News Release
| Release Number: | 06-007 |
| Dated: | 1/11/2006 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is sending a team of three engineers to Coos County this week to inspect Libby Dike, which failed in late December, and evaluate repair alternatives.
“The Corps has not been officially asked for assistance, but this preliminary evaluation and planning will give engineers a better understanding of the condition of the dike and a head start on the best method of action to take to repair the damage,” said John Craig, of the Corps’ Coos Bay field office.
The Corps is working with the Libby Drainage District, the Englewood Diking District, Coos County and various state agencies to closely monitor this situation.
“We’re not sure what, if any, actions may be taken by the Corps in the future,” said Craig. “At this time the Corps is taking a proactive stance in case there is an emergency declaration made by the state.”
In late December, a 75-foot section of Libby Dike breached, flooding many homes in Coos County. A temporary plug was installed in the dike by the Libby Drainage District. Both the Libby Drainage District and the Englewood Diking District have declared an emergency situation, asking the county for assistance, as of last week.
The state must request assistance from the Corps before repairs or any advanced measures are taken, said Craig.
“In this case, the governor must sign a declaration before the Corps can step in to help,” Craig said.
Assistance from the Corps could come in the form of flood fighting, which would constitute a couple days of temporary repairs, or advanced measures, which would involve planning for future storm events. In late January, high tides similar to the December tides that breached the dike are expected, potentially causing additional damage to the dike.