Army Corps of Engineers' levee inspections tighten

The Army Corps of Engineers inspection of levees have become more serious following the flooding caused during Hurricane Katrina. Due to this, the corps is working to remove trees within 15 feet of the levee, including levees in Dunklin County.

Dunklin County Commissioner Don Collins said that the corps makes inspections of the levees each year and that the county tries to make the improvements that are recommended. He noted that previous work had been completed on approximately four and one-half miles along the levee from Ben Cash landing to T.O.'s landing. This area was heavily wooded prior to the work, according to Collins. Since the clearing, this area has been inspected by the corps and has passed the inspection. Area Conservation Agent, Eric Heuring, noted that he had seen work up and down the St. Francis River and between Kennett and Cardwell.

Jim Pogue, the Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District representative, said that the trees were being removed to make sure the corps has full access to check for problems with the levees.

He added that a tree attached to the levee that dies leaves a void in the levee that could weaken it against heavy flooding.

Collins noted that the 15-foot perimeter was difficult for levee districts to complete and maintain due to their financial situations.

A construction project with the corps on levees is scheduled to go out for bids in July of 2009, according to Collins.