Tropical Storm Isaac Update #8
The following is the latest information from Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center as of 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28th, 2012:
· The Wellington Community Center, Wellington Aquatics Complex and the Village Park Gym will be open tomorrow during their normal operating hours. All fields and other parks remain closed until further notice.
· Village Hall will resume its regular services on Wednesday, August 29th during its normal operating hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
· Village of Wellington officials will meet with Governor Rick Scott at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 29th to discuss the flooding conditions in Wellington.
· All pump stations are running smoothly at maximum capacity in an effort to reduce floodwaters.
· Wellington has resumed its regular mosquito spraying efforts. A contractor will supplement spraying efforts beginning on Wednesday, August 29th.
· All public schools in Wellington will be open on Wednesday, August 29th.
· For the latest information, including road conditions and alternative route tools, residents are encouraged to visit Wellington’s website at www.wellingtonfl.gov and click the Emergency Management button on the home page
(http://wellingtonfl.gov/departments/public-works/emergency-operations-center.html).
Rainfall Comparisons:
· Wellington has received an estimated 14 to 18 inches of rain during the past three days.
· Typically, a 10-year flood in Wellington is 8 inches of rain; a 25-year flood is 10 inches of rain; and a 100-year flood is 12.5 inches of rain, so the rain Wellington received from Tropical Storm Isaac exceeds a 100-year flood.
· For historical reference, in September 2004, Wellington received 8.1 inches of rain over four days from Hurricane Frances and 5.8 inches of rain over three days from Hurricane Jeanne.
· In October 2005, Wellington received 2.2 inches of rain from Hurricane Wilma. In August 2008, Wellington received 7.9 inches of rain over five days from Tropical Storm Fay.
Flooding:
· Roadway flooding was widespread in the following neighborhoods and subdivisions: Aero Club, Binks Forest, Castellina, Lakefield, Meadow Wood, Oakmont Estates, Margate Place, portions of Olympia, and Palm Beach Polo.
· Public Works crews report that road flooding has decreased approximately 40% from its peak yesterday (August 27th). Wellington staff continues to work around the clock at all pump stations to discharge excess water at maximum levels.
· Residents can expect to see water level fluctuations as we move water from roadways out of our community.
Continued Efforts:
· The South Florida Water Management District is overseeing Wellington’s water discharges into the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and will continue to do so for the duration of this flooding emergency.
· Wellington’s surface water management is in compliance with the Everglades Forever Act, and the Village is in full compliance with the terms of its operating permit and emergency authorization.
· Wellington continues to encourage residents to avoid unnecessary driving. Drivers are encouraged to proceed with caution on all roads in Wellington and surrounding communities.
Utilities:
· Wellington’s drinking water is safe and meets water quality standards.
· No service interruptions are reported.
· Wellington’s water treatment capacity is sufficient to meet the demand, and Wellington has experienced no loss of service.
Water Treatment:
· Operations are normal at Wellington’s Water Treatment Plant, and one transfer pump is being repaired.
· The treatment capacity is sufficient to meet the demand, and Wellington has experienced no loss of service.
· Storage tanks currently have approximately 6 million gallons of water.
· Wellington is filling its tanks to maximum capacity in preparation for a raw water main repair scheduled for Wednesday, August 29th.
Wastewater Treatment:
· All wastewater treatment equipment is operational.
· Wellington continues to treat effluent to the required standards. Currently, the plant is operating at two times its normal production. However, it is still within its capacity levels.
Waste Pick-Up:
· Waste pick-up will continue as regularly scheduled. Route delays are anticipated
· Debris pick-up has resumed.
Agencies to Contact for Assistance:
· Wellington: (561) 791-4000
· Florida Power & Light: 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) or www.fpl.com on your mobile device.
· Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center: (561) 712-6400
· Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST or www.comcast.com
· Brighthouse Cable: www.brighthouse.com
· Palm Beach County School District: www.palmbeachschools.org.
Media Clarification:
· Contrary to some media reports, the Village of Wellington has not asked the Florida National Guard for assistance at this time.
· The National Guard has contacted Village officials to discuss current conditions, and any coordination will occur through Palm Beach County’s Emergency Operations Center.
Residents with any concerns can contact the Village of Wellington at (561) 791-4000. Up to date flooding and road usage information, including interactive maps and alternative route tools, are available at wellingtonfl.gov by selecting the Emergency Management button on the home page.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.