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Orleans City Council Talks Storm Sewer Maintenance/Inspections

July 09, 2024 Steve Schwaller

(Orleans)– The recent heavy rains and flooding have brought drainage issues to the forefront across a large part of the region. The Orleans City Council Monday evening directed engineers to draw up a plan for inspections and maintenance of the city’s storm sewers. Mayor Bill Maas says being a little more proactive could save some money while at the same time possibly prevent a disaster…

“As it is we’ve only dealt with when something pops up, let’s fix it. And so maybe this little bit of preventive maintenance may be a lot better and probably even cost saving if we don’t get to the point to where it becomes the tail wagging the dog, so to speak. It is something we need to do on a periodic basis.”

Engineers told the council the maintenance program would consist of cleaning out intakes and culverts along with televised inspections. Maas says engineers will come back to the council with cost estimates and a possible inspection schedule…

“Because of the fact we’re unsure of the price but we do know that things don’t come cheap any more and we may have to divide it up into zones or different areas. Maybe even the usage. Maybe one year have our major storm sewers inspected and then maybe another year have the minor ones inspected.”

Maas says the recent rainfall events are proof that doing nothing isn’t an option.