefront of public
consciousness. It is a need exacerbated by the short warning times that flash flooding affords public safety
officials. As FEMA is increasingly recognizing the need for communities to craft public outreach projects
based upon their individual needs and risks, and as the City of Austin looks to increase the effectiveness of
outreach we have explored several different strategies to quantify our outreach needs and successes.
This presentation will discuss a citizen survey conducted by the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection
Department aimed at accurately gauging through random sampling the public’s awareness of flood risk and
how successful individual efforts by the department have been at mitigating and/or communicating risk. We
will discuss what we as a department have learned from this study and how the results have been
incorporated into our future outreach strategy. The presentation will also discuss other methodology that has
been at the City’s disposal for assessing the effectiveness of our outreach efforts. Methods such as
calculating the dollar value of earned media coverage for press events, obtaining ratings for news
broadcasts, the number of listeners who heard radio PSA’s and tracking hits on flood safety outreach is not
only critical for assessing the effectiveness of an outreach program, but can also be instrumental for public
officials needing to justify outreach budgets.
Finally, this presentation will briefly speak to ways of converting this quantified approach to outreach into
credit with FEMA’s Community Rating System, in particular their new credited activity Program for Public
Information or PPI.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Managing Risk and Economics: Developing Local Drainage Projects When the 100-Year Solution Is
Not Feasible
Presenters:
Steve Eubanks, PE, CFM; City of Fort Worth
Brenda Gasperich, PE, CFM; Brown and Gay Engineers
Burton Johnson, PE, CFM; Michael Baker, Jr. Inc.
Scott Hubley, PE, CFM; Freese and Nichols
Topic: A universal challenge in addressing drainage and flooding problems is funding. Even with a
dedicated stormwater utility fee, cities typically do not have the resources to solve all their problems in the
short term. This is often the source of unrealistic expectations and frustration, and can lead to discontent
between city staff, stakeholders, and elected officials – particularly when there is not an appreciation for the
complexity, cost, or impacts associated with the desired solutions. While there are some problem areas that
can be addressed with relatively straightforward solutions that meet three critical criteria–effectiveness,
affordability, and acceptability–often problems are more complex where addressing one criterion
compromises another.
Using the City of Fort Worth’s Central Arlington Heights watershed planning study as an example, this
presentation discusses how a robust improvement plan considers and balances all three criteria, delivering
projects that are effective in relieving flooding, are affordable, and are acceptable to the community.
However, this balance often can only be achieved by lowering the level of service (LOS) provided by
potential solutions. While we always strive to permanently “solve” drainage problems, we must recognize that
substantially reducing the frequency and magnitude of flooding, even without fully eliminating it, provides
considerable value to the community. Often, these types of solutions are less intrusive, more economical,
and provide a better return on investment of funds which we must consider as stewards of the ratepayers’
funds. This presentation will also discuss how the tools of 2D modeling and economic analysis can be used
as guides for decision making while identifying the most feasible.
11:00 am - 11:30 am
An Update on the Drainage Utility in Texas
Presenter:
George Oswald, PE, D.WRE, CFM; RPS Espey
PRELIMINARY
23 of 24
TFMA 2013 Fall Technical Seminar
Austin, Texas
September 11 - 13, 2013
Conference Abstracts
Topic: There are now approximately 100 operating municipal drainage utilities in Texas. The drainage
utility provides long-term stable funding independent of the general fund through the collection of monthly
user fees within a dedicated enterprise fund. This allows cities to plan and implement drainage system
maintenance and operations enhancements, and to make progress on design and construction of large scale
capital improvements. Several cities that have had drainage utilities in place for several years are
reevaluating their rate structures. Additionally, in the 2013 legislative session, amendments were made to the
drainage utility enabling legislation. This presentation will provide an overview on current utility rates,
legislative changes and initiatives by operating utilities to improve utility fee assignment customer equity.
11:30 am - Noon
CLOSING REMARKS
Roy Sedwick, CFM; TFMA Executive Director
Diane Calhoun, CFM; TFMA President
CONFERENCE ADJOURN
PRELIMINARY
24 of 24