Cleanup efforts along the Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke Park are wrapping up as of December 23, following months of debris and logjam removal tied to repeated flooding events during the summer of 2025.
New photos of the river just taken show that the progress which began in August is now in its final stages, with the river channel near the City’s surface water intake visibly cleared. Recent photos provided to Salina311 show the affected stretch of river largely free of the logjams and compacted debris that had accumulated earlier this year.
The work was carried out by DIEHL Enterprises, Inc., under an emergency debris-removal contract approved by the Salina City Commission.
Video of the cleanup over time-lapse is currently being put together and will be shared.
Background: Why the Cleanup Was Needed
Between June and September 2025, the Smoky Hill River experienced four major high-flow events, each washing down trees, sediment, and debris from upstream and depositing it near Bill Burke Park and the City’s water intake infrastructure.
According to U.S. Geological Survey data, peak river flows included:
- June 19: 3,340 cubic feet per second
- July 23: 4,450 cfs
- July 26: 4,340 cfs
- September 10: 3,640 cfs
These events created hundreds of feet of compacted logjams, raising concerns about water intake obstruction, altered river flow, and long-term infrastructure risk.
Contract History and Cost Approval
Earlier in 2025, the City Commission approved an initial $411,231 contract with DIEHL Enterprises, along with a contingency, bringing early authorization to $452,351.
As additional flooding occurred, the scope of work expanded. The City Commission later approved an increase to the contract, bringing the total project cost to $1,212,169.75. That approval covered:
- Rebuilding a washed-out equipment rock pad
- Constructing a temporary log-and-rock access road along the riverbank
- Removing an additional 550 feet of compacted debris that could not be floated downstream
City staff recommended the expanded work to protect the water intake and prevent future re-accumulation of debris.
Funding and Disaster Reimbursement
The cleanup was not originally budgeted for 2025. Funding is being covered through a combination of General Fund contingency dollars and reserves, with disaster reimbursement pending.
Federal disaster declarations were approved for July flood events, while the September storm remains under review. If all eligible costs are approved, the City expects reimbursement covering approximately 85 percent of the project through federal and state cost sharing.
Current Status
- Cleanup work is nearing completion as of December 23
- The temporary access road will be removed once final work concludes
- No channel stabilization or intake repairs are included in this phase
- Any additional river or infrastructure work would require separate Commission action
City officials have characterized the effort as an emergency response necessary to protect Salina’s drinking water infrastructure and restore safe river flow conditions following an unusually active flood season.