As the anniversary of the fatal flash flooding that claimed seven lives is marked on Monday, Upper Makefield Township officials are preparing for future storms.
On July 15, 2023, torrential rains caused severe flash flooding on Houghs Creek. The flooding resulted in the tragic deaths of Enzo Depiero, 78, of Newtown Township; Susan Barnhart, 53, of Titusville, New Jersey; Katheryn “Katie” Seley, 32, of Charleston, South Carolina; Yuko Love, 64, of Newtown Township; and Linda Depiero, 74, of Newtown Township. The flood also claimed the lives of Seley’s children, Matilda “Mattie” Sheils, 2, and Conrad Sheils, 9 months. Sadly, Conrad’s remains were never recovered.
Since the disaster, PennDOT has repaired the damaged roads and reinforced sections to withstand future storm events.
Township officials and Township Engineer Amanda Fuller have been exploring additional measures to mitigate runoff in flood-prone areas.
Last month, the Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors authorized Fuller to draft a plan for the basin in the Washington Meadows development and to slow storm runoff from the Ascension Lutheran Church on Washington Crossing Road. Fuller was also approved to conduct a hydraulic analysis of the Belamour and Valley View developments, with costs not to exceed $85,000.
Fuller noted that runoff from the church property flows towards the Belamour development.
Supervisor Thomas Cino said the projects wouldn’t be able to stop a July 15, 2023-type event. However, Fuller noted the projects will focus on big storms and have a notable impact.
The township is also considering improvements to Houghs Creek and the surrounding watershed.
Fuller said that mitigating stormwater runoff will require multiple projects.
“This will likely take a series of construction projects,” she said.
Supervisor Tim Thomas inquired about the possibility of installing gates to block flood-prone roads during major storms.
Fuller acknowledged the idea’s potential, but noted that automated systems are expensive and manual systems require humans to operate them in a timely manner. She said the idea can be explored with the township’s police and fire departments.
Supervisor Braun Taylor described the current projects as “low-hanging fruit” that once completed will make a difference over time.
Supervisors Chairperson Yvette Taylor said the engineer will give the township a a fuller view of what can be done.
Officials will use maps, data, stakeholder conversations, and historical information to develop a roadmap of future projects, Fuller said.
In addition to these infrastructure projects, local emergency services have also adapted in the wake of the fatal flooding.
Tim Brewer, the chief of the Upper Makefield Fire Company, stated that the department recently acquired an ATV and expects to receive a high-water rescue truck by the end of July.
Reflecting on last year’s response, Brewer highlighted the exceptional teamwork among police, fire companies, and public works crews from various agencies.
“You don’t see this every day,” he said of the teamwork.
