HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The retreat of the Arkansas River after more than a month of flooding has not revealed any significant damage to the levee system protecting Hutchinson and the surrounding area.

According to Public Works Director Brian Clennan, there was some damage but nothing alarming considering the levee was under stress for an extended period of time.

“There was some damage around the bridges,” Clennan said. Most of the damage was to what is called the high bank that contains the river during most high water events. Clennan said there was some erosion in those areas and that it will be repaired.

There have also been reports of sand inside drainage pipes that divert storm water from the city into the river. Those areas are being cleaned out.

The only real notable erosion came around a bridge pillar on K-96 Highway near 4th Avenue. The city worked with KDOT to expedite repairs for that site.

Finally, Clennan was thankful to the employees who put a lot of time in during the flood to make sure the levee was holding. “Really pleased with the work the staff put in 24/7,” Clennan said, noting the crews worked 12-hour shifts watching the levee.

The city is keeping track of hours and machinery used for making repairs to the levee in hopes to get reimbursement from FEMA.