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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />OM 500-1-6 <br />January 1991 <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY <br />Albuquerque District, Corps of Engineers <br />P.O. Box 1580 <br />Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103-1580' <br /> <br />FLOOD FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS <br /> <br />1. Introduction. This booklet is intended for use by local officials as a <br />source of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (hereinafter "Corps") advice for flood <br />emergency preparation and flood fight activities. Corps of Engineers authority <br />to assist local interests is also described, It is also furnished to Corps of <br />Engineers employees for information and as an aid for coordination with local <br />interests. <br /> <br />Section 404 of Public Law 92-500, "Clean Water Act of 1977" requires that a <br />permit be obtained from the Corps for the discharge of dredged or fill material <br />in all waters of the United States including adjacent wetlands. <br /> <br />These requirements should not delay work necessary to prevent loss of life or <br />property during an actual emergency or flood fight. Normal maintenance of flood <br />control structures is authorized by this law. However, construction of such <br />structures prior to or after a flood will generally require a Corps permit. <br />Local interests who are planning the construction of structures or fills in <br />lakes, streams, or wetlands should inform the District Engineer of the Corps of <br />their plans at least 60 days prior to planned start of construction. <br /> <br />2. General Instructions. There is no set of rigid rules for flood fighting that <br />is applicable to every condition that might develop during a flood emergency. <br />Engineering judgment must be applied to determine the most appropriate solution, <br />There are some general instructions described in this pamphlet which have been <br />followed with good results. When there is doubt as to the procedure to be taken, <br />consult with experienced engineers and follow standard engineering practices in <br />meeting the situation. Sketches of recommended practices are included in <br />Appendix B. <br /> <br />3. Preliminarv Work. Immediately upon receipt of information that high water <br />is imminent, local levee districts or communities should form a skeleton <br />organization capable of quick expansion and assign individuals as Sector <br />Supervisors to have charge of specified sections of levees. Inform the Corps <br />(see Appendix A) and appropriate State officials of the situation. The Chief <br />of Engineers in Washington has the authority to authorize Corps flood <br />preparedness assistance when there is a potential for severe flooding which <br />exceeds local interest capability. Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency <br />can authorize assistance to local government if there is an emergency situation <br />. which can become a disaster. Contact appropriate State officials to determine <br />eligibility. <br /> <br />This booklet supersedes Pamphlet OM 500-1-6, dated April 1987. <br />