The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, completed emergency repairs Monday to the flood-prevention berm that protects the tribe and the Tokeland community

The Seattle District Corps arrived Dec. 19 after receiving a request for assistance from the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe to help with the tribe’s efforts to repair the berm, which had degraded significantly since the Corps completed a major rebuilding project in 2018. Crews were on site around the clock through Monday, working during both low tide cycles.

The team assisted with stabilizing 1,800 linear feet of berm and placing an additional 1,900 feet of protective rock on the toe of the berm, which protects the Shoalwater Bay reservation. The tribe had been placing riprap along the dune to reduce the threat of breaching prior to the request.

“The team of emergency responders worked in two shifts, 24 hours a day, to place rock along the berm in order to reduce the risk to the Tokeland community,” said Tony Doersam with Seattle District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Emergency Management Branch.

“We extend our gratitude to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their assistance,” said Charlene Nelson, chairwoman of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. “Their work the past few days helped preserve our lands and the safety of our people. Hayu masi and thank you.”

COURTESY ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS The Army Corps of Engineers assisted the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in repairing a flood reduction berm off the reservation, placing an additional 1,900 feet of protective rock at the toe of the protective berm.

COURTESY ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS The Army Corps of Engineers worked round the clock Dec. 19-23 assisting the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe repairing the flood prevention berm that projects the Tokeland community.