Housatonic River Debris Unprecedented and Dangerous

 Stratford officials are reporting unprecedented amounts of debris have been flowing down the Housatonic River from upstate Connecticut in the aftermath of two heavy rainstorms and continued runoff from very heavy snow this past winter, littering Stratford’s shoreline along the river, damaging piers and moorings, and causing dangerous conditions for boaters.

With more heavy rain starting Thursday night into Friday, the Housatonic River is already above flood stage at the Stevenson Dam in Monroe, about eight miles upriver from Stratford. The National Weather Service has reported that a flood warning continues for the Housatonic River at the dam, where at 7 a.m. this morning the river was at 13.5 feet when the official flood stage is 11 feet. 

The river is forecast to continue rising to near 15.5 feet by 1 p.m. Friday, a level where numerous homes in the low-lying Maples section of Shelton will be affected. 

While no homes in Stratford along the river are expected to be affected, boaters are being told to stay out of the water, especially in areas like the Housatonic River. 

At Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Waterfront & Harbor Management Commission, officials discussed the unprecedented amount of debris coming down the river from up north, including building debris, trees and tree stumps and all manner of loose materials, much of which is being washed ashore in both Stratford and Milford. 

Meanwhile, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Thursday warned boaters of potential dangerous conditions since many of Connecticut’s waterways remain at or above flood stage.   “The characteristics of the waterways can change dramatically and become extremely dangerous during flooding conditions, even for experienced boaters or paddlers,” a DEP statement said.  

“As a precaution, boaters should not enter waters where the conditions are above a person’s skill level.  Doing so may put your life in danger as well as risking the lives of those who may need to rescue you.

“During flooding conditions, do not go boating in areas not commonly considered boating waters.  These alternate waters may contain underwater hazards and/or dangerous currents.   If for some reason you must enter flood waters, inform someone before you go and wear a life jacket at all times.”