WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - The massive log jam in the Smoky Hill River at Bill Burke Park will start being removed next week.

The City of Salina tells KSN News that the contractor, Diehl Enterprises Inc., is building an equipment pad by the river to begin removing the jam.

Earlier this summer, heavy rain caused the jam to form, and it drew many onlookers to the area for a view. The fire department urged the public not to walk on it. Emergency responders emphasized that if someone were to fall into the debris, a safe and swift rescue would be unlikely.

The cost to remove the log jam is just over $450,000. Some suggested a cheaper approach of burning the jam, but that would still leave hazards below the waterline surface and contaminate a public water supply.

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