4 New Pump Stations Planned as Part of Flood Mitigation Project in Ocean City

Ocean City, NJ -- Four pump stations will be installed as part of the flood mitigation project planned for the area between 26th and 34th streets, and Bay and West avenues, the Ocean City Gazette reports.

Three will go in outfall areas, including the west end of 28th Street, Bay Avenue by the municipal airport and the corner of Bayland and Clubhouse drives. The fourth station is planned for the grassy area at 30th Street and Haven Avenue, according to the report.

Craig Wenger, a senior associate with Michael Baker International, told over 100 residents who attended Wednesday night’s town hall meeting at the Howard S. Stainton Center that the station at 30th and Haven would help push the water to the outfall areas, according to the report. The system won’t prevent severe flooding, but it will help move water off the island faster once the tide recedes.

Mayor Jay Gillian said the bottom of the current drainage pipes, which is why flooding is so bad, according to the report.

The plan was met with skepticism from Ocean City residents.

In October, Ocean City Council unanimously approved a $642,420 contract for Baker to survey the area and design improvements. It also conducted a flood mitigation study, and released that report in the fall.

The project is expected to go out to bid this fall, with a goal of having the project complete by next summer.