Surveyor outlines cleanup plan for Nevin McConnell and Turkey Creek in Syracuse; permits expected for dredging

The county surveyor told the Kosciusko County Drainage Board he is preparing a multi-step cleanup of the Nevin McConnell ditch, which flows through the town of Syracuse and enters the Turkey Creek system downstream of the library and an old school-turned-apartments.

The surveyor said immediate work that does not require a permit includes fence removal, debrushing and beaver-dam clearing; for certain sediment dredging he will apply for the state permit that covers work within a half-mile of water. He said he plans to start at the downstream confluence with Turkey Creek, remove debris and work upstream, and use a vacuum truck on a particularly clogged stretch. The surveyor noted cooperation from owners of the former Syracuse Elementary School (now apartments) and the town of Syracuse on access and disposal.

The surveyor also described an area with concrete placed over a utility pipe; that concrete was initially installed to protect a lightweight sewer pipe and complicates invert adjustments. He said he is coordinating with the town to determine how much cement can be removed while still protecting the town’s sewer infrastructure.

Board members asked whether removal would change wetland elevations or require an outfall structure; the surveyor said wetland elevation and permit conditions will be part of the discussion for dredging work. The surveyor said he will attempt to coordinate a single permit application to cover both Nevin McConnell and the adjoining Turkey Creek work if the state allows it.