Expert Says Land Development Makes Flooding Conditions Worse
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Delaware Valley has seen more than 25 inches of rain in the past month, which has caused major flooding for communities throughout the region. A local expert explains why our area seems to be ripe for floods.
Dr. Jeffrey Featherstone is Director of the Center for Sustainable Communities at Temple University. He says the region's record rain fall created perfect flood conditions.
"The ground is saturated and whenever it rains it's converted into runoff in our streams."
Featherstone says a big problem is grounds that use to absorb the water, now simply cause run-off.
"What used to be farm land and open space is concrete. And so when it rains, we get more run off and more floods."
Featherstone says one of the ways municipalities can reduce flooding is to build storm water facilities that not only detain the water, but also reduce it. Another way is to plant more trees.
Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio
