Cowlitz County declares emergency to repair crushed storm drain on Sweet Birch Drive

Cowlitz County commissioners on Wednesday approved a resolution declaring an emergency to repair a crushed storm drain serving Sweet Birch Drive, allowing staff to waive competitive procurement and contract for immediate repairs.

County Engineer Susan Eugenis told the board that Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District televised a storm drain last Thursday and found it “crushed,” and that county staff are pursuing an expedited repair before winter to avoid further damage. “So that that's the RCW that allows us to waive the procurement,” Eugenis said, reading the state standard for emergency contracting: “unforeseen circumstances beyond the county that either presents a real imminent threat to the proper performance of essential functions or will likely result to material loss or damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life if immediate action is not taken.”

The emergency declaration was presented to the board for formal approval after an executive session; a board member moved to approve the resolution and the chair called for a vote. The board voiced its assent and the resolution was approved, enabling staff to sign the resolution and proceed to retain a contractor to repair the storm drain.

Why it matters: county staff said the damaged drain poses an imminent risk of additional property damage as the region moves into winter, and the emergency declaration shortens procurement timelines so repairs can begin before further harm occurs.

Details and next steps: Eugenis said the formal resolution would be available for signature on Tuesday and that work would proceed under the authority the RCW provides for emergency procurement. There was no public comment on the matter during the vote, and the board indicated staff should move forward with contracting and report back on completion. No dollar amount for the repair or a contractor name was given during the meeting.

The motion and vote: The board approved the resolution declaring an emergency for “damages in this storm drain line serving Sweet Birch Drive” and authorized staff to waive standard procurement requirements to obtain immediate repairs. The meeting record includes no roll-call vote tally or mover/second by name in the transcript; the minutes record the motion as adopted.