B-5 Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Despite Pleasantville’s orientation to the waterfront, a large portion of land in the City’s Special Flood Hazard Area performs natural floodplain functions. Large portions of coastal Pleasantville are conservation lands, and many privately-owned vacant lands in the City’s flood zone are also in their natural state. Floodplains in a natural state provide important benefits, such as absorbing and detaining floodwaters, preventing damage from erosion, and providing natural habitat for sturdy landscape plants. In addition, natural floodplain features are often more effective in the long run for controlling flooding than artificial structures.

The natural functions of the floodplain are threatened not just by development, but also by human activities outside of the floodplain. Stormwater from the upland portion of Pleasantville drains to the waterways in the City. As a result, the City’s waterways and wetlands are vulnerable to various types of pollution that could impair their functions. Because Pleasantville’s water resources are so important for the City’s economy and recreation offerings, protecting the natural aspects of the City’s floodplain are especially important.

What Can You Do?

• If you’re improving your property, consider using rain gardens or using permeable surfaces and reduce the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs 
• Refrain from littering and dumping pet and yard waste into City drainpipes
• Safely dispose of hazardous materials and certified drop-off locations rather than down the drain