WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is encouraging the Corps of Engineers to change the markers they use to release flood waters from Missouri River reservoirs but says they shouldn’t have to amend the Master Manual to do that.

The Master Manual is the guidebook that outlines the eight priorities for river and reservoir operations.

Rounds says the Corps should look at more current conditions when they make the annual forecasts.

Corps Northwest Region Commander, Brigadier General Peter Helmlinger said they may need revisions in federal law to make changes to levees below Gavins Point Dam. Rounds says Congress may have to get involved in that.

Rounds chaired a subcommittee hearing of the Environment and Public Works Committee in North Sioux City on river and reservoir operation issues.