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October 27, 2003

Study eyes Narrows stormwater damage

TACOMA (AP) -- The state Department of Ecology has asked the builders of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge to explain how a large washout occurred near the existing bridge during last week's torrential rainfall.

The company could be fined if it is found to be negligent, Ecology spokeswoman Sandy Howard said.

The washout occurred on the Gig Harbor side of the Narrows, where Tacoma Narrows Constructors has its site for the project to build the new span next to the existing bridge.

Water from the heavy downpour apparently filled temporary water-retention ponds, then flowed over state Route 16 and into the Narrows, which is part of Puget Sound.

The runoff washed out part of a road beneath the bridge and carved a chasm up to 40 feet deep between the bridge and a cluster of homes on a nearby bluff. It also destroyed a trail to the beach and parts of residents' yards.

Project manager Manuel Rondon said temporary drainage systems in the construction zone were capable of handling rainfall that could reasonably be expected to occur once every 10 years. But Monday's rain was so unusually heavy it overwhelmed the drainage system, he said.




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