City officials will begin inspections of above-ground drainage swales on private property starting the week of September 16, 2013.
Flooding and drainage obstructions from last year’s storm events have prompted City officials to inspect all significant above ground private drainage before winter. The goal is to reduce loose backyard debris from entering into downstream storm conveyances and causing obstructions. The inspection will focus on significant above ground storm conveyances on private property that are not maintained by the City.
“We experienced very heavy rains and flooding last November which were exacerbated by back yard debris clogging public and private storm drains,” said Public Works/Development Services Director Loree Pryce. “These inspections serve as a public awareness outreach for the preventable and unnecessary problem of yard waste, clippings, and trash clogging the City’s storm drain system.”
The City’s storm drain system is comprised of a network of private and public drainage as well as above ground and below ground drainage which eventually drains to the ocean. During high rain events, City employees respond at all hours to clear clogged drains. Items such as Christmas trees, basketballs, yard clippings and trash have been removed. “This causes extra expense for the City to monitor and respond to obstructions, increases the risk of localized flooding and is not an environmentally friendly situation considering this trash and debris can drain into our coastal ecosystem.” Pryce said.
Property owners were recently notified by mail of the upcoming inspections. “The City is asking for property owner cooperation in reducing the risk of winter flooding incidents,” said Building Official LauraLee Snook. Snook and Public Works Supervisor Richard Christensen will be leading the inspections. Questions concerning this inspection should be directed to Snook at (541) 469-1131.