Council OKs clearing of trees from dam

The Town Council recently gave emergency authorization for the town to hire a private company to clear vegetation and large trees at the Simmons Lower Reservoir Dam in order to be in compliance with a mandate from the State Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Acting on the recommendation of Tom Deller, the town’s director of development and public works, the council voted unanimously at its April 14 meeting to award a contract not to exceed $50,000 to JR Vinagro Corp. of Johnston. 

In a memo to the council, Deller, who is also the town planner, explained that Johnston had been cited by the DEM in December for failure to maintain the dam by keeping it clear of vegetation. According to Deller, addressing the key issues cited by DEM would allow the town to avoid being fined, and he was therefore seeking emergency authorization for the tree removal work.

He said some initial work had been done by the town, but the size of the trees required a professional company. “Our crews have removed all small vegetation from the area but because it has been so long since any maintenance has been performed, the trees on the dam have a diameter of over 12 inches,” Deller wrote. “The size of these trees makes it impossible for our staff to remove the trees without putting themselves at risk.”

Deller said that in seeking proposals for the work, the town met with at least three tree and lumber companies, and Vinagro was the only firm to submit a proposal. He noted that the site presents a number of challenges, including the narrowness of the dam and the need to ensure that falling trees do not damage the structure.

According to information available online, both Lower and Upper Simmons reservoirs were built in the mid-1800s to provide water to the Cranston Print Works. Lower Simmons Reservoir covers approximately 45 acres and is located near the intersection of Route 14 and Interstate 295 in Johnston.

Both reservoirs were deeded to the town in the 1960s.

“The Town of Johnston is committed to maintaining the safety and integrity of important infrastructure,” Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. said this week. Regular tree and brush removal is critical to ensure the dam remains structurally sound and free of obstructions that could impact water flow or cause damage during storms. Keeping these areas clear helps protect surrounding neighborhoods, supports proper water management and preserves public safety.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding as this essential maintenance work is carried out,” Polisena said.