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introduction: Like the video format? I invite you to check out all my YouTube videos. King County prepares for potential flooding in Green River ValleyThe integrity of the federally-owned Howard Hanson Dam in South King County is creating major concerns for local jurisdictions, including King County. It is increasingly clear that the dam is at risk of failing unless protective measures are taken. The County Council is working together with the Executive to proactively address the potential for major flooding this fall and winter.
The federal dam was built in 1962 and is named for the late state legislator Howard A. Hanson. Hanson was instrumental in campaigning for the dam, which was built to prevent repeated flooding of the farmlands in the Green River Valley. Following construction of the dam, developers and businesses took notice of the now dry, undeveloped land and built the warehouses, industrial plants, housing developments, and shopping centers located there today. Following last year’s heavy rains, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found two concerning depressions on the right earthen abutment of the dam. Testing revealed that water was seeping through the abutment, leading to concerns that water flowing through the abutment could potentially lead to dam failure. The Army Corps has determined that to protect against failure of the dam, it will be necessary to keep the level of water behind the dam as low as possible until the abutment is repaired. To keep the water levels behind the dam low during heavy rains, the Army Corps will have to release water faster than usual into the Green River. This release of water may cause substantial flooding throughout the valley, including in the communities of Auburn, Kent, Renton, South Seattle and Tukwila.
The federal government estimates that a long-term solution to fix the dam will take three to five years, potentially subjecting the valley to repeated floods during this time. Like many of you, I find this timeline frustrating because a more expedient solution is needed. In the meantime, the Army Corps is working on short term solutions to minimize flooding this winter. Despite these short term measures, the Army Corps estimates there is still a 1 in 3 chance of widespread flooding in the Green River Valley during the upcoming flood season. In the meantime, King County – together with the affected suburban cities, the Army Corps, and private partners in the community – has been working to reduce the risk of flooding and to prepare for potential flooding. The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, is holding a series of briefings to bring Councilmembers and the public up to speed on the status of flood preparations. This is an issue that impacts all of us. Thousands of homes and businesses may be directly impacted by flooding in the Green River Valley. Indirectly, all King County residents will be affected as county resources and tax dollars are needed to address this issue. Additionally, the flooding could cause a major disruption to the extensive business distribution and transportation network located in the area. Preparing King County for Green River flooding is a top priority, and I will continue my efforts to make sure we are ready to protect lives and ensure the continued operations of core services in the event of a flood. I encourage you to learn more about this issue, and if you live or work in the affected area to take steps now to prepare. Background:
How to prepare:
Impacts on King County facilities and regional infrastructure:
Additional resources:
A reminder for all of us to be prepared for emergenciesThe sobering discussions about flooding are a good reminder to make sure that we are all prepared for emergencies. In the event of an emergency, having a plan and preparing your family is critical. The King County Office of Emergency Management is a good resource to learn more about what you can do to be prepared. |
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About my E-Newsletter Councilmember Bob Ferguson on the Web: www.kingcounty.gov/ferguson I hope you enjoy my updates! Please review my recent e-newsletters. Click here to remove yourself from my e-newsletter list. Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov. Phone: (206)
296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free:
(800) 325-6165 |
