Levee holding, but Port City still reporting issues

GREENVILLE — The City of Greenville is reporting a number of issues related to the historic rise of the Mississippi River. Officials are dealing with such issues as displaced wildlife in the city limits and the concern of the impact of the floodwaters on the water and sewer systems.

The Mississippi River is now expected to crest at 65 feet May 16. This would be less than a half-foot lower than the 65.4 feet recorded in 1927, six feet above the 1973 flood mark and 3.5 feet above the 100-year flood plain.

Mayor Heather McTeer said the main levee system is “looking good.” A sand boil was reported near Greenville at Francis. Sand boils are caused by water seeping underneath the levee. The sand boil has been sandbagged, and crews are building an earthen berm around the site, work that McTeer said should be completed today.

The waterfront levee at downtown Greenville has been closed. McTeer said the downtown levee’s lowest points are at the Main and Central streets. Elevation there is 67 feet. She said she does not anticipate closing downtown Greenville, but added that officials “are keeping their eye on the rising water and are prepared in case of an emergency.”

One problem being reported is displaced wildlife in the city limits. The city is receiving an increase in reports of flooded-out deer and other wildlife in the city. McTeer said the city’s animal control personnel and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are aware of the problem and are conducting patrols.

McTeer said officials are concerned about water and sewer line failures in the downtown area due to pressure on the levee.

“We expect this to be the biggest problem at this time,” McTeer said.

Source: Mayor Heather McTeer

One Response to “Levee holding, but Port City still reporting issues”

1. Lakenya Taylor Says:
   May 13th, 2011 at 3:41 pm

   Can I travel to mississppi to get my family or is the bridge closed