How to prevent the next Steuben County flood? Officials push for easier stream cleanouts

As southern Steuben County continues to dig out from its second devastating flood in the last three years, public officials are advocating for changes in state policy they believe could help mitigate damage the next time a major storm hits.

If local crews had the OK to clear out and stabilize streams that are often filled with dead trees, shrubs, woody vegetation and gravel, flash flooding in Steuben County and across the state would be greatly reduced, believes Tim Marshall, director of the Steuben County Office of Emergency Management.

Marshall feels this work would proactively address the primary reason these floods are continually happening in certain parts of Steuben County.

"We struggle with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) getting permits to do this needed work,” Marshall said. “We need to get these channels back in good condition before the next storm hits, so flash flooding doesn’t happen again. The DEC is afraid we are going to upset the habitat for fish. When are we going to put people ahead of the habitat?”

Local, state reps: Steuben needs to clear debris from flood-prone waterways

Jack Wheeler, Steuben County manager, noted the large number of dead trees and woody debris that piled up around flooded Steuben County roads and bridges during the storm. Many became lodged in the bridge railings and remained in place as floodwaters receded, providing a pointed reminder of how high waters rose.

“A lot of those trees and debris that have fallen over the years are getting in the stream channels and get carried away in these floods,” Wheeler said. “It’s just tragic, but it shows by looking at those creeks and streams that we need to do a lot of mitigation.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul toured flood-ravaged Canisteo on Sunday, along with other state and local representatives.

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning, said he feels it is imperative for the DEC to allow local crews to get into creeks and streams and deal with the debris. State Senator Tom O'Mara, R-Big Flats, indicated he and other officials are advocating for farm and small business aid, as well as more state assistance to local governments for "streambank hardening" efforts that could reduce erosion and future flooding.

"The communities also need more permitted access to our streams by property owners and municipalities to clear the stream bed and banks,” O’Mara said. “NYSDEC has been a major hindrance in allowing this work to be done. We have consistently advocated for greater leeway in getting this work done. Virtually everyone who spoke with the Governor on Sunday, including me, let her know that this is of utmost importance, and we will continue to stress its urgency."

Marshall said 23rd District Rep. Nick Langworthy, who also toured damaged areas Sunday, supported the DEC providing permits for work on streams and creeks as well.

"They are 110 percent behind this work being done," Marshall said.

Large water bodies like the Canisteo River aren't the only issue. Marshall said small tributaries also get backed up with fallen trees, gravel, branches and stumps, causing flooding while pumping debris into larger streams where it accumulates and creates issues. Tuscarora Creek endangered citizens Friday as well as in the 2021 flood brought on by Tropical Storm Fred .

Marshall wants the county to have more flexibility to keep these waterways clear and avoid another repeat.

“The sediment from bank erosion also goes in the streams and creeks,” Marshall said. “We need to clean them so the channels can do what they are supposed to do. The problem is there is so much debris and sediment that it changes the channel direction, causing a lot of the flooding.”

One of the worst-hit areas was the county Route 119 bridge in Canisteo, which was completely blocked with dead trees and debris that came out of smaller streams and creeks after Tropical Storm Debby flooded the area.

“We can’t do anything about that until the DEC allows locals to get in and do the needed work,” Marshall said. “Until that work is done flooding is going to continue to happen and we’ve voiced that to local officials and Gov. Kathy Hochul.”

What are the DEC regulations?

State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) governs New York's water resources, including disturbances of the bed or banks of waterbodies.

Most activities that will disturb the bed or banks of a stream require a DEC permit, including "fill placement for bank stabilization," "excavations for gravel removal," and "utilization of equipment in a stream to remove debris."

Town and county government can receive exemptions after entering into a written agreement with DEC for specified categories of work undertaken in compliance with performance criteria protective of stream resources. Exemptions also exist for the removal of fallen tree limbs or tree trunks that can be cabled and pulled from the stream without disruption of the stream bed or banks.

Such regulations are in place to preserve fish and wildlife habitat and safeguard drinking water, while "allowing industrial and agricultural ventures to responsibly flourish," according to DEC.

Palmesano said the DEC usually grants emergency permits after flooding happens, but he is advocating for a new approach to how the state manages its flood-prone waterways.

“Why can't we get in there and take care of this so it doesn't happen again in the future? That needs to be part of the discussion,” Palmesano said. “Otherwise, these floods are going to continue to happen over and over again.”

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: How to prevent the next Steuben County flood? Officials push for easier stream cleanouts