Crews with the City of Pocatello Street Operations Department will soon be doing a little upkeep on the Portneuf River Levee System.
Starting October 5, workers will be cleaning out relief wells that are part of the concrete channel portion of the levee system that was installed in the 1960s.
“These wells are essentially a manhole,” said Owen Campion, Engineering Technician for the City of Pocatello. “They collect and filter water on the earthen side of the concrete wall and help release the pressure that builds up on that side as well.”
Some of the relief wells are located in easements that are within private property. City officials will be sending letters notifying residents that the well is on their property and asking for a date that would be best for crews to come and clean the relief well.
“We will be using hoses and equipment from trucks parked on the street to clean out the well, which will minimize the impact to the property,” said Tom Kirkman Street Operations Superintendent. “We do not anticipate any need to drive large pieces of equipment onto a resident’s property.”
A little over 20 letters will be sent out.
“The Portneuf River Levee is an important part of our city and we’d like to thank residents in advance for their cooperation,” Campion said.
If residents have any questions or concerns they are asked to contact Owen Campion at 234-6226 or via email at ocampion@pocatello.us.