Corbett Wildlife Management Area levee breach rumors unfounded, but water leaders stay alert

As water leaders in The Acreage continue to drown out rumors of a levee breach near Corbett Wildlife, historic preparations are underway in the event the ground there does break. 

"There has not been a breach at this point," said Jeff Kivett, Chief Engineer from South Florida Water Management District. “Conditions look good,” he said.

But nearby, homeowners like Dominic Dalessio wanted to see for himself.

"We heard rumors that it was broken"

Water leaders believe the rumors of a levee breach started from a graveled road that turned stream.  But Kevitt says the flooded roadway is operating just the way it’s supposed to.

"It's a good thing.  It's actually relieving some pressure from the levee over that we're concerned with," said Kivett.

NewsChannel 5 hit the high road with John Kivett of SFWMD.  The agency which controls storm water flow across the region is on watch, ready to jump right in if the levee does breech.

"This is the first time we've actually had to mobilize and move in material so we can assist as things happen,” explained Kivett.

Preparations off a dirt road nearby are piling up.

Rocks as big as 48 inches across are ready to be positioned and bulldozers are ready to move.  Right now it's just a staging area, but these are the materials that would be used to create a man-made dam within a few hours of trouble.

"There's always a risk of a levee breaking, at this point we're monitoring the situation,” said Kivett.

All eyes are on the 18 foot wide levee that separates Indian Trails canal from the wetland of Corbett Wildlife. 

"What you're looking for is a change, seeing material move or water seeping thru levee indicates you have a problem," said Kivett.

Workers have already filled in a few spots, but nothing that raises too much concern, says Kivett.

"We are taking preemptive measures to prevent a catastrophic failure."

It wouldn't put lives in jeopardy, say water leaders-- but any additional flooding is not what this community needs, not after Isaac left its historic watermark.