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Initiatives to Curb Flood Issues

Posted on: October 20, 2022 - 5:22pm
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POSTED ON JUNE 5, 2023

The 2023 Memorial Day weekend storm dumped more than two inches of rain on North Beach—primarily on Monday afternoon—and provided a solid test for the new 5th Street pump system. As it turned out, the new system was more than up to the challenge as shown in the photo below. No flooding occurred on Bay Avenue at any time during the storm.

As we know, two inches of rainfall within a similar timeframe in the past would have quickly overwhelmed the legacy pumping system, flooding Bay Avenue, making it impassable to vehicles and pedestrians, inconveniencing homeowners, and forcing businesses to close until the water receded. The new configuration, which was completed by the Department of Public Works this spring, consists of two new variable-speed pumps that work in tandem with the existing pump to empty the large storm drain that collects rainfall along the 5th Street corridor. 

The system is capable of moving thousands of gallons per minute, which proved more than adequate for the Memorial Day weekend storm—as well as the preceding storm on May 13, 2023.

High water from rainfall on the beach; 5th Street pump working to pump water.

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POSTED ON MAY 9, 2023

At a public meeting on April 20, 2023, BayLand Consultants and Designers presented results of a year-long study on addressing our community’s recurring stormwater and tidal flooding issues. Below, you will find links to documents and video relevant to the study and presentation. Questions regarding the presentation and Compound Flood Action Plan were accepted via email to dbowen@northbeachmd.org or lkabler@northbeachmd.org through May 1, 2023.  

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POSTED ON MARCH 29, 2023

The Town of North Beach will host a public meeting with principals from BayLand Consultants and Designers (BayLand) on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7 pm at the Town Hall. The Mayor and Town Council request the presence of town residents and encourage questions and input during this meeting. More information here.

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POSTED ON: DECEMBER 9, 2022

Work is continuing on the stormwater station as parts become available. Most items are on site. Electrical wiring and related items have been completed. The control panel has not been shipped yet and needs to be onsite for remaining electrical work to be completed. Old duct bill has been removed and new duck bill has been installed. Pipe work and pump installation is expected to be complete in one to two weeks. BayLand Consultants and Designers (BayLand) continues to work on compound flood plan and are currently researching ideas to mitigate flooding throughout the town. Bayland has been attending the Flood Committee meetings and providing updates on progress monthly. Draft is scheduled to be ready for review and input 4-30-22.

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Significant progress has been achieved recently on three of the Town’s initiatives aimed at curbing its persistent flood problems.  

First, the long-planned upgrade to the 5th Street pumping station is getting closer to installation.  The contract has been awarded and work has started preparing the existing station for the new equipment.  The equipment—two powerful new pumps and associated control panel/electronics—have been ordered.  Installation is expected to begin upon its arrival.  

Second, a public meeting is scheduled for October 20 (7 - 9 at Town Hall) to update residents on the work done on the long-term plan to address the Town’s overall flooding vulnerabilities (the “Compound Flood Action Plan”) and to solicit residents’ concerns on additional flooding issues.  The meeting will be led by the firm developing the long-term plan, BayLand Consultants.

Third, the Town has received approval from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) to pursue grants for several flood-related projects: enhancing the rock seawall along the waterfront, constructing a new pump station at 7th St., and Atlantic Avenue, and upgrading the 9th Street pump station.  The Town had submitted Notices of Interest in August for pursuing the funds, which the MDEM approved in early September.  The Town has hired a grant-writing specialist to submit applications on its behalf for all three projects.

For more information on what the Town is doing to combat flooding, please contact Donnie Bowen, Director, DPW, or Councilwoman Kabler, or click here.