Forestburg (Sullivan), NY-Dam Comprimised 5-5-05

[VAEMC 10]

Date: 5-5-05

Time: Earlier today

Location: Sullivan County, NY - Swing Bridge Dam

Agencies: Sullivan and Orange County OEM & Emergency Services

Writer: Cop26

Description:

By Jessica Gardner

and Heather Yakin

Times Herald-Record

The Swinging Bridge Dam in the Sullivan County Town of Forestburgh has been compromised, according to officials.

The earthen dam suffered minor damage after a large portion of the service road leading to the reservoir fell into an 8-foot sink hole, authorities said.

A small maintenance shed near the road fell into the reservoir, according to Deerpark Town Supervisor Mark House.

The latest update from Sullivan County Officials is that the dam appears to be structurally sound. The Riverkeeper of the Delaware River sees no reason for concern regarding flooding to the river.

One family in the Sullivan County Town of Lumberland had to be evacuated, although further evacuations are unlikely at this point, officials said. Officials are currently knocking on doors warning residents of situation.

Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini said this morning that the dam will be lowered by 10 feet so emergency workers could evaluate its structure.

Engineers are surveying the area and should have an idea by 1 p.m. today as how to fix the problem.

The fear is that if dam breaks, water would flood into the Rio and Mongaup reservoirs, and then eventually into the Delaware River.

In the Orange County City of Port Jervis, officials have activated the city's emergency command post, although city Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Vicchiariello said he's expecting little impact on the Delaware River.

The river, which rose to more than 21 feet during April's flooding, is now at just under 4 feet, a foot lower than the norm for this time of year.