EPA OFFICES DESTROYED BY KANAWHA FLOOD - Valley Area Struck Hard

(06/17/2003)

The greater Kanawha Valley area experienced severe flooding during the past 24 hours, the second time within a week. Water entered hundreds of homes and businesses, and vehicles were washed away. While the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management usually issues permits to manage the state's waterways, there was no stopping the water that destroyed the agency's Greenbrier Street office on Monday. Flash flooding sent more than four feet of water rushing into the building that houses the water resources office in Charleston. Heavy rains brought nearby streams out of their banks within minutes, leaving nothing but mud and destruction in its wake. The building, which houses nearly 100 employees, sustained heavy damage to its first floor offices. In addition, two state vehicles were swept away. "For now, it will not be business as usual for the Division of Water and Waste Management," said DEP Cabinet Secretary Stephanie R. Timmermeyer. "We are assessing the damage now, and working to get employees assigned to temporary locations." Water resources programs are operating with limited staff until other work arrangements can be made. Employees can be contacted at (304) 558-2108 or (304) 558-5929.

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