Royal Oak Sewer Analysis Could Explain Flood Disparity

A sewer analysis is being done to determine why some areas of Royal Oak has flooding and others weren’t affected (Photo Courtesy of theRoyal Oak Facebook Page)

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Royal Oak is working with an outside engineering firm to determine why the Aug. 11 rain storm caused certain areas of the city to flood while other parts remained dry.

A sewer analysis was supposed to take place before the storm and the resulting nearly $120 million in damages, the Daily Tribune reports.

Although residents are working to restore their neighborhoods, they are asking for more transparency from city officials. Mayor Jim Ellison hopes that the sewer analysis will give them the answers they’re seeking.

“We’ll look at the study and decide where we go from there,”Ellison said. “This is the first time we have ever gone through flooding this big. We are reacting to the storm as best we can.”

More than five inches of rain fell in six hours on Aug.11, an event that occurs every 292 years according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“The city needs to put out some document to explain why only certain portions of Royal Oak were affected and others weren’t affected,” Kevin Riddle, a Royal Oak resident said.

Royal Oak’s drainage system is only equipped to handle 10-year rain storms and once the drains backed up with water there was no place for the water to go but into many residents’ basements.

“I know everyone wants answers and we’re going to try and get you some answers,” Ellison said.

Volunteers are assisting with cleanup efforts and helping elderly and disabled residents who need aid.

“We’re particularly concerned about the elderly,” Judy Davids, Royal Oak’s community engagement specialist said. “We ask residents to please check in on your neighbors. What we need in our community is eyes and ears.”

Due to the high volumes of trash, the city is two days behind with trash pickup, however, flood restoration crews are working to disinfect and dehumidify basements.

Multiple trash collection trucks will be picking up trash in as many Royal Oak neighborhoods as possible on Saturday.