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PUC describes record storm impacts, urges residents to clear leaves and reports sandbag and emergency center deployments
Summary
Wastewater Assistant GM Tommy Wall said the recent storm produced record system strains, with pump stations at capacity and many localized floods driven by clogged catch basins; PUC and DPW will continue cleanup, deploy sandbags, and staff an Emergency Response Center.
Tommy Wall, Assistant General Manager for the Wastewater Enterprise, briefed the Commission on significant storm impacts and on preparations for an expected follow‑on storm.
Wall described six days of heavy storms and said several system components—pump stations and treatment plants—were at capacity for more than 48 hours. The enterprise tracked more than 800 calls during the event and completed roughly 400 catch‑basin cleanings during peak days. Wall said some of the most severe local flooding was caused by clogged catch basins and urged residents to remove leaves and debris from sidewalks to prevent blockages.
He summarized field impacts with photographs, noting sinkhole damage and several residences affected by flooding. Staff have been deploying sandbags to flood‑prone areas and will staff an Emergency Response Center starting at 06:00 the morning of the next storm. Wall said the PUC coordinated public warnings via television, radio and social media to get the messaging out quickly.
On operational steps, Wall said the enterprise planned to increase staffing in trouble spots, continue catch‑basin clearing and coordinate with DPW, Fire and Emergency Management. He emphasized public safety reminders—do not drive into flooded areas—and encouraged residents to call 311 to report clogged basins unless the situation is life‑threatening (call 911).
