Cedar Rapids breweries in the flood 'exclusion zone'.

[cc1091]

To my knowledge, only two of the Cedar Rapids breweries were in the flood exclusion zone (that is, all businesses are officially closed by order of the city when within the exclusion zone). Those were Iowa Brewing Company and Lion Bridge Brewery. As of Wednesday September 29, 2016, the exclusion zone was reduced. Iowa Brewing Company seems to remain on the wrong side of the street from the exclusion zone. Lion Bridge is only a block or so from the river and still well within the zone. As major flooding DID NOT occur (or was prevented by Hesco Barrier, sandbags and earthen berms), only storm and sanitary backup may be of any issue at these businesses. They should be back 'online' in the very near future.

Quarter Barrel Brewery was outside the exclusion zone and well up the hill from even 2008 flooding levels (in fact, very close to the actual 'Turner Alley' where Grant Wood had his studio).
Turner Alley Brewing (not even close to THE Turner Alley) and Third Base are quite far from the river, and were in no danger from flood waters.
Quarter Barrel, Turner Alley and Third Base all maintained normal operating hours.

Another Road Brewing is in Marion, but its rumored Cedar Rapids brewing facility (not yet operational to my knowledge) is also quite far from the river.

 

[Judoka]

Did the businesses that were protected by the hesco barriers get a lot of basement water from saturation/backups?

 

[cc1091]

Did the businesses that were protected by the hesco barriers get a lot of basement water from saturation/backups?

The two breweries have not shared if they have had any damage seepage. There are several businesses in the "NewBo" area which had water in the lower levels from backup from sewers. I believe all businesses in that area completely removed all of their equipment and capped lines. Will likely be over a week to get them all close to being fully back in service.

And to answer the Hesco question: Yes they did leak. But it seems like it was controllable with pumps as long as you could funnel the water into a pool deep enough to pump. Not sure if the Hesco barriers had anything to do with basement flooding. In fact, in most areas, the Hesco barriers were not challenged by floodwater. The banks of the Cedar are just above 22 feet (six feet above 'Major Flood' stage) in most places. Only on the south side of the NewBo area did water accumulate to any depth next to a Hesco barrier (curiously, the city left a few businesses outside the barriers in this area, which I bet will result in a lawsuit). Anyhow, while the Hesco barriers seem to have had some positive effect, any trumpeting of their success should be accompanied by more examples than just Cedar Rapids 2016.

 

[Clonebydesign]

Lion Bridge is opening tomorrow at noon with kitchen to follow soon after.

 

[huntt26]

Did the businesses that were protected by the hesco barriers get a lot of basement water from saturation/backups?

Nothing at Lion Bridge in Czech Village. Newbo side was bad for water in basements, even behind barriers.