L575 Levee Restoration Information - UPDATED 6/8/19

Background: The L-575 Benton-Washington-McKissock-Buchanan-Atchison-Hamburg Levee System experienced significant damage during the 2019 Flood Event. This led to seven (7) breaches, along with substantial other damages, occurring throughout the Levee System.
Current Action: Two priority breaches that are impacting the I-29 corridor have been identified for initial repairs. These two construction contracts were awarded on 14 and 19 Apr 2019. The OSRT is also working an overall plan for rehabilitating the levee system. 
Next Steps:
  1. Provide an interim level of flood risk reduction at both initial breach repair locations.
  2. Conduct physical damage assessment when water levels recede and the levees are accessible
  3. Design and construct levee rehabilitation to authorized level of flood risk management.

NOAA River Level Observations & Forecasts

L575 Levee Imagery

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District completes an initial breach closure on levee L575 near Percival, IA June 20, 2019.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District completes an initial breach closure on levee L575 near Percival, IA June 20, 2019.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District completes an initial breach closure on levee L575 near Percival, IA June 20, 2019.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District completes an initial breach closure on levee L575 near Percival, IA June 20, 2019.
USACE contractors at work along levee L575a near Nebraska City, Nebraska May 10, 2019 following March 2019 runoff event.
USACE contractors at work along levee L575a near Nebraska City, Nebraska May 10, 2019 following March 2019 runoff event.
USACE contractors at work along levee L575a near Nebraska City, Nebraska May 10, 2019 following March 2019 runoff event.
Photo documents aerial view of overtopping levee L575 near Nebraska City, Nebraska Mar. 16, 2019, resulting from a major runoff event. (Photo by USACE, Omaha District)
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial view of levee L550 as of June, 11, 2019.
Aerial view of levee L550 as of June, 11, 2019.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District completes the initial breach closure on levee L611-614 near Sioux City, Iowa June 12, 2019. The L611-614 Levee System lies directly east of the confluence of the Platte River (River Mile 595).
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
Aerial drone footage shows USACE, Omaha District work continuing on levee L575a June 13, 2019.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
This image from June 22, 2019 shows progress of the water drainage after Levee L575a was closed on June 20.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view showing Levee 575a progress as of June 24, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 20, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of breach L575a northwest of Percival, Iowa June 28, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Aerial view of repair working being done at levee breach L575a_1 July 9, 2019.
Multiple groins are placed on L-575 to divert the river flow from the levee to allow for continued repairs on Sep. 23, 2019.
L-575 outlet breach "D" closure on Dec. 19, 2019 located on the downstream end of the levee system in northwest Missouri
L-575 outlet breach "D" closure on Dec. 19, 2019 located on the downstream end of the levee system in northwest Missouri
L-575 outlet breach "E" closure on Dec. 19, 2019 located on the downstream end of the levee system in northwest Missouri

Restoration Activities

 
Initial Breach Repair # 1 – West of Thurman, IA
Initial Breach Repair # 2 – West of Hamburg, IA
Contractor
Western Contracting Corp. from Sioux City, IA
Newt Maritime Services from Dubuque, IA
Contract Amount
$7.5 Million
$12 Million
Contract Award
April 14, 2019
April 19, 2019
Construction Start
May 4, 2019
May 4, 2019
Estimated
Completion
 
 

Video Gallery

Video by Edward Johnson
"On the Road Again" with Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite: Hurricane Florence Emergency Response Operations
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District
Sept. 23, 2018 | 4:58
Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, discusses flood risk management efforts underway on U.S. Route 501 near Conway, S.C., following Hurricane Florence, Sept. 23, 2018. He is joined by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District Commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, South Carolina Army National Guard 178th Combat Engineers Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Marty Hanks and SCNG 1782nd Engineer Support Company Commander Capt. Timothy Quinn.

RELATED NEWS STORY:

Army Corps of Engineers joins forces with National Guard in response to Hurricane Florence

By Edward N. Johnson,

CONWAY, S.C. — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers logistics and technical advisors join forces with South Carolina National Guard engineering battalions as part of Hurricane Florence response and recovery operations in Horry County, S.C.

“I just want to say what an honor it is for the Corps of Engineers to support our FEMA, local, and state partners in this post-storm period,” said the USACE South Atlantic Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Diana M. Holland. “One of the ways we’re helping here is with flood mitigation efforts along U.S. Highway 501.”

Philip Bethea, a construction engineer with the South Carolina Department of Transportation underscored the importance of keeping the 501 corridor open as long as possible.

“At this point our goal is to keep at least one lane open in each direction of the highway to ensure local residents have access to medical services, food and supplies,” said Bethea. “Fortunately the Army Corps and National Guard are helping make that happen.”

Lt. Col. William A. Matheny, commander, 122 Engineering Battalion, is the South Carolina National Guard’s senior engineer on the ground and at the center of efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding in the area.

“This actually isn’t the first time I’ve had the privilege of serving with Brig. Gen. Holland,” said Matheny. “She was my commander during a 2013 deployment to Afghanistan and we really appreciate the resources she and her personnel are able to provide in support of our operations here on the ground in South Carolina.”

With that in mind, USACE personnel are working around the clock to support the effort.

According to Tommy Fennel, USACE’s on-site liaison officer assigned to the Horry County Emergency Operations Center, there are USACE personnel from across the country integrated into state and local efforts to provide logistics and technical advice regarding Hurricane Florence flood response efforts.

“So far we’ve supplied more than 22,000 linear feet of wire mesh barrier material and 125,000 sandbags to this site alone,” said Fennel. “These mission critical supplies are being deployed at the direction of the South Carolina Department of Transportation to help protect areas impacted by flooding.”. When disasters occur, USACE teams and other resources are mobilized from across the country to assist FEMA, state and county efforts regarding flood response.

VIDEO NEWSCAST SHOT, EDITED AND PRODUCED BY:
Edward N. Johnson
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