Is Your Town Prepared? Shocking Study Reveals How 75% of Culverts Could Fail in Climate Crisis!

In a proactive move to combat the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, has joined forces with four neighboring towns—Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, and Shutesbury—to assess the extensive network of over 1,000 culverts within the Fort River watershed. This initiative is backed by a substantial $616,000 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant awarded to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

During a recent community forum held at Town Hall, Liam Gude, Senior Environmental Scientist at PVPC, outlined the urgent need for this study by highlighting predicted temperature increases in the Pioneer Valley. Currently, the average temperature is around 42 degrees Fahrenheit, projected to rise to 48 degrees by 2030 and 52.5 degrees by 2050. As Gude explained, the number of days exceeding 90 degrees is expected to soar from four annually to nine by 2030, and potentially to 21 by 2050. These rising temperatures will likely lead to increased rainfall and severe storms, heightening the risk of flooding and property damage.

Amherst is home to approximately 600 culverts, many of which are in disrepair. Culverts serve a critical role in flood protection by channeling water into streams and rivers, while also mitigating erosion and enhancing habitats for local wildlife, including fish, amphibians, and turtles. The town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Scientist, Beth Willson, pointed out that addressing these infrastructure issues is vital for maintaining ecological balance and protecting community safety.

To expedite the assessment process, PVPC has partnered with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and other local organizations to train up to eight young people to survey culverts across the four towns this summer. Belchertown has already completed its survey, and two training sessions are scheduled for May and June. Gude noted that evaluating each culvert typically takes about 15 minutes, emphasizing a thorough approach to inspection.

Upon completion of the survey, PVPC plans to create a priority list identifying culverts most in need of repair or replacement. This proactive strategy aims to prevent “blowouts,” which can be significantly more costly than preventive repairs. Additionally, designs for the replacement of the most at-risk culverts will be developed, enabling quick action when grant funding becomes available.

In a related discussion, Jeremy Barker Plotkin, a former owner of Simple Gifts Farm, suggested that local farmers could be valuable partners in this initiative by conducting their own inventories of culverts on their properties. He pointed out that federal and state funds are available for repairs, which could help streamline the process.

The forum also featured an interactive component, where attendees marked up a town map, noting culverts requiring immediate attention and identifying areas prone to flooding or recurrent potholes. Amherst is currently seeking funding to replace six specific culverts in the upcoming year, including those located on Potwine near Plum Brook and West Pomeroy Lane near Hickory Ridge.

In a significant related action, the Amherst Finance Committee unanimously recommended the purchase of a 54-acre property owned by the Aaron family near Route 202 in Pelham. This undeveloped land is adjacent to existing watershed protection land and is critical for preserving the quality of Amherst’s drinking water. DPW plans to maintain the property in its natural state, allowing for passive recreation while preventing activities that could threaten water quality.

Although the property is appraised at $355,000, two grants will cover all but $55,000 of the purchase price. The town has received $213,000 from the Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program and $90,800 from the Catalyst Fund of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The remaining funds will be sourced from the Water Fund retained earnings, ensuring no new debt for the town. While Amherst will incur property taxes to Pelham, the cost is minimal due to the land’s protected status.

A public forum regarding the property purchase is scheduled for March 23 before the Town Council meeting, where a vote on the acquisition is expected. This initiative not only underscores the commitment of the Amherst community to environmental stewardship but also highlights the vital intersection of infrastructure improvement and conservation in the face of climate change.