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Program for Public Information
Protect Natural Floodplain Functions
Despite Somers Point’s orientation to the waterfront, a large portion of land in the City’s Special Flood Hazard Area performs natural floodplain functions. In other words, much of the City’s shoreline along the Patcong Creek, Drag Channel, and Steelman Bay has been left in a natural state. Floodplains in a natural state provide important benefits, such as absorbing and detaining floodwaters, preventing damage from erosion, and providing natural habitat for sturdy landscape plants. In addition, natural floodplain features are often more effective in the long run for controlling flooding than artificial structures.
The natural functions of the floodplain are threatened not just by development, but also by human activities outside of the floodplain. Stormwater from the upland portion of Somers Point drains to the waterways in the City. As a result, the City’s waterways and wetlands are vulnerable to various types of pollution that could impair their functions. Because Somers Point’s water resources are so important for the City’s economy and recreation offerings, protecting the natural aspects of the City’s floodplain are especially important.
What Can You Do?
- If you’re improving your property, consider using rain gardens or using permeable surfaces and reduce the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs
- Refrain from littering and dumping pet and yard waste into City drainpipes
- Safely dispose of hazardous materials and certified drop-off locations rather than down the drain
- When boating or travelling in the City’s waterways, be mindful of No-Wake zones and landing watercraft on marsh grass
Click here for more information about stormwater provided by the Department of Public Works: http://www.somerspointgov.org/main/Public%20Works/PublicWorksStormwater.asp