TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—311 MONROE STREET SOUTH ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916

Contact: Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

High Water Report In Alderson - 2-16-2025 Mayor Copenhaver As most are aware, our crest changed from 15’ to 16.5” on Monday. When we were brief in person yesterday there was a lot of concern about the rain and conditions it caused. Out of an abundance of caution we are saying prepare for 17.5-18’ crest. That would put the river out of the banks in town at the old Ashland station and flow back into the low lying area behind there. Over the past two weeks we have had over 5” of rain. Our wastewater treatment team has had to overcome all kinds of issues during this past week. They have done amazing work through the night many nights to keep the system functioning. The wastewater system is operating at 100% capacity. As some are aware, there are drains (Walnut and the top of Lee street) that are not functing well with the copious amounts of water. We attempted to tie those in after the 2016 flood and it was denied. We wrote a grant after that and it was not funded. The estimate to fix these two drains was over $160,000 four years ago. We believe with current costs that would now be $200-250,000. They are crushed clay pipe. There is nothing to clean. We have used high strength vacuum trucks from MPW and can only go so far in the lines. There is a private drain on the cedars property and on the edge of Chestnut and Chase that will also take lots of money to not only fix but tie into the system, as they are not now. Further, there is an issue on Webster street that we attempted to tie into the FEMA projects. They were denied as well. Every old house in lower Alderson has a sump pump and leaky foundations. Now they are surfacing. If you have a drain in your basement tied to a line that is letting water come into your basement, it should have been disconnected already in the old sewer project from the 1990’s. Our crews have been working almost around the clock on many many issues. We have shelter material for 100 individuals if necessary. We have meals for 350 if necessary. We have supplies for cleaning for 100 homes. We have Dollar General special orders for cleaning supplies and bottled water if necessary. Our water treatment team has sealed the clear well at the plant to keep floodwater from the system. The prison has modified their pull for water and has brought in porta potties and is ready to institute their water conservation plan. Our fire departments have 35 staff on standby and at the ready. The chiefs of all departments in the municipality have been brief and plans are in place when and if necessary. All city staff is on standby. All generators are topped off and ready for action after being tested. There is way more than most can fathom for these types of events. We have amazing teams in place. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT STAFF DIRECTLY FOR REPORTS. WE ARE ALL EXTREMELY BUSY. We will update as further information is available. Mayor Copenhaver