Byram River Levee Maintenance

What is a Levee?

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a levee as a “man-made structure, usually, an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.” 

Where is the Byram River Levee?

The Byram River levee is located just north of Comly Avenue to just south of Rex Street (on the east side) and Upland Street East (on the west side).

History of the Byram River Levee

This critical infrastructure was designed and constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to help mitigate flooding in the Pemberwick area caused by the Byram River. The levee design water discharge for the Byram River is 4,300 cubic feet per second (cfs). Levee construction was completed in September of 1960 and required property taking to complete the project.   

Levee Inspections and Maintenance

The levee is inspected yearly by the United States Army Corps of Engineers but is maintained by the Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works. Levees require routine maintenance to help prevent failure from occurring. During the inspection, the United States Army Corps of Engineers flags any obstruction within 15 feet of the levee. 

Levee Safety is a Shared Responsibility

It is imperative that the Byram River levee is clear and free of any physical objects, debris, and vegetation so that the levee can operate as designed in the event of a major flood. 

Property owners bordering the Byram River levee should check to ensure that there are no obstructions within 15 feet of the Byram River levee. This includes fences, sheds, patios, lawn benches, picnic tables, and trees. Any obstructions found during the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ yearly levee inspection will be flagged and reported to the Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works. Property owners will be contacted by the Department of Public Works to rectify this issue.  

Contact

Gabriella M. Circosta Cohee, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
DPW – Engineering Division
E-Mail: gcohee@greenwichct.org
Phone: 203-861-3151