NRCS Watershed Structures Prevent Greater Flood Damage

Temple, Texas – July 5, 2007.  May rains brought flooding and flood damage to central Texas. Damage in Lampasas and Bell counties, according to estimates by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), could have been $4.4 million worse if not for the floodwater retarding structures located in those counties.

“When you see water as high as we had in some areas, it’s hard to imagine that it could have been worse, but it really could have been,” said Steve Bednarz, NRCS watershed program manager in Temple. “Although not well known, floodwater retarding structures built under the watershed program are out there functioning as designed and minimizing the impacts of flooding.”

Local watershed sponsors, with the assistance of NRCS, have constructed more than 50 floodwater retarding structures in four watersheds in Lampasas and Bell counties: Sulphur Creek, Nolan Creek, Elm Creek, and Donahoe Creek. These structures were constructed through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, which authorized NRCS to provide assistance to local sponsors with planning and installation of projects to reduce flooding, as well as provide erosion and sedimentation control.

According to NRCS, two separate rainfall events created the most damage in Sulphur and Nolan Creek watersheds. On May 22, 2007, the watershed areas received between 4 and 5 ½ inches of rain. From May 26 through May 28, 2007, the watershed areas received between 7 and 9 inches of rain.

“These floodwater retarding structures have had a big impact in reducing flood damages, some $4.4 million worth in Lampasas and Bell counties alone,” Bednarz said.

After heavy rainfall events like Texas has recently experienced, floodwater retarding structures capture rushing flood water behind the dam and hold it back allowing it to be more slowly released through a concrete pipe spillway. “Slowing the water down and allowing it to be gradually released reduces risks to lives, damage to roads, cropland, fences, and other property,” Bednarz said.

With about 2,000 floodwater retarding structures throughout Texas, NRCS estimates that the state derives more than $101 million each year in benefits, which includes soil erosion savings, water conservation, road and bridge damage reduction, wetland/upland wildlife habitat creation, recreation, and personal property protection.

More information about the watershed program in Texas can be found at the following Web Site: www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watersheds/.

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