Boeing Encourages Suppliers to Monitor Howard Hanson Dam Situation
Date: Sept. 2, 2009
Regional public safety agencies in the Puget Sound area are warning of the potential for winter flooding along the Green River, which passes near several Boeing facilities.
Below you will find more information about this risk and the Boeing Company's planned response, especially as it relates to Boeing Suppliers. Boeing encourages suppliers who are located in these areas -- or those who transport materials to and from them -- to actively monitor this situation while establishing contingency plans.
The concern is focused on the Howard Hanson Dam, an earthen dam on the Green River located in the foothills of the Cascade Range southeast of Seattle. That dam provides water storage and flood control for the Green River Valley.
The Army Corps of Engineers is required to repair weaknesses in the dam and estimates it may take at least 18 to 24 months to make those repairs, depending on the nature of the work required. Until the repairs are completed, the reservoir will be kept far below its maximum pool level. This could mean higher than normal water release levels during flood season -- October through March.
Boeing sites that could be directly affected are: Kent, Renton, Auburn, Tukwila and Duwamish. Deliveries to Everett and Portland, Oregon and other sites could also be impacted due to limited parts and supplies movement in the region due to closed roads along with limited employee access to and from affected sites.
Boeing is working with local governments to monitor the situation, plan for contingencies and ensure the safety of employees who work in those areas and/or live in the floodplain.
Boeing suppliers with facilities in the area, with employees who live nearby, or who transport through these areas are encouraged to refer to local emergency management agencies to understand their risk and plan accordingly.
Further, suppliers should stay in touch with their Boeing contacts to ensure their plans are coordinated with Boeing's plan.
Bookmark this site and visit it frequently for the latest information. It will be a key source of information if an emergency situation should occur.
Important Links:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Army Corps of Engineers -- basic info about the dam
- King County Flood Control Preparation Brochure
- King County Flood Control District