Flash Flooding Devastates Ohio County

Junior Avenue Open In Elm Grove Following Flood, But Environmental Concerns Remain

By Joselyn King 1 min read
Photo by Joselyn King Ohio County Sheriff Chief Deputy Kent Lewis, left, Wheeling Assistant Fire Chief Deric Jamison address the media Tuesday afternoon for a flood recovery update.

WHEELING - Vehicles lodged in the water under the bridge at Junior Avenue have all been removed, and the span is open, according to city officials.

But a strong stench of chemicals and concerns about environmental impact remain, it was said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

"The DEP has been working with us, that would be a question for them," said Assistant Fire Chief Deric Jamison. "We are aware that there are chemicals and spills that have gone into the water.

That is one of the reasons why the debris can't be directly taken to the landfill, he continued.

"It has to be separated and properly disposed of," Jamison said. "The DEP will be actively involved in that."

The State Department of Natural Resources also will be consulted, added Ohio County Chief Deputy Kent Lewis.

Debris from the flood is being taken to the county's recycling center at The Highlands.

"There will be an inspector there, and they take everything and separate it," Lewis added. ""Sometimes they have a refrigerator or a stove, and all those things have to be separated."

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