Apr 30 Corps, City Reach Consensus On Long Term Dam Releases
Mayor's Order Allows Entry To Vacant Home For Water Checks KCSi-T.V. News
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlined three options to Jamestown officials concerning optional plans for long-term releases from Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs. The options will be discussed at a Thursday evening meeting with officials in LaMoure, before decisions are reached. (more story below video)
Following discussions the Corps and city officials reached a consensus on a plan that would combine dam releases of 3,200-cfs until late May this year, then, reduce the combined release to 1,800 cfs with all flood storage being evacuated by late July this year. Under that option, Jamestown Reservoir would release 1,400 cfs to a reservoir elevation of 1,480 feet, and then to a release of 600 cfs, for Pipestem, and 1,800 cfs to an elevation of 1,450 feet, and then to a release of 1,200- cfs for Jamestown Dam.
The Corps says this option would provide adequate flood protection if a large rainfall event occurs, and would reduce downstream stages to a more manageable level as soon as possible...both for the City of Jamestown and downstream rural areas of North and South Dakota.
Public Comments concerning the plans being consisdered can be directed to the Corps, Emergency Operations Center in Jamestoen at 253-3158. (see link from Corps outlining the three options and implications of each.)
At Thursday's Interagency Meeting in Jamestown City Engineer, Reed Schwartzkopf said he was comfortable with that option being offered by the Corp, as a good interim measure. He reported that pumping at the Main Lift station on Thursday was down from over 7-million gallons to the low to mid 6-million gallon range, adding that pump run times were at a range the pumps can support. 3-lift stations continue to pump into the river, the "chief problem areas." Those areas in Southwest Jamestown include, and residents are still advised to plug floor drains: South of the railroad tracks, west of the river, and north of Pipestem Creek....and, 2nd Avenue Southwest to 4th Avenue, between 10th and 13th Streets Southwest. The 7th Street Northwest Loop lift station is also being pumped into the river.
He says an Emergency Order signed by Mayor Liechty, gives city officials authority to "enter any premises receiving city water and sewer system service.... Upon entry, should officials find water in the interrior of the premises that may be affecting the city's sanitary sewer system, such officials shall have the authority to plug drains, pump out water, discharge sump pumps outside, or take other such actions as is reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of the city's sewer system, thus protecting life and property of the citizens of this city."
Police Chief Dave Donegan says attempts will be made to contact the property owner first. A locksmith will accompany city officials needing to enter the property. Those unlawfully discharging a sump pump into the city sanitary sewer system can be fined up to $1,000.00.
Schwartzkopf reminds residents to conserve water, and thus discharges into the system...such as taking showers shorter in duration, flushing less and putting a filled gallon container in the toilet tank, and occasionally using paper products at mealtime, and hand washing dishes. Jamestown Hospital reported methods staff are using to conserve water.
Schwartzkopf said the city was being proactive in securing easements in advance of any additional protective measure that may have been needed, from property owners. He added those easements will not need to be excercised at this time.
The National Guard reported 244 Guardsmen and women on the ground in Jamestown giving assistance.
The Call Center hours are 7-a.m. to 7-p.m. through Friday May 1st, then calls will be answered over the weekend by an answering machine, that will be checked, and Starting Monday answered at Central Valley Health District. Until further notice the same phone number is being used, 251-6241.
For updates on line, visit Jamestown USA dot com...and on CSi Cable Channels 10, 43, 67, and the aerial view of the James River Valley in the Jamestown area on CSi Cable Channel 58. Back to Local Headlines
