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OM SOO-I-6 January 1991 . b. Improved Channels Constructed for Flood Control Purposes, An improved channel constructed for flood control is considered a flood control works under the intent of PL 84-99 and the Corps is authorized to conduct major protectiv0 and flood fight effort wh"n the situation exceeds local capability, 10, Irril?:ation Facilitie.,. Irrigation facilities are not normally considtel'ed flood protection works under PL 84-99, In some instances the banks of irrigation canals also serve as levees to prevent flooding of improved property by rises in streams or rivers, In these instances the canal bank is a flood protective work. Flooding which results from irrigation water flowing from breaks in ditch banks may necessitate Corps floodfight assistance including furnishing technical assistance, sandbags and other supplies. Irrigation divers ion dams in some instances contribute to flood control systems by permitting diversion of water to reduce flood peaks. Unusual conditions would be necessary to justify Corps of Engineers assistance in furnishing pre flood protection for irrigation diversions. The Corps of Engineers is authorized to protect irrigation facilities during a flood fight if the situation exceeds local capability and if protection is feasible. 11. Bank Cuttin? and Er08ion of Land. Bank cutting and erosion of land occurs in streams which are unimproved, This is a natural process and Corps assistance under PL 84-99 is not normally authorized. Temporary emergency work during a flood fight may be undertaken by the Corps if the erosion threatens valuable improved property or is a, threat to life, Existing statutory authority under . Section 14 of the Flood Control Act approved 24 July 1946 (Emergency Bank Protection) or Section 208 of the Flood Control Act approved 3 September 1954 (Clearing and Snagging for Flood Control) may be applicable if the potential benefits will exceed the cost of the work, A letter of application to the District Engineer is required to initiate a preliminary investigation under these authorities. 12. Ice Jams. Ice jams rarely occur on rivers in the Albuquerque District but must be considered a possibility. In 1962 an ice jam on the Rio Grande caused some flooding at San Felipe Pueblo in New Mexico. A bridge across the Rio Grande at this location was endangered at the same time as uplifting pressure from the ice threatened to raise the bridge from its abutments. Removal of ice jams is difficult. Blasting is not very successful since the ice often extends over a reach several miles in length, Also if blasting suddenly releases the trapped water, severe downstream flooding can result, Corps policy is that ice jam removal is a local flood measure responsibility, Corps support is to be limited to technical advice and engineering assistance. 2 Encl Appendix A Appendix B DISTRIBUTION: By Emergency Management Branch STEVEN M. DOUGAN LTC, EN Commanding . 8