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City of Fort Collins Flood Recovery Updates

Posted on: Sep-18-2013

The most recent information regarding flood recovery status in the City is detailed below.

Safety:

•Avoid contact with river and other water bodies as they are contaminated with sewage from breached septic systems, dead animals, decaying materials, chemicals, high levels of bacteria (e.g., E-coli), etc.

•Visit https://www.fcgov.com/2013-flood (also posted in Spanish) for information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the risks associated with flood and standing water. More information also is available at http://larimer.org. The EPA urges the public to be on the alert for leaking containers and household chemicals, such as drain cleaners and chlorine bleach. Visit http://epa.gov for details.

•Use caution when moving building debris and supplies that may contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos, which can cause injuries or adverse health effects. The following may contain asbestos and should not be disturbed, including:

  • *boiler/pipe insulation
  • *fireproofing
  • *floor tiles
  • *roofing
  • *transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths

•Fort Collins Utilities’ Water Treatment Facility reports that City drinking water remains safe.

•Work continues with other City departments and organizations for structural and infrastructure assessments, including bridges, roads, buildings, etc.

•Debris management currently is focused on removing blockages to public facilities and addressing public safety issues.

Resources / Recovery Assistance:

•Volunteer and Volunteer Resources Sign-Up Details: Residents in Larimer County, call 211; residents outside Larimer County, 970-407-7066; or visit http://helpcoloradonow.org.

•City staff are currently implementing a flood debris management plan to assess, monitor, and remove flood-related debris on public property. As the flood waters recede, staff will continue to manage debris appropriately and in accordance with the established flood debris management plan.

•Local resources for managing flood debris:

  • *Contact your private trash hauler regarding special instructions on the pick-up and management of flood debris.
  • *The Larimer County Landfill is now open for public use. For guidelines related to the acceptance of flood debris, contact the landfill; more information at http://larimer.org/solidwaste/ftc.htm.

•More information on how to flood-related debris management:

http://disasterassistance.gov
http://colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPHE-EPR/CBON/1251645971558
http://epa.gov/naturaldisasters/returnhomeadvisory.htm

•Anyone impacted by the flood may register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA or at http://disasterassistance.gov.

•If there is damage to river bank properties, call 970-221-6700 prior to any work for assistance with documentation and permitting.

•Residents who need help with disaster assistance resources should call 211 (United Way).

Flood Updates:

•Weather update: Stormwater staff remain on call and continue to watch the flood gauges and weather in the foothills.

•See attached map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), published September 17. The map indicates the annual chance that a given amount of rainfall will be exceeded at least once a year. The attachment looks at the seven-day total rainfall, which in some places was more than 15 inches. To put this in perspective, the Spring Creek flood of 1997 was driven by 14 inches of rainfall in 31 hours. That was much worse than these storms, which spread out 15+ inches over seven days. This is the difference between river flooding (Poudre 2013) and flash flooding (Spring Creek 1997).

•Poudre River flows are currently at 2,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the mouth of the canyon. Assessments on the river cannot be completed until flows are between 400-500 cfs.

•The following bridges remain closed per Larimer County:

  • *Overland Trail
  • *Shields Street

•The Poudre Trail from Lions Park to I-25 and Legacy Park, 300 Woodlawn Dr., also remain closed.

For more information, visit https://www.fcgov.com/2013-flood, call 970-221-6700, email utilities@fcgov.com or TDD 970-224-6003.


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Did You Know?

Replacing kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators with WaterSense-labeled models can help save water.

It is recommended that you aerate your lawn once a year.

The fireplace damper and doors should be closed when not in use. It prevents warmed or cooled air from easily escaping the house.