Levees
By huggiebear22
@huggiebear22 (2007)
Canada
March 11, 2007 8:20pm CST
How many people live behind a levees whether it is on the river, lake or to keep the ocean back?
Do you think enough is being done to maintain them or should more be done?
Who should look after them?
At what degree of height should they be built? (ie 50 yrs storm, 100 yr storm, etc)
Should they be taken down and allow nature to take it course?
Should there be areas allowed to flood to save other areas?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@gingisnapz (738)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I live behind a town that is protected by Levees. We're right on the Ohio River. Back in 1937, the river broke its banks and almost destroyed most of the town. That's when the levees were built. The levees we have are roughly 25 feet, which is adequate since they are still built several feet above the water level, especially in some areas.
In my area, some action is being taken to maintain them, but I don't feel its enough since some of the gates are almost 70 years old. They are still using wood and tar paper to keep the water back. The Ohio River can be a dangerous thing when it ravages through a town.
Anyway, I believe they should stay up to save lives. We sit very few feet above the river and many people were killed in the last flood. If it weren't for the levees, the town would flood at least once per year. Because of our levees, the dams on the river can allow us to take on more water to avoid the flooding of towns with no levees.
1 person likes this
@huggiebear22 (2007)
• Canada
12 Mar 07
Yes I agree I was asking casue here there are peopel who live behind a series of levees built back in the 50's and peopel who live there now never knew they were behind them. Till a few days ago and found otu they are no longer adequet for soem of the run off from the winters snow if it melts faster than normal or higher than normal.
@gingisnapz (738)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Oh wow. That's wild. We get some back water issues, but much better than if the river came up. Occasionally some people have to be taken out of their homes by boat. That happens every few years.
That's crazy that the levees aren't adequate for those who live behind them
1 person likes this
@huggiebear22 (2007)
• Canada
12 Mar 07
Ok would you be willing to pay for them to build the system bigger adn better or if they said they were going to allow it to flood adn get closer to your dorrstep?
