Introduction
High
groundwater levels influence the area near a levee during flood
conditions. When the water level in the river is above the natural
ground elevation on the dry side of the levee, groundwater begins to move and
tends to come to the surface near the levee. This movement of water
is called “underseepage.” Underseepage can exert significant forces on buried
utilities, foundations, and slabs. If not adequately controlled,
underseepage can cause damage to properties or the levee.
Underseepage
forces are not a typical consideration in building and site
design. If not accounted for by the engineer or architect, these
forces can cause damage to facilities and promote catastrophic levee failure.
The North Kansas City Levee District (District) requires a design review of all
proposed construction projects within the “critical area” of the levee. The
reviews help ensure compliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work
within the critical. These reviews help to ensure that the flood protection
system retains its integrity.
For any
property owner, developer, contractor, excavator, utility, or other
parties—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, an applicant
must comply with the following procedures 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 charges a review fee for technical reviews. Fees are
generally 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
more than five (5) drawings.
Drawing
counts will be based on those drawings necessary for review of compliance with
USACE criteria.
Additional
Fees
An
additional fee of $1,500 per day is required for projects requiring field
observation by District personnel. Field observation is typically required for
emergency repairs and rework of unpermitted projects.
Submittals
For
specific information regarding submittal requirements, please contact:
Miranda
Hamrick. P.E.
Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company
9400 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 894-8965
Email: mhamrick@burnsmcd.com