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Grandville City Manager Updates Flood Response

Posted at 1:00 PM, Apr 21, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-21 13:44:07-04

Below is an update from Grandville City Manager Ken Krombeen concerning flooding in the city on April 21, 2013:

Latest Developments – Sunday

  • Grand River flood levels have increased somewhat from Saturday but the extent of flooded areas in Grandville has not changed appreciably.
  •  Grandville Clean Water Plant (CWP) continues to request users of the Grandville Sanitary Sewer System to use water conservatively in order to reduce flows to the CWP.  The CWP remains surrounded by flood water but is staffed and operational.  The Fire Department is assisting with ongoing sandbagging efforts at the plant.
  • No additional Grandville streets have been closed although all street closures from Saturday remain in effect.
  •  Ground water has penetrated the Grandville Library (4055 Maple Street) and caused very minor basement flooding.  This is from ground water pressures through the foundation; there is no flood water around the library building.  Grandville DPW is pumping water from the basement.
  • Mayor Buck has expressed his appreciation of the level of volunteerism and help that neighbors and businesses are showing one another throughout this flooding event.

Narrative:

Buck Creek:

Buck Creek water levels have declined through most of Grandville although they appear to have increased from the mouth of the Creek east to beyond Canal Avenue, possibly due to back up from the Grand River.  The bridges over Buck Creek on Ivanrest Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Canal Avenue remain open to traffic.

Grand River:

Since mid-day Saturday Grand River levels in the City of Grandville have increased somewhat although the extent of flooded areas has not changed appreciably.  Areas impacted with flood water at this time are all in the northern portion of the City and all are within the established 100-year floodplain.  The map (attached) of flooded areas in Grandville produced by the City on Saturday, April 20 remains essentially unchanged.  Flooded areas continue to be generally north of Chicago Drive and include homes and businesses on White Street, Broadway, Division, Ferry and Franklin west of Wilson Avenue and businesses on Sanford Avenue and Busch Drive north of 28th Street.  In addition, there is flooding between Canal Avenue and Fairlanes Avenue south of Chicago Drive.

The Grand River is projected to crest late Sunday and into Monday.  Anyone with property in the identified floodplain in the northern portion of the City (see attached map) should be alert to the possibility of flood damage

and take any precautions necessary for personal safety and to reduce damage.  These areas include the Chicago Drive corridor from approximately Wilson Avenue west, areas between the river and Chicago Drive and industrial areas north of 28th Street.  Other areas of the City are not currently, and are not expected to be, effected by Grand River flooding and all roads are open including the Rivertown Parkway commercial corridor.

The Grandville Clean Water Plant (CWP) continues to request all users of the Grandville Sanitary Sewer System to reduce unnecessary discharges to the sanitary sewer in order to reduce flow into an already highly stressed facility.  Once again, to be very clear, this is a request to reduce the DISCHARGE of water to the sanitary sewer system.  THE WATER IS SAFE FOR DRINKING AND ALL OTHER USES.  We are simply asking that users attempt to reduce the amount of water that ends up in the drain to the extent possible until such time as system flows drop to more manageable levels.  Examples:  Flushing less, shorter showers, hand washing dishes, deferring laundry.

PLEASE NOTE – Areas served by the Grandville CWP include:

  • All of the City of Grandville
  • All of Georgetown Township
  • All of the City of Hudsonville
  • Eastern portions Blendon Township
  • Northern portions of Jamestown Township.

Following is additional detail on City of Grandville flood status:

Clean Water Plant

  • The plant is taking sanitary sewer flow well beyond plant capacity and continues to by-pass pump in an attempt to keep up with the flow resulting in only partial treatment.
  • The CWP is surrounded by flood water but is staffed and operational.
  • Steps have been taken to protect the power supply to the CWP including sand bagging of critical equipment and structures necessary to maintain plant operation.
  • Extra staff is on hand. They are parking off-site and being driven to the CWP in higher vehicles.
  • Voluntary reduction of residential and business discharges to the sanitary system by all system users continues to be requested (see above).

Department of Public Works

  • The DPW facility at 4095 White Street is nearly surrounded by water.  It has been bermed and no flood water has entered the building.
  • DPW is being staffed on a 24 hour basis.  Staff is available on-site through the weekend or call the facility at 538-1990.
  • Self-serve sandbags and sand are available at the corner of Franklin and Oakes just east of the Grandville DPW facility.  Approximately 16,000 bags have been purchased and are being distributed as requested.
  • DPW has also delivered sand and bags to many locations in the City.
  • All bridges over Buck Creek are currently open.
  • Current street closures due to flooding include:
    • Wilson Avenue between 28th Street and Chicago Drive
      • SB detour will be Barrett
  • NB detour will be Chicago Dr EB to Wallace St ramp to 28th
  • Chicago Drive from Canal Ave to Main Street in Jenison
  • Fairlanes Avenue south of Chicago Drive
  • White Street west of Wilson.  Also some water in road east of Wilson.
  • Sanford Avenue north of 28th Street.
  • Busch Drive between Sanford and Ivanrest Avenues.
  • Franklin Avenue north of the CSX railroad.
  • Division Avenue north of the CSX railroad.
  • Broadway Avenue north of the CSX railroad.
  • Ferry Street west of Franklin.

 

  • The water system is safe to drink. 

 

Police Department

 

  • If you need emergency assistance please call 911.
  • Stay out of the water and do not attempt to drive over flooded roads.
  • Unnecessary driving to view flooding creates congestion and hinders public safety efforts.
  • The Police Department has gone door to door in the Chicago Drive corridor to alert property owners of the potential for flooding and to suggest precautions be taken.

Fire Department

  • Flooded Basements/yards/etc.:  The Fire Department is not staffed or equipped to pump water from private property.  We recommend that homeowners contact their insurance agent for a referral to a private cleanup/restoration service.
  •  Power Outages:  The Fire Department is not staffed or equipped to provide generator power to residents.  Persons who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should consult with the provider of their equipment or the prescribing physician to develop a backup plan in the event of a power outage.  The Fire Department is only equipped to provide oxygen and medical services in short term, emergency situations only.
  •  General Safety Information: 

 In the event that your power is out do not use generators, grills, camp stoves or other fuel burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, or other enclosed or semi-enclosed structure.  These types of items should be used outside, clear of any open window or doors.

Please keep all people and pets at least 25 feet away from any downed or low hanging wire.  Regardless of whether or not they are sparking, all downed wires should be considered dangerous and reported to the fire department.  Remember, stay away and stay alive!

Other –  Declaration of State of Emergency in Kent County

  • Declaring a local state of emergency allows the County to get access to damage assessment resources from the State and is the first step toward possibly receiving federal emergency assistance.