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Date: 1/16/2024
AMHERST — Flooding issues along an area in South Amherst have prompted town officials to pursue state funding in hopes of preventing further issues.
In his Jan. 8 report, Town Manager Paul Bockelman wrote that an application for funding for Pomeroy Court Flood Remediation has been submitted.
Monies from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant will be solicited for work to correct the problems. Officials, including the Wetlands Administrator and Town Engineer have identified a potential solution by, “raising the elevation of the roadway to bring it above flood plain elevation, partially culvert the stream under the two driveways south of the stream, daylight the stream on Conservation Land and create a flood mitigation area to deliver the water to Plum Brook.”
The town is seeking $100,000 for surveying, project design and permitting within a 10-month period for what the DPW estimates will be an approximately $800,000 project.
As indicated in the report, specific factors contribute to the current flooding conditions. An intermittent stream flows directly into stormwater structures, overwhelming a downgradient catch basin which results in the overflow.
With increased rain in recent years the roadways have been regularly blocked by pooling water.
“Flooding has posed an access and safety risk for the residents who live on the street,” Bockelman said, “…water levels challenge pedestrian access and safety for children who must walk through flood water to get to the school bus stop at the corner of Pomeroy Lane and Pomeroy Court. Flood water also poses challenges for safety and first responder emergency vehicle access to residents who live on the street.”
Bockelman also indicated in the report that residents who travel to the conservation area access point on Pomeroy Court must also contend with traveling through flood waters.
Bockleman said the town has explored many potential options to address the issue.
“The logical approach to reconnect the intermittent stream to its original flow-path is not possible as the water, sewer and underground utility lines are underneath the roadway. Working around the utilities under the road and the adjacent wetlands would be costly and difficult,” Bockelman wrote.
Constructed in the 1970s, the road sits in a floodplain/flood hazard area. Structures cannot drain as the culvert outfall is five feet below the Massachusetts regulated and designated wetlands, “Land Under Water.”
In August 2023, the town was awarded an MVP Action Grant of $170,000 to improve flood resiliency and water quality in the Fort River watershed by replacing three undersized, damaged culverts.