4/1/07 Bea Briggs letter and Jim Cawley response.


I write this letter to inform residents of the river communities that now is the time to act and to take steps to help prevent future flooding of the Delaware River. Plans are being made that could help to set up the next flood event. Do not be complacent in thinking 'they took care of that' because it has not been taken care of, and  unless you speak up and become educated in the facts, you will be mucking out again this year.

What can only be described as reckless behavior from New York State has resulted in all of the reservoirs affecting the Delaware River being above 98% capacity, with one at 106% as of today, March 29th.  Many who live near or travel across the river have noticed how high the river has been the last week. This is the set up we have seen before, reservoirs that are full and spilling into the river, a river that is high due to snow melt (or heavy rain water) and reservoir water.

What is missing is a 'significant' rain event. The gamble again, is that it will not rain too much.... But if it were to do so... Are you ready for the next flood? This has been the scenario for the last 3 floods. Reservoirs spilling water into a flood stage river that becomes overwhelmed by a 'significant' rain event.The fact is that it is not just the reservoirs. The fact is that it is a trinity effect. We are in a wetter climate cycle, there is more development in the flood plain and the reservoirs are allowed to maintain capacity of 100% or more. We can not do anything about a wetter climate cycle; however, we can prohibit more building in the flood plain and we can most certainly prohibit reckless behavior from New York State & PPL (Lake Wallenpaupack) by demanding voids for flood control in these man-made reservoirs.

The Delaware is a mighty river that can usually take care of itself, but it cannot handle the greed of New York State & PPL, who are hoarding water & then dispersing it when the river & its residents are most vulnerable.
What can you do? Write or call your governor, your state and local officials. Tell them that you oppose the Delaware River Basin Commission's (DRBC) Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP), because it does not provide for year round voids of 20% to help control flooding. Join the Delaware Riverside Conservancy, drconline.org, write the editors of local newspapers and help get the word out, too many residents are unaware. Do not wait as this plan is to be voted on in the next few weeks.

Thank you
Bea Briggs
Bridgeton House, 1525 River Rd,Upper Black Eddy PA  610-982-5856

Resonse from James Cawley, Bucks County Commissioner

Bea -
Thank you for sending your letter to me. 
I am sure that by now you have heard that my fellow Commissioners and I have formed a Delaware River Flood Task Force to among other things review and make recommendations on the DRBC report. Through this task force and through direct outreach we will continue fight for the interests of the people of Bucks County. Please be assured that we are with you. 
Thanks again,
Jim