GALVESTON, Texas (Jan. 29, 2015) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District will begin to remove woody vegetation from within 50 feet of the inside and outside toes of both of the Addicks and Barker dams, located near the intersection of I-10 and State Highway 6 in Houston.
“Most of the work will be taken care of using a large wood chipping mower but some of the big trees will require a bulldozer,” said Natural Resource Supervisor Richard Long. “Corps studies indicate the presence of trees on these structures increases the uncertainty associated with structural integrity and performance.”
According to Long, woody vegetation includes trees, bushes and shrubbery. Long explained that several large trees will require removal near hike and bike trails and other highly visible locations.
“We know that the removal of these trees will cause concern with residents and visitors of the reservoirs, as they act as a natural shade and provide habitat for local wildlife,” Long said. “We have reviewed all possible ways to mitigate this issue to avoid impacting as much of the vegetation as possible.”
Long explained that the removal of the trees is part of the Dam Safety Program that requires the removal of woody vegetation within 50 feet of the earthen dams and adds that this construction is not related to the upcoming infrastructure construction scheduled for the fall of 2015.
“Over the years, this vegetation has encroached in many places within the 50-feet limit at both of the dams,” Long said. “Staff is working to remove this vegetation while it is dormant and before bird nesting season begins.”
This project is expected to be completed by the end of March.
For additional information about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, please visit www.swg.usace.army.mil; email addicksandbarker@usace.army.mil or call 409-766-3004 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict.
Release no. 15-002