News about the Flood In Southeast Kansas

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (July 18, 2007) —

Coffeyville Resources announced today that operations are expected to resume by mid-September at its refinery that was closed earlier this month by record flooding from the nearby Verdigris River.

During the weekend of June 30-July 1, heavy rains caused the Verdigris River to overflow its banks, top protective levees and flood the town of Coffeyville, including the Coffeyville Resources refinery and nitrogen fertilizer operations. 

“We are fortunate that our preliminary assessment indicates there was no major damage to our large, engineered equipment and processing units,” said Keith Osborn, executive vice president and refinery general manager.  “However, we had damage to a large number of pumps, motors and control equipment, which taken together require extensive repairs.” 

Coffeyville Resources employees supplemented by nearly 1,000 contract workers are on site repairing and replacing equipment damaged by the flood.Meanwhile, Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers this past weekend successfully restarted its facility. The fertilizer plant is adjacent to the refinery but situated on slightly higher ground and therefore sustained less flood damage. The nitrogen fertilizer plant is expected to begin shipping product to its customers later today.“Our gratitude goes out to all our employees, contractors and vendors working together to safely bring our operations back to normal,” said Coffeyville Resources Chief Executive Officer Jack Lipinski.  “This kind of teamwork, as well as the strong backing we have received from our business partners, customers and our sponsors, is invaluable.”

“Flood buckets” and rubber boots are now available at Coffeyville First United Methodist Church, 10th and Elm.

John Collins, Pastor
Coffeyville First United Methodist Church

The Coffeyville Animal Shelter Survey will help us understand how we might partner with the City of Coffeyville in providing improved care of our community’s stray animal population. Even in the midst of the flood’s destruction, there will never be a better opportunity for us to organize a not-for-profit group to partner with the city in building and operating a new animal shelter. The survey is short, just 12 questions and will take no longer than 3-5 minutes to complete. Click the link below to complete the survey.

www.sekmarketplace.com/survey

Paper surveys are available lfor those without Internet service by calling 620-252-5349.

Jim and Susan Correll, Southeast Kansas Critter Corner

Health Questions:

* Montgomery County Health Department at 620-331-4300
* Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at 913-551-1313

FEMA Assistance:

* Hotline at 1-800-621-3362

Coffeyville Resources Claims:

* 24 hour hotline at 1-800-958-5380

Agricultural Questions:

* Crop damage: Montgomery County extension service at 620-331-2690
* Farm animals: Kansas Animal Health Department at 785-296-2326

Household Hazardous Waste, Debris and Spill Questions:

* Household hazardous waste: Fred Long, Montgomery County at 620-331-4139
* Debris collection: Scott Barnhart, Montgomery County at 620-330-0152
* Spills and orphan drums: KDHE Spill Line at 785-296-1679

Health and Safety Reminder: The Montgomery County Health Department reminds everyone that at this time small children should be kept out of flood-affected areas. Small children are at greater risk of getting sick from bacteria left behind by floodwaters.
It is recommended that young children should be left in the care of a responsible adult family member or child care provider when you return to flooded areas to clean, empty, and repair your home or property.

Montgomery County Theatre of Coffeyville once known as Coffeyville Community Theatre lost all of it’s supplies along with it’s longtime home Floral Hall. You may donate to the recovery effort by clicking below. The cost of replacing the bare minimum supplies is approximately $20,000.

Floral Hall – Exterior

Floral Hall – Interior

Click on the Truck to See The Album.

Aftermath of July 2007 Flood

The new photos are near the end of the album.

Alec Hendrix’s Web Album

If you rent or own your home, and it was damaged by the flood, volunteers may be available to help with cleanup, cleaning debris, or removal of contents.

This volunteer service is not available for commercial properties.

Call 620-332-2537.

The Coffeyville Ministerial Alliance is collecting money to aid flood victims. Contributions may be sent to:

Coffeyville Ministerial Alliance Flood Relief
PO 1524
Coffeyville, Kansas 67337

John Collins, President
Coffeyville Ministerial Alliance