Five Mile River Watershed and Flooding Issue Archive
December 17, 2008: Himes meets with Fairfield County flood groups
Himes meets with Fairfield County flood groups
Written by The Darien Times
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Congressman-elect Jim Himes met with Fairfield County group leaders last week representing flood-prone residents from Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, and Rowayton.
Less than a month away from being sworn in as congressman for Connecticut's Fourth District, Himes met with the leadership of Save Darien's Wetlands, West Norwalk Association, Friends of the Five Mile River, and residents from Rowayton who brought Himes and his team up to date on the position of beleaguered property owners in Fairfield County.
"Flooding is a very serious safety issue that is destroying property in towns across our district," said Himes. "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to listen to and learn from this committed group of community leaders on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with residents on this issue as congressman beginning in January."
Homeowners vexed and confounded by debris, road sand, sediment, and excessive water in their homes and properties recounted personal hardships and issues facing their neighbors resulting from multiple floods.
Molly Walsh of Rowayton stressed the public safety issues that accompany flooding as she told of her own personal experience of being tethered to a tree while pregnant, awaiting the fire department to rescue from her flooded home. "Each flood is worse than the last. When the water gets deeper and runs at a higher speed, there's not enough time to evacuate."
Vanessa Wood, president of Save Darien's Wetlands, added that public health issue of sewage overflow and contaminated sediment is a concern in all flooding areas.
Bob Wagman of West Norwalk and Betty J. Lovastik of New Canaan both addressed concerns about the Five Mile River, focusing on sedimentation and bank erosion that dramatically decreased the river's depth, widt, and deposited islands and peninsulas in several locations in their towns.
Ms. Lovastik, who organized the meeting, added, "I contacted Jim directly just after he was elected to see if he would meet with us regarding watershed issues. I was pleasantly surprised by Jim's enthusiasm to schedule and meet with us before he officially takes office. We provided him with correspondence, DVDs, pictures and other information during this transitional period. I feel confident that we are in good hands with Jim and his staff."
June 2, 2008: Cong. Shays written to the Governor and the head of EPA
Congressman Shays has written to the Governor and the head of EPA appealing for assistance in addressing the 5 Mile river flooding issue. See attached. These are the first and welcome steps toward meeting the commitments made to us during last month's meeting.
Bob Wagman, Member WNA
June 2 Letter This is a PDF file. Size: 1.1MB
May 29, 2008: Congressman Shays Meeting Update with West Norwalk residents
As he had committed to do in April, on May 29th Congressman Shays met with West Norwalk residents to discuss the issue of 5 Mile river flooding. The meeting began with a presentation prepared by the WNA (attached). The Q & A session was active. At the end, Shays committed to more research grant opportunities, meet with SWRPA and others and pursue a watershed study to include much more that just the 5 Mile river. By broadening the study, he feels that the chances of greater support and access to funds will be greater. He agreed to report back to us in 30 days.
Bob Wagman, Member WNA
May 29th Presentation This is a Power Point file. Size: 4.1MB
February 27, 2008: HB 5605
On February 27th, Representative Cafero's proposed bill was presented to the Environment Committee of CT legislature. Rep. Cafero described the bill and its need in the morning and testimony in support of it was given by Councilman Andy Conroy, residents Marlene Cohen and Molly Walsh and WNA board member Bob Wagman in the afternoon. When the bill becomes law, much of the credit must go to Marlene and Molly for their powerful testimony; the legislators could not help but be impressed. Unfortunately, testimony was given so late in the day that the legislators were undoubtedly tired and anxious to get to happy hour but there were no apparent negatives.
The text of HB5605 and the testimonies given are attached.
Bob Wagman
West Norwalk Association
HB 5605 This is a PDF file. Size: 305KB
HB 5605, Presentation This is a Power Point file. Size: 24KB
HB 5605, Supporting Photos of Flooding This is a PDF file. Size: 1.4MB
December 27, 2007: FLOOD REPORT- Final
Click Here to download PDF 8 MB File
November 27, 2007: WNA Flood Report
On November 27, 2007, the West Norwalk Association conducted a tour of the 5 Mile river to show the damage resulting from recent storms. The tour was followed by a meeting at the old Meeting House at which the issues were reviewed and possible remedial action plans discussed. Attached are the minutes documenting the tour and the meeting and a list of attendees. The West Norwalk Association and all West Norwalk residents appreciate that State and City officials took the time to attend these events and agreed to cooperate in developing solutions.
Bob Wagman
West Norwalk Association
If you are interested in being informed of the issue, or want to have participation in the oversight of the plans, please contact the Association or register your e-mail address.
November 27, 2007: FLOOD REPORT
Click Here to download PDF 65 KB
November 27, 2007: 5-MILE RIVER TOUR AND MEETING MINUTES
Click Here to download PDF 59 KB