More Rain, Not Dams, Causing NJ Flooding, Says Reports

A new report says a much-criticized dam and floodgate system in northern New Jersey isn't responsible for massive flooding that has occurred downstream over the last two years.

The nearly 600-page report found that the Pompton Lakes Dam floodgates worked correctly during Tropical Storm Irene last August and during flooding in March 2010 and March 2011. The report blames a significant increase in rain.

Communities south of the dam suffered extensive flood damage. Residents have criticized the floodgates system, saying it protects towns to the north while ensuring flooding downstream.

State Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Martin is meeting Thursday with about two dozen mayors of flood-affected towns to discuss the report and a program that will use more than $120 million to buy out 541 properties in flood areas.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)