UPDATE on Rainstorm Flooding Local Waterways

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~ o ~ ~ January 17 2006 3:00 p.m. CONTACT Eric Jones, Public Affairs Manager, 541-682-5523 From Publi Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 FOR IMME IATE RELEASE UPDATE on Rainstorm Flooding Local Waterways I In r sponse to continued heavy rainfall, the Eugene Public Works Department opened its Emerge cy Command Center at 1 p.m. today to coordinate crews responding to flooding conditions round the city. The Public Works Parks and Open Space Division has closed the Ruth Bascom Riverbank rail System near the DeFazio Bridge in Alton Baker Park due to significant flowing water acro s the bike path in that area. The Eugene Police Department issued a traffic advisory for westbound I-105 between Coburg Ro d and Delta Highway; 19th Avenue near South Eugene High School, and Pearl Street at 1 th Avenue. 19th Avenue was blocked off between Pearl and High for several hours. The Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission issued an advisory at noon today that t e regional wastewater treatment facility is discharging limited amounts of untreated wastewate directly into the Willamette River. Given the diluted nature of the discharges, health risks are m nimal. Eu ne Public Works crews continue to monitor water levels in Amazon Creek and the Eugene Mil race, which are running at or above capacity. Residents are advised to exercise ~ extreme ca tion around both of these waterways. Cyc fists and pedestrians are urged to use alternate routes to avoid paths close to waterways, including underpasses along Amazon Creek and sections of the bike path near the Willamette fiver. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded areas. To port flooding or other dangerous condition in the city of Eugene, call the Eugene Public Wor s Department at 682-4800. i i ~ Publi Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us