Climate Change in Montclair

 

Local Briefing - Montclair News 

How Ready is Montclair for Climate Change?

Montclair is taking proactive steps to address the looming impacts of climate change, including intensified flooding and heatwaves. Through a state-backed grant and the expertise of Colliers Engineering and Design, the township is developing a climate resilience plan. But how prepared is Montclair, and what does this mean for residents’ future?

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Montclair’s Climate and Environmental History

Temperature Records: Montclair’s highest recorded temperature was 105°F in the summer of 1954, while its coldest was -12°F during the winter of 1934. The average annual temperature is a moderate 55°F, though recent years have shown noticeable warming trends.

Precipitation Patterns: Montclair receives an average of 47 inches of rain annually, with the wettest month typically being July. However, extreme weather events, such as the August 2024 flooding on Pine Street, highlight the growing unpredictability of precipitation.

Snowfall Extremes: The town averages 26 inches of snow per year, but record-setting storms, like the 30-inch blizzard of January 1996, underline the potential for climate-driven extremes.

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Flood-Prone Areas in Montclair

Flooding is a growing concern for Montclair, with certain streets and neighborhoods consistently impacted during heavy rains. Some of the most flood-prone areas include:

Pine Street: Known for significant flooding during storms, such as the August 2024 event.

Valley Road: Low-lying sections near the Third River have a history of water pooling during heavy rainfall.

Orange Road: Areas near the township’s southern border often experience flash flooding during intense storms.

Bloomfield Avenue: While primarily a business corridor, poor drainage in specific sections can lead to standing water during prolonged rain.

Claremont Avenue: Parts of this residential street have struggled with runoff issues, exacerbating local flooding.

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When Montclair Shook: Earthquakes in 2011 and 2024

The 2011 Virginia Earthquake: On August 23, 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia caused light shaking in Montclair. Residents reported feeling tremors, rattling windows, and minor disruptions.

The 2024 Washington, NJ Earthquake: More recently, on June 13, 2024, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Washington, NJ, and was faintly felt in Montclair. While minor, this event marked the second noticeable earthquake in the region within 15 years.

Are Earthquakes Becoming More Frequent?

Though New Jersey isn’t traditionally known for seismic activity, these two events raise questions about whether small earthquakes might become more common in the area. Experts suggest that as tectonic stresses shift, even regions with historically low seismic risk may experience increased activity, though further research is needed to confirm trends.

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What’s at Stake?

Flooding Risks: Increased precipitation and storm intensity threaten low-lying areas and water systems like the Third River. Upgraded stormwater systems, zoning regulations for impervious surfaces, and green infrastructure are potential solutions under consideration.

Intensified Heatwaves: Montclair is also grappling with urban heat island effects, which worsen during summer months. The township highlights the need for energy resilience, sustainable transportation, and building regulations to mitigate these risks. Montclair is uniquely positioned between two mountain ridges—First Watchung Mountain to the west and Second Watchung Mountain to the east. This geographic location creates a natural "bowl" effect. During the summer months, heat from the sun reflects off these ridges, trapping warmth in the valley. As a result, Montclair can experience temperatures that are a few degrees higher than surrounding towns. This phenomenon contributes to the urban heat island effect, where built-up areas retain more heat, making the township hotter and more susceptible to heatwaves.

Flooding: Prepare, Don’t Prevent

While residents cannot stop heavy rainfall or overflowing waterways, they can focus on preparation:

• Floodproofing Homes: Install sump pumps, elevate electrical systems, and use flood-resistant materials in basements.

• Emergency Kits: Keep essentials like water, food, flashlights, and batteries ready in case of power outages or evacuations.

• Community Awareness: Stay informed about local flood-prone areas, emergency routes, and township alerts.

• Support Green Infrastructure: Advocate for rain gardens, permeable pavements, and better stormwater management systems to help reduce flooding impacts.

Heat: Reduce Strain on the System

During heatwaves, reducing electricity usage is key to avoiding grid overloads:

• Energy Conservation: Use energy-efficient appliances, keep thermostats at a moderate setting, and unplug devices not in use.

• Community Cooling: Encourage neighborhood cooling centers or shared resources to ease individual air conditioning demand.

• Shade and Insulation: Plant trees, use blinds, and improve home insulation to naturally reduce indoor temperatures.

• Transportation Alternatives: Opt for walking or cycling during cooler parts of the day to reduce reliance on cars and public transport systems.

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The Township’s Response

Montclair’s Sustainability Office, led by Lisa Johnson, is spearheading efforts to incorporate climate change into zoning, redevelopment, housing, and open space planning. The ultimate goal? Ensuring today’s investments can withstand tomorrow’s conditions.

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Acorn of the Day

From earthquakes to flooding, Montclair residents must prepare for the unexpected. Proactive planning, community collaboration, and a focus on sustainability will be key to navigating an increasingly unpredictable future.

By James Dargan, The Daily Squirrel

Reporting supported by ChatGPT’s research and editorial insights.

For Inquiries, thedailysquirrelnews@gmail.com