Gauge completed a proof-of-concept study for a gravity flow inverted siphon stormwater tunnel and surface stormwater conveyance improvements for St. George Place Redevelopment Authority – TIRZ 1. The study determined that a gravity flow tunnel fed by a network of large box culverts was a promising solution deserving further study to reduce flood damages in a Low to Moderate Income (LMI) area west of Interstate 610 and north of Interstate 59.

The second phase of the project was initiated with partner support from HCFCD and the City of Houston.

• The study area is in the Buffalo Bayou watershed bound on the north by Buffalo Bayou, the east by IH-610, the south by IH-69, and the west by approximately Fondren Road.
• This region has experienced high property loss flood damage during several significant recent storm events.
• The region is primarily served by underground drainage systems with very few open channels.
• Gauge developed a complex hydrodynamic 2-Dimensional (2D) stormwater model to the inlet level will be developed for the entire study area for the 2, 10, 25 and 100-year events.
• Multiple route alternatives, intake and outlet locations will be evaluated as part of the study.

Results from the HCFCD Phase 1 Tunnel study will be used as the foundation for this analysis.