Synthesis of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Impacts : Technical Report
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2012-08-01
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Edition:Technical report; Nov. 2010-Aug. 2011.
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Abstract:A substantial portion of the cost of highway projects (approximately 40%, according to one in-house TxDOT
estimate) is for drainage infrastructure, which is intended to minimize any adverse hydrologic and hydraulic
(H&H) impacts of the project. Yet, adverse H&H impacts are not well-defined, despite the cost invested in
drainage structures for mitigation of such impacts. This report provides guidance towards defining adverse
H&H impacts and recommendations for their mitigation. A minimalistic approach towards defining and
mitigating adverse H&H impacts would fulfill minimal legal requirements while taking into account the
sovereign immunity enjoyed by state agencies such as TxDOT. A literature review and surveys of state
Departments of Transportation as well as TxDOT districts suggest that this minimalistic approach be
discouraged in favor of an emerging “No Adverse Impact” approach. For better defining and mitigating
adverse impacts TxDOT is to refine coordination with local floodplain administrators, optimize site visits by
District Hydraulic Engineers and other designers because of centralization, continue to improve H&H
modeling and documentation, disseminate best practices regarding drainage system design, and have ongoing
training relating to particular H&H issues. Implementation of the recommendations may require a change in
the status of the District Hydraulic Engineers.
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