Engineer Spencer Sundstrom challenges floodplain studies at Benbrook city council meeting

The Benbrook City Council meeting held on August 21, 2025, focused primarily on floodplain management and zoning issues related to the proposed Rowan Ranch development. The discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding flood risk assessments and the implications of recent studies on the area's floodplain.

The meeting began with a presentation by Spencer Sundstrom, a professional engineer from Man Hard Consulting. Sundstrom emphasized the discrepancies between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain estimates and those provided by the developer's study. He noted that while FEMA estimates a flow of 44,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) during a 100-year flood event, other studies, including those from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, suggest flows could be as high as 75,000 CFS. This represents a substantial increase over FEMA's figures, raising concerns about the adequacy of the developer's floodplain delineation.

Sundstrom pointed out that the Rowan Ranch study estimates only 33,000 CFS, which he argued could misrepresent the flood risk by underestimating the volume of water that could flow through Mary's Creek. He urged the city council to carefully review the developer's floodplain analysis, given the conflicting data from multiple studies.

Another speaker, Savannah Mickel, a local resident, shared her personal connection to Mary's Creek, highlighting the importance of the creek to the community and the potential risks posed by the proposed development. Her testimony underscored the community's concern for safety and environmental integrity.

The council's discussions also touched on the implications of zoning decisions in relation to floodplain management. It was noted that floodplain protection is a critical component of the city's comprehensive plan, mentioned 24 times, indicating its significance in guiding future development decisions.

As the meeting progressed, council members were urged to exercise caution regarding the proposed zoning changes, particularly in light of the recent flood events that have impacted the area. The call for a thorough review of engineering studies and floodplain assessments was a recurring theme, reflecting the community's desire for responsible development that prioritizes safety.

In conclusion, the Benbrook City Council meeting highlighted the ongoing debate over floodplain management and zoning in relation to the Rowan Ranch development. The discussions revealed a strong community interest in ensuring that development decisions are informed by accurate and comprehensive flood risk assessments. The council is expected to continue evaluating these concerns as they move forward with the zoning process.