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Home > Departments > Flood Control Commission > Concerns
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| Municipal Storm Drainage Outfalls through the Dike | | Numerous outfalls of the City's storm drainage system pass through the dike. These can act as conduits for flood waters to protected areas behind the dikes. The outfalls are required to be fitted with check valves to prevent this. Inspection has been outstanding for twenty years. A large 54" check valve was replaced at the Pump Station in 1995, other valves may also need replacement. Resolution is anticipated as part of the City’s effort to map its storm drainage system in response to recent legislation, which obligates the City to obtain non-point source discharge (NPSD) permits for its storm water outfalls. |
| Extension of the Sanitary Sewer System with regards to Floods | | The Westfield Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) on Neck Road is within a flood plane and unprotected against floods above 130-ft. elevation, which is eight (8 ft.) feet below the crest of the dikes. Feeding the WPCF are two 21" transmission mains, which run under the dikes. To the best of this commissions knowledge there are no back flow preventers on these mains to prevent back flow of floodwaters behind the dike. The current extensions of the sewer system under consideration should consider addressing this design flaw as part of the work. |
| Staffing Assistance | | The lack of staff under the Flood Commission necessitates dependency upon other departments. It has been suggested that additional staffing be added to the Engineering Department for construction inspection and so forth. It is desirable to include in that job description, assistance of the Flood Control Commission in its activities as outlined above. |
| Beaver Activities | | The prolific activities of this “endangered” species wreak havoc on our flood control dams. Recent legislation banning the use of various types of traps has compounded the situation. Currently a beaver dam obstructs the culvert carrying Powder Mill Brook under the Pioneer Valley Railroad just below the Powder Mill Brook Dam. The back up of water has submerged the toe drains jeopardizing the stability of the structure. The beaver dam is on property owned by the PVRR and so only they can petition for alteration of the dam. The commission is at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. |
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