[RP TownTalk] Sediment and debris blocking the Wells Run Culvert in Riverdale

[Vernon Archer]

Greetings Ms. Spain,

I share your concern about the collection of both sediment and debris in
the Wells Run drainage.  There are two separate issues interplaying here,
and Riverdale Park is working to insure that the drainage is cleared.

The sediment is a remnant (at least for the most part) of the WSSC
water-main break that occurred 2 weeks ago on Route One.  We have been
working with the utility to insure that they complete the sediment cleanup,
but it has proven complicated as there is limited physical access to Wells
Run. As you are aware there are private properties surrounding almost all
of the Run and with relatively small tunnels at each crossing WSSC access
is proving a challenge.  We will not let up though until the sediment is
collected--both for ecological and flood control reasons.

The other problem is more of a recurring one--collections of debris washing
down from upstream and getting caught at the tunnels/bridges.  The PG
County Department of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of the
channel and keeping it free of congestion. We periodically contact PGDPW
and ask them to come and clean or repair damage in the system, and we have
asked them to come and clear the area between Tuckerman the CSX tracks of
the several places where debris has collected. Based on past experience it
will take some time, but PGDPW will respond and take care of the situation.

Please know that Riverdale Park Public Works (and honestly me personally)
keep an eye on the Wells Run system, both for damage to the infrastructure
and for unusually large collections of material that might cause a damning
effect.  That being said, you are absolutely right to report any condition
in town that causes concern because we can't watch your neighborhood any
where near as well as you can!

Sincerely,

Vernon

On Tue, Jan 27, 2015 at 1:35 PM, Alison Spain <alisonspain at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Ms. Glaros, Mayor Archer, and Ms. Hewlett.
>
> The sediment is quite built up in the culvert on the north side of
> Tuckerman St., just before it crosses under the street (perpendicular to
> the Army Reserve lot and Cafritz site), essentially around and between 45th
> Pl. and 46th Ave. There is also substantial debris at this location, so
> runoff is really only channeled through half of the tunnel.  The last time
> I looked, there seemed to be debris obstructing the tunnel under 46th Ave.
> as well.  The issue is both sediment and debris, and they are naturally
> compounding one another.  Given the recent flooding and general increase in
> severe storm events, I am concerned that this channel is maintained free of
> debris.
>
> Thank you for your attention to this matter.
>
> *Alison Spain*
> Tuckerman St.
>



-- 
Vernon Archer, Mayor
Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland
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