SMS Group takes on storm water improvements to mitigate flooding
A technical services company on Manifold Road in South Strabane is planning to make stormwater system upgrades to try to mitigate flooding in the area.
According to township manager Brandon Stanick, the SMS Group, in the 700 block of Manifold Road, has experienced flooding in the past year, which has also affected homes across the street. As a means of mitigating future flooding, they want to invest in upgrades to the stormwater system in that area.
“They flood routinely,” Stanick said. “Stormwater on Manifold can be treacherous at times. This is a problem that’s never been addressed. Those homes on the other side are flooding because the stormwater system is inadequate.”
As Manifold Road is a state road, the township agreed last week to serve as an applicant for a highway occupancy permit so the SMS Group can accomplish the work along Manifold Road. Serving as the applicant will be contingent on the township and the SMS Group finalizing an agreement, to include a maintenance bond.
The company has partnered with Harshman Civil Engineering to oversee the project. Jessica Barringer, project engineer for Harshman, said the state Department of Transportation is not taking responsibility for the flooding on Manifold Road.
“There has been historic flooding on that road,” she said. “This company is trying to get something done on this road. They just want to see some results, not just for their company but for the neighborhood.”
Barringer said the upgrades will include putting in storm drainage parallel to the road and installing additional inlets and storm pipes. She said most of the work will be outside the state right of way. Stanick also said the company plans to put additional inlets on the other side of the road, to assist with the flooding on residential property.
After the upgrades are made, the township will assume ownership of the system and be responsible for maintenance once an agreement is finalized.
“If we can help out a local business and some residents, let’s do it,” Stanick said.
A spokesperson for SMS Group declined to comment Wednesday.