Dewey Beach approves design resolution for Dickinson Avenue flood mitigation; engineers recommend maintainable vault and backwater valve

Dewey Beach commissioners adopted a resolution Aug. 15 to advance design work for a flood-mitigation project on Dickinson Avenue after engineers described a plan centered on a maintainable precast vault and backwater valve.

Bob Palmer of Beacon Engineering told the council that the existing outlet location beneath the baywalk and riprap is difficult to service and that past backwater valves on nearby pipes became blocked because crews could not access both sides for cleaning. “We looked at other areas ... to install a backwater valve so that … public works personnel could actually get into the vault and be able to clean the backwater valve, from both sides,” Palmer said.

Palmer said design-only work could potentially be done for under $15,000, but the estimate in the resolution spans a wide range because the project may require locating and, if necessary, relocating or protecting nearby water and fire-service mains; the final construction cost will depend on those findings. Commissioners debated whether adjacent businesses should be invited to contribute; several members noted that the street also provides access to residents of a nearby condominium building and did not support asking residents to pay.

Commissioner Persinger and others emphasized a phased approach: approve design work to define costs and potential grant matches, then discuss possible contributions. The council voted to adopt the posted resolution and move forward with design and due diligence so the town can pursue grants and a final construction plan.