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Fairfield County commissioners review footage tied to ditch petition, schedule July hearing
Summary
Commissioners reviewed engineer footage from a ditch petition viewing in Pickerington, identified debris, tree roots and encroachments affecting drainage, and said a July hearing will determine whether to form a drainage maintenance district and who will bear costs.
Commissioners for Fairfield County examined video footage and on-the-ground findings connected to a ditch petition filed for property in Pickerington and said a hearing is scheduled in July to determine whether to establish a drainage maintenance district.
Deputy Engineer Eric McCrady presented footage taken during a public viewing and described water flow, a three-foot drop energy dissipator designed to slow flow, and the outlet for a 12-inch pipe. McCrady said the footage "was not recorded after rainfall and was filmed the day after the petition was filed," and pointed to tree roots, accumulated debris and structures encroaching on drainage easements as factors that could contribute to the drainage problems.
Commissioner Steve Davis said there is an active petition to establish a drainage maintenance district and that landowners have differing views; the board will collect additional information from affected parties before deciding whether to approve the petition. Commissioner David Levacy said development at the site occurred before current drainage standards were in place and suggested those who benefit from development would be responsible for costs if the district is formed. Commissioner Jeff Fix said the situation might have been avoided if procedures had been followed earlier.
McCrady noted that implementing corrective work will require consideration of existing utilities—he identified cable boxes and sanitary sewer infrastructure in the area—and highlighted locations where waterway design elements, including a farmer's waterway and a parabolic waterway designed by Soil and Water Conservation District staff, are present. He offered additional footage from another angle if the board requests it.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting. Commissioners said they will hold a hearing in July to hear testimony from affected landowners and other stakeholders and then determine whether to approve the petition to establish a maintenance district.
