Clear Creek Update

The debate over the federal flood control project to straighten, widen and deepen Clear Creek, (a process called channelization) remains contentious. As mentioned in the September issue of Exchange, Clear Creek is one of the last "unchannelized" bayous in the Houston area. The project has been the subject of controversy since its approval. Earlier this year, when the Army Corps of Engineers started dredging near Kemah to make way for the increased waterflow that would result from the channelization project, many residents rallied in opposition.

Controversy over the project comes from many perspectives. The creek contains some of the last remaining untouched riparian forest, which according to Jarret "Woody" Woodrow of Texas Parks and Wildlife, "would take from 80 to 100 years to begin to replace" (Houston Chronicle, 12/14/97). Residents living downstream are concerned that the channelization project will cause increased water flow to their end of the creek, while many living upstream want the project because of the repeated floodings of their homes. Others are afraid that the project will greatly affect the fishing industry in Galveston Bay because the creek serves as a spawning area for commercial fishing including shrimp, redfish, and flounder.

The Harris County Flood Control District, in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and Galveston County, has solicited public comment and held meetings on the project for the past six months. According to an article in the December 14 issue of the Houston Chronicle, Art Storey, Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, believes he has found the best solution for Clear Creek. After meticulous review of public comments, Storey came up with a revised plan that "will save 90 acres of forests from destruction; however, it still calls for 190 acres of forests and wetlands to be removed." The new plan will save a five mile stretch of land near the Challenger Seven Memorial Park.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Storey must still persuade the Army Corps of Engineers that the revised plan does not go outside what was authorized for the original project (12/14/97). Many opponents to the original project are not so convinced that the revised plan is any better. Environmental attorney Jim Blackburn told the Chronicle, "Clearly some of the Creek is being protected that might not be protected otherwise, but I'm not so sure, that, on balance, we're any further along than we were," (12/14/97). However, there are supporters of the project like Clear Creek resident Barbara Hopper who told the Chronicle that she likes the "beauty" of the creek, but said, "this size watershed with this much population can't be a water park," (12/14/97). Others said that project partners did not look at other options besides channelization to control floods.

The issue still remains as to whether the revised project will achieve the approval of the Army Corps of Engineers. An okay from the Corps will determine if this project, which was approved over 20 years ago, will go forward.