EPWU OPENS NEW SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION SITES Media Advisory For information contact the Customer Service Center at 915-594-5500 Christina Montoya, Vice President-Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: June 29, 2009 Effective June 15, EPWU implemented a new sandbag distribution system. The new system was created by EPWU to improve customer service and to save money.  Last night, El Paso was hit with severe thunderstorms which caused some flooding in certain areas.  At about 8:30 p.m., EPWU opened ALL sandbag distribution sites extra hours to accommodate residents in need. This morning, in anticipation for more rain, ALL satellite sites were open at 8 a.m., when they usually open at 2 p.m.  The sites will close at 8 pm unless another major storm hits.  This is in addition to the Stormwater Operations Center, which distributes sandbags regularly from 8 - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Last night over 1,700 sandbags were distributed throughout the city. We want to remind customers that sandbags are no longer available at fire stations, and there is a 25 bag limit per visit.  Below are the addresses for the new sites and their regular operating hours.  Again, they will be open extra hours in major storm events, but we urge everyone to please prepare in advance for the rest of the monsoon season. Hours: M-F, 8am - 5pm Central - Stormwater Operations Center, 410 S. Cotton Hours: M-F, 2pm – 8pm Westside - near Keystone Heritage Park, 120 Kappa Northeast –near Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Eastside – near Album Park, Wedgewood & Lockerbie Mission Valley – Blackie Chesher Park, 9144 Escobar