Seaside public works details storm damage; exposed water lines and emergency bank stabilization completed
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Summary
Public Works reported multiple December storm responses including sinkholes, river log jams and a section of riverbank erosion that exposed the city's raw-water and distribution lines; crews obtained emergency permits, moved a log jam, installed boulders and applied for approximately $112,000 in reimbursements.
Public Works Director briefed the council on Jan. 12 about storm damage and emergency repairs after a series of high‑wind and high‑precipitation events in December.
The director described multiple responses: sewer overflows and flooding on Dec. 9, a washed‑out watershed road and a sinkhole near Aldecrest and Hemlock where a crushed stormwater line was discovered, log jams on channels including Broadway that required boat crews to cut and clear debris, and a critical erosion event on Dec. 29 in which the river channel shifted and exposed a 24‑inch raw‑water supply line and an 8‑inch distribution line. Staff said they quickly coordinated emergency permitting with state agencies (DSL, ODFW) and the county, contracted local excavators, moved the log jam and placed large boulders to armor the bank and protect the exposed lines.
The director said contractors mobilized immediately and the work was completed in about two days, with total internal and external costs submitted for reimbursement of roughly $112,000. He thanked crews and contractors for rapidly stabilizing the bank and preventing likely catastrophic damage to the water system.
What’s next: staff will pursue reimbursements, monitor the bank, require the responsible developer to complete permanent fixes where private construction contributed to stormwater impacts, and continue to prioritize sewer and drainage maintenance.