FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2011
Contact: Robbie Wilbur
601/961-5277
MDEQ RECOMMENDS FLOOD PREPARATIONS
(JACKSON, Miss.) – As a result of flooding forecasts and rising water levels for the Mississippi River, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) advises Mississippians to think about possible environmental issues that can result if flooding reaches their homes, farms, and businesses. The release of oil, gasoline, or chemicals into flood waters can be an environmental hazard.
The following chart prepared by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for Governor Barbour illustrates estimated flood stages and dates:
| Location | Reaching flood stage | Flood stage | Forecasted crest date | Forecasted crest height | Feet above flood stage |
| Tunica | April 29 | 44 feet | May 12 | 52.5 feet | 8.5 feet |
| Bolivar | April 29 | 37 feet | May 14 | 48.5 feet | 11.5 feet |
| Greenville | April 29 | 48 feet | May 15 | 60 feet | 12 feet |
| Vicksburg | May 1 | 43 feet | May 18 | 53.5 feet | 10.5 feet |
| Natchez | April 30 | 48 feet | May 20 | 60 feet | 12 feet |
Hydrologic information from the National Weather Service can be found at http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=jan.
MDEQ recommends that tanks such as propane, gas, or diesel be strapped, that chemicals in containers be secured, and household hazardous chemicals such as paints, solvents, and pesticides be placed out of harm’s way. These recommendations are applicable to small businesses, residences, farms, hunting camps, and other buildings near possible flood waters.
MDEQ requests that if residents observe any releases of oil, gasoline or chemicals or any stray barrels, waste containers, cylinders and pressure vessels that they promptly report the discovery to the state's 24-hour spill line: 800-222-6362 or 601-961-5171.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has information about flooding at http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/flooding.html.
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