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Sand & Sandbags

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Available sand and sandbags

Protection of private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

Limited quantities of sand and sandbags are now available to the public use to protect primary residences. Please take only what is needed to directly protect your home. The public sand pile is located on D Road at Fort Missoula.

Missoula County also reserves a cache of sandbags and sand that is used to protect critical public infrastructure and mitigate erosion. 

Sandbagging Techniques

Sandbagging is labor intensive and hard physical work. Be aware of your physical limitations when sandbagging and use sound body mechanics to avoid injury. For some helpful guidelines on placement methods and filling techniques, please review the US Army Corp of Engineers Sandbagging Pamphlet.  

 

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Missoula Conservation District Sandbag Policy

The following policy applies to all persons using sandbags to protect a structure near streams and rivers within Missoula Conservation District jurisdiction in Missoula County: 

 

Missoula Conservation District recognizes the placement of sandbags as a temporary emergency protection measure for structures. An emergency is defined as an unforeseen event or combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to safeguard human life, animal life, or property (including growing crops), without time to obtain a 310 permit.

Sandbags must be removed immediately following the end of the emergency. An emergency 310 permit is not required for sandbag placement. However, when sandbags are placed to protect a structure that is near a stream or river, Missoula Conservation District must be notified as to where and when they are placed as well as notified when they are removed. An absolute deadline for removal of sandbags is set at the end of the business day on July 15, annually. If this policy is not adhered to, you will be in violation of the 310 law.

For more information on the 310 Law contact Missoula Conservation District at (406) 303-3427 or email missoulacd@macdnet.org.