Extreme weather has continued in Greenbelt over the last week. On Thursday, July 17, an excessive heat warning was issued for our area and the city advised residents of the availability of cooling centers at the Library, Community Center, Municipal Building, Youth Center and Police Station. Then, two days later the city was under a flash flood watch. On Saturday, July 19, more than two inches of rain fell rapidly in Greenbelt, and flooding occurred around the city, including Braden Field and the tennis courts.
Impact on Greenbelt Lake
The repository for much of the deluge was Greenbelt Lake, where water cascaded in from Braden Field and over the culverts and forebay area at the south end of the lake. There, close to Charlestowne North and Lakecrest Drive, water engulfed the area where sediment is supposed to be filtered out, and rushed over the path. Public Information Officer Chondria Andrews said that city staff noticed storm damage at the forebay/cove area, including soil erosion.
In response to questions from the News Review, Director of Planning and Community Development Terri Hruby said the construction site at 7010 Greenbelt Road has a Prince George’s County approved erosion and sediment control plan that complies with state and county requirements. “An inspection of the site on Sunday found the required erosion and sediment control measures (i.e., sediment trap, diversion dikes and berms, and silt and super silt fence) to be functioning as designed and the site was found to be in compliance with the approved grading, erosion and sediment control plans,” reported Hruby.
The Department of Public Works responded to a tree emergency at the lake where a large tree fell across the path and into the water during the storm. They were able to clear the path so that it was walkable by Sunday morning.
Other Storm Damage
Public Works also responded to a tree emergency on Mandan Road.
However, Hruby said Public Works did not receive any calls regarding flooding following Saturday’s storm. The bottom apartments at Parke Crescent, which saw dramatic flooding two years ago, continue to be unoccupied.
Some residents complained online and to neighbors of flooded basements.
In neighboring Berwyn Heights, city officials estimate 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in just over an hour on Saturday, which led to flooded roadways and surfaces and the need for “minor water rescues.” Those rescues were carried out by the Berwyn Heights fire department, even as they dealt with flooding at their own firehouse.
