DEP Decides Not to Demolish 2 Old Dams

State environmental officials have decided against destroying two dams on the Ramapo and Pequannock rivers after they determined the $1.25 million project would not have much of an impact during a major flood event, NorthJersey.com reported.

The decision comes two years after officials said removing the dams would alleviate flooding in parts of Wayne, Pequannock, and Pompton Lakes. The dams are located just off of Route 23 where the Pequannock and Ramapo Rivers form the Pompton River.

Removing the dams was one of 15 recommendations the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission made to state officials as a solution to fix the ongoing flooding problem in the Passaic River Basin.

“These small dams do have a localized impact during rainfall events. Removing these structures will benefit the area,” said David Rosenblatt, an engineering and construction administrator with the DEP said in February 2011 when the commission released its comprehensive plan to minimize flooding in the basin. The plan was issued in February 2011. “It means there will be some help in deterring flooding events from happening.”

Governor Christie created in the commission in 2010 after flooding cause more than $30 million worth of damage to homes in the basin.

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