Transcript:
When it rained in Newton, Massachusetts, the water washed away the road, down the asphalt ditch, and into Cheesecake Brook – a creek that was transformed years ago into a narrow channel lined with masonry walls.
During the pouring rain, the stream has more water than it can hold.
Rome: “Basically, we designed a system that was set up almost perfectly to cause flooding.”
Max Rome works with the nonprofit Charles River Platershed Association.
As climate change causes downpours, Brooke is more likely to flood nearby roads and yards.
Therefore, the Rome team is working with Newton to restore part of Brooke and reduce these risks.
Instead of sending the rain to the stream, they transferred it to underground tanks. Then, the rain will be able to slowly drip from the gravel tank into the ground.
They also removed Brook's masonry walls and planted local vegetation along the river bank, which would help slow and filter runoff.
Rome: “There will be a lot of really beautiful plants, a lot of flowers, and interesting species will attract pollinators, attract birds.”
Therefore, the project will benefit wildlife and help prevent flooding.
Report Credit: Ethan Freedman/Chavobart Digital Media
