June 3, 2011 - Marty Grate, Environmental Services Manager for the Omaha Public Works Department reported today that the Monroe Street Pumping Station is being closed and its equipment is being removed. This will result in approximately 6 million gallons of raw sewage being dumped into the Missouri River each day. State regulatory agencies and down water communities have been notified of the impending discharge. The Monroe St. location is being decommissioned due to its close proximity to the river. The equipment is being removed to make the repair process - after the water has subsided - a much quicker and less expensive operation.
The city has approximately 17 pumping stations. The Public Works Department does not expect any other stations besides Monroe to be closed due to flooding. The Monroe Street Pumping Station primarily serves the South Omaha community.
Avoid wading, swimming, and other primary body contact with the waters of the Missouri River in the area near and several miles downstream from the Veterans Memorial Bridge in South Omaha.
Eric Plautz, the Assistant Director of the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency informed residents that it’s important for individuals living or owning property along the Missouri to be prepared, and plan to evacuate if necessary. The city has six 12″ diesel pumps on the way to assist with the clearance of any rainwater than may accumulate on the city’s side of the levee.
The Unified Command consisting of representatives from the Omaha Fire Department, Omaha Police Department, Omaha Public Works, Omaha Parks & Recreation, and the Omaha Airport Authority was formed this week as part of Omaha’s disaster declaration to respond to rising water levels on the Missouri River. The Omaha Fire Department, under the supervision of OFD Battalion Chief Shane Hunter, is the lead organization for the Unified Command. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Stolinski will be providing daily updates on the status of flooding on the Omaha side of the Missouri.
