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Stiffer drainage rules studied
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 11/18/2009 |
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Should more detailed maps be required regarding drainage applications presented for Lake County's consideration?
That question was raised Tuesday as county commissioners discussed two new drainage applications. Donald Hansen was seeking approval to install tile on property he farms in Lakeview Township. The tile would replace existing ditches. John Ebsen requested approval to install a short distance of tile that would have an outlet into existing grassed waterways on his property.
Information available to commissioners on both requests included topographical maps of the section that will be tiled, with sketched lines where the proposed drainage will be located.
"I think we need to start requiring surveys prior to the hearing," Commissioner Chris Giles said. "I think that's something we have to adopt."
The survey referenced would be a detailed drawing from the tiling company; it would indicate not only where tile would be located but also the size of the tile.
Giles said that requirement may mean the tiling company has to visit the area twice, but other counties with stiffer regulations already require that information ahead of time.
Ebsen's request was approved, and part of Hansen's request was approved, which included the installation of tile that would divert water on the northeast part of his property south to a nearby slough.
Another part of Hansen's proposed project was tabled. The portion included the installation of a tile that would divert water into a ditch on neighboring property. That neighbor, John Hess, indicated his concern about the project and whether the existing ditch would handle the water. Hess expressed concern about the already high levels of water. In spite of concerns, however, Hess said that he and his wife Judy have begun the paperwork to get approval for tiling work on their property to accommodate Hansen's project and alleviate their immediate worries.
Commissioners indicated that action on Hansen's tile would take place when the board hears Hess' tiling request.
In addition to Hess, Brian Schultz from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service spoke in opposition of Hansen's request, and Steve VanderBeek from Game, Fish & Parks was present to oppose the Ebsen project.
VanderBeek said that he's been to several drainage hearings to advocate for the conservation of wetlands and the ability for those wetlands to function naturally without artificial drainage.
Taken individually, the projects don't have a huge impact, VanderBeek said, but together the impact is greater.
"You don't have to look very far to see towns that have been impacted," he said, citing Fargo's flooding this spring and Cedar Rapids' flooding in 2008.
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