Wetlands are special habitats that provide many valuable services, even if it might not be obvious when you look at them. They provide a place for stormwater to collect, which helps reduce local flood risks. The collected stormwater more readily enters the soil, replenishing groundwater and combating subsidence. Wetlands protect our streams and bayous by filtering out contaminants and sediment that would otherwise cause problems in the waterways. On top of all that they provide important habitat for animals and wildflowers.

The OCE Environmental Services Team takes action to identify wetlands and then avoid or minimize project impacts on them. When wetland impacts are unavoidable, we work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to obtain required permits and with the Harris County Flood Control District to mitigate effects on wetland.