Steep Bank Creek Pump Station

Steep Bank Creek Pump Station Expansion Enhances Riverstone’s Flood Resiliency

Left to right: Radhi Iyer (LID 19 Secretary), Sreekanth Pannala (LID 19 Asst Secretary), Commr. Andy Meyers, Kalapi Sheth (LID 19 President), Judge KP George, Jay Parekh (LID 19 VP) and Timothy Benz (LID 19 Asst VP)

 

In a significant milestone for the Riverstone community, a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was held on May 26, 2023 to mark the completion of the expansion facilities at the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station. The event, attended by members of the media, esteemed guests, and local officials, including Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George and Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, celebrated the completion of the project by Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 19 (LID 19) and Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 15 (LID 15).

The Steep Bank Creek Pump Station has a crucial role in the drainage system of Riverstone, a community deeply affected by the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017. During the unprecedented rainfall and extraordinary flood levels experienced during the hurricane, approximately 570 homes in Riverstone were flooded. At the time, the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station had a capacity of 80,000 gallons per minute of water.

To bolster flood resiliency temporarily in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, LID 19 and LID 15 acquired supplemental mobile pumps, collectively providing an additional capacity of approximately 80,000 gallons per minute. Recognizing the need for a permanent solution to safeguard the Riverstone community, the boards of LID 19 and LID 15 collaborated to design and construct an expansion facility at the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station.

Following two years of construction, the expansion project at the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station was successfully completed in May 2023. With a total capital expenditure exceeding $9.1 million, this achievement marks the most significant capital improvement initiative undertaken since Hurricane Harvey. Notably, the expansion has increased the pumping capacity of the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station by an impressive 150,000 gallons per minute, significantly enhancing its capability to help manage future weather events with greater efficiency.

Beyond their current efforts, LID 19 remains fully committed to advancing flood mitigation measures. Plans are underway for the construction of the Lost Creek Regional Pump Station, an additional pump station designed to serve the Steep Bank Creek watershed. This collaborative project, led by LID 19 in partnership with Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 115, First Colony Levee Improvement District No. 2, and the Texas Water Development Board, is set to commence construction later this year. Once completed, the Lost Creek Regional Pump Station will deliver a remarkable 200,000 gallons per minute of additional pumping capacity, further reinforcing flood resilience in the Steep Bank Creek watershed.

Residents and stakeholders interested in learning more about the Lost Creek Pump Station project or any other initiatives undertaken by LID 19 are encouraged to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors or contact us through the district’s website.

Trespass on Levees

The LID 19 Board is aware that individuals may be accessing the levee system for personal recreational uses.  Please be advised that all access to the levee is strictly prohibited and is considered criminal trespass.

It is of critical importance that public access be restricted to ensure that the LID’s flood protection facilities remain in proper working order.  Motorized vehicles, such as all-terrain motorcyles, can cause ruts and damage that undermine the integrity of the levee.

In addition, the levees are not designed for recreational uses, and they may post safety risks to those individuals who improperly access such facilities.

We encourage you to report all trespass activities to the appropriate law enforcement entities serving your neighborhood, and we request your assistance in advising your family members and neighbors that access to the levees is strictly prohibited.