Posted on May 22, 2018
By Annie Charnley Eveland, Union-Bulletin
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydraulic engineer and a civil engineer from Walla Walla District Headquarters deployed Wednesday in response to a request from Jefferson County emergency managers for help with emergency levee repairs, according to Corps emergency management officials at District headquarters here.
High-flow conditions in the Snake River are eroding a segment of the Heise-Roberts Levee System, about 3.7 miles downstream from the U.S. Route 20 bridge.
Immediate emergency repairs are necessary to prevent further erosion, which poses a threat to the structural integrity of the levee and about 65 homes located within the leveed area, near Lorenzo, Idaho.
The Corps’ engineering experts will assist county emergency management staff by assessing the levee damage, determining appropriate emergency protective measures, and coordinating and supervising construction-contract work to repair the levee.
Residents of flood-prone areas in and near these counties are encouraged to keep informed of changing river, stream and weather conditions on the National Weather Service — Pocatello Office website at wrh.noaa.gov/pih/ — which offers flow data, weather forecasts and flood alerts.
The Walla Walla District coordinates with state and local emergency management agencies and is prepared to assist states and municipalities with flood-management support, if requested, said Jeff Stidham, Walla Walla District disaster response manager. That assistance could include technical expertise, supplies and materials, equipment or contracts for emergency flood-fighting work.
“We’re watching rivers and streams throughout the Walla Walla District and staying in touch with local emergency officials so, if requested to, we can plan, prepare or act,” Jeff said.
“Our top priority is the public’s safety, so we’re encouraging folks in low-lying parts of flood-prone areas stay tuned to information and advisories provided by the National Weather Service or their local emergency-service agencies and be ready to take action according to local flood response plans.”
Source: Union-Bulletin
