Attachment 2

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

THROUGH:     George Small, Engineering Director

FROM:            Fred Royal, Stormwater Management Engineer

SUBJECT:       Response to Request for Assistance for Drainage Problem at 61 Newton Drive

DATE:            November 25, 2002

Cal, you asked that I respond to you with our findings regarding the attached request for assistance from Deborah Andrews, 61 Newton Drive, concerning a “sink hole” in her front yard.  The request was first received by Council Member Bateman via email.

Engineering staff recently met with Ms. Andrews at the site to discuss and inspect the problem.  The following is germane:

· A void does exist on Andrews’ property under an existing storm drain line that receives runoff from Newton Drive.

· We do not believe that the storm drain line on Andrews’ property is within a recorded public or private drainage easement.

· It appears that the cause of the problem is separation in a pipe joint, resulting in erosion of fill material around and over the pipe and subsequent settlement of the yard above.

· We advised Ms. Andrews that since the problem was on private property and involved a portion of the storm drain system that the Town does not own and maintain, we could offer only indirect assistance via the Drainage Assistance Program.

· We offered to provide technical assistance by preparing a project worksheet that will identify the problem and its cause, and will suggest remedial action(s).

· We explained to Ms. Andrews that the Drainage Assistance Program was established by the Council to assist residents with drainage projects/problems on private property. We noted that Town involvement could include technical, construction and/or financial assistance on a shared basis with property owners and in accordance with a written agreement describing the contributions of each party.

· We further explained that her project would be prioritized in relation to other drainage improvement needs Town-wide and that, although no program funding was available in the current fiscal year, we hoped to get Council approval for some program funding in the coming fiscal year.

Ms. Andrews told us that she understood and found our response to be satisfactory, and that she would appreciate receiving the project worksheet with any suggestions we could offer.

Attachment:  Andrews Request for Assistance dated November 18, 2002

Cc:       Sonna Loewenthal, Assistant Town Manager

            Richard Terrell, Public Works Field Operations Superintendent  

TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL

STORM WATER

DRAINAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CATEGORY: Private					DRAINAGE BASIN: Little Creek
NUMBER		NAME: Stormwater Maintenance Program			LOCATION: 61 Newton Drive
Description: Scouring around an existing reinforced concrete pipe that drains Newton Drive through this property.  Diameter and length of pipe need confirmation.  No easement exists.  Scour was likely caused by pipe joint separation.       Recommendation: Replace existing 18” RCP (est. 75 lf), 2 junction boxes, curb and gutter, inlet frame/grate/hood. Flush the storm sewer to ensure that the system is clear of blockages.  Backfill with granular soil and reseed disturbed area. Repair gravel driveway.
				COST ESTIMATE:
					ENGINEERING	N/A
	SCORE		Low		CONSTRUCTION	$5500.00
	CATEGORY		N/A		CONTINGENCIES	$500.00
				Out sourcing to contractor estimate.	TOTAL	$6000.00