City of Meriden and DEEP to Host Public Meeting On Harbor Brook Flood Control Study

The City of Meriden, working with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), will host a public meeting on potential solutions to address chronic flooding problems along Harbor Brook.  The meeting will be held in Council Chambers, Room 206, City Hall, 142 East Main Street on August 8 at 7:00 pm.  Displays of the project area and proposed flood control improvements will be available for inspection beginning at 6:30 P.M.

This public meeting is the first step in preparing an environmental impact evaluation (EIE) to assess the alternatives being considered along Harbor Brook.  DEEP and the City have hired GZA Baystate Environmental Consulting to prepare the EIE.

The City of Meriden has developed a master plan of improvements including bridge replacements, widening and deepening the stream channel, increasing floodwater storage capacity, and enhancing wetlands.  The master plan also incorporates the construction of a multi-purpose recreational trail along Harbor Brook from Baldwin’s Pond to Hanover Pond.  The EIE will assess the improvements included in the City’s master plan as well as other potentially feasible measures to address local flooding.

This public meeting is being held to inform the public about the Harbor Brook project and to solicit public input on the alternative flood control strategies and their potential impacts to the community.  Comments on damages which individuals or businesses have experienced from previous flooding events are also sought.  In addition to comments submitted at the meeting, public comments may be provided to DEEP until August 22, 2011.  These comments can be addressed to Dan Biron, Project Manager, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Inland Water Resources Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, 06106 or can be faxed to Mr. Biron at (860) 424-4075.  Alternatively, questions and/or comments may be directed to Meriden Public Works Director Robert Bass at (203) 630-4018 or faxed to (203) 630-4025.