What is being done to resolve flooding?
The Wayne County Drain Commissioner, who is part of the Department of Environment, is currently working with a consulting engineering team on a Flood Control Study that is aimed at narrowing down the best option to mitigate the North Branch of the Ecorse Creek’s flooding problems. The study involves many tasks—some as simple as walking the banks of the North Branch of the Ecorse Creek and others that involve highly technical computer modeling programs. The ultimate goal of the study is to eventually pinpoint a solution that will be beneficial to the entire area affected by the North Branch of the Ecorse Creek.
Many members of the local communities were involved in the Flood Control Study, from mayors to DPW directors and city engineers. Many different plans evolved from meetings with this group and all were evaluated by the group and the consulting team.
It’s important to note that the Wayne County Drain Commissioner is focused on identifying a solution that is both cost-effective and accepted by the local public. The North Branch of the Ecorse Creek watershed is large and encompasses many residences. However, based on where they are located, residents within the watershed all experience different levels of flooding—some didn’t flood at all while others had basement backups. This being said, the residents who experienced little or no flooding during the major runoff events may have a different opinion on flood solutions and the cost to implement them than those who were subjected to heavy flood damage. It must be understood that all land in the watershed generates storm water runoff that contributes to the flooding problems downstream.
Many members of the local communities were involved in the Flood Control Study, from mayors to DPW directors and city engineers. Many different plans evolved from meetings with this group and all were evaluated by the group and the consulting team.
It’s important to note that the Wayne County Drain Commissioner is focused on identifying a solution that is both cost-effective and accepted by the local public. The North Branch of the Ecorse Creek watershed is large and encompasses many residences. However, based on where they are located, residents within the watershed all experience different levels of flooding—some didn’t flood at all while others had basement backups. This being said, the residents who experienced little or no flooding during the major runoff events may have a different opinion on flood solutions and the cost to implement them than those who were subjected to heavy flood damage. It must be understood that all land in the watershed generates storm water runoff that contributes to the flooding problems downstream.
Because of heavy development, the North Branch of the Ecorse Creek watershed does not have many areas left that can be used to construct storm water and runoff retentions area. Because of this lack of retention sites, Flood Control Study is focusing on increasing the flow capacity of the creek itself.