July 31, 2012

East Columbia Neighborhood Association

Dear Board Members,

Multnomah County Drainage District #1 (MCDD) is under contract with Peninsula Drainage District 2 (PD2) to maintain the levees and drainage systems within the district as approved by the PD2 annual budget.

PD2 approved funds to restore the conveyance in the ditch on the west side of NE 13th, just north of NE Gertz Rd. The ditch restoration consists of three phases; the first phase is to treat invasive and encroaching vegetation with herbicides within the required hydraulic cross section of the ditch. The second phase is to re-establish the hydraulic cross section by mechanically removing treated vegetation and re-establishing the drainage slopes and a maintenance access. Phase three will be to work with the property owners downstream of NE Meadow Dr to determine if the non functional drainage pipes will be replaced or an open ditch be constructed to replace the old pipes. MCDD completed phase one and will begin phase two in the fall and evaluate phase three options during the winter.

Recently, MCDD has received many phone calls and questions regarding the removal of vegetation south of the ditch. MCDD has completed phase one of the project which is the treatment of the vegetation but has not started phase two, the removal of vegetation within the hydraulic cross section. The vegetation recently removed from the south side of the ditch was performed by property owners without the consent or approval of MCDD.

While MCDD does try to monitor such activities as they relate to our responsibilities, it is not within our legal authority to permit or deny the removal of vegetation on private property outside of our ditch easements or hydraulic cross sections of a ditch.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at (503) 281-5675 x300 or rwagner@mcdd.org if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Reed Wagner
Executive Director

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