CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – As the City of Clarksville continues their process of draining flood water throughout city limits, an effort to have a federal disaster declaration enacted is underway for Clarksville areas affected by flooding.
City Mayor Joe Pitts said work is underway through the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to have the federal disaster declaration enacted. “We certainly agree that it is a disaster, if there ever was one,” Pitts said.
While also working to drain flood waters in the areas of the city that typically collect and hold water longer, the city is also providing relief and support for people who have been directly impacted by the flooding events of this past weekend, which includes residents at the Woodstock subdivision.
Woodstock subdivision
According to a city news release sent to Clarksville Now, Woodstock is a problem area after the natural disaster, but work continues there to alleviate extensive flooding through non-stop 24-hour pumping of the floodwaters.
Woodstock was developed in multiple phases beginning shortly after the year 2000 and has had recurring incidents of flooding during significant rain events, according to the news release. “Woodstock has a basin at its center that is designed to detain, or temporarily hold water, up to the 100-year flood level. During this most recent rain event – in which Clarksville received more than 6 inches in a 24-hour period – that flood level was exceeded by over 2 feet,” said the release.
“This area receives water from a large feature to the north, just across the state line. The flooding in Woodstock is occurring on the boundary of the detention basin, and the city is pumping water through the drainage easements as fast as possible. This has resulted in ‘downstream’ properties flooding. The city cannot push water faster than the destination can receive it. The depth of the flooding varies throughout the area, including the basin.”
‘Water above finished floors’
The news release also says the flooding of this past weekend caused manholes to submerge, eventually overwhelming the sewage pump station for the sub-basin. The pump station is said to have continued throughout the night of Feb. 15, but by morning hours of the next day, both the station and its electrical transformer became submerged and lost power. “At the same time, the emergency bypass connection, which had been used in previous years, also became inaccessible and could not be utilized,” said the release.
Pitts said they are working around the clock to first provide relief for the property owners in the neighborhood, and at the same time examining all options to address the issues. “It will not be a quick fix, but we are actively and aggressively working,” Pitts said.
The impact to residents has been regrettable, the release said. With some homes having water above finished floors, while others have different areas of their property impacted.
“Many properties will be inundated with water, and some may not be accessible for a few more days,” said the release. “As water is still flowing in from Kentucky, and the underground water table remains higher than normal, city crews are seeing the water level drop faster as the days go on, and the groundwater levels recede. Once water levels in the affected neighborhood began to subside, the Sewer Construction Division was able to install a temporary bypass port on Feb. 20. This action restored function to the sewer system, allowing the city to begin the process of pumping the sewer basin down once more.”
The news release said they are continuing toward gaining access to the existing pump station and returning it to a normal operation. They will continue to pump around the clock, but any additional rainfall in the near future would complicate all efforts to date.
‘I want them to know they are not alone’
City Councilman Keri Lovato wants residents to know they aren’t alone.
“Our neighbors in Woodstock are still battling floodwaters and cold temperatures, and I want them to know they are not alone,” Lovato said. “I am here to connect them with resources and support. Their place in Clarksville matters, and I recognize that we have work to do.
“Drainage solutions and preventative measures are a top priority. The ongoing efforts of the Street Department, Gas and Water Department, and Neighborhood & Community Services Department are commendable, and I’m proud of them for working around the clock. Long-term planning will require citywide cooperation, so please reach out with your concerns. We will get through this together,” Lovato said.
Relief and assistance
While the City of Clarksville continues to resolve the flooding, there is help for people affected, as well as volunteer opportunities for people looking to assist with support. For more information, please visit www.cmcresponds.org.