Southwest Allegheny News

Bethel Park Police Dept issued the following announcement on June 24.

This morning, a Ribbon Cutting event was held to recognize completion of the $1.053 million Thunderwood Drive flood mitigation project.

The project consisted of the following two-step approach:

• First taking stormwater from existing pipe and placing it into a new pipe to free up space in the existing pipe.
• And then, creating a new swale (a vegetated channel used in land development designs to divert stormwater runoff) to intercept the majority of the water that travels overland to the rear of area homes.  Now, both the pond and swale drain to the existing pond.

Specifically, 1,220 LF of new 42” storm sewer pipe was installed along with eight new manholes and 940 LF of new swale was installed.  The existing storm sewer pipe, which runs behind area homes was rehabilitated from the inside as a proactive maintenance tactic to eliminate the need to excavate the pipe to replace it.

The project was funded through a Pennvest Loan and a $100,000 H2O grant.  A placard will be placed in this area indicating that the funds for the project were through a grant.

As we move forward, it’s imperative that the swale stay intact.  Therefore, reminder cards will be sent out yearly to residents near the area reminding them not to dump in the swale and to keep it maintained.

These efforts will help to mitigate the water in the rear of area properties and, hopefully, make a significant difference during large rain events.

Original source can be found here.