Flood Damage Repairs Frustrate Lower Makefield Twp. Residents

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —For nearly a month, residents in the Maplevale neighborhood have suffered from damage caused to their homes, backyards, and areas by flash flooding that swept through the region.

And after a special meeting with township officials that lasted more than two hours Wednesday, it looks like residents will have to suffer a while longer.

Township Manager David Kratzer updated residents on repairs to two Maplevale properties and sediment buildup on two township-owned properties.

"We recognize the impact is broader than that," he said. "We're committed to looking at things more comprehensively than in the past. All of us up here are pretty new to the township so whether this past had historical significance, not making an excuse, I can assure you the perspective put on this issue is different than before. We are willing to bring the tools that are necessary to address this issue."

While township employees said they have done what they can to make improvements, some repairs are awaiting state permit approval.

"We've done what we can at this point," Kratzer said. "We will continue to advocate for the residents."

On July 15, a fast-moving storm dumped six inches of rain on the township, causing flash flooding that damaged homes and claimed the lives of six people in nearby Upper Makefield Township.

"Despite this once-in-a-lifetime storm rhetoric. What happened? What could have been done different? Was there failure somewhere?" one resident asked.

"We had six inches of rain that overwhelmed the pipes and streams," Township Engineer Isaac Kessler . "A couple of locations experienced blockages, the volume of water went over roads and into driveways. We want to clear out the stream ways so the volume of water can get through the stream in the future. Our systems are not designed for that amount of water in a short amount of time. We got six inches of rain in half an hour. So we don't only want to repair it, but figure out how to make it more capable to handle additional capacity."

Public Works Director Derek Fuller said a contractor worked last week to stabilize two properties at 18 and 20 Maplevale and armor drainage flow. He said that new pipe has been delivered and new materials to rebuild the drainage pipe, but the township is awaiting DCNR approval since the homes are near the Delaware River Canal.

Kessler said that plans to clean the length of the stream bank also will need approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection once the township submits plans.

Kratzer said the township has coordinated with county, and PEMA partners and held discussions about technical and educational assistance through PEMA and Bucks County. He said a flood insurance session is being planned since some residents have complained about being unable to obtain the insurance.

"We've had no determination about assistance," Kratzer said. "We have provided information to the county and PEMA. We encourage residents to report damage. I can't stress the importance of that."

Kratzer said that for Bucks County to qualify for disaster assistance, it needed about $23 million in infrastructure damage to roads and drainage facilities and that individual residents might qualify if there were more than 100 homes impacted throughout the county.

Parker Cohen, who was at the meeting to represent state Rep. Perry Warren, said he has worked to get a flood task force bill passed in House. That bill is currently in a Senate committee, she said, adding that state Sen. Steve Santarsiero has a similar bill in the Senate.

"We are paying attention to what's going on in the area," she said. "Your state representatives definitely know what's going on."

Resident Pat Gamble said she fears when it rains. She mentioned a recent forecast where a tornado watch was issued.

"Every time it rains, the streets fill up," she said. "Every single time, water does not go down the drains properly."

Kratzer said the township is seeking longer-term solutions with a more comprehensive look at the drainage basin and watershed as a whole. He said floodplain restoration to address upstream conditions may be in the works.

Township officials are expected to schedule another meeting following next Wednesday's township supervisors meeting to provide further flood updates.

Lower Makefield Township officials reminded residents impacted by flooding of several resources at their disposal:

• The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PA VOAD), in coordination with Bucks County and PEMA can help. Survivors needing assistance can call 844-965-1386.
• The United Way of Bucks County said that flood-impacted households in Bucks County who need immediate assistance with basic needs (food, clothing, etc.) can connect with its HELP Center by calling 215-949-1660.

Residents should also report all flood damages to the township by calling 267-274-1100 or emailing admin@lmt.org.