Vermont officials will be assessing the damage from the Lake Champlain flood for weeks to come. Though the big lake’s water level is slowly receding, the Vermont Division of Emergency Management is still taking calls from residents reporting damage to their homes, businesses, farms and summer camps. So far, 400 Vermonters have phoned for assistance.
The Lake Champlain flood is a 500-year event, and it is the largest recorded flood in the state’s history. On Tuesday morning, the lake was at 102.5 feet — not down much from last Thursday’s reading of 102.7.
The end of this year’s wet spring is far from over with four of the next five days scheduled for rain and thunderstorms in the Lake Champlain area, according to weather.com.
Beginning on May 23, heavy winds began to create dangerous waves.
“The wave action has really done a number on the causeways,” Alec Portalupi of the operations division in the agency of transportation said.
Officials expect that debris will be one of people’s main concerns as the water level decreases. Debris can be a concern during a flood because floating objects can damage property and in the aftermath of the flood can leave a trail of pollution and litter.
“Debris removal will probably be the worst widespread problem for people because it’s always left behind after flooding,” said VEMA Public Information Spokesman Mark Bosma.
Because the flooding isn’t over, the cost of covering all the different damages caused by the lake is unclear. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a section of the U.S. Department Homeland Security, which deals with disaster relief of all kinds, has taken a preliminary estimate of damages of eight counties in the Lake Champlain area. FEMA’s total was approximately $3.9 million but Portalupi reckons that the cost will rise.
“We know it will be much higher than that,” Portalupi said. “When FEMA comes back we could be upward of $6 million.”
Although FEMA’s estimation covered eight counties — Addison, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington — examinations of damages in some towns were skipped over. Also, Windham County will most likely be added to the final estimate as additional damages are being reported, Portalupi said.
FEMA covers costs for public parks, recreation facilities, private and non-profit organizations. The Federal-aid Highway Emergency Relief Program will also assist with flood-damage costs to roads.
Adequate financing is a concern for farmers who are finding the conditions too wet even to get their crops into the soil or equipment onto their fields.
“Vermont farmers are weeks behind in getting their crops in the ground,” communications director of the Agriculture Agency Kelly Loftus said.
According to Loftus the areas in which farmers are experiencing the most trouble are Franklin County, Grand Isle County and the Connecticut Valley. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local farm service agent for assistance if having trouble with the wet spring.
“This has definitely had financial and emotional impacts on the farmer community of Vermont.” Loftus said.
The Department of Health released an advisory report last Thursday warning residents and camp owners in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle to take certain precautions to prevent illness. Residents are advised to be aware of well water, mold and electrical systems that have been exposed to flood water.
“Well water may not be safe to drink, prepare food with, clean with, or bathe in after a flood, as it may be contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, sewage, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other harmful substances,” the report stated.
Mike O’Neil of Vermont Division of Emergency Management, said he is focused on helping Vermonters in the near term so that funds for damages can be distributed to help people get their lives in order.
“Right now we’re just trying to reach out to help the individuals this is affecting because that’s why we’re here.” O’Neil said.
