With flood preparations now in full swing around the Valley, it appears as if the Red River will surpass major flood levels for the fourth time in five years. Although flood protections efforts have now become almost second nature for the residents of Fargo/Moorhead, the recent flood devastation in Minot, ND brings a new sense of fear and uncertainty to the region.
Sandbag Central:
Flood efforts kicked into full gear on April 3, as almost 300 students from Discovery Middle School descended on Fargo’s Solid Waste Department, now known as Sandbag Central, around 9:30am. Wednesday marked the opening of Fargo’s 10-day campaign to make one million sandbags for the city and its outlying communities. Other schools from Fargo/Moorhead are scheduled to volunteer throughout the ten-day period.
In the latest forecast, the National Weather Service predicted a fifty percent chance of the Red River reaching 38.1 feet and a ten percent chance of the river exceeding 2009’s mark of 40.84 feet. City officials are currently planning to build protection to 40 feet.
Sandbag Central needs 300 volunteers per day to man the spider sandbagging machines at full capacity. There are three spider machines currently in use, each with the ability to make 5,000 sandbags per hour. The goal of one million sandbags will need approximately 7,500 tons of dirt to reach. “Our goal is 100,000 sandbags a day,” explained Fargo’s Deputy Mayor and City Commissioner Tim Mahoney. “From the looks of things, we are off to a very good start.”
Volunteers are needed the most in the afternoon hours, from 3:00 – 7:00pm. Volunteers are asked to dress in layers, wear old clothing, and bring work gloves. Bottled water and food is being provided by the Red Cross.
Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker acknowledged the inevitable flood fatigue that many residents may be feeling. “It’s old,” he said, “because it’s been four out of five years.” Walaker urges residents to fight that fatigue, however, and work together to be as successful fighting the flood of 2013 as they have been in past years. Everyone’s help is needed. “People don’t realize the effort that goes into this,” Walaker said.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Red River will likely crest after April 15. USGS stream gauges indicate a river that still had not begun its spring rise as of April 3. It appears the cold front that invaded the valley over the Easter weekend has stalled the thaw. Factors such as temperature and precipitation have a great deal of impact on the river’s rise. The weather service rated this March as Fargo’s 14th coldest, 12th snowiest, and 11th wettest.
Why is the Red River So Vulnerable to Flooding?
According to North Dakota State University, there are four major factors that appear to be responsible for the frequency of the major flooding of the Red River.
Synchrony of discharge with spring thaw: Along the northward flowing Red River, runoff from the southern portion of the Valley progressively joins with fresh meltoff waters from more northerly localities.
Ice jams: Ice derived from the southern Valley progressively melts with freshly-broken ice in the central and northern Valley. Ice concentrations then frequently build, retarding or damming the water flow.
Glacial Lake plan: The Red River has incised a shallow, sinuous valley across the floor of Glacial Lake Agassiz, one of the flattest expanses of land in the world. In its present form, the Red River is about 9,300 years old and far too young geologically to have carved a significant valley-floodplain system. Therefore, the lake plain becomes the “floodplain” to this river.
Decrease in gradient downstream: In the region of Fargo-Halstad, the gradient (slope) of the Red River averages 5 inches per mile of length. In the region of Drayon-Pembina, the gradient drops to 1.5 inches per mile. During floods, the Red River at Drayton tends to pool due to lack of slope, effectively turning the region into a massive, shallow lake.
What does “Flood Stage” mean?
The official flood stage of the Red River is 18 feet. As the riving rises past that mark, predictable events occur throughout the Fargo/Moorhead area. Among the events include:
– At 22 feet, the Red River bridge in North Broadway floods.
– At 25.5 feet, the outfield would flood at Jack Williams Stadium in north Fargo (without
diking).
– At 30 feet, the 12th Ave. N. toll bridge and the Red River bridge on Cass County 20
closes. Water crosses the entrance road into Gooseberry Mounds Park in Moorhead.
– At 34 feet, the river will reach the top of the earthen dike at El Zagal golf course in
Fargo.
– At 34.4 feet, the NP/Center Ave. bridge will close.
– At 36.3 feet, the river will clear the 1st Ave. N. and 2nd Ave. N. bridges in Fargo.
– At 38.2 feet, the Convent Bridge at 52nd Ave. S. will close.
– At 40 feet, water will hit the base of the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center.
– At 43.5 feet, the river will reach the limit of the Island Park dike.
The City of Moorhead:
Sometimes forgotten in flood discussions is the City of Moorhead. According to Mayor Mark Voxland, the city is ready to protect both its infrastructure and its residents. “We are optimistic,” Voxland said, “that our preparations have us in very good share for a flood of this magnitude.”
Moorhead currently has 400,000 filled sandbags in storage, which will protect the city up to a 41 foot river crest. Mayor Voxland does not see a need for large-scale volunteer operation at this time. Additionally, he stated that only 7 percent of Moorhead’s 14,000 households would be affected by a river stage of 38 feet. Prior to the mitigation work that has been conducted in the past four years and the $80 million that has been invested into the city’s flood protection, the number of homes affected at 38 feet was 140, requiring over 670,000 sandbags. Mayor Voxland predicts that only 350,000 sandbags will be needed to protect the city in 2013, a need within the current inventory.
Where Do We Go From Here?
On March 29, North Dakota Governor issued a disaster declaration that covers counties and tribal nations that have a 50 percent change of exceeding the definition of moderate flood stage. The declaration activates the state’s emergency operations plan. According to the North Dakota National Guard, there are currently more than 2,000 soldiers and airmen who are prepared to help around the state. That does not mean, however, that volunteers aren’t vital to the flood efforts. Sandbag Central, located at 2301 8th Ave. N. in Fargo is open from 8:00am – 7:00pm Monday through Saturday through April 13. Sandbagging needs after April 13 will be assessed as the river begins to rise.
More information on the current state of flood protection efforts can be obtained at www.cityoffargo.com or www.ci.moorhead.mn.us. Volunteer information can be found at www.myfirstlink.org.
Historic Flood Levels:
42.50 feet in 1826
40.84 feet on March 28, 2009
39.72 feet on April 18, 1997.
39.10 feet on April 7, 1897
38.70 feet on April 9, 2011.
36.99 feet on March 21, 2010.
Moorhead River Watch 2013 Volunteer Registration
At this time, the City of Moorhead has sufficient sandbags on hand to address the projected need up to a 41 foot river crest. While there are no immediate volunteer needs in Moorhead, volunteers will be needed when sandbag deployment and placement begins. Groups or organizations able to volunteer for sandbag placement in Moorhead are encouraged to register to be notified of future volunteer needs by calling 218.299.5107 or emailing mhdvol@cityofmoorhead.com.
Preparing Wells and Septic Systems for a Flood
ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/2013) — If you live in an area with flooding in your spring forecast, you will want to make sure your wells and septic systems are as prepared as possible. Portions of the region on both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the river are at more than 80 percent risk of major flooding, according to Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension climatologist.
Extension experts in well and septic systems suggest the following steps to prepare for a flood:
For wells
Make sure the well has a tight fitting waterproof cap.
Wrap the cap and well casing with durable sheet plastic and duct tape, then place sand bags around the wells.
Ensure that backflow prevention valves are in place.
Turn the electricity off to your well pump just prior to the flood. Do not turn the electricity back on until the flood waters recede.
Make sure the surface seal outside the casing is in good shape.
Ensure that the land surrounding the well is sloped away.
If the well is not used during the flood, plug the vent holes. Remember to unplug the vent holes after threat of flood is passed.
If flood waters inundate your well head, you will need to test the water to make sure it’s safe even if you have followed the pre-flood recommendations. Find out in advance how and where you can get a well water text after the flood waters recede.
Buy or fill sanitized containers with water. Store them where they won’t be flooded, so you have some safe drinking water until your well can be put back in service.
For septic systems
If you are in a location defined as a floodplain, there are a few things that can be done well in advance of any flooding. These include:
Maintain a healthy system. A well-maintained septic system is better able to withstand the stresses of flooding. Helpful operation and maintenance information can be found at septic.umn.edu/owners.
Ensure all access points to the system (maintenance holes and inspection ports) are properly covered to prevent the flow of flood waters into the system.
Be sure your system was designed and installed and is operated according to Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080.2270, which provides specifications for systems that are likely to withstand flooding during their lifespan. Install a backflow preventer (check valve) on the building sewer so sewage cannot back up into your home during a flooding event. Ensure your tanks have been installed in a manner that protects them against flotation from buoyant (upward) forces on the tank in saturated soil.
In preparation for imminent flooding
If your septic system requires electricity, turn off the pump and alarms at the circuit box before the area floods. Discontinue use of the system once the power supply has been shut off.
Waterproof all electrical connections to avoid electrical shock or damage to wiring, pumps, and the electrical system.
All system owners should make plans for severely limiting water use during and after the actual flooding event. Remember, well water may be contaminated and the soil treatment area may not accept water until the area dries. Normal water use should not continue until the area is unsaturated and a SSTS professional has visited the system to identify and repair any problems.
A tank can be pumped to reduce the amount of sewage that could back-up into the home. This is not necessary if a backflow preventer has been installed. Tanks in flood prone areas should be anchored to prevent buoyant forces from pushing the tank above the ground. This is a much larger concern if the tank has been recently pumped.
Additional Resources
Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood preparation by visiting Extension’s website at www.extension.umn.edu/flood. Information about recovering from floods will be added as it becomes relevant.
Vulnerable Populations Registries Reminder
FARGO, N.D. (April 8, 2013) –Clay County Public Health and Fargo Cass Public Health would like to remind residents of the Vulnerable Populations Registries.
At risk or vulnerable populations are often those who live independently or with the help of a caregiver, and yet may need additional assistance in the event of a disaster, especially in the area of transportation.
These populations include, but are not limited to:
· Those with a disability, frail or have significant health issues
· Elderly with no family/friend assistance
· Social or behavioral challenges
· Homeless
The Vulnerable Population Registries have been designed to assist public health and other emergency workers to better plan for future disasters. Registering into the systems should not be considered a guarantee that you will be placed on a priority list for emergency responders; however it will make us aware of your individual situation and help us to be better prepared to assist you.
If you may need assistance during a disaster, or know of someone who may need assistance, contact your local public health department Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cass County residents may call: 701-476-4016
Clay County residents may call: 218-299-5220 or register online at: www.co.clay.mn.us
Three in custody for Copper Theft
Sabtijan Tahirovic (20), Andreas Adu Redzic (18), and Jon-Cody Poitra (22) all from Fargo were taken into custody by the Fargo Police Department after a traffic stop was conducted on their vehicle that contained copper wire that had been stolen previously from Rick’s Electric in Moorhead. They are currently being held in the Cass County Jail pending a Long Form Complaint from the Clay County Attorney’s Office for Felony 2nd Degree Burglary and Theft charges.
On Monday morning, Moorhead officers had taken a burglary report from Rick’s Electric where copper wire was identified as property stolen. Investigators from the entire metro area continue to work together with these types of crimes and have no additional information at this time as to any possible connections with other open burglary investigations involving copper theft.
It was through information provided to the Fargo Police Department by an aware citizen that directly helped bring the quick resolution to this case. We are very appreciative of the citizen partnerships within our community that continue to assist us with solving and reducing crimes that affect others.
Firewood Inspections to Begin Week of April 8
FARGO, N.D. (April 5, 2013) – In an effort to manage the spread of Dutch elm disease, the Fargo Forestry Department will begin inspecting firewood next week at homes around the city. Dutch elm disease destroyed over 300 elm trees in Fargo last year. Storing or transporting elm wood with bark attached is prohibited by Fargo City Ordinance 19-0201. If you want to use elm as firewood, the bark must be completely removed. To dispose of logs containing bark, place them on the boulevard for pickup by April 12 and notify the Forestry Department at 241-8104. Residents’ cooperation will help manage the fight against Dutch elm disease.
To learn more about Dutch elm disease and the Fargo Forestry Department, visit www.cityoffargo.com/forestry.
GF Mayor Brown Signs Emergency Flood Declaration
City of Grand Forks News Release - 04/08/2013
Contact: Kevin Dean, Public Information Center, 701-746-4636.
With flooding anticipated on the Red River this spring, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has requested a federal flood emergency declaration to help access federal resources and to help minimize the damage. The City of Grand Forks, in coordination with Grand Forks County has taken similar action by signing an emergency declaration, which is the first step to access state resources to aid in the flood fight.
Flood controls are in place to protect Grand Forks from a flood crest of up to 57 feet. In 1997, the river reached a level of 54.3 feet. The National Weather Service has projected a 50% probability of the river reaching 46 feet and a 10% probability of reaching 50.6 feet.
The National Weather Service will provide flood forecasts once water begins to flow in the drainage system. In the meantime, the City of Grand Forks will continue to make prudent preparations, in the event additional precautions need to be taken. Additional crews, equipment and supplies are on standby for the city of Grand Forks if needed.
For additional information, please contact the Grand Forks Public Information Center simply by dialing 3-1-1.
Time to Check Your Sump Pump
Weather conditions have been dry for more than a year in parts of North Dakota, and sump pumps may not have run in a while.
However, with the heavy amount of snow still on the ground, the threat of flooding this spring means homeowners should check their sump pump now to make sure it works properly, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Tom Scherer says.
Sump pumps are available in two basic models: upright (commonly called a pedestal) and submersible. Either works well with proper maintenance, according to Scherer.
This is how a sump pump works: The sump is the pit where the pump sits. The sump may be connected to tile that drains the footings of the house, the area under the entire basement or just the area where the sump is located. A sump pump removes the water that drains into the sump.
The pedestal pump’s motor is on top of the pedestal and the pump is at the base, which sits on the bottom of the sump. The motor is not meant to get wet. A ball float turns the pump on and off. One advantage with this type of pump is that the on/off switch is visible, so you can see the ball float’s action easily, Scherer says.
Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in water and sit on the bottom of the sump. The on/off switch is attached to the pump.
Pumps have three main types of on/off controls. The first type uses a ball float attached to the pump and connected to an internal watertight switch. The second type is a sealed, tethered float switch with an on/off setting that is adjustable by changing the length of the tether. The third type uses a diaphragm to sense the water level and turn the pump on and off.
Both pump types should have a check valve on the water discharge pipe so water doesn’t flow back into the sump when the pump shuts off. Backflow can cause the pump to turn on and off more frequently than necessary, which decreases the life of the pump.
Here is how to check the pump:
* Make sure the discharge pipe on the side of the house is not frozen shut or plugged and it directs water away from the house.
* Make sure the pump is plugged in.
* Remove the lid (if the sump has one) and use a flashlight to check if the sump is clean and the pump inlet screens are not plugged.
* Slowly pour water into the sump. Try to simulate the speed that water normally would flow into the sump. Watch the on/off switch’s action and listen to the pump. Make sure the pump turns on and off at least twice. If something doesn’t work or sound right, fix it as soon as possible.
If you have a battery-powered backup sump pump, make sure the battery is fully charged. Then shut off the power to the main sump pump and the battery charging system on the backup pump. Pour water into the sump until the backup pump comes on.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about sump pumps:
Q: Can the pump burn out if the outdoor pipe is frozen shut or will it shut off automatically?
A: Most pumps will not burn up, but they can overheat. Almost all sump pump motors have thermal protection built in, but the submersible type needs water around the motor for cooling. If the pump overheats, shut it off and let it cool. The thermal relay will reset.
Q: What size pump should I have for my house?
A: There is no “correct” size. The horsepower is determined by several factors, including the length of drain tile connected to the sump, the lift from the sump to the discharge pipe and the length of hose or pipe outside of the house. A 1/3 horsepower pump works well for most houses, but if you have more than 40 feet of
pipe outside the house, use a pump with more horsepower (1/2, 3/4 or even 1 horsepower).
Q: Do sump pumps have filters that need to be cleaned or replaced?
A: Sump pumps do not have filters, but they do have screens or small openings where the water enters the pump. These sometimes can be plugged.
Q: Can or should you pump into a sewer drain or basement floor drain?
A: No. If you have a septic system, do not pump sump water into the basement floor drain. During wet conditions, the septic system’s drain field usually is saturated and struggling to handle the normal flow of water from the house. Adding flow from a sump can damage the septic system. Also do not pump water
from the sump into a floor drain if you are connected to a public sanitary system. Putting additional water into the public sewer during flooding can contribute to sewage backflow.
Q: Where should the sump pump drain hose run?
A: Preferably, sump water should be discharged at least 20 feet from the house so it drains away from the house. Also, it should not be directed into a neighbor’s lot, window wells or a septic system drain field.
Q: Can I replace a defective sump pump or do I need specialized tools or a plumber?
A: Almost all sump pumps come with a list of required tools and directions for installation. Replacing a sump pump should not be difficult for the “average” person.
For more tips on getting your sump pump ready to handle spring and summer water, watch an NDSU video at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/sump-pump-tips. Other information on this or other flood-related topics also is available on NDSU’s flood information Web page at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/.
Municipal Court Orders Defendants to Help Fill Sandbags
FARGO, N.D. (April 3, 2013) – Fargo Municipal Court has begun ordering some defendants to complete part of their sentence at the City’s sandbagging operation. Individuals who may have otherwise received a sentence of community service and who are capable of performing physical labor are being ordered to participate at Sandbag Central.
“We’ve used community service as a sentencing component for several years so assigning people to work at Sandbag Central as part of their municipal court sentence is a good fit for the Court – it directly benefits our community and reduces the cost to taxpayers and defendants of more expensive sentencing alternatives”, says Steve Dawson, Fargo Municipal Judge.
“As an example, someone convicted as a minor using alcohol would typically be required to perform community service through the RESTORE program – now they are sent to Sandbag Central to complete their community service”, Dawson said. Dawson began including sandbagging as part of sentences late last month and will continue to use it throughout the flood fight.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Labels May Change
FDA has decided that some warnings and limitations stated on the labels of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are no longer necessary to make sure they are used safely and effectively to quit smoking.
The changes that FDA is allowing to these labels reflect the fact that although any nicotine-containing product is potentially addictive, decades of research and use have shown that NRT products sold OTC do not appear to have significant potential for abuse or dependence.
2013 Pride of Dakota directory now available
BISMARCK – The largest-ever Pride of Dakota Member Directory is now available from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA).
“With more than 100 pages, the 2013 directory reflects the continuing growth in the Pride of Dakota program,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It is your guide to wide range of high quality, North Dakota-made products, such as foods and condiments, gift and decorative items, recordings and more.”
Each company listing in the directory includes the company name, contact person, street and mailing addresses, phone number, e-mail address and website, as well as brief descriptions of the company’s products. Many companies have also included pictures of their products or logos.
Free copies of the Pride of Dakota 2013 Membership Directory are available by calling NDDA at (800) 242-7535. Copies can also be ordered through the NDDA website at www.drupal.itd.nd.gov/ndda/publication-request-form.
HCSCC Museum Resumes Summer Hours
The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County at the Hjemkomst Center resumes summer evening hours on Tuesdays. Museum summer hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Tuesday 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Every third Tuesday night admission is free. The Clay County Archives is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm with summer evening hours until 8 pm on Tuesdays as well.
For more information, call 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is located in the Hjemkomst Center at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.
Fargo Awarded for Achievements in Let’s Move! Cities, Towns & Counties
FARGO, N.D. (April 4, 2013) –The National League of Cities has recognized the City of Fargo for recent completion of key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.
Fargo City Commissioner Melissa Sobolik is happy to see that Fargo’s efforts are being recognized, “I’m so proud of Fargo. We signed onto the Let’s Move! initiative just a month ago and I’m thrilled to see that Fargo was immediately given these bronze and silver medals for work that was already being done. It’s a great time to celebrate our accomplishments and challenge our community to reach the gold medal standard.”
Fargo received the following medals:
· Bronze and Silver Medals for Goal I for the Start Early, Start Smart programs which promote participation in Let’s Move! Child Care among early care and education providers using at least three approaches; and having an active interagency collaboration on early care and education programs.
· Bronze Medal for the Smart Servings for Goal III for having at least 60% of public schools participating in the School Breakfast Program.
· Bronze Medal for the Active Kids at Play goal for mapping all play spaces in Fargo.
For more information about LMCTC, visit www.healthycommunitieshealthyfuture.org.
UND’s annual Dr. Elwyn B. Robinson Memorial Chess
Tournament hopes to spur local interest in the ‘game of kings,’ Sunday, April 14
The University of North Dakota Chess Club is set to host its second annual “Dr. Elwyn B. Robinson Memorial Chess Tournament,” between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, April 14, in the Chester Fritz Library Department of Special Collections, which also bears Robinson’s name.
Baked goods will be provided by the Chess Club during the tournament. Anyone is welcome to play or watch the tournament. It will consist of four or five rounds of chess games.
The event is a nonrated chess tournament held in honor of the late Robinson (1905-1985), a UND professor emeritus of history and famed North Dakota historian who wrote one of the most complete accounts of the state’s history, titled History of North Dakota, in 1966. Robinson also was an avid chess player – a lifelong hobby — and his love for the Game of Kings was well known.
Matt Dunlevy, a graduate student at UND, started the tournament two years ago in hopes of providing an opportunity for tournament-style chess for an area that typically “does not have the opportunity,” as well as to draw out more players for the club.
Andrew Owen a member of the chess club, said “my hope is that this annual tournament will grow in future years to the point where it can be rated as an official tournament for ranked players, and maybe even attract grandmasters. Either way, I hope it becomes a tradition here at UND that lasts for many years.”
Research Shows that Kids Like Healthy Options
The U.S. Department of Agriculture works every day to improve childhood nutrition and combat obesity in order to raise a healthier generation of Americans.
In recent days, we have had some positive developments in this work. USDA released a promising new report on the impacts of providing our children with healthy snacks. We also took new steps to provide families with better information to combat obesity.
The new report examined the results of USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides fruits and vegetables at no cost to students in more than 7,100 schools in low income areas.
We found that as students are introduced to fresh fruits and vegetables, they try them – and in most cases, they enjoy these snacks. Students participating in the program ate 15 percent more fruits and vegetables than their peers. In fact, when these fruits and vegetables were offered in schools, almost every student tried one.
For those who chose a fruit, more than 85 percent ate most or all of their snack. For students who tried a vegetable, more than 60 percent ate most of it, or finished the whole serving.
Research by USDA’s Economic Research Service has also found that these healthy foods are often no more expensive than less-nutritious foods. Still, there are millions of American families who lack access to healthy foods due to economic or geographical barriers.
USDA recently announced a measure that will improve nutrition education for low-income families, ultimately helping them to access more nutritious foods.
The new policy aims to give more flexibility for states to provide targeted education to recipients of the SNAP program, with a special goal of increasing healthy eating habits and reducing obesity. The new measure will help expand farmers markets and community gardens that help expand access to healthy foods. It will provide assistance for parents to access nutrition information. And it will help retailers provide healthier foods to participants in SNAP.
These efforts to increase availability, affordability and information regarding healthy foods are more important than ever today. One-third of kids today are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for preventable illness in the decades to come. Along with malnutrition, this threatens our nation’s security and economic well-being in the decades to come.
By improving access to healthy foods for our young people and their families, we can help create generational change to reduce childhood obesity and child malnutrition. Together, we can give today’s young people the tools they need to grow up healthy, strong and ready to succeed.