Bullhead Slough Rehabilitation

Scope of Work

Bullhead Slough (“Slough”) is a manmade channel that serves as an inline detention/amenity basin. The slough consists of three segments. All three segments are bounded on the north and south by Victoria Gardens Drive and Old Dixie Drive, respectively. The first segment, Eastern Pond 3, begins at Colonel Court Drive and ends at Old South Road. The second segment, Middle Pond 2, begins at Old South Road and ends at Farmer Road. The third segment, Western Pond 1, begins at Farmer Road and ends at the outfall into Oyster Creek. This project includes the first and second segments, or Eastern Pond 3 and Middle Pond 2. The third segment, Western Pond 1, will be rehabilitated under a different project in the future.

Existing Conditions

Over time the Slough’s side slopes have eroded. The diminished side slopes reduce the slope’s stability and can lead to worsening slope failures. Additionally, silt, or very fine dirt, has been deposited along the entirety of the Slough as a result of slope erosion and run-off. Silt has built up and reduced the depth of the Slough and created islands of vegetation growth. The shallower water leads to mosquitos, algae, and vegetation as well as reduces detention volume. Finally, the build-up of silt disrupts the fountains within the Slough.

Proposed Conditions

This project will resolve both of the existing condition issues of failed side slopes and silt build-up by removing the silt by dredging and restoring the side slopes with ShoreSOX installation. The dredged material is pumped into a dewatering bag to dry and then is hauled off-site and legally deposited. ShoreSOX re-stabilize shorelines using an open-ended containment system that is filled with locally sourced organic material. The ShoreSOX are then seeded to allow vegetation to grow through the sock and halt soil erosion.

Schedule

The Notice to Proceed will be issued on July 6, 2020 and the project is expected to be completed in November 2020.

Procedure

The Contractor, Storm Water Solutions, will begin by prepping the ShoreSOX along the edges of the most eroded side slopes. They will stage the primary dewatering bags on the northeast side of the Eastern Pond 3. They will also stage auxiliary/backup dewatering bags near the southwest side of Western Pond 1. The Contractor will then use a crane to place the hydraulic dredge into Eastern Pond 3. The dredge will remove silt via pumping into the dewatering bags. The dewatering bags will be surrounded by haybales as stormwater pollution prevention and to prevent any silt from reentering the slough. The dewatered material will be tested for acceptability for filling the ShoreSOX in lieu of imported soil/mulch. If unsuitable, the dewatered materials will be loaded into trailers and hauled off-site for legal disposal. This process will be repeated for Middle Pond 2.

The Contractor is allowed to work from 7 a.m. until sunset for seven days a week. At this time, the Contractor does not expect to work seven days a week in order to achieve the project delivery schedule. Weekend schedules will be approved on an as needed basis.

Residents are reminded that this is an active construction site. DO NOT enter construction site at any time.

News + June Board Meeting Highlights

Fourth of July Fireworks Postponed (Excerpts From PG POA Report)

After reviewing the latest rising trends with COVID-19 cases in the Houston area in the past two weeks, and considering the guidance of local health officials, the POA Board has decided to POSTPONE our scheduled July 4th Fireworks event until later this year.

We are thankful to Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics (Fireworks Vendor), PGVFD and MUD board for their efforts to help us pivot and keep the show going on at Pecan Grove Park off Pitts Road on short-notice…we ALL wanted to make this work for the community.

FEMA Urges Flood Insurance Purchase

Recently PGMUD received a message from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) asking the District to suggest that residents purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). They asked that Pecan Grove residents be made aware of these informative web sites:

Please be aware that Flood Insurance must be purchased 30 days prior to any flooding event in most cases.

Excerpts from EDP Report (The District’s Operator)

  • Pecan Grove MUD has again this year continued the designation of Superior Water Quality from TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality).
  • Water Accountability: 99.3 % (Total gallons produced 59,908,000, Total metered 59, 507,000)
  • Water Source:  Surface water 75.7%,  Ground (wells) water 24.3%
  • Sidewalk Improvements From Previous Month
    • 1915 Hanover Springs Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Water Valve

We continue to replace meters as they approach the one and one half million gallon mark as well as hard to read and stuck meters. There is a total of 4,958 meters replaced to date, with 1 meter(s) replaced this month.

Report from Marcus Campbell of Time & Season (The District’s Park Manager)

  • Due to COVID-19, T&S completed additional cleaning as per the approval of the board for the month of June.
  • I was authorized last month to install Kiddie Cushion at the Pecan Grove Park. This is complete.
  • I was authorized last month to install sand in the volleyball area at Pecan Grove Park. This is complete.
  • T&S installed sand in the volleyball court and playground at Windmill Park. The pavilion and playground equipment have been cleaned.
  • I am requesting authorization to repair irrigation at Windmill Park for an estimated cost of $3,000.00.
  • I am requesting authorization to repair the expansion joints inside the pavilion as well as sidewalks at Windmill Park for an estimated cost of $7,000.00.

Report From Fire Chief Joe Woolley

  • 80 calls for emergency service.
  • 49 calls were located in Pecan Grove
  • 15 calls were located in Waterside
  • 11 calls were located in Harvest Green
  • 3 call were located outside of our district
  • 2 call were to mutual aid another agency
  • Nothing big or out of the ordinary, Normal medical calls, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Fire/Medical Alarms.
  • As most of you are aware, we have our annual 5 Miles My Way fun run coming up on July 4th. Over the past couple of weeks, we have been consulting with our county health officials discussing the rising numbers of Covid 19 cases, the precautions we need to put in place and recommendations to the public attending the event. The County Health Officials recommend that the department not hold the event due to the current spike in COVID-19 cases, the current hospital situation, the number of participants and the inability to maintain adequate social/physical distancing during certain times of the event.As your Fire Chief, it is my duty to do what is best to maintain the safety of the participants and residents of the community that we love and serve. Taking everything into consideration for the safety of our community and our personnel, I have decided to postpone our Annual 5 Miles My Way fun run to later in the year (date TBD, but possibly Labor Day or Thanksgiving Week).

    This was a very difficult decision to make. Our annual 5 Miles My Way fun run has been held for over 30 years and it brings our community together as we celebrate July 4th. This is one of two annual fundraisers that combined, provide approximately $40,000.00 to our annual budget. Both events have now been postponed as the safety of our community is our top priority.
  • Our Golf tournament has been moved to October 19, 2020. There will be more information coming out as this date gets closer.
  • Our annual audit has been completed and sent to Mrs. Miller, for your review.

Report From Trevor Royal of WCA (The District’sTrash Hauling Service)

  • Effective with the next contract year which begins October 1, the fee for trash hauling will be reduced from $13.14 to $12.98 per household.
  • An updated recycle flyer outlining permissible and non-permissible items is now available at  https://www.pecangrovemud.com/trash/  This flyer will be included as an insert with the next water bill.

Excerpts from Off Cinco Report (The District’s Website Provider)

  • Visitors to PGMUD’s website: 1570
  • Subscribers to News and Alerts: 3370

Odyssey Engineering Report on Construction Projects

FEMA Urges Flood Insurance Purchase

Recently PGMUD received a message from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) asking the District to suggest that residents purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). They asked that Pecan Grove residents be made aware of these informative websites:

Please be aware that Flood Insurance must be purchased 30 days prior to any flooding event in most cases.

News + May Board Meeting Highlights

The PGMUD board meeting was held May 26, 2020.  It was conducted by telephone conference (due to the COVID-19 emergency) beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:25 p.m.

Fire Department Report (Written by Fire Chief Woolley)

  • 93 calls for emergency service.
  • 64 calls were located in Pecan Grove
  • 16 calls were located in Waterside
  • 7 calls were located in Harvest Green
  • 3 calls were located outside of our district
  • 3 calls were to mutual aid another agency

Nothing big or out of the ordinary, Normal medical calls, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Fire/Medical Alarms.

Update on Covid-19

We are continuing our operation the same, following the protocol set by Fort Bend County EMS and Fort Bend County Health and Human Services. Basically, we are treating every patient as if they are positive. So, if you have a medical emergency and we respond, we will provide you with a mask for you or a caregiver to place on you for precaution. Don’t be alarmed. We are continuing to limit our exposure by only sending 1 firefighter inside your home on non-life threatening situations and having you walk outside. Life threatening emergencies (Cardiac Arrest, Difficulty Breathing etc.) we will handle as normal, doing whatever we need to. We will wear much more P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment).

We have found our high-water vehicle; it will be delivered on Thursday. We will need to complete some upfitting, ie; Emergency lighting, Radio, A rear lift gate, Stripping & Paint. Our first step is taking it to our mechanic to service and go through it. Our goal is to have it in service for this hurricane season.

Our Golf tournament has been moved to November for now.

We are still moving forward with the Five Miles My Way fun run on July 4th. We will be registering each weekend in June in front of the Daycare in Randall’s parking lot.

Our annual audit is under way, we met with the auditor on the 19th From 9:00 thru 6:30. The site visit and gathering of all necessary documentation have been completed. We will provide the final audit when we receive it.

Sheriff’s Office Report

  • One family violence arrest
  • One Burglary of a vehicle (wallet removed)
  • Zero burglaries of habitation or business

The FBSO has committed to increased surveillance of the levee using specialized vehicles.  Officers will warn or issue citations to anyone caught operating a motorized vehicle on the levee without authorization.

Parks Report (Written by Marcus Campbell – Time & Season Management)

Due to COVID-19, T&S completed additional cleaning as per the approval of the board for the month of May.

T&S installed new temporary signs at Pecan Grove Park for social distancing on May 3rd when playground and pavilion opened.

The shade structure has been installed.

I am requesting authorization to install 100 cubic yards of kiddie cushion at the Pecan Grove Park for $10,000.00. This was included in the budget for this fiscal year.

I am requesting authorization to install 12-15 cubic yards of sand in the volleyball area at Pecan Grove Park for an estimated cost of $1,500.00.

On May 19th, we added a post on the District’s website stating PGMUD has taken ownership of Windmill Park and will work towards repairs in the coming weeks and months. The following is a list of items we are currently working on that need immediate attention:

  • Cleaning of trash
  • Pest control (completed)
  • Pressure washing – playground equipment & pavilion
  • Adding sand and backfilling around uneven areas
  • Fixing broken playground equipment that can be fixed immediately
  • Replacement of signage

Trash Collection Matters (Text Approved by WCA)

Pecan Grove MUD residents may now report trash or recycle collection problems by going to www.pecangrovemud.com.  Near the top of the home page will be this link: Report Trash/Recycle problem.  Your report will be routed to WCA operations. Please wait 2 hours past your normal pick up time to send a report.  This is because, especially on heavy trash days, your truck may have had to go to the landfill to empty its load.  If you have been missed, WCA will make every effort to circle back and provide service.

FYI  it is not necessary to put trash or recycle containers in the street.  Recycle containers not placed in the street should be placed within 18 inches of the curb with wheels away from the curb.  This placement is necessary because recycle is sometimes picked up by a truck with a mechanical arm.  That arm can reach a container that is placed within 18 inches of the curb.  Trash containers may be placed on the sidewalk or as close to the street as practical.

Please remember trash placed in a recycle container WILL NOT BE PICKED UP even if it is labeled “trash”.

Operator’s Report (Written and Provided by EDP)

Sidewalk Improvements From Previous Month
  • 2003 Lake Dale Ct Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Water Valve
  • 2415 Cooling Breeze Dr Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Manhole
  • 1703 Copperwood Ln Sidewalk Repair Surrounding Water Valve
Annual Fire Hydrant Flushing Has Been Completed
Water Accountability
  • Percent Accountability 97.7 %
  • PGMUD Total Metered Water 48,002,000
  • Amount Produced 49,128,000
  • Amount Unaccounted for 1,126,000
  • Amount Used for Maintenance, Est. 50,000
  • Amount Lost Due to Known Leaks, Est. 150,000
  • Adjusted Accountability 98.1%
In-Progress Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Repairs
  • 05/18/20 1915 Rambling Stone Service Line Repair
  • 05/05/20 2526 Glen Haven Ln Curb Stop Leak
  • 05/05/20 1523 Pecan Branch Dr Service Line Repair
  • 05/01/20 2439 Standing Oaks Ln Valve Stack Repair
Significant Repairs From Previous Month
  • SWTP (surface water treatment plant) Purchased New Cl2 Roller and Tubes
  • SWTP Installed New Motor on Flash Mix Pump
  • SWTP Purchased Items to be Used at SWTP
  • SWTP Ran Belt Press After Hours
  • WP #3 Installed New Air Relief and Isolation Valves on HPTs
  • WWTP Replaced Chlorine Cylinder Hoist
  • 1403 Hobson Dr Replaced Leaking Service Line
  • 1422 Emmott Dr Replaced Leaking Service Line
  • 2222 Spanish Forest Landscape Repair Post Service Line Replacement
  • 1522 Country Squire Replaced Leaking Service Line
  • 1011 Morton League Ct Replaced Revere Grade Sewer Lateral
  • 2339 Trail Wood Repaired Broken Sewer Line
Meter Replacement

We continue to replace meters as they approach the one and one half million gallon mark as well as hard to read and stuck meters. There is a total of 4,957 meters replaced to date, with 2 meter(s) replaced this month.

Total Connections 4,486

Preliminary Plans for a District Administration Building were reviewed.

This building would be approximately 4,600 square feet and would provide office space for EDP personnel serving the District.  It would contain a large multi-purpose meeting room suitable for the PGMUD monthly board meetings.  That same room and its kitchen and audio facilities would be available for rental to Pecan Grove residents for their private events.

Election of Directors Confirmed

The board accepted  three newly elected directors’ Sworn Statements and Oaths of Office for new four-year terms ending in May 2024.  These directors were unopposed in the election that would have been held May 2, 2020:  Chuck Bertrand, Stephen Crow, and Jean Gobar. The board voted to continue unchanged the officer titles and committee assignments of all board members.

Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance

The District has been asked by Fort Bend County to publicize the availability of financial assistance for eligible residents of FBC.  The text which follows was extracted from the flyer advising availability of such assistance.

Fort Bend County has approved $19.5 million in funding from the federal CARES Act to support our residents, which will help eligible citizens pay their rent, mortgage and utilities from June 2020 through November 2020. The County allocated an additional $2 million for utility assistance.

Online Applications Begin June 1st at 8am

Phone 281-238-CARE (281-238-2273)

https://www.fbchhs.org/social-services/request-services

Construction Projects Overview

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation

Construction has commenced on the Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation project, which consists of installation of gabion basket erosion protection system along the west side of Pecan Lakes, adjacent to Jones Creek. Project is expected be under construction through Summer 2020.

On Segment A, the area immediately behind the residences, the Contractor has continued to work on installation of gabion baskets. The Contractor is continuing to assemble gabion baskets and is making progress on the project.

The Contractor is allowed to work from 7 a.m. until sunset for seven days a week. At this time, the Contractor does expect to work seven days a week in order to achieve the project delivery schedule.

Residents are reminded that this is an active heavy construction site. DO NOT enter construction site at any time. There has been unauthorized access to the construction area which places the unauthorized visitor and construction crews at risk.

Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant

The District is installing a floating mixer in each of the raw water storage tanks at the Surface Water Treatment Plant located off Skinner Road. The mixers create constant movement in the raw water to limit sediment from settling to the bottom of the tank. In addition, stairs and walkways are being installed as part of this project to improve operator access to the tanks.

Project is under construction.

The sediment in the east tank has been fully removed and contractor will begin assembly of the catwalk above the east tank in early June.

Sediment in the west tank will be removed in June and catwalk assembly will begin once that is complete.

Mason Road Levee Improvements

The District is working on raising the levee along Mason Road from the intersection of FM 359, north along Mason Road, then east along Oyster Creek to Farmers Road. Plans include adding up to an additional one (1) foot of height to the levee between Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club and Farmer Road where it crosses Oyster Creek. Project includes adjustments to the existing parking lot at Belin Park which will include new paving.

Construction is substantially complete pending final inspections.

South Pump Station Automation

The District is updating the electrical system to allow for the pumps at the south pump station to automatically turn on or off based on the water level in the main channel.

Notice to Proceed has been issued and construction has commenced with installation of conduit sleeves for electrical improvements.

Rehabilitation of Lift Station 7

The District is rehabilitating and updating the electrical controls at Lift Station No. 7. The pumps, concrete wet well, valves, electrical components and other appurtenances have reached the design life.

Lift station underwent start up testing in May and contractor is addressing punch list items. Project expected to be complete in early June. District authorized replacement of existing fences along driveway that were compromised by recent wind events.

Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2

The District is updating the electrical system including installation of a new generator at water plant no. 2 (located near the elevated storage tank).

Notice to Proceed has been issued. Contractor is ordering the necessary components and construction is expected to begin in Summer 2020.

Improvements at Water Plant No. 3

The District is modifying the pumps and piping system at water plant no. 3 (located at the end of Willow Bend Dr.).

Notice to Proceed has been issued. Contractor is ordering the necessary components and construction is expected to begin in Summer 2020.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN

North Pump Station Improvements

The District is improving the access to the north pump station by adjusting the headwall and grading modifications. The project also includes automation of the pumps based on level of water in Bullhead Slough.

The District awarded the project to Rally Construction, Inc. Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued in June 2020.

Bullhead Slough Rehabilitation

The District is dredging silt out of Bullhead Slough and rehabilitating the side slopes which have eroded over time. Project includes installing ShoreSox product at the water’s edge to stabilize and prevent future erosion. Project includes eastern and middle sections of Bullhead. Rehabilitation of the western section of Bullhead will be performed in the future.

District awarded the contract to Storm Water Solutions. Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued in June 2020.