$3.96 MILLION EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROJECT COMPLETE

HONOLULU, September 9, 2011-The Kilauea River/Wailapa Stream sediment and debris removal project in Kauai County is complete. Federal funds in the amount of $3.96 million were available through the Emergency Watershed Protection program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

"This project helped to clean the area following a natural disaster and we are glad that it reduces future flooding situations," said Angel Figueroa, Director of the Pacific Islands Area for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

With the breach of Kaloko Reservoir on March 14, 2006, flood waters uprooted vegetation and scoured the floodplain of Wailapa Stream, resulting in woody debris obstructions, sediment, and exposed soil surface in Wailapa Stream and Kilauea River. According to the Damage Survey Report that was completed in April 2006, the proposed action included debris clearing, critical area planting, access road mitigation, minor stream grading, and debris disposal.

This was a partnership between Federal (NRCS), County (Kauai's Department of Public Works), and the private company, AECOM Technical Services, Inc. AECOM was contracted to design and monitor the removal of sediments and debris deposited in the Kilauea River and Wailapa Stream. More than 23,000 cubic yards of sediment and woody debris was excavated, most of which was delivered to Heart and Soul Organics for beneficial reuse.

To learn more about the Emergency Watershed Protection or other programs available from the NRCS, visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).

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