Resident raises flooding concern at Forest Waynwood property after dirt piled over county tile

A property owner told the DeKalb County Drainage Board on Sept. 18 that dirt piled along County Road 19 at the Forest Waynwood property has been placed over county tile and may have damaged the regulated drain, contributing to recurrent flooding on the west side of the road.

The resident showed the board a map and photos and said exposed tile and a standpipe convey water under the road into county tile, but that recently placed soil now covers portions of that tile. "That tile that's exposed out there ... that's the tile that goes over to the ditch where that drain comes across the road," the resident said, adding the area has been difficult to farm for the past six to eight years and that the current soil piles were intended to raise field elevation.

Surveyor's office staff and board members discussed options for locating the tile, getting dirt off the tile to permit contractor access and performing maintenance. The resident asked that the board's office help remove the soil over the tile so a contractor could inspect and repair the tile if needed. The surveyor's office said it would attempt to locate the tile with a tile locator and coordinate with the landowner after crops are removed.

Another resident, Harold McKinley, reported a separate incident in which a county tile had been dug out and dammed, causing flooding of about 12 acres; the board acknowledged the report and indicated staff would follow up.

No formal action or motion was recorded; the board and surveyor's office agreed to work with the residents to locate the tile and assist in clearing soil to allow inspection and repairs.