The good news is that no one was hurt. That sentiment is what we heard as we followed up with Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, Water and Sewer Superintendent Henri Renauld and homeowner Sue Linhares regarding the August 8 tornado.
That is not to say that the damage created by the EF-1 tornado wasn’t costly in terms of cleanup and small-structure damage. A quick glance down Eldorado Drive off of North Street confirmed that tree damage was significant, including damage to a Mattapoisett Highway Department truck. But “no significant harm” was sustained by residents or municipal employees.
Lorenco shared that he has been in conversations during an August 11 roundtable meeting with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Storm damage to Mattapoisett and other communities was the topic. He said some towns experienced flood damage. Storm damage funding is being sought. Lorenco said a very rough estimate of the financial impact is $160,000, but it might be slightly higher.
“We are waiting to see what insurance will cover,” said Lorenco, who could not speculate on costs associated with tree removal but said that overtime costs from the Highway, Police and Fire Departments would not be sizeable.
Renauld estimates Water Department damage at about $100,000 to the Tinkham freshwater station. He confirmed that a Water Department employee sought cover inside the treatment building as the tornado approached. Downed trees caused a bit of a challenge in freeing him from the building but, again, “no one was seriously injured.”
As cleanup continues, Lorenco put out a statement on Monday: “After hearing from several concerned residents, the Town will be doing pickups of tree trimmings, branches and logs … from those residents affected by the tornado.” He went on to say that roads included are Tinkham Lane, Hereford Hill, Stoney Hill Road, North Street and Eldorado Drive. All cuttings should be brought to the edge of the roadway so equipment can pick it up. Questions should be directed to the Highway Department at 508-758-4100.
Board of Health Director Gail Joseph stated that there is no charge to residents if the Highway Department removes storm debris as noted in Lorenco’s message to the public. “We charge private contractors working for residents; it’s part of their contract with their customer. The town has to pay to remove storm debris from the Transfer Station; it’s only fair that contractors pay for what they dump. That’s our policy.”
One impacted resident noted that her family will have firewood for many decades to come. “We are slowly reclaiming our property,” said Sue Linhares, whose home was miraculously spared any damage. “It came within 100 feet of my house. … The blessing is no one was hurt.”
By Marilou Newell