City staff will begin inspecting above-ground drainage swales on private property starting the week of September 16, 2013 in preparation for the coming winter. Effected property owners were recently notified of the upcoming inspections by mail.
The City’s storm drain system is comprised of a network of private, public, above and below ground drainage that eventually flows into the ocean. During high rain events City staff are required to respond at all hours to clear clogged drains. Items such as Christmas trees, tarps, basketballs, yard clippings and trash bags have been removed from the system. Monitoring and responding to these problems is an additional expense which the City would like to minimize.
The goal is to reduce the major source of obstructions...backyard debris that enters into downstream storm conveyances. The focus will be on inspecting significant above ground storm conveyances on private property that are not maintained by the City and improving public awareness of preventable and unnecessary problems caused by yard waste, clippings, and trash that end up in the City’s storm drain system.
Building Official LauraLee Snook and Public Works Supervisor Richard Christensen will be leading the inspections. Questions concerning the inspections should be directed to Ms. Snook at (541) 469-1131.