FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Martino 516-497-4619
Press.office@suffolkcountyny.gov
HAPPAUGE, NY-- Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine today announced an update on the restoration of the dam at Stump Pond in Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown. The dam was destroyed by the August 2024 storms that caused havoc in many Suffolk County communities. The loss of the dam caused Stump Pond to drain completely.
“From the minute we lost this dam and the historic Stump Pond, I have remained committed to seeing the dam rebuilt and bringing back this storied body of water,” said Romaine. “Stump Pond is a centerpiece of this community and one of the jewels of the Suffolk County parks system.”
The county’s Department of Public Works, which will work with state and federal authorities to obtain permits and funding for the project, announced the following update:
Contracting and Engineering Progress
A contract has been signed for preliminary engineering services. In addition, a supplementary scope and fee has been submitted for further survey work and geotechnical borings. These tasks are already underway, with the contractor moving forward at risk while awaiting formal contract amendment.
Work Completed to Date
• Preliminary surveys and geotechnical borings have been completed.
• Data loggers have been installed to monitor tributary inflows.
• The watershed has been fully mapped to inform hydrologic modeling.
• A preliminary advisement meeting has been held with the NYSDEC Dam Safety Division.
Regulatory Permitting Requirements
The following permits and agency approvals are required to proceed with the project:
• NYSDEC Article 24 Freshwater Wetland & Tidal Wetland permits
• NYSDOS Consistency Concurrence
• SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) concurrence
• NYSDEC Dam Safety approval
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) permit
Upcoming Work
• Completion of additional survey and boring
• Watershed analysis
• Development of alternative design and selection of a preferred approach
• Completion of the Dam Safety Engineering Design Report
• Submission of permit applications based on selected design
• Finalization of bid-ready construction documents
“We have made tremendous progress with this project,” said Romaine. “I have directed officials in the DPW to move as quickly as possible so we may be able to begin the process of bringing pond back to the community.”
A webpage is being created on the county’s web site to allow the community to receive continual updates on the project.
“These things take time, but rest assured this is a priority for this administration,” said Romaine. “I am sure that we will one day welcome Stump Pond back to our community.”