Pittsburgh District Declares Flooding State Of Emergency
The Pittsburgh Engineer District declared a state of emergency September 1 due to flooding conditions impacting the Monongahela River and its tributaries.
Water levels on the Cheat, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny rivers were expected to remain higher than normal throughout the Labor Day weekend due to rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
Personnel at locks and dams along the Monongahela River are taking precautions associated with high water to mitigate impacts to navigation, the district said, adding that there is a potential for uncontrolled flows. The Corps is performing controlled releases at the Conemaugh, Stonewall Jackson, Tygart and Youghiogheny reservoirs to retain water, reduce downstream water levels and mitigate potential flooding in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas and is monitoring water levels to ensure its facilities are prepared to react to any possible changes.
No facilities along the Allegheny or Ohio rivers are expected to see impacts to navigation, according to the Corps.
The district warned that Monongahela riverfront communities such as Charleroi and Point Marion may experience localized flooding due to increased water levels in uncontrolled waterways. All residents near small creeks, streams and tributaries should monitor local weather stations for up-to-date information, the Corps said, also urging caution for those enjoying water-based recreation over the holiday weekend.
The emergency declaration authorizes the Corps of Engineers to undertake support emergency response activities caused by the natural disaster.
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The Pittsburgh district may provide support to local communities in need as well as repair or rehabilitate flood control projects damaged during the state of emergency.
“If communities request support, we can provide assistance under this declaration,” said Al Coglio, the chief of emergency management for the Pittsburgh district.
The act also authorizes the Pittsburgh district to provide resources upon request. Those can include technical assistance, sandbags, sandbag machines, water pumps and other flood-fighting supplies or equipment. The act does not include provisions for labor, transportation or fill materials.
All authorized costs associated with the emergency response are funded by the federal government.
The Pittsburgh District’s Emergency Operations Center remains active. To request support, contact the Pittsburgh District emergency operation center at (412) 395-7150 or celrp-eoc@usace.army.mil.
