Residents Want A Plan of Action For Flooding

Some residents vehemently disagree with findings released Thursday by the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding the floodgates on the Pompton Lake dam. The findings show that the floodgates on the dam .

Joanne Mcclosky said that flooding has worsened in the since the gates became operational in 2007. The gates, which are controlled by computer, are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The gates automatically open when the water behind the dam reaches a certain level.

Residents said the water rushes out from behind the dam faster than it should, causing flash floods and exacerbating flooding in the neighborhood. They also say the water carries more sediment into the neighborhood than previous floodwater did.

“The water rushes down so much faster than it before those gates were there, it’s unbelievable,” said Mcclosky, a 12-year resident.

An independent research firm conducted a study on the gates’ operation in 2010 and 2011. The flow of water at the dam and through the gates from the four previous flood events was studied to determine if the gates caused severe flooding downstream in Wayne and other municipalities. The study determined that the gates do not contribute to the flooding. According to the DEP, rain and increased development do.

The Riverview neighborhood is one of the hardest hit flood areas in town. Some residents are still not living in their homes after being displaced by Hurricane Irene nearly eight months ago.

Some front yards have no grass. House foundations are still being repaired. Some homes have been abandoned.

“We’re still struggling,” said Rich Mertrud. “Every one of us, every time we hear the weather report we have to think about leaving.”

The residents said they are upset that a permanent solution to flooding has not been found despite promises officials have made for years to find one.

“We’re treated like we’re a blemish on this town when we’ve lived here for years,” said Phyllis Miller, a 44-year resident. 

Some residents feel that local, state, and federal officials have forgotten about them.

“When the waters dry up, everything stops. Meanwhile, we’re still here fighting with our insurance companies,” Mertrud said. “We need long-term help.”

The DEP is working with the Army Corps to develop a plan to study large-scale, long-term flood damage reduction projects, including levees and floodwalls in the Passaic River Flood Basin. The $2.6 million re-evaluation plan is expected to begin in June. Bob Martin, DEP commissioner, said that it could be a few years before work begins on any projects.

Miller and a few others in the area said they finally just want a permanent solution to the problem, not more studies.

“Stop doing all the talking and studies and come up with a solution for everyone, not just for people in one section or one area,” Mcclosky said. “Fix the problem for everybody in all parts of town."

Donna Caldarulo and her husband slept in a mobile camper for three mothers after Irene. They’ve thought about selling their Armstrong Avenue home but are worried that they won’t be able to get very much for it. They bought it for about $425,000 in 1990. Several homes in the area are up for sale.

“We’ll be lucky to get $200,000 for it and I’m not going to be forced into renting something because I can’t afford to move into another house,” Caldarulo said.

Caldarulo said that the ongoing flooding has changed the way people feel about the neighborhood.

“People used to always be outside and they used to enjoy living here,” Caldarulo said. “But now because of all of the flooding, people don’t feel the same way about this place anymore. There’s less joy here now.”