City resident gain minimal use of toilets

From Valley City Mayor Mary Lee Nielson -

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 With the river going below 17 feet and the additional capacity gained in the sanitary sewer system- in consultation with Jeff Differding and Wade Hesch, we are going to allow residents to use their toilets with minimal flushing. We will be monitoring the system for the next 2 days to see how it works. The port-a-potties will remain in place in case the system gets overloaded. Please follow the old adage- “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” Our hope is that the above ground sanitary system we are relying on at this time will be able to handle the extra load. The collection of waste water for clothes washing, bathing and dish washing still needs to take place. We do not want to pour more waste water into the system other than the minimal flushing. As the river continues to go down there may be an opportunity to add these activities. The city will keep you posted. The citizens have done an excellent job in complying with the collection of waste water and use of port-a-potties. This is our next test- keep up the good work!

Campus access

Another road opened to campus this morning. The Mill Dam bridge on 3rd Ave SE opened. People can use that bridge and turn on to College Street or continue to 6th Street SE. I updated the Google map showing the routes to campus with green lines.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115453440231524773900.000466103976c9aa377fc&ll=46.918878,-98.003197&spn=0.010582,0.019226&z=16

Please allow for extra travel time around campus, as the streets might be narrow, and traffic congested at times.

Campus to re-open 4/23

VCSU will re-open at 12:30 pm on Thursday, April 23. Faculty and staff can either use the shuttle service (meet at the Bubble) or drive their own vehicle.

City lifts voluntary evacuation

The Mayor lifted the voluntary evacuation order this morning. Residents are allowed to return to their homes. The city warns residents that the river is still at a dangerous level, and the sewer system is not functional. Workers did isolate some areas that allowed river water to collapse the sewer system. City officials will continue to monitor the progress, and still encourage people to use portable bathrooms.

Business closure order lifted

The city lifted the mandatory business closure order this morning. Businesses can reopen, but cannot use the sewer system.

VCSU will make an announcement later today.

City notes

The city will re-open the Rainbow Bridge soon. The bridge will re-open a critical East-West route for Valley City. Residents are still asked to stay out of the city. Extra traffic and sewer system will hamper relief efforts.

Classes resume

VCSU Spring semester resumes today online. Please check your campus email or the black board for more information.