SALINA, KS – The Salina City Commission has approved a contract with Diehl Enterprises, Inc. for the removal of a massive log jam on the Smoky Hill River by Bill Burke Park, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $452,351. The debris removal project has drawn significant attention due to its environmental implications, scale, and cost.
During Monday’s meeting, Director of Utilities Martha Tasker presented the bid comparisons and reaffirmed her recommendation to award the work to Diehl Enterprises. The city estimates approximately 11,400 cubic yards of material to be removed, calculated from a site estimated at 110 feet wide, 350 feet long, and 8 feet deep. Competing contractors provided differing estimates—one bidder projected 23,400 cubic yards—but city staff opted for the more conservative figure.
Salina residents voiced concerns about erosion, air quality, wildlife habitat damage, and how the city plans to dispose of the debris. Suggestions ranged from reuse and recycling of the logs to bringing in aquatic excavation equipment to reduce environmental damage, some comments even suggested using Tannerite to blow the log jam apart.
Staton Diehl, representing Diehl Enterprises, noted the unpredictable conditions of the river and the ongoing accumulation of debris.
“Yes, I believe, after the conversations with Martha, what we’ve talked about at the present time when we bid the project and the stuff that has come in, for right now? Yes, I believe you can, but the river’s still flowing, and there’s still stuff coming in,” Diehl said. “So I think that’s kind of an open ended question at this point in time. I don’t know that you can sit here and say that, yeah, it’s going to be exactly this way.”
Tasker added that while mid-August is the target window to begin, progress depends on river conditions and final permit approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kansas Department of Agriculture. She also confirmed the city has options to terminate the contract at any time if unforeseen circumstances arise.
The commission discussed the logistics of accessing the site and the potential damage to nearby parking areas. Diehl Enterprises has agreed to avoid certain locations to limit disruption. Debris may be staged near the wastewater treatment facility, though no decision has been made on whether the city will pay the additional $18,500 for debris burning.
Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz clarified the final action before approval:
“Authorizing the interim city manager to execute an agreement with Diehl Enterprises Incorporated for the debris removal from the Smoky Hill River in Bill Burke Park, in the amount not to exceed $452,351.”
While the river is currently flowing at under 500 cubic feet per second, more rain is forecasted. Officials hope to take advantage of a drier period later this summer to begin removal operations safely and efficiently.