ELECTRICAL
The only available CenterPoint electrical distribution circuits WI41, WI42, ME03 and ME04 should be thoroughly evaluated by CenterPoint as they are likely at or near capacity now. The substation supporting ME03 and ME04 were the first to go offline during Harvey due to proximity to the bayou and flooding. This resulted in the loss of usage of the Turkey Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, causing raw sewage to back up into many homes. The neighborhoods also lost city water pressure due to pumps going offline. This combination poses significant health and safety risks to all residents.
SANITATION
The available sanitary sewer gravity conduits from the two sites to the Turkey Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant are already at or near capacity. Expansion currently underway at the nearby Eagle’s Trace Senior Living Community and the City project already underway to migrate all the apartments and businesses off Park Row (north side of I10) over to the Turkey Creek treatment plant will further compound the strain on this aged sanitary sewer infrastructure.
WATER SUPPLY
The existing city water supply mains should be thoroughly evaluated for sufficient capacity, as they too are likely strained due to the nearby expansion at Eagle’s Trace. These high-density apartment complexes will further exacerbate this potential deficiency.
DRAINAGE
These two developments will compound existing storm water drainage deficiencies in an area flooded numerous times due to insufficient drainage capacity and proximity to Buffalo Bayou. During the Harvey flood in 2017, these two locations where developments are being permitted were under several feet of water and sewage. In addition, vehicular egress to both properties was cut off for days by flooding on Memorial Drive, Eldridge Parkway, Highway 6, and Addicks Howell Road.
“Memorial at Six” and “Caroline at Memorial” will comprises 429,506 sq. ft. (almost 10 acres) of permeable land, the majority of which will be covered by concrete. Some of this area will presumably be used for detention ponds, although there does not appear to be any planning permission for such ponds at this time. Further, concreted area will be needed to comply with raising the properties to meet the extensive requirements for properties within the 500 year flood plain.
