To the editor:
The Zarephath “new and improved” flood levee should be of concern to the residents living in our Lost Valley section of Manville.
Based upon before and after photos I reviewed, the levee seems much higher and wider than before. It is questionable to suggest that this was just “routine maintenance” of an old existing levee. I believe the old levee wasn’t high enough to stop flood waters during Hurricane Irene. Zarephath suffered much like Manville did.
The questions remain: Will a much higher levee have adverse affects on water levels in Manville during another hurricane Floyd- or Irene-type event? Could this be the difference between basement-only and first-flood water levels for some? Will Zarephath continue to flood? Will the Army Corps of Engineers account for this new and improved levee in their ongoing flood study? Can our residents get some answers?
If my thoughts and questions don’t highlight the urgent need for a levee to be constructed on our side of the Millstone River, I guess nothing will.
Let’s hope our new flood commission can ask the Army Corps of Engineers for immediate and urgent help on this matter. Manville can’t afford to wait any longer for a plan of action.
Richard M. Onderko
Borough Councilman
Manville

