Grandville Flooding Status 10:30am Update

GRANDVILLE, Mich. – The following news release was sent by the city of Grandville Monday regarding widespread flooding.

City of Grandville Flooding Status

Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 10:30 a.m.

Latest Developments – Monday

• The Grand River has crested in Grandville although flood levels have dropped no more than 1-2 inches from levels late on Sunday.  The extent of flooded areas in Grandville remains unchanged from Sunday afternoon.  Many homes and businesses north of Chicago Drive and 28^th Street remain impacted.  Many homes and businesses nearby but outside of the flooded area are dealing with ground water infiltration.

• 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 (15 Baldwin Street) remains surrounded by flood water but is staffed and operational. 

• The Public Works facility (4095 White Street) remains nearly surrounded by water but is staffed and operational.  Sand berms are preventing flood water from entering the structure but also preventing access to the garage and some equipment.

• All Grandville street closures from Sunday remain in effect with no additions.  Streets will be reopened as it is deemed safe to do so. 

• Ground water is still being pumped from the Grandville Library (4055 Maple Street).   

• Mayor James R. Buck expresses his appreciation of the level of volunteerism and help that neighbors and businesses are showing one another throughout this flooding event and the extraordinary efforts of City of Grandville employees.  Those individuals and groups wishing to volunteer are encouraged to help neighbors and friends in flood cleanup efforts or let City Hall (531-3030) know of your willingness to help area residents and businesses impacted by flooding.

Narrative:

Buck Creek:

Buck Creek water levels remain high, particularly downstream of Wilson Avenue.  All bridges over Buck Creek in Grandville are open to traffic. 

Grand River:

River crest has passed but all flooded areas in the northern portion of the City that have been flooded continue to be impacted by flood water at this time.  These areas are generally north of Chicago Drive including 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 28^th Street.  In addition, there is flooding between Canal Avenue and Fairlanes Avenue south of Chicago Drive. 

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 the CWP.  This request is likely to be continued for the next 24 to 48 hours as flows into the CWP remain above design capacity.  Flood waters have infiltrated the collection system (for example, entering through floor drains and other sanitary access points that are currently underwater. 

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.  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 remains surrounded by flood water but is staffed and operational. 
• Flood water did not reach the power supply to the CWP.
• Voluntary reduction of residential and business discharges to the sanitary system by all system users (multiple communities) continues to be requested (see above). 

Department of Public Works

• The DPW facility at 4095 White Street remains nearly surrounded by water.  It has been bermed and no flood water has entered the building. 
• Due to berming around the building and flood waters, access to the facility is limited.
• DPW is being staffed on a 24 hour basis.  DPW phone number is 538-1990.
• The self-serve sandbags and sand remain available at the corner of Franklin and Oakes just east of the Grandville DPW facility, should anyone have need of them. 
• All bridges over Buck Creek are currently open.
• Current street closures due to flooding include:
  • Wilson Avenue between 28^th Street and Chicago Drive
    • SB detour will be Barrett
    • NB detour will be Chicago Dr EB to Wallace St ramp to 28^th
    • 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 28^th 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.

• Streets will be reopened as it is deemed safe to do so.
• 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 works and public safety efforts.

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.