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Storm Water Action Plan Moves Forward

There are approximately 540,000 linear feet of sewers and 8,000 lateral connections in Middleburg Heights. Out of approximately 8,000 sewer connections in our city, 83 homeowners have contacted City Hall about the flooding they experienced. 80 houses out of 8,000 connections may not seem low percentage, BUT Middleburg Heights is committed to eliminating as many of these storm water problems as we can

 While we are aware of the water issues that these 80 homeowners experienced, we need to methodically research to identify the actual cause of storm water infiltration to those homes. Currently the Middleburg Heights Service Department, City Engineer, and the Cuyahoga County Sanitary Engineer are working every day to identify possible issues with our sewer system and to improve its efficiency.

Based upon preliminary findings, the Pearl Road / Big Creek drainage area is of key interest. This area impacts some homes on Big Creek Parkway, Pearl Road, Smith Road, Bagley Road, Robert Drive, Seneca Trail, Uhlin Drive, Old Pleasant Valley Road, and Shawnee Trail.

We are committed to finding the cause of these issues for all homeowners. However, due to the size and complex nature of our sewer system, this will not be a quick process. Please bear with us as we continue to investigate and correct any possible issues with our sewer system.

Within days following the August storms, Mayor Gary W. Starr and the Middleburg Heights City Council created an action plan to be used to identify any problems with our sewer system and how to correct those problems. Below you will find a brief summary of the August storms, action already taken by the city of Middleburg Heights, and our future plans regarding storm water.

ACTION PLAN SUMMARY
Storm Water Issues
August 2007

Background Information
• Middleburg Heights has a contract with Cuyahoga County for sewer maintenance. Cuyahoga County works with Middleburg Heights and residents to maintain, inspect, clean, and repair any issues with our sewer system every 3 years.
• Middleburg Heights has an aggressive street cleaning program that limits sediment build-up in catch basins and sewer lines.
• There are approximately 540,000 linear feet of sewers plus 8000 sewer connections / laterals in Middleburg Heights.
• 83 residents contacted Middleburg Heights City Hall regarding flooding issues, resulting from the August 2007 storms.
• Record breaking rainfall for August 2007 across the Midwest; 10” in the Greater Cleveland Area.
• Major storms occurred on 8/7/07 and 8/20/07
• August 7 had 3.5” of rain in 1.5 hours; the last storm of this magnitude was 60 years ago.

Responses
• City Council, Mayors Office, Service Department, and Fire Department fielded calls and responded accordingly.
• Service Department employees responded to help with assistance and pumps.
• Fire Department preformed evacuations and emergency disconnections.
• Cuyahoga County responded with snakes, jetters, and TV cameras to clean and inspect sewer lines.
• City Council held Special Council Meeting on 8/29/07 to discuss check valves and passed Ord. Number 2007-75, authorizing $15,000 for emergency check valves.
• Mayor’s Office compiled comprehensive list (via phone calls), with details of all residents that experienced water issues.
• Mayor called Special Storm Water Meeting on 9/5/07 to create a plan of action to identify specific causes of the storm water related issues. In attendance were Cuyahoga County Sanitary Engineers, City Engineer, Service Director and Service Department employees, Building Director, Mayor Gary W. Starr, Assistant Finance Director, consultants, and contractors.
• City Council adopted Ord. Number 2007-84 to address flooding issues on Ivy Court (9/28/07).
• City Council adopted Ord. Number 2007-87 authorizing the Cuyahoga County Sanitary Engineer to investigate the Pearl Road / Big Creek Parkway drainage area (9/28/07).
• City Council adopted Ord. Number 2007-88 approving the restoration of a covered drainage ditch near the intersection of Smith Road and Big Creek Parkway (9/28/07).

Plan of Action - GOAL: NO FLOODED BASEMENTS!
• Closely investigate the Big Creek Parkway / Pearl Road drainage area. This area will include sections of the following streets: Big Creek Parkway, Pearl Rd., Bagley Rd., Robert Dr., Seneca Tr., Uhlin Dr., Old Pleasant Valley Rd., Shawnee Tr., Mohawk Tr., and Smith Road. Testing to include such methods as flow metering, smoke testing, dye testing, and other engineering means.
• Clean approximately 210 feet of the sewer near the corner of Big Creek Parkway and Smith Road.
• Identify private sewers and current condition. Once current condition is established, work with residents to obtain easements to allow Middleburg Heights to then maintain those sewers.
• Possible relining of specific sewers. Consultants and contractors contacted on 9/5/07 to investigate and prepare cost estimates for specific areas.
• Cuyahoga County, Middleburg Heights Service Department, and City Engineer to investigate areas that experience excessive storm water by installing flow meters and other monitoring devices.
• Further increase city cleaning and maintenance of catch basins, ditches, and other drainage mechanisms.
• Work with residents to identify specific problems and provide solutions.
• 9/17/07 – Follow up meeting with Cuyahoga County, MH Service Dept., MH Engineer, Mayor, and Contractors – Discussed BCP / Pearl drainage area, BCP / Smith Road, and other issues.
• MH Service Dept. identifies manholes, location, and current condition of Uhlin / OPV / Shawnee sewers.
• United Survey directed to prepare formal proposals and estimates regarding the repair and relining of Uhlin / OPV / Shawnee sewers.
• Cuyahoga County identified 3 key locations for flow monitoring, and commits to smoke testing, and dye testing.
• MH Service Department started process to obtain access and bid documents to clean, update, and repair the ditch near Smith Road and Big Creek Parkway; currently waiting to receive final homeowner approval for access to involved parcels.
• Discussed check valves and process.
• Identified willow tree at Pearl Road and Robert Drive as possible issue.
• Prepared ordinance accepting licenses (easements) for Big Creek Parkway and Smith Road drainage project; waiting for owners’ signatures.

Contact

City Hall can be contacted by calling (440) 234-8811 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, except during holidays.