{"id":7795,"date":"2019-02-05T20:37:29","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T01:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=7795"},"modified":"2019-02-05T20:37:37","modified_gmt":"2019-02-06T01:37:37","slug":"genesee-county-town-of-alexander-looking-to-remove-log-jams-on-the-tonawanda-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2019\/02\/05\/genesee-county-town-of-alexander-looking-to-remove-log-jams-on-the-tonawanda-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Town of Alexander looking to remove log jams on the Tonawanda this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Drone photo\/Genesee County Soil and Water\/Genesee County Emergency Management <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alexander Town Supervisor Joe Higley says the Town is looking to remove all three log jams on the Tonawanda creek this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This year money was included in the budget to tackle all three of them,” says Higley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Town is not sure of the cost for removal this year, but $40,000 has been put aside. The Town is hoping to receive grant money and Genesee County Soil and Water is taking the lead in securing the grants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Town did look into removing the log jams last year, but it was cost prohibitive. Higley says the cost to take care of all three was $60,000. $15,000 was secured by Genesee County Soil and Water last year, but the Town did not have the $45,000 to match the grants which would have enabled them to remove all three log jams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higley says there are environmental concerns when there is flooding in the area of the Attica sewer plant on Prospect street and the Alexander sewer plant located on Rt. 20 and Rt. 98. The Town of Alexander and Village of Attica would like to take care of the problem as soon as possible to lessen the chance of flooding in those areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the log jams are removed, the Town hopes to have a plan in place for regular maintenance during the year to prevent such large log jams from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 1, 2019, Governor Cuomo put out this press release in regards to ice jams, which was provided by the DEC this afternoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOVERNOR CUOMO URGES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL ICE JAM FLOODING IN PARTS OF THE STATE<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rain and Warmer Temperatures Next Week Threaten to Loosen Ice Jams on Streams and Rivers<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Municipalities Should Contact DEC and ‘New York Responds’ for Assistance in Preparing for Potential Ice Jams<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents of Areas Prone to Ice Jam Flooding Should Take Precautions and Monitor Local Weather Forecasts for Changing Conditions<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged local governments to prepare for possible ice jam flooding as warmer temperatures and precipitation move into the state on Monday. State agencies are monitoring ice jams and potential ice jam formations statewide, and are deploying assets as needed to assist in preventing and mitigating damage.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local governments should contact the Department of Environmental Conservation for assistance with permits necessary to do work removing ice jams. DEC will be working in close coordination with the Department of Transportation, which has already begun deploying ten long arm excavators throughout the state to help break up ice jams over the weekend as temperatures rise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For equipment requests and other assistance, local governments should contact their county emergency manager who will process requests through the New York Responds system. Residents of areas that are prone to ice jam flooding should take precautions and monitor local weather forecasts for changing conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Following a week of severe winter weather, temperatures are now expected to rise dramatically and create the potential for flooding, especially from ice jams,” Governor Cuomo said.<\/strong> “State agencies have already been in contact with local governments throughout the state to monitor flood prone areas and assist with any problems that may arise. That said, it is also critical for residents to stay informed, monitor the weather and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice jams occur when pieces of floating ice obstruct a river or stream’s flow, causing flooding either downstream or upstream. Water that is held back by ice obstructions can cause flooding upstream, while melting ice jams due to warmer temperatures can cause flooding downstream as well. These “break-up jams” usually cause the most flooding. Flash flooding and ice jams themselves can lead to significant property damage, potentially destroying homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperatures across the State are expected to increase starting Sunday and continuing through Tuesday with temperatures climbing to 40 degrees or higher in most places. These temperature increases will likely cause some snowmelt and ice movement on rivers and streams. Monday evening will bring rain showers with light accumulations expected, however this coupled with snow and ice melt may lead to ice breakup on waterways, adding to the ice jam flood threat. Flood Watches have been issued for Western New York and will be in affect late Sunday night through late Wednesday night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday evening temperatures will fall back into the 20s and 30s. Another potential weather system may move through the State later in the week that could produce additional mixed precipitation for several areas. Residents near areas prone to ice jam flooding should monitor local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agency Preparations<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department of Environmental Conservation <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to the anticipated thaw, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourages municipal officials to immediately undertake local assessments of potential ice jams in flood-prone areas and to remove any debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and\/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators (https:\/\/www.dec.ny.gov\/about\/39381.html<\/a>) if any assistance is required or to help determine if a permit is necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the event of an emergency situation, DEC stands ready to approve Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects on an expedited basis in place of an individual permit, and generally these authorizations can be issued within 24 hours. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources. Additional information is available on the DEC website at: http:\/\/www.dec.ny.gov\/permits\/96337.html<\/a>. Emergency authorization are issued with suitable conditions to protect the environment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEC continues to work with partner agencies and localities throughout the state to respond to flooding and ice jams. DEC is deploying drones to assist with the assessment of ice jams. DEC experts are identifying flood-prone areas, including creeks and streams, where snowmelt and rain could cause damaging flooding. DEC is monitoring stream level forecasts and flood gauges on creeks, streams, and rivers to assess flooding risks and respond to potential flooding that would activate any of the 106 Flood Control Projects that DEC maintains and operates across New York State. In addition, DEC is monitoring wastewater treatment plants throughout the state based on risk conditions and staff are ready to respond to any emergencies caused by flooding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional information about resources for local officials and emergency managers, visit the DEC website https:\/\/www.dec.ny.gov\/lands\/115140.html<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is prepared to respond to requests for assistance with assets from its stockpiles, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n