News Release Archive

Groundwater Near New York Canal Investigated

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Vicki Hoffman, vhoffman@usbr.gov

For Release: August 30, 2011

Engineers, geologists, and water managers with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Boise Project Board of Control (BPBOC) are investigating the cause of elevated groundwater levels in a southeast Boise subdivision located adjacent to the New York Canal. The affected homes are located along South Minuteman Way.

"The BPBOC monitors the entire canal throughout the irrigation season and performs needed maintenance work," said Paul Deveau, BPBOC project manager. The BPBOC and Reclamation have increased their monitoring efforts in this section of the canal as a precautionary measure.

In addition, BPBOC crews have installed sump pumps in the area behind the homes to help control the groundwater level. Although crews report no noticeable structural problem or signs of distress with the canal, emergency services and first responders have been made aware of the situation.

"Reclamation and BPBOC employees are keeping local residents informed of the progress," said Jerrold Gregg, Snake River Area Manager.

New York Canal flows are approximately 2,200 cfs and will remain near this level through late October. Monitoring of the canal and adjacent areas will continue throughout the irrigation season and carry on after the irrigation season has ended.

The Boise Project Board of Control is an operating agency of 5 irrigation districts that services 167,000 acres of land for irrigation. The Boise Project Board of Control, through a contract with Reclamation, operates and maintains the New York Canal. To find out more information contact Paul Deveau at the Boise Project Board of Control at (208) 344-1141.

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