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Sonoita Creek committee seeks immediate repairs to School Canyon diversion wall
Summary
Committee members reported storm damage to a diversion wall at School Canyon, said retention ponds are holding but repairs are needed, and noted portions of the problem sit on U.S. Forest Service land; homeowners' access permission and a first bid for repairs were discussed.
The Sonoita Creek Flood and Flow Study Committee on July 18 said recent heavy rains exposed serious damage to a diversion wall at School Canyon and that repairs should be prioritized.
Bob Proctor, committee member, reported the area received substantial rainfall and that a diversion wall at School Canyon has significant problems that require prompt attention. He said a series of retention ponds are currently holding water but that a formal inspection and repair plan are needed. Ron Robinson, committee member, said some of the work lies on U.S. Forest Service land and that the Forest Service reviewed a 1992 map that shows a repair was done in 1994.
Proctor said staff need permission from Mesa homeowners to enter private property to inspect drainages and recommend fixes. He indicated the diversion wall project should be the committee’s first bid scope for repair work, and that photographs of the damage will be circulated (Daisy to receive the photos, per the record).
Why it matters: a failing diversion structure can change flow patterns and exacerbate erosion and downstream flood risk in the Sonoita Creek watershed. Restoring the diversion and stabilizing nearby drainages are steps the committee flagged as necessary to protect riparian habitat and nearby properties.
The committee did not record a formal vote on the repair scope at this meeting; members assigned follow-up tasks, including coordinating access with homeowners and keeping the Forest Service informed. The committee listed the diversion-wall repair among immediate priorities for upcoming procurement and bidding.
Next steps: Proctor and Robinson are to coordinate inspections and outreach to affected homeowners and to share photographic documentation with committee members and partners.
