Solution for flooding (11/2/04)

I have discussed the flooding of areas of Portland with the last three or four mayors of Portland, and a very cheap possible fix.

I feel that a very plausible cause of much of the flooding problem is the raking of leaves and twigs, etc., into the streets — many times right over the storm sewer inlets.

The problem really gets started with the city does not get the leaves, etc., collected, then it rains and the water washes the leaves and twigs into the undersize storm sewers, and soon plugs up that storm sewer — and possibly other storm sewers that also drain into the plugged-up storm sewer.

I have observed city employees cleaning out the plugged-up sewers — and saw the removal of leaves, twigs, etc.

It would appear to me that if these leaves, twigs and other materials could be kept out of the storm sewers, the flooding problems would be eliminated, or reduced.

If the leaves were raked to the alley (where there are normally no inlets to storm sewers instead of the street, then the city could vacuum the leaves, twigs and other trash from there.

I also feel that it is not safe for vehicles to be forced to drive through piles of leaves in the street, for very apparent reasons.

Sincerely,

Terry LeMaster

Portland

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