Introduction
During flood conditions, the area near a levee will become
influenced by groundwater. When the
water level in the river is above the natural ground elevation on the dry side
of the levee, groundwater will begin to move and will have a tendency to come
to the surface near the levee. This
underseepage can cause the groundwater to flow uncontrollably, and can exert
significant forces on buried utilities, foundations, and slabs. These forces are not a typical consideration
in building and site design. If not
considered by the engineer or architect, these forces can cause damage to
facilities and/or promote catastrophic levee failure.
To help insure that the North Kansas City Levee Unit
retains its integrity, the North Kansas City Levee District (District) and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) require that any proposed construction
within the “critical area” of the levee be reviewed for compliance with
guidance prescribed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In order for any property owner, developer, contractor,
excavator, utility, or other party—including any federal, state, or local
government or agency, or any agent working thereunder—to develop or make
improvements to lands located within the critical area of the North Kansas City
Levee District, said party (hereinafter “Applicant”) must comply with the
following procedures in order to obtain acceptance to perform the work.
Definition
of Critical Zone
On the landside of the levee, the critical zone includes
all areas within 500 feet of the levee centerline, or within the limits of the
landside stability berm; whichever is greater.
On the riverside of the levee, the critical zone includes
all areas within 300 feet of the levee centerline.
Review
Fees
The District has charges a review fee for technical
reviews. Fees are to be calculated as
follows:
For projects with up to and including five (5) drawings to
be reviewed, a minimum amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
($1,500).
For projects with more than five drawings, an additional
amount of One Hundred Dollars ($100) per drawing in excess of five (5)
drawings.
Drawing counts will be based on those drawings necessary
for review of compliance with USACE criteria.
Submittals
For specific information regarding submittal requirements,
please contact:
Leon J. Staab. P.E.
Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company
9400 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816)822-3214
Email: lstaab@burnsmcd.com