Storm Debris Removal in Putnam Valley May Take a While

Putnam Valley was hit hard by the July 28 and 29 storm. Provided photo.

By Holly Crocco

Cleanup from not only one, but several summer storms that brought torrential rain to the area – hitting Putnam Valley especially hard – is continuing, with debris removal from blocked drains, and other efforts, proving to be a challenge.

The Putnam Valley Town Board passed a resolution Aug. 12 approving the highway department to remove storm debris from various drains, waterways, and other areas.

According to Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur, a total of 8.22 inches or rain was recorded in the Cold Spring area during the July 28 and 29 storm – on top of the 5 or 6 inches the week prior, and 5 or 6 inches that rained down over the Fourth of July weekend.

“We had an unprecedented amount of water here,” which led to the town declaring a state of emergency July 29, she said.

While the resolution passed last week specifically allows for the removal of debris from the Canopus Brook, Peekskill Hollow Brook, “and all estuaries thereto,” Highway Superintendent Shawn Keeler encouraged any residents who see blockages to speak up.

“If there are blockages in any waterway and we can get to it to take it out, we will,” he said. “So if you happen to live on any of these creeks or water bodies, please call our office and let us know what’s going on. We’ll try to get to it… We will be doing this into the fall and probably next spring.”

The resolution also states that the hydraulics and hydrology of Canopus Creek will be reviewed in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Keeler has met with members of the DEC, who have confirmed that the town can legally clear the storm debris.

“I have the authority, at any point, if I see a blockage or anybody sees it… I can go in there and remove the blockage,” he said.

Councilman Louie Luongo praised Keeler for forging a relationship with the DEC to take action.

“For too long we’ve been told ‘you can’t touch it, you can’t touch it, you can’t touch it,’” said Luongo. “And there’s been a lot of damage other than what we know about because of the trees falling and blocking up our streams and such. So thanks for going out on a limb and getting that done.”

Keeler said that having a working relationship with the DEC opens the door to have a contact and exchange for the future. Also, it has helped to clarify that, while he’s been under the impression in the past that certain property is protected or considered wetlands, that’s not the case.

Anyone who would like to report a debris blockage from the recent storms should call Keeler at 845-526-3333.