Port CEO talks to WHS students about flooding

Port of Camas-Washougal Chief Executive Officer David Ripp talked to Washougal High School students earlier this month about a variety of Port-related topics, including the potential impacts of flooding on businesses near the Columbia River.

“The Port maintains levies and manages property near the river with an eye toward sustainability, and focuses on planning for the future,” according to a news release. “This is one example of how the district brings industry experts into the classroom to facilitate real-world problem solving and job-readiness learning at school.”

The conversation was guided by student-formulated questions and facilitated by Washougal High science teacher Will Baur.

“After introducing my students to the phenomena of sea level rise and how it is impacting coastal communities, they asked a lot of questions about how Washougal would be affected if sea levels continue to rise,” Baur said. “To address my students’ questions, I contacted the Port of Camas-Washougal to learn more.”

Ripp said that the Port relies on levies to protect its property from flooding, and talked about how the Port was impacted during the major floods of 1996, when its parking area and the basement of its facility flooded. 

“The Columbia River at the Port has very little fluctuation due to sea level, but is more impacted by the flow of water released from Bonneville Dam,” Ripp said. “Port staff receive information from dam managers to understand how water levels will fluctuate so they can make any needed adjustments.”  

Students also asked Ripp about his favorite parts of his job, as well as the Port’s current projects and partnerships, future plans and career opportunities.

“Connecting the science concepts to our local area helps students better understand the standards we are working on, and see purpose in learning more about the ecosystems we are all part of, and how they play a part in shaping the natural world,” Baur said.