MIDDLESEX TWP — It might be winter, but flooding is still a discussion being had by local residents.

Middlesex Township supervisors at the Dec. 18 meeting heard from resident Mary Lou Tabisz about water affecting property along Denny Road near Blackberry Lane.

A creek near Denny Road has sustained significant erosion and flooding in the last few years, according to Tabisz.

“I've lived there for 38 years,” said Tabisz, who lives south of Denny Road. “And I know that during those years ... we've had some water issues. But nothing like we're experiencing now.”

Tabisz said she sees her neighbors' property flooding and attributes much of it to erosion in the creak bed.

Tabisz estimates the creek bed had a natural width of three feet that has expanded to five or six feet over three years.

“If we don't address it now, what's it going to be like in five years?” Tabisz asked.

She told supervisors sediment being washed downstream also was bad this year.

Tabisz indicated the excess water might be connected to newer land developments and retention ponds in the area of Blackberry Lane.

Retention ponds are designed to handle excess water.

Supervisors and township manager Travis Cavanaugh said retention ponds might need to be cleaned.

Township solicitor Michael Hnath said checking at the ponds would be the first step in seeing if they affect the creek bed.

“Look at the pond,” Hnath said. “It's the first time I'm hearing that there's a water issue on Denny Road. I haven't heard that before.”

Supervisor Chairman Michael Spreng agreed there was excessive flooding this year, specifically near North Trail.

“It came over North Trail this year,” Spreng said. “And it's never done that.”

Hnath added some developments around Denny Road went in before townships began asking for comprehensive stormwater plans.

“That's why the municipalities are (now) having stormwater management plans,” Hnath said. “We'll look at the stormwater pond over at Blackberry, but you have pretty — what I would consider — dense development over there.”

Tabisz said she understands the creek near Denny Road floods and has flooded for many years.

Still, she thinks the natural erosion process has been “sped-up” by developments upstream. She's concerned about how much more flooding occurs now.

“The group of us that are affected by it are getting together,” Tabisz said. “And as a group, looking into how much extra water is actually coming down.”

Township officials said they would review Blackberry Lane ponds.