By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — No one who suffered through it is likely to forget what they saw when the city flooded three times in recent years, with water overflowing Swan and Ely creeks.
But they might have captured the memory with photographs.
The city is interested in hearing from anyone who suffered through the flooding of Swan Creek and documented with photographs any type of structural damage that occurred.
The engineer who is conducting a study of possible flood remedies would like to see the photos for an analysis and to help document the need for flood prevention.
Residents may submit their photos within the next week. The photos can be of exterior or interior scenes. They should be labeled with a description, the location and the date the photograph was taken. While all photographs will be accepted, electronic photographs are preferred.
Electronic photographs should be e-mailed to city Clerk Lori Buckelew at [email protected]. Photographs also may be dropped off at City Hall at 18 York St.
Engineer Christine Ballard of T&M Associates is finalizing an alternatives analysis for the Swan Creek Flood Control Project. It will include results of a review of the area’s cultural resources and a geotechnical evaluation.
The report is a comprehensive evaluation of all flood control alternatives for Swan Creek. It will include recommendations.
The city clerk did not have a timeline for the report’s release.
An earlier study conducted by the National Resources Conservation Service, a federal agency commissioned by the city, determined Swan Creek floods when the Delaware River’s floodwaters create a backwash.
The 2006 report recommended the installation of floodgates and a pumping station.
Flooding from Swan Creek is responsible for the death of one man in 2006 when the creek backwashed into the streets before the river crested at 19.8 feet. Flood stage in Lambertville is 13 feet.
Areas that typically flood when Swan Creek floods are lower Swan Street, South Union Street and lower Ferry Street.

