Water flow is key issue

The keys to helping reduce flooding in Portland: detaining, diverting and improving the ways in which water is carried to the Salamonie River.

Jones & Henry presented findings from its study to mitigate flooding at Jay County Commissioners meeting Monday, focusing on those three issues. It was the second of three flood discussions the commissioners have planned.

The commissioners also heard an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study from Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman.

Brian Houghton, principal engineer with Jones & Henry, presented several options to stop flooding in downtown areas.

One way to reduce flooding is to increase the intake of the wastewater plant. It currently receives 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day, and at peak flow can handle 3.4 million gallons per day. The plant will eventually be able to handle 7.2 million gallons, but with the line capable of transporting up to 50 millions gallons, Houghton suggested building a flow equalization basin to hold the remaining water until it can be treated and discharged.

Catching the water before it flows into the city is also a priority. Houghton proposed having detention basins north of the fairgrounds to hold back some of the water that flows from Millers Branch.

“What’s coming down from that whole drainage area was 668 (cubic feet per second), the Miller Branch,” Houghton said. “The 72-inch enclosed pipe, the conduit, can convey without significantly surcharging, 100 cubic feet per second. So if you’re building a retention … you’re looking at being able to store that 568 feet per second.”

One project that is already slated for next year is the Harrison Street sewer separation. This new storm sewer line would take on some of the water that currently flows through the Millers Branch line that runs through the city.

The Millers Branch line contributes to flooding downtown, Houghton said.

Houghton pointed out that while the Harrison Street project will not resolve downtown flooding, that is not its main purpose. It’s part of the stormwater separation required by Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and mitigating flooding is just an effect of the project. However, he estimated it could reduce up to 2 feet of flooding.

The commissioners also heard a request from Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman for the county to pay half of the cost of the Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study. Geesaman had previously told the commissioners he would be requesting $154,000, but said Monday he was instead requesting half, $77,000. He also told commissioners the engineers had asked for a decision by Aug. 24.

Commissioners reviewed the proposal, but were not satisfied with the description of the work that will be done by the engineers. They asked Geesaman to get some clarification on what they will be studying and to see if Portland’s board of works and the redevelopment commission would be willing to pay for the study. Geesaman will be seeking an extension on the deadline as well.

In other business, commissioners Chuck Huffman, Mike Leonhard and Barry Hudson:

•Heard an update on county chip-and-seal work from highway department superintendent Ken Wellman. Approximately 78 miles have been completed, with 412,000 gallons of oil and 11,500 tons of stone used. Wellman said he expects the work to be finished this week.

•Learned of an opportunity for the highway department to buy a code reader for its trucks. Wellman said in recent years it’s been harder to figure out what is wrong with vehicles when they break down without taking them to a mechanic to have the codes read. Having the tool would possibly save the department money on towing and diagnostic work from mechanics, and could also allow the department to fix minor problems themselves. The system would cost $7,199 from the Portland NAPA store. After that, there would be annual fees of $1,399 for license renewal and $830.99 for a subscription for software updates.

Commissioners asked Wellman to find out the expected life of the code reader and what type of warranties were available before they make a decision.

•Agreed on a change for the highway department’s budget for 2018. Previously commissioners had questioned the amounts in the budget for magnesium chloride, which was budgeted for $100,000, but that amount has never been fully used in past years. Engineer Dan Watson proposed eliminating the magnesium chloride line and transferring a portion of it to the repairs budget. The result would be a $50,000 decrease in the department’s overall budget. Commissioners agreed to the proposal.

•Approved the purchase of a printer for Culy’s office. The county will purchase a printer for $6,164.18 from PERRY proTech. Monthly fees will be $32.50 for up to 5,000 black ink prints, with additional prints costing $0.0065 each.

•Heard an update on the wind farm progress from engineer Watson. Twelve turbines had been put up as of Friday, and he expects all remaining foundation work to be completed by Wednesday or Thursday.

Commissioners agreed to allow trucks to travel on county road 200 South until the foundation work is completed.

•Approved a request from the sheriff’s office to purchase software for a server at the cost of $3,370.50.