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Drainage board hears landowner concerns over proposed dike to restore Big Sioux flows
Summary
Brookings County’s Drainage Board reviewed a Banner Associates study and heard multiple landowners warn that redirecting a diversion back into the Big Sioux River channel could shift flooding patterns; staff said an NRCS wetland easement requires environmental and archaeological review before any construction or easement lift.
The Brookings County Drainage Board held a public hearing Feb. 3 on a proposed project to restore river flows by reestablishing a dike that would redirect water back into the historic Big Sioux River channel. County Development Director Robert Hill said studies of the diversion began in 2019 and a final public report was presented on Aug. 9, 2024.
Kelli Buscher of Banner Associates told the board a Natural Resources Conservation Service wetland easement on one landowner’s property prohibits construction until the easement is lifted and an environmental review is completed. "Before any construction can occur, the NRCS would need to lift the easement, and an environmental review needs to be done," Buscher said. Engineers also said the diversion has grown over time and that restoring the dike would aim to return flows to pre‑diversion conditions.
Consulting engineer Kent Johnson described anticipated flow changes if the dike is restored: "Putting the dike back into place will redirect those flows within the original river channel," he said, adding that once water reaches the bank it will move through both bridges. Jay Gilbertson of the East Dakota Water Development District said prior measurements showed a significant portion of flow had shifted, and the current proposal would "restore to the pre 2011 conditions."
Multiple rural landowners urged caution and better communication. Sean Lesnar said he lives a few hundred yards from the proposed dike and that he was not contacted; he told the board, "If the water is put back into the main channel, it will cause way more flooding." Rob Hexum said his land has become unusable because of diverted water and asked that flows be returned to 2019 levels rather than plugged completely. David Eggers and Scott Sebring asked the board to seek a compromise that balances impacts to both east‑ and west‑side landowners.
Banner Associates staff said cultural and archaeological reviews are required by NRCS before the easement can be lifted and that weather and federal delays have slowed fieldwork. Buscher said the firm attempted to notify affected parties and recommended continuing the environmental and cultural reviews. The board by consensus asked staff to plan another public open house in May to share updated findings and continue engagement.
The Drainage Board did not take a formal vote on construction; staff said decisions will await the outcome of the NRCS review and any further public meetings.
