FENWICK ISLAND, Del. - For property owners on the bayside of Fenwick Island, flooding has become a recurring challenge. Jack Snowden, a longtime homeowner of over 20 years experienced it firsthand.Â
"We see 6-8 inch floods a few times a year," Snowdon explained. "It’s been getting worse over time. Occasionally, every other year, there were 1-inch floods. Within a couple of years, they became 2-inch floods, then several 4-inch floods."
Locals like Snowden are concerned about the long-term impact of stormwater, with many blaming both natural factors and human activity for the increasing water levels. In a meeting held on Friday, a working group discussed solutions to curb the rising stormwater levels.
One proposed solution was the construction of berms designed to better control and manage stormwater runoff. Berms are raised areas of earth that can direct water away from homes and streets, helping prevent the flooding seen on a regular basis.
Another topic of discussion was "RipRap," the loose rock placed along the shore to protect against erosion and keep water from spilling onto streets. The group explored the possibility of doubling up the RipRap by adding an additional layer on top of the existing structure to enhance its effectiveness in minimizing flooding.
In addition to structural solutions, the working group emphasized the need for funding from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to carry out demonstration projects.
These projects would test the effectiveness of proposed measures, like the berms and RipRap enhancements, if implemented. However, the group noted that despite requesting funds from DEMA in their last meeting, they have yet to receive a response.
For Snowden and many other local property owners, the battle against flooding is one that feels increasingly out of their hands.
"Sea level rise is no joke," Snowden said, pointing to the rising waters on his property. "I can see it right here, and in my opinion, we should be doing everything we can to combat the root causes of sea level rise."
As the town of Fenwick Island continues to grapple with the persistent threat of flooding, locals are hoping for more concrete solutions—and faster responses from state agencies—to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the shores of the bayside.