FirstLight Statement on Debris Removal Efforts Following Sunday’s Extreme Rainfall and Flooding
Following the extreme rainfall event and associated flooding that impacted Southwestern Connecticut and the Lower Housatonic River area on Sunday, August 18th, both man-made and natural debris made its way downstream and collected above the Stevenson Dam. Starting Thursday, August 22nd, FirstLight will begin a phased effort to safely address the debris field.
Smaller woody debris that made it past the boat barrier will be sent over the Stevenson Dam in the coming days, beginning Thursday. Where it is safe to do so, FirstLight will remove large man-made and woody debris from Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar, and in coordination with the Town of Monroe, FirstLight will stockpile the recovered man-made debris like docks and water vessels at the former Monroe Town Beach just upstream of the Monroe Boat Launch. Affected residents will then be able to recover their belongings from that area.
Those who recreate on Lake Housatonic, Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah should exercise extreme caution in the days and weeks ahead as debris makes its way downstream.