1st Selectman Kevin Christie offers an update, following Sunday’s 7-inch “rain bomb.”
The Jesup Road bridge at Imperial Avenue remains closed, while engineers assess significant storm damage and required repairs. Assessments of roads, culverts, storm drains and stormwater facilities also continue.
The Jesup Road bridge at Imperial Avenue remains closed while engineers assess storm damage and required repairs.
“We understand the distress that comes with damage to a home or business, and residents deserve a clear understanding of what our stormwater infrastructure can handle,” says director of Public Works Larry Roberts.
“Even as we assess this extraordinary storm, repeated flooding makes preparing for future events essential. We will continue to work to strengthen public infrastructure, and work with property owners on practical ways to reduce future damage.”
On Sunday, the wastewater treatment plant’s inflow peaked at a rate of approximately 12 million gallons per day — far above its usual 1.75 million per day.
Pump Station No. 10 (behind HomeGoods) flooded and shut down. The Center Street pump station sustained damage when Muddy Brook overflowed.
Town teams are assessing culverts and drainage structures affected by sediment, landscaping material, displaced dumpsters and other debris, including whether obstructions affected drainage in particular locations.
Dumpster near downtown. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
Follow-up work includes clearing obstructions, cleaning catch basins and checking equipment.
In Compo Basin, DPW reports that the marina’s check valves are operational.
The Gray’s Creek valve was open as intended; it prevents tidal flooding, and closing it during this low-tide rainfall event would not have helped drainage, officials say.
DPW has inspected the basin’s automatic pump and found it operational. However, officials cannot verify its operation during the storm because it does not record activation history.
DPW plans to observe the pump during the next major storm to verify its activation. DPW is also reviewing reports of lingering standing water near Bradley Street and Fairfield Avenue, and debris in nearby drainage structures.
Standing water on Bradley Street, 24 hours after rain ened.
Town officials are coordinating with state emergency management officials on regional impacts, damage documentation and potential recovery resources.
Residents and businesses should report September 13 property damage through the State’s CrisisTrack survey. Reports help document the full extent of damage, and support the process of determining whether the state may be eligible for FEMA or Small Business Administration disaster programs. The survey is not a claim or application for assistance, does not guarantee aid and does not replace reporting damage to an insurer.
Residents and businesses with questions about flood insurance coverage or difficulty with a flood-related claim can contact the Connecticut Insurance Department’s Consumer Affairs team: 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900, or by email at insurance@ct.gov.
Christie says, “Our hearts go out to the residents and businesses recovering from this flood, including those displaced from their homes or unable to reopen their businesses.
“Many are still cleaning up, and some face extensive repairs and a prolonged recovery. We are focused on addressing immediate needs and supporting the work ahead.
“I am deeply grateful to our entire DPW team and all of our responding departments for their tireless work throughout the storm and the continuing recovery.”