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POUND RIDGE, N.Y. In the wake of the severe rainstorms the area endured several weeks ago, the Pound Ridge Library basement flooded, which then prompted the installation of new drainage pipes along the buildings perimeter last week.
Library Director Marilyn Tinter said the reason the water was able to find its way into the basement during the storms is because the soil surrounding the building is not compact yet. Earlier this year, the library was forced to remove contaminated soil from the property after one of its furnace oil tanks leaked. Tinter said the replacement soil is still fairly lose, which allowed rain runoff to permeate it more easily.
It was a domino effect from the oil tank leaking, she said. We have two furnaces, one in the older part of the building and one in the newer part, which was actually built in 1972. It was actually the tank in the newer part that leaked. Then we replaced the contaminated soil. Then it rained and our basement flooded.
While having to add the drainage system to the library property was unexpected, there is still other work to be done to complete the contaminated soil removal project. During the removal, the librarys front walkway was destroyed and a transitory pathway made from rocks was created in its stead. Work on the new permanent walkway and lighting track will begin next week.
Plus, a new sprinkler system has to be put in, Tinter said. And the rest of the landscaping and planting should begin this fall.
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