Investigation of Urban Flood Management Principles within the Scope of Buffalo Bayou Watershed Rehabilitation Project

Abstract

In this study, the 20-year watershed rehabilitation master plan, which was prepared after the severe Allison storm in 2001 in the Buffalo Bayou watershed in the city of Houston, is examined in detail. For this purpose, a literature review is conducted on the concepts of watershed and watershed management. Then, the existing situation of the study area is presented, and the flood control strategies and rehabilitation practices proposed within the scope of the master plan are investigated. The environmental and social outcomes of the rehabilitation project are evaluated in the conclusion. In Turkey, floods and overflows are one of the most important disasters that cause material and moral damages. Central and local governments need to develop sustainable approaches for the protection of watersheds and the preparation of management plans. In this context, the Buffalo Bayou watershed rehabilitation project can be considered as a resource in taking supportive steps for sustainable watershed management in Turkey. This project and similar good practices will contribute to solve the social, economic and environmental problems in watersheds of Turkey.