CHAPTER III-6

STREAM OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

Obstructions in the stream such as logjams, fallen trees, and garbage can restrict the flow and conveyance of natural streams and ditches resulting in increased flooding, property damage, loss of wildlife habitat, and increased erosion and sedimentation.  In many cases, submerged and overhanging trees improve water quality and are essential to aquatic, terrestrial, and migratory wildlife.  

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has established a three tiered Logjam Removal and River Restoration guidelines including 1) logjam removal using hand-held tools, 2) logjam removal using heavy machinery, and 3) large-scale river restoration.  Logjam removal using hand-held tools or heavy machinery is preferred over large-scale river restoration because they maintain the stream’s natural meander geometry and have long-term environmental and economical benefits.  MRBC’s 1996 Stream Obstruction Removal Assistance Program is referenced in these guidelines.

The Community Rating System (CRS) allows a maximum of 330 points for drainage system maintenance.  Up to 300 points are provided for inspecting and removing debris from natural watercourses, regulated drains, conduits, storage basins to prevent flood damage to buildings from smaller, more frequent storms.  Up to 30 points are provided if the community has regulations prohibiting dumping in streams and ditches.

MRBC acknowledges that logjams, fallen trees, and garbage can exacerbate local flooding problems and as part of this Master Plan Update will continue to be involved in identifying, prioritizing, and funding of stream obstruction removal projects.

1995 MASTER PLAN REVISITED

The 1995 MRBC Master Plan recommended an annual Stream Maintenance and Debris Removal Program to reduce flood stages (especially during smaller floods), sedimentation, and streambank erosion.  This Program focused on removing logjams, fallen trees, and general garbage to significantly reduce the need for extensive river restoration work.  Maintenance would be completed by local government entities, landowners, and volunteers using guidance provided by the MRBC.  A copy of this document is also provided in Appendix C.

The following was to be implemented:

  • Initiate the project development phase of this plan component, contacting the appropriate permitting agencies and developing acceptable guidelines on performing limited annual maintenance and stream clean-up programs (including removal of existing and future logjams) either by the county drainage boards or by the landowners themselves;
  • Develop priorities based on the need, severity of logjam or obstruction, easement requirements and availability, and required permits; and
  • Disburse funds according to the guidelines.

MRBC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In January 1996, MRBC developed a Stream Obstruction Removal Assistance Program.  This document was prepared in order to establish the program details, guidelines for removing stream obstructions, technical and financial assistance. 

To be eligible for the Stream Obstruction Removal Assistance Program, MRBC required:

  1. The subject stream and obstruction(s) to be removed must be within the Maumee River Watershed in Indiana;
  2. The subject stream MUST NOT be considered a Legal Drain under IC 36-9-27;
  3. The subject stream MUST NOT be considered a scenic river;
  4. County, town, and city within which the stream is located must have already adopted Flood Hazard and Storm Drainage Ordinances acceptable to the MRBC; and
  5. The scope of work and obstruction removal procedure must be according to the MRBC Obstruction Removal Guidelines.

MRBC partnered with the Adams County Drainage Board and Surveyor in 1999 on the first of a 2-phase Stream Obstruction Removal Project on the St. Marys River.  Phase 1 commenced at the Indiana-Ohio State Line and continued downstream to County Road 900 North Bridge.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES

The City of Fort Wayne Flood Control Manager coordinates with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to remove all debris that has collected against the piers of the various bridges over the rivers.  This process is conducted on an annual basis or more frequently if needed to keep the rivers flowing as freely as possible.  

A similar procedure is performed by the Adams County Highway Engineer, who coordinates the removal of debris against the piers of various bridges over the St. Marys River in Adams County.  The County Engineer, in cooperation with the Mayor of the City of Decatur, coordinates with INDOT to remove all debris that collects against the bridge piers on US 27 and US224 on the St Marys River.  This activity is performed on an annual basis unless conditions or events warrant it be performed more frequently.

2008 MASTER PLAN ENHANCEMENTS

The current Stream Obstruction Removal Program is functioning well and therefore at this time, there are no plans for updates.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The MRBC should:

  1. Continue to assist communities with Stream Obstruction Removal by:
    1. providing technical assistance;
    2. providing coordinating assistance;
    3. participating in annual field reconnaissance to identify location(s) and size(s) of obstructions;
    4. adopt and enforce local cost-share funding requirement to offset lack of federal grant programs for stream obstruction removal projects; and
    5. limit participation in stream obstruction removal to the Maumee River, St. Joseph River, and St. Marys River only.
  2. Explore the use of nonstructural tools to reduce or eliminate stream maintenance including: comprehensive land use planning; zoning, subdivision, land development ordinances; elevation; building code; floodplain management and ordinances; flood forecasting, warning, evacuation or emergency preparedness, agriculture open space preservation, and stormwater management in the Maumee River Basin.

 

MRBC Master Plan - Stream Obstruction Removal Program