[Press Release] : Boone County flood update: situation stable for now

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Columbia/Boone County Emergency Operations Center - (573)
874-7660 (Toni Messina)

Boone County flood update: situation stable for now

COLUMBIA, MO (May 9, 2007) - Because of excellent working relationships
within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), its member agencies and
governments are managing the conditions that are within their control.

With no current, significant threats in the county, the EOC will run on
a stand-by basis for the next 24 - 48 hours. It will resume full
operation, if warranted by cresting conditions later this week. Agency
and government officials will continue their daily conferences.

Site Status Reports
● Rocheport: Boone County Fire Protection District personnel and
volunteers sealed gaps and joints on a 2,500-foot retaining wall set up
on the Katy Trail last night. This work is complete, and activity will
cease at 9 p.m. today. Boone County Sheriff’s deputies are doing
round-the-clock duty.

● Huntsdale: Levees there will “hold” up to a 35-foot rise. The
expected crest at that location is 32 feet 8 inches. Culverts were
filled to prevent leakage from the levee, and a pump is on-site. 

● McBaine: All or most of the residents have voluntarily evacuated
for their own safety. The city of Columbia’s water treatment plant is
not in danger.

● Hartsburg: Southern Boone County Fire Protection District personnel
and volunteers have completed their work. The 32-foot predicted crest is
below most levee heights, but sandbags are stockpiled for potential
future needs. Boone County Sheriff’s deputies are doing
round-the-clock duty.

● Wilton: The community does not appear to be at risk at this time. A
36-foot road base acts as a levee to protect the town, and predicted
crests are well below that level. The levee will be monitored for any
change.

Volunteers and Donations
No volunteers or donations are needed at this time. Another call will
go out if the situation changes. It is estimated that close to 400
volunteers worked at the Rocheport and Hartsburg sites. To guard against
waterborne diseases, the Columbia/Boone County Health Department
administered tetanus boosters to about 100 people.

Sandbags for Personal Use
The following locations have sandbags for sale to the public. 
● Lowes Home Center 201 Conley Road 573-499-6767
● Home Depot Clark Lane & Highway 63 573-814-1900
● Westlakes Ace hardware Business 70 at Old Highway 63 573-449-7277

Public Facilities and Services
The city’s water treatment plant and wetlands sewer treatment
operation, both located in McBaine, continue to operate. City staff have
moved equipment and contractors out of the area and taken other
precautions to prepare for flooding. Health Department officials are
prepared to consult on contamination issues, personal health, insect
problems and animal control. 

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