Heavy rainfall in June on already saturated ground has led to flooding and road and culvert washouts throughout the county. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office - Emergency Management, Public Works, and other departments are working together and in partnership with townships, cities, and other agencies to prepare, closely monitor the situation, and respond as needed.
Information for property owners:
Tips to protect yourself and your property before, during and after a flood: Floods | Ready.gov
If your property sustains structural damage due to flooding, you may be eligible for some property tax relief. Please fill out the damage report form (link below) so our Assessor's Department has record of it and can schedule a visit to inspect. Be aware that damage to personal property, such as docks, vehicles, or watercraft, is not eligible for relief.
If you are unable to fill out this form online, please call the Assessor’s Department at 218-726-2304 and staff can assist you.
Private Property Damage Report Form (arcgis.com)
If you have a septic system, here's guidance from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on what to do before, during and after a flood: What to do with your septic system during a flood (state.mn.us). If you have any septic questions, please contact the Planning and Zoning Onsite Wastewater Division at 218-471-7103 or email at oswinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov.
CDC Guidance for Septic and Online Wastewater Systems
If your private well has flooded, it may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites that could make you sick. (If floodwater reached your well, you should assume it is contaminated. If floodwater came within 50 feet of your well, it is still recommended you have it tested as a precaution.)
Recommendations and instructions: Flood Precautions for Private Water Wells -Minnesota Department of Health
Disinfecting Flooded Private Water Wells (state.mn.us)
Accredited Labs Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private Well Users
Additional health guidance:
St. Louis County Public Health Disease Prevention and Control currently has MDH private well testing kits for distribution to residents in our Duluth and Virginia offices. Public Health staff can provide further information about the test kit return process. We will respond to any additional flood or testing related questions you may have at this time. Please contact:
Diane Seiloff Yourczek (Iron Range and northern half of county) 218-471-7609
Susan Van Norman (Duluth area and southern half of county) 218-725-5291
Individuals with questions and concerns directly for MDH about flooding and private wells and flooded private well water testing may reach out to the following: Well Management Section general phone number or email address: 651-201-4600 or send an email to health.wells@state.mn.us . Private well owners will be directed to leave a message and our staff will get back to them and address their questions and concerns.
Minnesota Department of Health: Floods - MN Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Safety Guidelines: Floodwater | Floods | CDC
For help with clean up:
Residents who need help with clean up of flooded basements can now request free help through National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD). To request assistance, call 218-288-2213.
Flood-related Debris:
Select Environmental Services locations will accept flood-related debris free of charge through July 31, 2024. Visit the Environmental Services webpage for a full listing of locations.
Sandbagging:
Residents seeking sandbags should contact their city or township to check availability.
Additional tips: Flood-Fight Handbook - Preparing for a Flood (stlouiscountymn.gov)
Road closures:
All County roads are now re-opened. A few forest roads remain closed until repairs can be completed.
Current Road Closures
Information for government jurisdictions:
Townships and cities should be taking the below steps in case an emergency declaration is declared:
- Have good documentation with photos of problem areas
- Have contractors invoice flood-related work separate from normal work
- Have contractors clearly identify the location of work on the invoice
- If material is brought in, the address and GPS coordinates of the source will be needed
- Measurements of roadway repairs for documentation. Ie: width, length and depth
- Differentiate between emergency, temporary and permanent work
- Identify a primary point of contact for communication with St. Louis County, Contractors, etc.
- Plan for public messaging and getting correct information out to residents
- Contact Emergency Management if any questions.