Geotechnical levee evaluations under way in Sacramento

The Department of Water Resources is conducting geotechnical evaluations of levees in Sacramento's Pocket-Greenhaven neighborhood. Drillings to collect core soil samples and cone penetration tests (CPT) will be performed over the next three weeks along the east side levees of the Sacramento River from Freeport, south of the Pocket area, to Discovery Park, north of downtown Sacramento. This is an essential step in providing improved flood protection for communities in the Central Valley...

Feb. 22, 2008

2 min read

SACRAMENTO, CA, Feb. 21, 2008 -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is currently conducting geotechnical evaluations of levees in Sacramento's Pocket-Greenhaven neighborhood.

Drillings to collect core soil samples and cone penetration tests (CPT) will be performed over the next three weeks along the east side levees of the Sacramento River from Freeport, south of the Pocket area, to Discovery Park, north of downtown Sacramento. Temporary closures of small sections of the bike path along the river may be necessary during drilling.

DWR's geotechnical exploration, testing and analysis of state and federal levees that protect highly populated urban areas is an essential step in providing improved flood protection for communities in the Central Valley.

Levee evaluations of urban areas of greater Sacramento, Stockton/Lathrop, and Marysville/Yuba City are being conducted over a two- to three-year period. During this time, technical specialists will review existing levee historical data; map near-surface geology; conduct field explorations; perform engineering, stability and seepage analyses; and prepare preliminary design and construction estimates for repairing and upgrading the levees, where needed.

The levee evaluation program is being implemented simultaneously with the various urgent levee repairs that began after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency for California's levee system in Feb. 2006. With the declaration, the Governor ordered that DWR develop a plan to begin immediate repairs to prevent catastrophic flooding and loss of life.

Funding for the levee evaluation efforts is provided through two large flood control bonds approved by California voters in November 2006, Propositions 84 and 1E.

A current map and schedule of the evaluations under way in greater Sacramento, as well as photos of the drilling equipment may be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.water.ca.gov/levees/evaluation/geotech.cfm.

For more information about the levee evaluation program and the geotechnical evaluation methods, visit: http://www.water.ca.gov/levees/.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.

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