The Houston Airport System (HAS) has a number of capital development projects planned over the next 20 years at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). HT&J prepared the Drainage Master Plan Update to mitigate the increased storm runoff and the proposed modifications to the floodplain.
The Airport covers 10,000 acres and includes over 30 open channels (approx. 50 stream miles) and over 100 culverts, which outfall into four Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) watersheds.
HT&J updated the HEC-HMS hydrology of each subbasin and georeferenced each HEC-RAS channel hydraulic model. For each drainage improvement, we utilized reach-routing between the HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models to ensure convergence. Recommended drainage improvements included widening existing channels, new channels, expanding existing detention ponds, and new detention ponds.
HT&J prepared a mitigation plan that included cost projections and construction sequence recommendations that phased the drainage improvements in-line with the Airport’s nearterm and midterm capital development projects. HT&J coordinated these improvements with HCFCD and the City of Houston’s Floodplain Manager to obtain their no objection.