Culverts Were Partially Jammed With Household Waste

Culverts that became jammed with debris are partly to blame for the devastating flash floods on Father’s Day weekend.

As crews work to clear out those culverts, they have found more than expected.

Some of that debris pileup has been caused by illegal dumping of household items, with everything from coolers to mattresses being found in culverts and drainage ditches.

Officials remind residents that all debris needs to be discarded by regular means of collection, or by taking them to one of the two county transfer locations.

Normal fees will apply, but people are encouraged to obtain and keep receipts as funds may be available for possible reimbursement at a later date.

Department of Environmental Quality Incident Management Specialist Scott Schaefer said their main objective is to establish the safe passage of water, whether in original or rerouted beds, adding that one of their main concerns is culverts associated with the mining era railroad grades that have become clogged with debris.

Residents who notice any drain blockage, ditch or culvert problems should call their local Township Supervisor for routing through the appropriate channels.