Drainage Infrastructure Pearland is responsible for stormwater and floodplain management to maintain public safety and promote economic viability. Stormwater management is part of a complex drainage infrastructure system consisting of closed storm sewer, open ditches, and detention ponds along with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapped bayous and minor tributaries. This is further complicated as a result of ownership and maintenance responsibilities by various entities, such as counties, drainage districts, neighboring cities, and TxDOT. These drainage systems (private and public) involves regulatory requirements for new construction and ongoing maintenance by respective system owners. In addition, the City inspects privately owned detention pond on an annual basis and issues violation letters to ensure the necessary maintenance is done to avoid hazardous drainage situations. Several sources of public input have consistently shown a demand for an improved drainage system to reduce potential drainage hazard to the public and private properties. As of 2022, Pearland has inventoried 313 miles of enclosed stormwater sewer pipe and 145 miles of ditch/culverts within the storm drainage system. Elevation and Topography Pearland has a generally flat topography with elevation ranging from 31 feet above mean sea level on the east side to 66 feet on the west side. Pearland has experienced several flood damages throughout the City's history, mostly due to tropical storms and hurricanes. Flat topography and insufficient drainage capacity of the existing drainage system (bayous and major and minor tributaries), along with the infrastructure constructed prior to the adoption of engineering guidelines contribute to flood damage. Watersheds within Pearland include the following major natural drainage channels: Î Clear Creek Î Hickory Slough Î Mary’s Creek Î Cowart Creek Î Chigger Creek Î West Fork of Chocolate Bayou Î Mustang Bayou More than 90% of the Pearland watersheds drain to Clear Creek. The Clear Creek project identified and recommended by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in 2013 is a partnership project between USACE, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), Galveston County, Brazoria County, and the City of Pearland. HCFCD is leading The Clear Creek Federal Flood Risk Management Project which aims to complete construction of major improvements by 2032. The dominant flow direction for these channels is west to east towards the Gulf of Mexico, except for Chocolate Bayou, which generally flows north to south.
Brazoria Drainage District No. 4 The jurisdiction of Brazoria Drainage District No. 4 (BDD4) encompasses an 83.4-square-mile area of northern Brazoria County, which includes the Cities of Pearland and Brookside Village. Figure 5.4 shows the BDD4 boundaries compared to the Pearland City limits and ETJ boundary. The district has partnered with the City of Pearland on past drainage studies, including the 2019 Master Drainage Plan Update.
FIGURE 5.4 MAP AREA OF BRAZORIA DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 4
PEARLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040
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Chapter 5
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