Corps of Engineers to clear Ellicott City waterways

Published Aug. 19, 2016
ELLICOTT CITY, MARYLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, will begin clearing two waterways here on Friday, August 19 to assist the local government in reducing the risk of imminent flooding to the city.

The Corps, in partnership with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, will remove and stabilize blockages located at Hamilton St. and the Patapsco River where Frederick Road meets Main St. Work is expected to begin Friday afternoon and finish Monday night.

Corps officials spent several days earlier this week providing technical assistance to analyze damages and determine ways to remove flood debris that have blocked waterways in Ellicott City by more than 80 percent. These damages and debris are a result of the flash flood disaster that affected the historic town on July 30.

Debris consists of displaced rip rap measuring larger than 3.5 feet and chunks of collapsed retaining walls two to three times as large. This amount of drainage obstruction places the city at further risk for massive flooding with even a half-inch of new rainfall.

“We are incredibly proud to contribute to the safety and recovery of this historic and important city,” said Col. Edward Chamberlayne, the commander of the Baltimore District.

Local and state government agencies remain fully engaged in infrastructure stabilization and clearing of debris in other areas of the city.


Contact
Rebecca Nappi
410-251-9279
rebecca.nappi@usace.army.mil
or
Chris Gardner
410-375-4565
christopher.p.gardner@usace.army.mil

Release no. UNRELEASED