By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

As we celebrate Labor Day next week on Monday, September 2, a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and contributions of laborers across the nation, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who keep our communities safe from the devastating impacts of floods. The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) understands that effective flood management is a year-round effort. Area levees, revetments, and other flood facilities require constant care and vigilance to ensure they can perform their critical function—protecting our communities from floodwaters.

This Labor Day, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the hardworking King County labor crews and contractors who make this possible. The dedicated staff at King County, as service provider to the KCFCD, is responsible for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of area flood protection infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding the homes, businesses, and natural environments of the King County community.

The Vital Role of Levees and Revetments

Levees and revetments are the backbone of the flood protection system throughout King County. These structures are designed to reduce the risk of flooding by managing the flow of area rivers and holding back water during high-flow events. However, they don’t eliminate the risk entirely. The strength and reliability of these barriers depend on regular monitoring, maintenance, and repair.

A levee is a human-made embankment or barrier, typically made of earth, designed to prevent or reduce flooding by containing, controlling, or redirecting the flow of water, especially from rivers, lakes, or oceans. Levees are commonly constructed along waterways to protect nearby land, such as towns, agricultural fields, and infrastructure, from being inundated during high water events like floods. While levees help manage flood risks, they do not eliminate the risk entirely and can be overtopped or fail if water levels exceed their design capacity.

A revetment refers to a structure or layer built to protect an embankment, shoreline, or riverbank from erosion caused by water flow, waves, or weather. They are commonly used in coastal and riverine environments to stabilize banks and prevent the loss of land and infrastructure. Revetments are designed to absorb and deflect the energy of flowing water, thereby preventing the underlying soil or substrate from being washed away. While revetments have historically been made from materials such as rock, concrete, or geotextiles, the KCFCD, together with King County as service provider, are now using more natural materials, where feasible. For example, by utilizing large wooden structures as part of the revetment, riverbanks can be protected from erosion and habitat can be created for aquatic and riparian restoration.

The levees (and revetments) in King County are complex systems that require constant attention. Regular inspections are essential to identify any signs of wear or potential issues, such as bubbles, boils, or pooling water, which could indicate that water is finding a way through the levee. If left unchecked, these issues could lead to catastrophic failures. This is where the dedication of King County’s O&M teams becomes invaluable.

Maintaining Our First Line of Defense

The KCFCD funds a comprehensive O&M program, which is implemented by King County. This ensures King County’s flood facilities remain in top condition. The work involves a wide range of activities, from managing vegetation, to removing debris, to and maintaining flap gates and other flow control devices. These tasks might seem small on the surface, but they are critical in preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.

For instance, managing vegetation ensures that the levee’s structural integrity is visible and accessible for inspections. Additionally, ongoing work, such as inspecting for animal burrows and repairing erosion caused both by people and flood flows, are vital to maintaining the levee’s ability to withstand high-water events.

Planning and Preparedness

Beyond the physical maintenance of levees and revetments, planning and preparedness are also important responsibilities implemented by King County utilizing KCFCD funding. This includes developing emergency action plans and raising awareness about the importance of flood management. Understanding the area that a levee was built to protect is crucial, especially as our communities grow and evolve. A levee that was once designed to protect agricultural land might need to be reassessed as new developments emerge.

King County’s staff also plays a key role in evaluating the performance of flood protection projects. Through the KCFCD funded Effectiveness Monitoring program, they assess project structures, flood performance, and the impacts on plantings, channel morphology, and fish and wildlife habitats. This data is essential for informing the design and construction of future capital projects, ensuring that our flood protection efforts continue to meet the needs of our communities.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This Labor Day, we want to take a moment to honor and thank the dedicated staff from King County who carry out the operations and maintenance work funded by the King County Flood Control District. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure that area levees, revetments, and other flood facilities remain strong and reliable. They are the first line of defense against flooding, and their work helps protect the lives, homes, and livelihoods of countless people throughout King County.

Their commitment to excellence, day in and day out, is truly commendable. Whether it’s conducting routine inspections, performing critical repairs, or planning for future flood events, they are the reason area flood protection infrastructure stands ready to face whatever challenges may come.

On behalf of the King County Flood Control District and the communities we serve, we thank King County’s O&M staff for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to keeping us safe. This Labor Day, we celebrate you—our flood control heroes!