Olszewski Jr: Stormwater Infrastructure Needs Review

While not as damaging as our recent experience with Hurricane Isabel, the impact of Hurricane Irene caused plenty of problems for residents across the district.  

After talking with residents concerned about issues of flooding and water backup following Irene as well as other recent thunderstorms, I have sent a letter to the Director of Public Works requesting that Baltimore County take a comprehensive look at our existing stormwater infrastructure to identify potential capital improvements and also to investigate possible operational improvements to best protect our residents.  

One such operational improvement might be regularly checking storm drains and sewers, particularly before major storm events, to ensure that rainfall is able to appropriately drain. It may also mean finding innovative ways to provide access for residents to locations that are currently restricted, enabling residents to help themselves and their neighbors. Simply put, if Baltimore County does not have the capacity to maintain drainage locations, they should explore public-private partnerships that could benefit everyone.

In addition to contacting the County about drainage and stormwater infrastructure, I was extremely disappointed to learn about the millions of raw sewage that spilled into local waterways as a result of power loss at several pumping stations, many of which did not have appropriate power backup capacity.  

Given the millions of dollars Baltimore County has invested in these stations, and the tireless efforts by many individuals and organizations to clean up our local waterways, it would make sense to take the time to invest in appropriate power backup, and to ensure that backup power is fully functional prior to major storm events. As with the drainage issues, I also sent a letter to Baltimore County to express my disappointment and to request they investigate processes to avoid a similar situation in the future.  

These storms also serve as a reminder to check your insurance coverage. As we have learned through experiences with Hurricane Isabel—and through the flooding following the Dundalk water main break—one need not live in an officially designated flood plain before considering flood insurance. In these instances and others like it, when water coming into homes is considered “external,” flood insurance is the surest way to guarantee coverage.   

To obtain more information about flood insurance, you can visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s website at fema.gov/business/nfip/. One important note: There is generally a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage takes effect.

I also recommend residents investigate sewer and water backup insurance coverage. As with flood insurance, it is considered an “add on” to most standard policies, but that can be extremely useful in the incidents of sewer or water lines backing up—or through the failure of a sump pump—especially if you have a finished basement.  

Should residents have any remaining questions about post-storm activities, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I remain willing to do all that I can to ensure that you receive the support you deserve from your local, state and federal governments.