Committee backs MOU with Cuyahoga Soil & Water for construction inspections and basin checks

City Engineer Matt Glass told the North Royalton Storm Water Committee on Jan. 6 that the proposed memorandum of understanding with the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District would formalize monthly construction inspections under MCM 4 and annual/recurring inspections of permanent stormwater management features under MCM 5 to satisfy Ohio EPA Phase II permit requirements.

"MCM 4 is the monthly construction inspections that NEORSD is currently doing," Glass said, adding that the district files monthly reports and flags deficiencies so Engineering can issue violations and enforcement. "MCM 5 are annual inspections on any permanent storm water management features for sites. Those must be inspected once every permanent term, which is usually 5 years."

Glass said the inspections include verifying erosion‑control barriers at construction sites and measuring sediment accumulation in detention basins to determine whether dredging or repairs are needed. When deficiencies are found, Engineering handles enforcement; if a basin is owned by a homeowners association, both the HOA and the city receive the report, he said.

The committee moved to recommend Ordinance 26‑11 to council. "Moved by Ms. Wojslaw, seconded by Mr. Coleman to recommend to council the approval of Ordinance 26‑11," the minutes record; the vote was 3‑0 in favor.

Why it matters: The MOU formalizes specialized inspection work that the district already performs and places enforcement responsibility with the city, creating a documented inspection-and‑enforcement loop intended to reduce sediment and erosion impacts on receiving waters.

What’s next: The committee’s recommendation will go to the full City Council for final action.