Army Corps Ready to Respond to Hurricane Sandy (USA)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District is monitoring water levels at their 14 dams and lakes throughout Western Maryland, Central Pennsylvania and Southern New York, have activated their emergency operations center in downtown Baltimore, and are in constant coordination with local and state officials to offer technical assistance.

“Public safety is our number one priority, and we are committed to supporting our local partners and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as needed,” said Col. J. Richard Jordan, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District. “We are fully equipped and standing by to provide support during and after Hurricane Sandy impacts the area.”

In anticipation of flood events throughout the region, the Baltimore District set in motion a series of actions aimed at preparing for, responding to, and recovering from these types of natural disasters. The proven expertise of the district’s workforce, in combination with their network of 14 owned and operated dams and 150 miles of federally-built levees, help comprise the district’s response to high water events.

Hydraulic engineers are paying close attention to the developing storm and its likely track, continuously monitoring current conditions and forecasts. In a high-water event, there are specific river levels where they need to make a decision on what to do at the dams. If the rivers reach those levels and the National Weather Service forecasts that they will exceed flood stage, the engineers will direct dam operators to close their gates and begin storing water.

“Based on recent inspections of our district’s levees and dams, we are confident the projects will perform as designed,” said Jordan. “All district reservoirs are at normal pool levels and available to handle the predicted amount of rainfall.”

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Press Release, October 30, 2012