Pequannock official asks Gov. Christie to release reservoir water before Hurricane Irene strikes

Jerry McCrea/The Star-LedgerThe parking lot of a strip mall on Route 23 in Pequannock is flooded following a March storm.The township is asking Gov. Chris Christie to release water from reservoirs in advance of Hurricane Irene

PEQUANNOCK — Pequannock officials have asked the state to reduce reservoir levels in advance of Hurricane Irene, which is predicted to hit New Jersey some time on Sunday.

David Hollberg wrote a letter to Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday explaining that “the reservoirs that serve northern New Jersey are unusually high for this time of year.”

Hollberg pointed out that this could increase the risk of flooding.

Township officials said they have not yet heard a response from the governor’s office.

Hollberg also asked for the Pompton Lakes gates to be gradually opened.

“This is a affirmative action that you can take to minimize the financial and emotional impacts of repetitive flooding to our residents, businesses and local government.,” Hollberg wrote.