Hurricane Bob wreaked havoc when it made landfall almost 25 years ago. As the town that sustained the most property damage on the South Coast, many Mattapoisett residents haven’t quite forgotten Bob, and a new project will help them pool their memories while also giving the town information to limit the impact if and when the next storm strikes.

Through the spring and summer, the town will collect photos showing the damage and flooding from the Aug. 1991 storm, stories from those who lived through it as well as information about other extreme weather events that have hit Mattapoisett’s shores.

“Hopefully it will jog people’s memories that this is something that we can’t forget about, and we’ve got to always be vigilant and plan accordingly,” said Town Administrator Mike Gagne.

The Environmental Protection Agency initiated the project in conjunction with its research and development office, which specializes in drinking water and climate change. The exact scope of the initiative was determined after meeting with multiple town departments and stakeholders, including the library, water and sewer, conservation, police, Council on Aging, school officials and the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

The Mattapoisett Library is a hub for information about the hurricane as well as other extreme weather events that people want to talk about.

“We’re looking at it from different points of view,” said Library Director Susan Pizzolato. “Did they have to evacuate? Where did they go? If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently?”

The library staff can scan pictures and collect stories. An environmental club at the high school that was already studying extreme weather will interview residents as will ORCTV.

Once all the information is collected it will be preserved as local history and used to improve the town’s response to the next storm.

One important piece of the puzzle will be recording the flood levels sustained throughout town, through photos and anecdotes.

“During a flood you might have well water contaminated by saltwater if you’re not prepared. Freshwater sources can be compromised as well as damage to buildings and erosion,” Pizzolato said.

She also said knowing where the worst flooding was could help protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

Additionally, the information will be helpful as the town completes its Flood Hazard Mitigation Analysis, which will allow the town to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants to address “vulnerable resources” such as drinking water, sewer systems and low lying areas, said Gagne.

After looking at revised flood plain maps and regulations, Gagne said, “It became quite apparent that we needed to develop safety and education for, if and when the date comes.”

The public will have access to the study by way of the photos, histories and interactive maps that will compare climate models from the EPA with the information from the community, said EPA Drinking Water Specialist Jeri Weiss.

There will also be visuals around town to inform and remind residents, many of whom were not present during Bob, of the storm’s impact. A Mattapoisett Eagle Scout candidate will put bands on telephone poles to show the floodwater levels. There will also be Picture Post platforms posted in town. With the posts, one can take photos from the exact same spot using multiple angles and upload them to the University of New Hampshire’s Picture Post network to monitor changes in the environment over time.

“It’s a great thing for the future,” Weiss said.

She said the project will be wrapped up by the fall and compiled for a presentation to the community. The town will also incorporate the information into its safety and emergency response information.

“[We’re] making sure citizens are safe and that we have the best ways to communicate with citizens about what may be coming and what they can do,” Pizzolato said. “I think it will help us enhance our ability to respond to emergencies.”

Anyone with information, stories and photos to share may stop by the Mattapoisett Library or visit Melodye Pacheco at the Town Hall. Emails and mail are also accepted via spizzolo@sailsinc.org and Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Attn: Susan Pizzolato, P. O. Box 475, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

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