Embankment stabilization program Harris County flood control district

My Doctor of Engineering internship was conducted at Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) in Houston, Texas from March 3 to December 31, 1994. This internship is in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.). HCFCD is a governmental agency created to improve drainage and to provide stormwater and flood management in Harris County. HCFCD is responsible for developing and implementing a flood control plan for Harris County, carrying out an on-going capital improvement program, maintaining facilities, and providing flood watch and flood alert programs. HCFCD encompasses approximately 4,466 {dollar}rm kmsp2,{dollar} 22 major watersheds, and 10,500 km of watercourses (both natural and man-made). Most of these watercourses have earthen embankments. To minimize erosion and to lengthen their useful life, these earthen embankments must be well vegetated. The Embankment Stabilization Program (ESP) I created at HCFCD consists of three interdependent parts--vegetation, maintenance, and soil management. Each part is integral to the HCFCD objective of well-vegetated, stable embankments.; I implemented a program to establish Bermudagrass on newly constructed or repaired channels. I experimented with the use of a co-composted bio-solid and greenwaste soil amendment to correct soil conditions which restrict or prevent vegetation establishment. I modified the use of herbicides by Maintenance to kill noxious weeds and to ensure application to target weeds at the recommended rate. Maintenance will promote and protect well-vegetated, stable embankments while operating in the field. Embankment soils are protected by a nitrifying clover over the winter months. Mowing clippings are allowed to remain on-site to increase organic matter content. Vegetation is encouraged by the application of fertilizer and irrigation.; I managed four compensatory mitigation sites by administering the engineering firms' and landscape contractors' contracts, ensuring monitoring and inspections were performed and well documented, making record drawings, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Corps of Engineers permits.; My unique contribution at the District emanates from my ability to integrate soil science, horticulture, geotechnical engineering, and experience to provide practical solutions to problems that traditionally trained civil engineers are less prepared to solve.