On top of the levee in Bridgeton, the smell of river mud is strong. Canada geese honk over the thrum of traffic on the Interstate 5 Bridge a half-mile downstream.
Life is peaceful in Portland's least populous neighborhoodit has fewer than 1,000 residentsbut that's all about to change.
Tom Hickey is chairman of the Bridgeton Neighborhood Association and, like many of his neighbors, a resident of a floating home. He's fighting what could become the local equivalent of the Berlin Wall.
What worries Hickey: a $158 million federal plan to strengthen 27 miles of levees that keep Portland from being inundated by the Columbia River.
Part of the plan would put a 3-foot retaining wall down the middle of Bridgeton's main street. That street is built directly on top of the levee, a 30-foot earthen berm. Portions of the street and parking spaces to the north are considered unstable and would be walled off under the plan to buttress the levees.
"It's a death knell to the culture of the people who live in the community," Hickey says. "We're looking at a loss of access to the water and a major loss of property value."
Countless words have been penned about the potentially catastrophic effects of a Cascadian subduction zone earthquake on Portland. Far less attention has been devoted to the threat of Columbia River floodswhich happen far more frequently and are a danger accelerated by a warming planet.
Last month, the federal government released its latest plan to deal with that threat. It's a project that would change the face of this city. Yet Portlanders remain deeply divided over what that project should look like.
"Sure, there are a lot of questions," says Corky Collier, executive director of the Columbia Corridor Association, which represents hundreds of businesses protected by the levees. "But can we afford not to do it?"
Torrential flooding in Pendleton and surrounding areas this week took one life and changed others irreparably. It's a reminder of the destructive power of rising water.
Portland has its own memories of that force. Vanport, just southwest of Bridgeton, was completely wiped out in 1948, when the Columbia spilled over the levee Bridgeton is built on, causing 15 deaths and the displacement of 18,000 people.
That was one of Portland's five "100-year floods" in the past 125 years. After the catastrophic flooding from Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Sandy in 2012, the feds investigated other key levee systems around the country. Few systems are more economically important.
Portland's levees, which stretch from the BNSF railroad bridge across the Columbia to the mouth of the Sandy River, date from 1917. They protect an enormous range of assets, including the homes of 7,500 people, the region's largest concentration of industrial and warehouse jobs, sections of three interstate highways, and Portland International Airport.
In January, after three years of investigation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains federally regulated levees, produced a range of five options for Portland's levees, from doing nothing to spending $158 million to shore up earthen walls, raise the height of existing barriers, and replace decrepit pumps to bring the entire system into compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency standards.
The benefits would be twofold: protecting assets from what even the Corps of Engineers says is likely to be more frequent and destructive flooding because of climate change, and allowing property owners protected by the levees to continue to qualify for federally subsidized flood insurance.
Collier is excited about the plan.
"The way it's set up, the feds pay two-thirdsthat's a great deal," he says. Collier acknowledges the plan would require local cleanup of polluted lands before the Corps does its part. But he says that's long overdue.
"The CCA's been working on brownfield cleanup for 15 years and it's really frustrating," Collier says. "Let's get on with it."
Bob Sallinger, conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, takes a different view. Sallinger says the Corps' plan, which he calls "a train wreck," would result in the loss of trees and other habitat and doesn't give sufficient consideration to natural solutions like returning large swaths of floodplain to wetlands.
"This looks like a document written 25 years ago," Sallinger says. "They just want to build larger, taller walls without regard to the health of the environment."
Valerie Ringold, chief planner for the Corps, insists that's not the case. She says the Corps evaluated letting a major portion of the land protected by the levees return to natural floodplain and determined it wouldn't lessen flood risks. The Corps, she adds, would replace any vegetation it destroys and mitigate any damage to wetlands.
Michael Jordan, director of the city of Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services, has monitored the Corps' investigation closely. He says the city wants to ensure the levee fix accomplishes as many goals as possiblesafety, environmental and recreationaland adds he's confident that can happen.
"The risks people have identified are manageable," Jordan says. "There are greater risks of not doing the project."
Hickey is hopeful as well. He met with Corps project manager Laura Hicks last week to discuss a retaining wall design that has been used elsewhere: one with removable sections that could be stored until water approaching Portland rises, then snapped into place.
His suggestion will be among many public comments the Corps receives in a process that is open through Feb. 14.
"Climate change is real and we agree the levees need to be improved," Hickey says. "The battle is whether they suffocate our neighborhood, or enhance it.
Follow this link:
Federal Officials Fear Devastating Floods Along the Columbia River. Residents Fear a Wall Through Their Neighborhood. - Willamette Week
- Boulder police rescue driver, 4-year-old from vehicle hanging on retaining wall - Boulder Daily Camera - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Watch Colo. Police Save 4-Year-Old from Car Hanging over Retaining Wall - Officer - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Boulder Police, Firefighters Rescue Toddler from Crashed Vehicle Hanging on Wall - POLICE - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Theyre heroes: Police rescue child from SUV after crash leaves vehicle dangling over wall - WMBF - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Cops Rescue Mon And Child From Lexus Hanging Over Retaining Wall - CarScoops - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- First responders pull 4-year-old from crashed SUV, hanging from retaining wall - msnNOW - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Construction of flyover at Melamadai junction is in full swing - The Hindu - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Retaining wall collapses in Yorkshire Dales prompting fears of road closure - Richmondshire Today - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Repair retaining wall - The Tribune India - December 28th, 2023 [December 28th, 2023]
- MTA bus driver, 3 passengers injured after backing into retaining wall in Westlake area - CBS Los Angeles - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- 4 injured when MTA bus backs into retaining wall - KABC-TV - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- 4 injured when MTA bus backs into retaining wall - AOL - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Driver more than 3.5x legal alcohol limit hits house and retaining wall, police say - 14 News WFIE Evansville - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Canyon wall falls in Utah national park famous for iconic hoodoos. What caused it? - Sacramento Bee - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Innovative Types of Retaining Walls for Sloped Properties - The Philippine Times - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Construction collapse in Barren County - Bowling Green - WBKO - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Courtenay concerned about retaining wall along river - Times Colonist - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Potential Risk of Failure of Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall - City of Courtenay - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- 110-year-old retaining wall near Ottawa Rowing Club to be demolished, replaced - Yahoo News Canada - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- CCAT begins reconstruction project - The LumberJack - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Trial ordered for SUV driver accused of striking, killing toddler in ... - The San Diego Union-Tribune - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Archaeological Site inside Monastiraki Metro Station Athens, Greece - Atlas Obscura - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Marc Cavagnero Associates have completed the renovation and ... - Global Design News - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- A Renovated Eichler Proves a Vibrant, Livable Showcase for ... - Nob Hill Gazette - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Part of Illinois 106 closing seven months for construction - Jacksonville Journal-Courier - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New preservation fund set up to protect iconic Red Church and ... - Union Democrat - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- TSR Nitro Teams Ready For Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals - Mopar Insiders - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Contract to address failing Claremont access walls expected to be ... - Hamilton Spectator - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Work around the State Capitol will close part of Monroe Street Monday - The State Journal-Register - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Man dies after his box truck was dragged under tractor trailer, South Carolina officials say - CDLLife - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Lack of SH25A reopening work concerning - MP - The Bay's News ... - SunLive - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Brewster Town Meeting: School overrides, plastic ban, Wing Island - Cape Cod Times - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New tech being used for slope stabilisation of few portions of NH - The Arunachal Times - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Retaining Walls: How to Build Them, Costs & Types - This Old House - April 13th, 2023 [April 13th, 2023]
- Stranded By Storms, Neighbor Keeps Mountain Community Connected With Outside World Thanks to Zipline - NBC Bay Area - April 13th, 2023 [April 13th, 2023]
- How much does a concrete retaining wall cost? - HomeGuide - January 7th, 2023 [January 7th, 2023]
- 40 Retaining Wall Ideas That Will Elevate Your Landscaping - October 24th, 2022 [October 24th, 2022]
- Retaining Wall: Types, Purpose, Advantages & Disadvantages - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- 51 Really Cool Retaining Wall Ideas - Sebring Design Build ... - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Keeping Hanging Lake Trail useable has been a difficult task - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Last Hatfield homeplace being developed into museum, gift shop - Huntington Herald Dispatch - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Roadway Activity Report for parts of East and Middle Tennessee (December 23 - 29, 2021) - tn.gov - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Man Gets Probation For Punching Trooper Who Responded To Drunken Driving Crash - CBS Minnesota - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- 3 Bedroom Home in Ocean City - $1,099,900 - Press of Atlantic City - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- BRAGSA helping to rebuild collapsed wall at Belmont - Searchlight Newspaper - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Pittsburg Police Say Driver Expected to Survive After Major Injury Crash on E Leland Road - EastCountyToday - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Spring Branch homes total Texas Hill Country xeriscape landscape renovation created many outdoor entertainment areas - San Antonio Express-News - December 28th, 2021 [December 28th, 2021]
- Middle Beach retaining wall project is underway - Portland Press Herald - pressherald.com - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Contract approved for construction of retaining wall along Gordon Town Road - Jamaica Observer - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- SLED report reveals new details about deputy-involved shooting that injured teen, led to K9s death - WSPA 7News - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Floral Park Board of Trustees reports Feb. 2 - The Island Now - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- West Tennessee Weekly Construction February 3-10, 2021 - tn.gov - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- SLED investigative report reveals new details about deputy-involved shooting that injured teen and led to K9s death - WSPA 7News - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Replacing the Columbus Statue: Deliver Black Dreams' Call to Action - Columbus Monthly - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Burien Council hears of Seahurst landslide and of flooding problems due to rainy winter - The B-Town Blog - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Rehabilitation plots on reclaimed land lack basic infrastructure - The Hindu - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Expert's opinion on how 70ft wall collapsed in the middle of the night - Nottinghamshire Live - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Friendship and Stonework Grow More Beautiful With Time - The Atlantic - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Mumbai: Repair of BG Kher Marg only after post-monsoon inspection - Free Press Journal - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Explaining the Icy Mystery of the Dyatlov Pass - kottke.org - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Anger after traffic cones moved at Greengates junction - Bradford Telegraph and Argus - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- APP spends nearly $90K assisting; plans to double that figure this year (With Photos) - Dominica News Online - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Guide rails proposed for Sherman's Hubbell Mountain Road, now it's up to the taxpayers - Laredo Morning Times - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Adorable Adoptable Pets Of The Week In The Oxford Area - Oxford, CT Patch - February 5th, 2021 [February 5th, 2021]
- Reconstruction of Third Street wall in Leechburg expected to start in April or May - TribLIVE - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Floral Park Board of Trustees report for January 19 - The Island Now - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Its like a big jigsaw puzzle: Pathway overpass foundation work underway - Scottsbluff Star Herald - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Boys, ages 11 and 12, arrested after racing, crashing stolen car in St. Paul - Bring Me The News - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- UPDATED: Morning traffic in Saanich interrupted after driver crashes into centre median, retaining wall - Saanich News - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Sunderland road closed off to traffic over safety concerns after wall crumbles - Sunderland Echo - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Kill Coal to Save Lives - The New Republic - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Putnam road project part of push to keep work in-house - Huntington Herald Dispatch - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Riverside breaks ground on playground | The St. Clair Times | annistonstar.com - Anniston Star - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Wilton Selectboard hears Water Department concerns and announces nomination ballots - Daily Bulldog - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Buildings, tunnels and bridges could soon repair themselves - Horizon - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- The cry to vote | The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle - thejewishchronicle.net - January 22nd, 2021 [January 22nd, 2021]
- Construction Worker Killed After Retaining Wall Collapses In Brooklyn - CBS New York - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]
- Montague homeowners ordered to remove retaining wall built on town land - The Journal Pioneer - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]
- Fayetteville City Council to meet twice this week - Arkansas Online - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]
- Looking back: Here are the Top 10 stories of 2020 - KBJR 6 - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]