Environmental Considerations Location –Quarter mile stretch along the banks of the Mississippi river –Approximately 50 yards from the river bank

Location ¾ of the way between two dams on the r Cohasset & Grand Rapids

UPM/Blandin

Mississippi River Begins in Itasca State park –Travels north to Lake Bemidji –Proceeds south through lake Winnibigoshish and others before reaching the dams in Cohasset and Grand rapids

Natural disaster Flood is a primary disaster concern to Blandin and the City of Grand Rapids In years of heavy winter snow accumulation the Mississippi may become over come by snow melt and spring time rain This comes to its first major stop in Grand Rapids

Headwaters map

Flood Scenario If this happens the first dam in Cohasset has the potential to overflow or break This abundance of water would then rush down stream destroying the much smaller dam in Grand Rapids Behind this dam is the historic business district and a residential housing area –Two hundred feet below dam water level

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Danger! Water is not the only concern for this natural disaster Blandin is located at water level just up from the second dam Chemicals use in the paper making process at Blandin could contaminate the river water, putting the public in an immediate health danger

GIS May 24, 2006 the Governor’s council on Geographic Information met to discuss the states continuing effort to connect all of its GIS constituencies in the state Meeting held at Blandin Members attending –MN DNR, Blandin representatives, Local residents & members of the Itasca CC GIS Program Current status unknown

Grand Forks ND History of severe flooding of the Red River –Last major 1997 Has a city wide emergency info system consisting of radio and TV broadcasts

Emergency information Actions to reduce injuries associated with a flood –Know the flood warning procedures and evacuate the flood hazard area when advised to do so. –Do not attempt to walk through a flooded area. –Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts, and storm drains. –Do not drive through a flooded area or around road barriers; the road may be washed out. –If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. –Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company or cut off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switches. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. –If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. Don't use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried. –Shut off the water services and gas valves in your home. –Look out for animals, especially snakes. –Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris and mud and can be very slippery. –Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. –Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors only, they can produce dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO).

Emergency Information Grand Forks has also issued the flowing information of protecting your property in the case of a flood emergency: Elevating the building so that flood waters don't enter or reach any damageable portions of it. Constructing barriers out of fill or concrete between the building and flood waters. "Dry flood proofing" to make the building walls and floor watertight so water does not enter. "Wet flood proofing" to modify the structure and relocate the contents so that when flood waters enter the building there is little or no damage. Preventing basement flooding from sewer backup or sump pump failure.