Rockland County made out with thousands of dollars in addition to having several of its streams cleared of debris in a deal with the Rockland AmeriCorps.
“Due to the hard work of AmeriCorps members the County of Rockland has saved over $18,000,”said Rockland County Drainage Agency Executive Director Vincent Altieri, in a press release.
AmeriCorps enlists its full-time and part-time members to perform educational, health, environmental and safety community service projects. Rockland members Stephen Valvo, Scott Greenwald, Adam Dabrowski and Jason Flasch removed obstructions and surveyed County regulated streams in the five towns of Rockland County.
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To help prevent potential flooding, the Rockland County Drainage Agency removes about 100 blockages annually.
During their service, the AmeriCorps members cleared 41 obstructions, like fallen trees, branches, stone, sediment and other debris. Tropical Storm Sandy caused many of the blockages. Large rocks and sediments deposits from the Mahwah River behind Longeran Drive in Suffern and the Sparkill Creek downstream of Oak Tree Road in Orangetown—both from storms Sandy and Irene—was also removed. Members also observed 20 miles of the County’s regulated streams for erosion and unauthorized construction, and cut back vegetation to maintain the County’s dams.
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Rockland residents can report obstructions to County streams at (845) 638-5081.
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