City officials in Devils Lake are seeking state permission to further lower a coulee on the lake's east end where floodwaters would naturally flow if the lake continues to rise and hits 1,459 feet.
The Tolna Coulee has already been lowered about a foot to 1,458 feet, the level state geologic officials say existed when North Dakota became a state. City officials want to lower it even more but would need a drain permit from the state Water Commission.
State officials have said any effort to move water out of the east end of the lake, where it's saltier, might be tested in court by those who oppose the movement of Devils Lake floodwaters downstream to the Sheyenne River and then to the north-flowing Red River.
City Commissioner Rick Morse says officials expect their request to be denied. He says the city is prepared to go to court.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Devils Lake officials seek coulee permission
Posted in: Valley News Live Local/Regional,
Valley News Live Local/Regional Mobile
By The Associated Press - Devils Lake, ND
Oct 21, 2009 - 8:34:29 AM
By The Associated Press - Devils Lake, ND
Oct 21, 2009 - 8:34:29 AM
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