August 2016 - Inspections of levee toe drains begins

In August, project partners approve inspections of the levee toe drains. Toe drains are placed along the landward side of levees to capture and channel water seeping through the levees during high water. These structures are similar to “french drains” or “rock drains,” which many people use in their yards to channel water away from their homes.

In the Columbia Corridor levee system, these drains were installed many years ago. The inspection will uncover the drains and ensure they are working as they should be to prepare for future high-water events. The results will also be important to determine if there are repairs that are needed to recertify the system through FEMA.