HOLMDEL, NJ - For many years, the Holmdel community has discussed stormwater management issues. Particularly, flooding and related stormwater runoff as it relates to existing and new development in town. Holmdel is divided into two watersheds. The northern part of Holmdel drains into the Raritan Bay. The southern part drains into the Swimming River including flow from Willow Brook, Hope Brook and Nut Swamp Brook.
About two years ago, the township hired Colliers Engineering to prepare a formal study about the topic and they presented their findings this month.
"It's our long-awaited stormwater presentation to everybody." stated Mayor Rocco Impreveduto. "The team from Colliers is going to... present the information, what they evaluated, what their recommendations are, and we'll talk at some point about the steps we are going to take to remediate many of the issues that we have." Many of the areas of flooding were, according to the study, due from fallen branches and other debris that clogged up the system.
You can view the presentation below:
The study included six specific areas of town that tended to flood more than others. Bob Mullin, Senior Project Manager, led the presentation for Colliers. Additionally, GIS (geographic Information Systems) mapping experts mapped out all the related facilities in town. This project was also led by Carly Dykeman, GIS Field Coordinator, who presented as well. Nevien Valenzuela, an engineer with Colliers and also a Holmdel resident, shared the work that resulted from the GIS mapping and related review.
The study included extensive field work on the design of new mapping for the township. It can be used for public works and other departments. Having updated maps helps with state requirements where digital mapping is required.
Stormwater inlets were mapped as well as gravity mains and pipes. This new tool assigns identification to each marked out feature, which allows for greater accuracy and accountability for maintenance and other issues.
The data shows where stormwater enters the system and where it goes. "Ultimately, it will hit a manhole, one more inlet and the final outfall where the stormwater is discharged." stated Dykeman. "The visual that this is going to provide for the DPW to maintain is invaluable."
According to the Mayor, the first step was mapping to meet DEP requirements, then, secondly, areas of distress would be located as needed and simple repairs could commence. Finally, look for areas that are no longer suitable, such as pipe size, for the amount of flow and improve the infrastructure systemically.
Township Administrator Jay Delaney stated that work has already begun on level one and level two areas of concern that mainly require cleaning and debris removal.
The engineers spoke to the six key areas of impact for the study:
1. Crawfords Corner Road: near the schools. Road is low but road cannot be raised since it's connected to many conditions. The recommendation is to replace the 33" pipe with a 48" by 76" elliptical concrete pipe. The project is listed as the highest level of concern, level 5, since Holmdel High School is nearby as well as Satz Intermediate School. (The engineer herself was stuck on flooding while bringing kids to school in the past).
2. Catbird Alley: The stream and outfall is clogged up and needs to be cleaned and it also traverses Bell Works. The stream backs up and results in severe washouts and needs help from Toll Brothers and Bell Works according to the engineer
3. Valley Point Drive outfall - Listed as level three as it is in the rear of a backyard.
4. Heyward Hills Drive - There is an intake headwall on 7 Heyward Hills Drive. During severe storms the flow goes over the top. Recommendations include downstream systems be upgraded to 60" pipes.
5. McCampbell Road: Existing road dips down and heavy storms cause ponding. Recommend the road is elevated and upsizing the pipe. Level 5 since the Village School is nearby.
6. Middle Road: A county road within the flood hazard areas. Residents near the stream are slightly higher than the stream. Other than a berm there are no measurable recommendations. Based on the size of the culvert it is reasonably sized.
The Township Committee had no questions. Public comment ensued.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0