The location of a tidal stream in the Silverton section of Toms River. (Credit: Google Maps)
Officials say a project that will get underway soon in the Silverton section will help alleviate flooding in the area.
The township council on Tuesday night awarded a $124,955 contract to Yannuzzi Environmental Services to provide what has been described as a “silt purge” on waterways in Silverton that make adjacent streets prone to flooding.
The project is centered around removing silt from a tidal stream that flows – largely out of sight – in the area of Jeff Court, Shasta Lane, Pine Needle Drive and Brand Road. The waterway, however, has flooded after even minor rain storms.
“The riverbed is filled with silt,” said Township Administrator Don Guardian.
The township recently received approvals from the state to remove the silt, mainly mud and runoff, from the bottom.
Township officials have said the silt deposits are so extensive that they have actually buried the original drainage system, which has impacted much of the neighborhood.
Flooding in Toms River. (File Photo)
“Some of the pipes are actually buried and the storm system can’t drain. We got a (state Department of Environmental Protection) permit to excavate the silt that is blocking the flow of the stream, so the nearby drainage system will be allowed to drain like it did back in the day,” Township Engineer Robert Chankalian said.
