Study suggests measures to mitigate Shunganunga Creek flooding

The Army Corps of Engineers suggests building levees or floodwalls and buying out some homeowners to mitigate the effects of the flooding of Shunganunga Creek in Topeka.

Eric Lynn, project manager for the ongoing Shunganunga Creek Flood Risk Management Study the corps is conducting for the city, shared that information during a slideshow at Tuesday evening's Topeka City Council meeting. He said the corps plans to hold public meetings regarding the study.

The city and the corps are each paying half of the $2.6 million cost of the study of Shunganunga Creek, which flooded in May 2007 and forced the evacuation of hundreds of Topekans. The corps this past summer began conducting a topographical survey as part of the study.

Here are answers to some key questions about the study:

Q: How far into it are we?

A: The city said on its website: "At this time, the City and USACE are still in the early stages, so it is not yet possible to say what types of projects may be undertaken or exactly where they might be. Any projects that do come out of this process would likely be several years down the road as well. The important thing for our citizens to be aware of at this point in time is that the City is: 1. Aware of flooding concerns; 2. Has partnered with the Corps of Engineers and is actively seeking solutions; 3. Will not be undertaking any projects for several years."

Q: What locations have been examined?

A: The corps has looked at six areas it identified as being vulnerable. Its report identifies them as: Area 1, the Foxcroft and Arrowhead Residential Area south of S.W. 29th and Arrowhead Road; Area 2, The Left (north) Bank near Washburn Avenue; Area 3, the Right (south) Bank near Washburn Avenue; Area 4, which involves potential Concept Levee Alignments in the area where the creek runs south of Downtown Topeka; Area 5, the Right (south) Bank Residential Area in East Topeka; and Area 6, the Residential Area near Crestview Park, 4801 S.W. Shunga Drive.

Q: How did the corps decide whether to suggest improvements?

A: It estimated annualized flood damage costs as well as economic benefits that would be realized by taking steps to mitigate the damage over a 50-year period. If mitigation costs were estimated to exceed damages, the corps didn't recommend taking action. The corps didn't recommend any action be taken in areas 3 or 5.

Q: What actions does the preliminary analysis suggest?

A: In Area 1 the corps suggests building a levee or floodwall while saying building an earthen levee and buying out some property owners would also provide a positive economic benefit but not nearly as much. In Area 2 the corps suggests building an earthen levee and buying out some property owners while saying building a levee or floodwall would also provide a positive economic benefit but not as much. In Area 4 the corps suggests building a levee or floodwall while adding that building an earthen levee and buying out some property owners there would also provide a positive economic benefit, but not as much. In Area 6, the corps suggests taking flood- proofing measures for 66 homes.

Q: What is the purpose of the public meetings?

A. The city said on its website: "As many private properties encroach upon or even encompass parts of the creek, it is necessary to obtain right-of-access agreements with those property owners. Toward that end, the USACE sent letters, and the City and USACE will hold public meetings to further educate the public on this matter."

Q: When and where will the meetings be:

A: For Area 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the gym at McClure Elementary School, 2529 S.W. Chelsea Drive; for areas 2, 4 and 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the city's Holliday Building at 620 S.E. Madison; and for Areas 3 and 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at LULAC Senior Center, 1502 N.E. Seward Ave.

Q: What else happens next?

A: Lynn said future study activities include "Collection of field data to update study analysis and refine assumptions in preliminary design, cost and economic analyses; an environmental impact assessment; verification of the optimal or preferred alternative in each area; and a project report presenting recommendations for future implementation."

Q: Where can further information about the study be found?

A. At www.topeka.org/ShungaStudy.