Goodwill or Good PR ? Governor Rendell's call for NYC Reservoir Releases

Editors of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

The “unexpected change of course” by Governor Rendell to, “call for New York City reservoir releases” as a “prudent” measure during this anticipated rainy season, is precisely the logic that flood victims and the various groups that represent them, have argued for more than a couple of years now. On the face of it, this turn-around by Governor Rendell is quite welcome, albeit long past due.

The question is: Is it too little, too late ? We implore the Philadelphia Inquirer to confirm this assertion: The New York Reservoirs in question are presently not equipped with release gates (similar to the Gilboa Dam or Lake Wallenpaupack) that would allow for releases sufficient to mitigate flooding from imminent (heavy) rain falls as Governor Rendell suggests.

The NYC reservoirs are not built with quick release mechanisms. In simple terms, it would take approximately 90 days for 20% voids to be achieved – well after the rainy season has passed. Does Governor Rendell, Chair of the Delaware River Basin Commission, not recognize this fact?

It is important that Governor Rendell has finally acknowledged the potentially significant contribution of the NYC reservoirs to flooding downstream. What must follow is a factual account of the release capabilities of the three NYC reservoirs in question. Thank you for your interest and concern with flooding along the Delaware River.

We hope you will continue to pursue this matter further, until resolution is achieved.

Sincerely,

Michael Caccavella
Trustee, Delaware Riverside Conservancy, Inc.