Westwood Mayor Seeks Cooperative Brook Clearing Program

State funding is needed for a regional waterway de-snagging project in order to mitigate some flooding along the Pascack Brook, according to Westwood Mayor John Birkner.

Birkner said he is meeting with county and state officials in coming weeks to discuss the idea, as well as a proposal to have United Water keep the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir at the lower winter water level all year.

"There is a lot being done right now on the state level to remedy the effects of acute flooding instances, particularly those that arose from Superstorm Sandy, but there are many chronic issues here in the Pascack Valley that have been unaddressed," Birkner said at a recent council meeting.

The issue of de-snagging the Pascack Brook has come up before, but the high cost has deterred municipal officials from pursuing the project. Plus, the nature of waterways means that towns are at the mercy of those upstream, Birkner told Patch.

"Funding needs to come from the state," he said.

Hillsdale officials also expressed interest in a cooperative effort to curb flooding during a presentation about United Water's upcoming dam project earlier this year. 

Residents from the Hillsdale & Westwood Flood Solution Group have sought to have local officials review the dam project because of its potential effects on flooding, but a recent court ruling means the project will likely proceed without local oversight, unless the group can successfully appeal the decision.

The group has also pushed for United Water to change their operations at the dam by releasing more water before forecast storms.

Birkner has also advocated for Gov. Chris Christie to order the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir be kept at the lower water level used in the winter — 91 feet — all year, instead of the 95-foot level used in the summer. 

United Water representatives have said they use the higher level because of the increased demand and potential for drought during hot summer months. Keeping the reservoir at a lower level would allow it to absorb more of the rain during storms, according to Birkner.

"We don't need any funding to do that," Birkner said. "It's common sense."