Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Sean Windsor and Spc. Joseph Scanlan, of the North Dakota National Guard's 164th...... read more read more
By Spc. Cassandra Simonton
MINOT, N.D. - There are many ways in which the North Dakota National Guard defends against flooding; one of the most continuous efforts is dike walking, which has been in effect in Minot and Burlington since May 23.
Through dike patrols, Soldiers have been able to watch for any water seepage or erosion, as well as keep an eye on the community and bring a military presence to evacuated areas. Currently the 164th Engineering Battalion and a number of other National Guard units have had their Soldiers on 12-hour shifts, walking in teams along sections of more than 20 miles of dikes from Minot to Burlington. All levees are checked at least four times in a 24-hour period.
Sgt. Wade Piccard, of the North Dakota National Guard's 164th Engineering Battalion, was on patrol for the night shift on June 2, 2011, when he noticed something was amiss with a bridge, said Sgt. First Class Jamie Hyatt, also of the 164th Engineer Battalion.
Working with the city and engineers, it was declared that the bridge had actually shifted two inches. Though the bridge was designed to be able to shift and the move was completely normal, bridge engineers still inspected the structure. It was able to be reopened upon inspection, but Piccard's sharp eyes have impressed many people.
"Literally this could have been a serious incident that he prevented," said Hyatt. "The city and the Corps of Engineers were very impressed with his find."
While on patrol for any changes in the structural integrity of the dikes, Soldiers also are able watch over the evacuated homes.
"While we're out there we have eyes on the community so suspicious activities can be reported," said Hyatt.
Recently the 164th Engineer Battalion has increased the number of Guardsmen patrolling the dikes. There are now four per team with two on each side of the river in several areas, to increase the presence. The protocol for Soldiers on patrol is to report any suspicious activity to the Minot Police, who then investigate.
According to Hyatt, with the National Guard on patrol, citizens can rest assured they are doing all they can to ensure the safety of residents' homes as well as the integrity of the dike system.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2011 19:15 |
| Story ID: | 71588 |
| Location: | MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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