MSD utilizing pumping stations to combat Ohio River flooding around Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As the Ohio River rises around Louisville, MSD crews are working around the clock to prevent flooding.

Some roads in Louisville have been closed due to flooding after heavy rain and winter weather last weekend. At least two people have died in Jefferson County after the severe weather.

MSD's Pond Creek Flood Pumping Station in West Point, Ky. is MSD's second largest flood pumping stations. With four pumps, the facility can pump 2.65 billion gallons of stormwater per day. That's 1.8 million gallons per minute.

The pumping station works to prevent flooding in southwest Jefferson County, spanning as area as far east as Fern Creek, according to MSD Flood Protection Manager Glen Cooper.

"Jefferson County and Louisville is really in a low area, and it's kind of shaped like a bowl. When all the tributaries get full, they have to go out to the Ohio River," Cooper said.

The pumping station sends flood water outside of the levy and flood wall system. MSD currently has seven flood pumping stations in active service.

MSD monitors the water levels of the Ohio River throughout the year, but the river typically floods between January and May.

"When the river is not rising, these stations sit idle," Copper said. "But once the river starts coming up, is when we initiate the flood event."

MSD has pumped out around 2.7 billion gallons of stormwater during the current flood event. MSD said it has protected more than 200,000 people, 87,000 homes and $24 billion in property.

Cooper said the Pond Creek Flood Pumping Station was last activated in 2021.

MSD has 16 flood pumping stations, 150 floodgates and 80 floodwall closures, along with 26.1 miles of floodwall and earthen levee.

On Tuesday, MSD closed two flood walls on 10th and 27th streets to create flood barriers. MSD said the last time the 10th Street flood wall was closed was in 2017. The city's sewer company closes the walls whenever the river levels get to about 27 feet. Once the walls close, the pump stations get put to use.

The Ohio River is projected to crest on Feb. 21 at 28.4 feet on the upper gauge and 59.8 feet on the lower gauge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers those projected levels as "Minor Flood" mode.

While MSD has 25 employees in its Flood Protection Department, there are more than 170 employees contributing to the flood protection activities during weather events.

"In flood protection, you're not really seen until you're needed," Cooper said. "When you're need, you have to respond. all the stations have to be ready to respond."

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