Volunteers reinforced and made repairs to the sandbag flood wall behind the White River Estates homes on the Pierce County Line in Pacific last Saturday morning.

Two years ago, volunteers placed more than 45,000 sandbags along the county line to prevent floodwater.

“Although most of these bags are still in decent shape, new plastic and replacement of some bags (were installed),” said Mayor Richard Hildreth. “We also closed off a section where bags were moved to gain access to the wetlands area.”

King County is working to protect the City of Pacific from the White River during what is expected to be another active flood season.

Two pumps are being installed on the landward side of the flood barriers in order to pump any local stormwater that accumulates, and additional pumps will be available on-call should they be necessary. Pumps were also in place during the 2010-11 flood season.

Additionally, the flood barrier that has been in place through Pacific for the past two flood seasons is being inspected – and in many cases, repaired.Significant vandalism has occurred to the flood barrier, which is intended to minimize the risk of rising floodwaters damaging property or putting lives in danger.

“The vandalism is so disappointing. It puts the community at risk and requires additional expenditures of limited tax dollars,” said Katy Vanderpool, King County’s White River Basin Coordinator. “We appreciate any support that Pacific residents can provide to us in helping curb these senseless acts.”

Pacific residents are being asked for their help in protecting the integrity of this flood-protection system. Call 911 if you see vandalism occurring to the pumps or flood protection barriers, and report any damages to Vanderpool, at 206-296-8362.