BARNSDALL — While rebuilding for much of the community is underway, at least one part of it devastated by this spring’s EF-4 tornado is facing a longer wait. The storm of May 6, which left two dead, destroyed about 80 homes in Barnsdall and significantly damaged another 100. Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley said that a moratorium on rebuilding is in effect for property owners near Bird Creek on the town’s eastern edge.
Storm debris that collected in the creek must be removed before rebuilding can go forward, but before that can happen, federal rules require that the creek area undergo archaeological testing first to prevent the harming of possible historical or cultural resources. “We’re still waiting on the go-ahead,” Kelley said, adding that he’s in contact with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Program, and is awaiting word from them that would allow testing to proceed. People are also reading.
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Kelley said the city is currently working to identify an archaeologist who can perform the test, so they’re ready to go when the green light is given. “I’m trying to be proactive,” Kelley added. “I’m very hopeful that we can get this done soon.
Winter is coming.” Kelley said the creek — the banks of which are piled high with storm debris — is a headache in its own right, and will require the use of an excavator. “It’s a mess and a health hazard,” he said.
“We really need to get in there and clean it out. And this fall is our rainy season, so that won’t be helpful to the process. “It’s frustrating.
But I’ve got to abide by their (federal) rules.” In a statement, FEMA Region 6 officials said the testing, known as a cultural resources survey, is required to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act. “The CRS is required due to the method that will be used to remove debris from the creek and the likelihood for ground disturbance due to the steepness of the bank’s slope which limits accessibility to the creek and because there are known sensitive archeological sites present in proximity to Bird Creek,” officials said.
The situation forced the city to recently extend the moratorium on rebuilding, Kelley said. It runs through Dec. 5.
In other tornado recovery-related news, the community is still absorbing the shock that its largest employer will be permanently closing. NuCera Solutions plant, which was severely damaged by the tornado, announced in late July that it would have to close as a result. Company officials said the plant will be phased out over the next six to 12 months Kelley said the facility employs around 66, about half of whom are Barnsdall residents.
“The town doesn’t receive any tax revenue from (the plant), but it’s a terrible blow,” he said..
