Cecil Township: Call Us if You See Clogged Storm Drains

Muse resident Paul Smith said to take his word for it: 100 pounds of dirt and debris clogging a storm drain will wreak havoc on your yard (and in his case, a swimming pool).

When a veracious storm hit the area May 13, he said the heavy downpour coupled with a clogged storm drain on nearby Cherry Way washed out a retaining wall, which slid right into his inground pool.

Smith, who lives on Locust Avenue, said when he discovered that it was nearly brimming with mud, he and his son took an hour or so out of their Saturday to dig it out.

"And I wasn't the only one on my street to have problems," he said.

Cecil Township Manager Don Gennuso said corners of the community that never see flooding were underwater after that May 13 storm. He said that part of it had to do with the sheer amount of rain that fell over a relatively short period of time.

"It was an exceptional rain event," he said, adding that the public works crew has been out to check and clean storm drains throughout the township as it does each spring.

As for flooding?

"Unfortunately, it's one of the situations that comes with the territory," he said, adding that with rain showers continuing to dominate the weather forecast, residents should feel free to call the township and let them know if they see a drain that needs immediate attention.

"We encourage them to call the township," Gennuso said. "You're not bothering us—it's always helpful when residents give us a call and let us know about these things."

Editor's Note: Gennuso can be reached by email at manager@ceciltownship.com.