Suffolk County announces plans to rebuild dam at Blydenburgh County Park

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is staying true to his promise.

In August, Romaine vowed to restore Stump Pond at Blydenburgh County Park after its dam and concrete bridge collapsed during a severe rainstorm. The collapse caused the 100-acre waterbody to drain, releasing millions of gallons of water into the Nissequogue River. The resulting floodwaters inundated roadways, including Jericho Turnpike, and impacted homes, schools, and businesses.

“We will restore Stump Pond,” said Romaine following the Aug. 19 storm. “Our commissioner of the Department of Public Works has already begun the process of fast-tracking repairs, and we have been in contact with the Department of Environmental Conservation on the project.”

Stump Pond, also referred to as Blydenburgh Lake, was originally dammed in 1798 to power a grist mill, according to Suffolk County Parks. In recent years, it has been a popular spot for recreational fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking along its 5.7-mile loop trail.

This was the scene following the storm:

Blydenburgh Park saw its Stump Pond emptied following a dam collapse after the severe rainstorm early Monday. pic.twitter.com/629UFDdMPM
— Greater Long Island 📰 (@Greater_LI) August 20, 2024

On Wednesday, Romaine announced that the Suffolk County Legislature has amended its 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets to allocate $6.6 million for reconstructing the New Mill Pond Dam spillway at Blydenburgh County Park.

“This project represents a critical investment in our parks and infrastructure,” said Romaine. “By acting now, we are ensuring our residents’ safety and preserving one of our county’s most cherished natural spaces.”

The budget allocates $600,000 for planning, with the remaining $6 million designated for dam construction. According to the county, the planning funds will be available immediately, while the construction funds will be deployed only after a review is completed in compliance with New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act.

“This reconstruction project will enhance the dam’s resilience, ensuring it can better withstand future severe weather while maintaining the safety and recreational value of Blydenburgh County Park,” the county said in a statement.

The budget amendment was proposed by Romaine and Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.

“Suffolk’s parks are an incredible asset, and the Legislature takes pride in their preservation and enhancement,” said McCaffrey. “We are pleased to work together with County Executive Romaine to maintain and improve the underlying infrastructure and natural resources for our residents.”

Stony Brook’s Mill Pond, which was also destroyed by the August rainstorm, is undergoing a similar restoration. According to Newsday, Brookhaven officials are working toward rebuilding the dam that collapsed there to restore the mill pond.