Learning From The Past: Darien Hopes To Minimize Future Storm Impacts

DARIEN, CT — Following recent storms that have hit Darien, the town is hoping to learn valuable lessons and prepare for the future to strengthen storm response and mitigate flooding impact.

Last week, the town held an informational session in which various department heads and emergency personnel shared updates on what the town is doing in the area of storm preparedness, and how residents and businesses can guard against future weather events.

Craig Flaherty, a senior engineer with the firm Redniss & Mead said heavy rainfall in the Northeast has increased by 55 percent from 1958 to 2016, according to a recent national climate assessment.

He said there has been minimal stormwater mitigation for much of Darien's history. Stormwater regulations started to take shape in the 1960's and 1970's, and they were codified in the 1980's. Floodplain regulations also became codified in the 80's.

"It's really only the last 40 years we've had regulations to make sure that we were developing in a way that considered these things," Flaherty said. "But we have 200 years when this wasn't happening where people built near rivers, near wetlands, and sometimes in wetlands. A lot of those structures are the structures currently at risk."

Flaherty went on to say that Darien has some of the strongest regulations in the state currently in place for new and redeveloped projects.

Darien Director of Public Works Ed Gentile urged residents, especially those in a flood hazard zone, to come up with a plan ahead of the next storm.

"Know where you're going to flood now. That storm we had [last] September, that was a good indicator for all of us," Gentile said.

Gentile noted that debris swept up in flood waters has been a main area of concern for the town in recent storms. Garbage pails, tree logs and limbs, even lawn furniture, have blocked culverts and caused water to back up onto neighboring properties.

"Relocate everything that you can away from the edge of the ponds, away from where the water is going to travel," Gentile said to residents.

Gentile gave an update on several flood studies the town is conducting.

Of note, the studies in the Salt Box-Coachlamp area and the Bailey Avenue area are 95 percent complete, with reports scheduled to be submitted by the end of October.

Current findings show the need to increase culvert capacity to help with water flow, Gentile said.

The study in the Grove Street-Tilley Pond area is 50 percent complete. Culvert inspections are scheduled for this month.

Gentile also outlined several roadway and bridge projects the town is working on to fortify infrastructure, particularly in the West Avenue/Fairfield area where drainage isn't up to par.

The estimated repair cost for the Gorham's Pond Dam, which was was damaged by storms, is at $1.5 million, Gentile said. Permits will be submitted to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT-DEEP) soon.

Before storms arrive, Darien Police Chief Don Anderson said the department monitors the forecast closely and inspects its equipment. Information is then relayed to residents via the Code Red System

During storms, residents should only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies, Anderson stressed.

Director of Health David Knauf said residents should put together an emergency supply kit with essential items like non-perishable food, water, utensils, change of clothes, blankets, pillows, batteries, flashlight and a radio.

"Hopefully we won't have anything quite like what just happened in Florida [with Hurricane Ian], or a repeat from last year, but we do have to be ready," Knauf said.

Emergency Management Director Mark McEwan said in the event of flood events or damage, residents should contact their insurance company first.

"Don't ever not make the phone call, because FEMA will require it," he said.

Residents should also take inventory of their home for insurance purposes.

Planning & Zoning Director Jeremy Ginsberg said his department's goal is to minimize flooding and draining issues.

"Going forward, we're more conscious than ever about drainage and each property owner having an onsite system," he said. "The town can only do so much on their property. It will be up to each property owner as their properties get redeveloped through time to pitch in in an effort to try and address drainage issues and flooding issues."

First Selectman Monica McNally agreed.

"All of us acting together can make a difference," she said.

The entire three hour presentation can be viewed here.