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County conservation reports water-line leak at Star Escape and temporary nature-center closure for ADA work
Summary
Des Moines County Conservation staff reported an underground leak in a 3,000-foot water line at the Star Escape facility with a contractor quote around $30,000; the county also expects a temporary closure of the nature center for ADA sidewalk work and discussed cemetery tree maintenance.
Chris Lee, Des Moines County Conservation, told the Board that staff have identified a persistent leak in a roughly 3,000-foot buried water line at the Star Escape facility and have received a quote of about $30,000 for a full replacement.
Lee said the leak currently does not affect water pressure but appears to be worsening; he estimated the leak rate varies between about 32 and 50 gallons per hour and that the line is buried about 6 feet deep in sand, which means there is no surface discharge to spot the location. He said finding the exact leak location is difficult and that county staff are exploring options.
Lee also reported other maintenance issues at the Big Hollow campground: two shower-house fixtures failed and staffing shortages have limited programming. He said 10 campers used Big Hollow over the previous weekend and the department held an I Heart County Parks banquet that raised funds for the department’s foundation.
Separately, county maintenance staff advised the board that contractors expect to begin ADA sidewalk work at the nature center later this week (weather permitting). The county expects to close the nature center temporarily while the contractor replaces the stairs and sidewalk approaches; staff said the closure will be announced via the department’s Facebook page.
During public comment, Nancy Burkett, president of the Middletown Cemetery Association, asked the board to address a tree she believes is on county property that is dropping limbs in the cemetery. County staff said they have inspected the tree, contacted the electric utility (Align Energy) because of proximity to power lines, and will follow up once the utility responds. Staff noted the tree is not currently a threat to the road but is close to power lines and tombstones, which creates liability concerns.
No formal county action or funding commitment for the Star Escape line or cemetery tree removal was made at the meeting; staff said they will continue to investigate options and seek utility feedback on the cemetery tree.
