SACRAMENTO, CA, Aug. 30, 2007 -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct low-level electromagnetic helicopter survey flights over Central Valley levees beginning Sept. 6. These surveys will gather additional data on levees near Marysville, Yuba City, Sacramento, Woodland, Stockton and Lathrop to determine their integrity.
The helicopter will carry an aerial sensor suspended about 100 feet above the ground. The sensor technology, airborne electromagnetics, is safely used throughout the world in mineral exploration and the evaluation of land features and natural resources.
The flights, which are part of the state's commitment to improving flood safety, are expected to continue into early October. The effort is being funded through Propositions 84 and 1E, which were approved by California voters in November 2006.
Flights will take place along the Feather River, Bear River, American River, Sutter Bypass, Yolo Bypass, Sacramento River, Stanislaus River, San Joaquin River, and their tributaries.
When finalized, flight information and schedules will be posted and updated daily online at www.levees.water.ca.gov.
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