Field work is set to begin on the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Flood and Steep Creek Risk Assessment Prioritization Assessment.

“The geotechnical engineering consulting contract has been awarded to BGC Engineering and members of their team will begin the field work next week to assess terrain and creek processes,” explained RDEK Protective Services Manager Fiona Dercole.

“Site visits will be conducted in various locations between November 1 and 3. We wanted residents to be aware as our consultants may need to access specific properties as part of their geotechnical investigation.”

The consultants will be carrying identification and will have a letter to provide property owners during site visits.

In addition to the field work, the team is collecting and studying previous hazard and risk assessments related to flooding and steep creeks across the region.

“Climate change is impacting the frequency and magnitude of flooding, due to changes in precipitation patterns. It is important for communities to understand flood hazards and build resilience to extreme weather events,” added Dercole. “This project will modernize our understanding of flood and steep creek risks across the region and inform the region’s Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis, which forms the foundation of the East Kootenay Emergency Management Plan.”

The project, which is 100% funded by the National Disaster Mitigation Program, includes the RDEK’s member municipalities and First Nations within the East Kootenay.

Lead image: Flooding in Kimberley in April 2012. e-KNOW file photo

RDEK

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