SUMMARY
Drainage of storm water is extremely poor on the pines side, which creates many problems.
The restrictive covenants require each property owner to maintain the ditches contiguous to their property to permit free flow.
If the owner fails to do so, MBA may take action at their expense.
The deadline for completion of clean-out is July 15, 1991.
Guidelines for clean out are on the reverse side of this sheet.
MBA is seeking the cooperation of individual property owners in taking corrective action.
If you cannot do so, please return the enclosed information form promptly.
DETAILS
Drainage of storm water is extremely poor on the pines side because of various impediments in the ditches-items such as underbrush, heavy accumulation of leaves and pine needles, plugged driveway culverts and small earthen dams. During rainstorms many yards are flooded, water stands in puddles in the ditches for many weeks after a storm, presenting several problems. It affords an excellent breeding place for mosquitoes. It is unsightly. And last but certainly not least, every pool is a drowning hazard for a small child.
MBA has consulted a number of experts with regard to the problem.
All said the same thing: "Regardless of what other problems there nay be, the first thing you must do is to clear your ditches."
Our restrictive covenant #11 states in part, 'Each property owner shall maintain the drainage ditches which are contiguous to his property in proper grade and proper flow to permit free flow of drainage waters to prevent stagnation and unsightly and/or unsanitary conditions as determined by Middlesex Beach Association.
If any property owner fails to fulfill any of the requirements of this covenant, Middlesex Beach Association may, after due notice, correct the condition at the sole expense of the property owner in a manner as determined by Middlesex Beach Association."
The Board is seeking the co-operation of individual property owners in taking corrective action.
Guidelines for clearing ditches and culverts are on the reverse side of this sheet.
The deadline for you to complete work on the ditches which are your responsibility is July 15, 1991.
The Board recognizes that this is a tight schedule, especially for those who rent their property most of the summer.
However, the Board feels that the situation is sufficiently serious that prompt action is required.
MBA has no desire to undertake a major cleanout program even though it would be funded by the affected property owners.
However, if you feel that you cannot handle the cleanout yourself, please return the enclosed form to advise MBA of your decision.
The form does not authorize MBA to undertake any work on your behalf--it is for information as to the number of properties which MBA must clear.
The county/state ditches to which Middlesex Beach drains also have flow problems.
MBA will be contacting the authorities for assistance.
MBA will also be taking corrective action on certain ditches and culverts which are not contiguous to private property.
Note that further problems may be revealed with in the community after the ditches are cleared.
GUIDELINES FOR CLEARING OPEN SECTION OF DITCHES
1) Cut off all underbrush or small trees in the ditch at ground level.
Do not leave stumps which will tend to collect debris. If you have a heavy accumulation of leaves or pine needles in the ditch, you may need to recut the stumps after you rake the ditch.
2) Remove fallen limbs, pieces of concrete, etc. from ditch.
3) Trim back underbrush along the ditch when tends to droop into the ditch.
4) Rake out accumulated leaves and pine needles.
Remove them from the area. Do not deposit them on the berm between the ditch and the road.
5) Cut and remove any tall grass.
This is particularly important for undeveloped lots.
6) Carefully remove any soil dams in the ditch and widen any narrow spots where debris can readily accumullate.
Do not attempt to deepe the ditch in general or you may create a lake.
Do not deposit removed material on the berm.
7) If large tree roots create dams across the ditch, chop them out if possible.
If a large tree is growing in the ditch and blocking flow, consult MBA with your suggestion on how to correct the situation.
8) Cooperate with your neighbors where your ditch meets theirs.
The ditch contour should not change abruptly at the property lines in a manner to impede flow.
9) Make your own arrangements for hauling away underbrush, leaves, pine needles, tree limbs or other debris.
Please do not deposit such materials on undeveloped lots--this IS very unfair to the owners of those lots and creates an unsightly situation in the community.
Many will be able to spread leaves, pine needles and soil on their own properties. We do not recommend disposal of debris via our regular trash removal service unless the amounts are small.
DO NOT USE OPEN BURNING FOR DISPOSAL.
10) Maintain your ditch at least annually to continue to provide proper flow, as required by the restrictive covenants.
GUIDELINES FOR CLEARING CLOSED SECTION OF DITCHES (DRIVEWAY CULVERTS)
The following approach is suggested in the interest of economy. Obviously, the clearing will not be immediate. In some cases, this approach nay not work. MBA will allow reasonable time to evaluate the degree of success. If the procedure is generally not successful, additional steps by individual property ownrs will be required.
1) Remove leaves, pine needles, soil and other blockage from the ends of the culvert as far in as you can reach. A small spade and/or a hoe nay be useful. (If you discover an unusual and effective technique, please share your idea with others.)
2) At. the downstream end of the culvert, dig a shallow hole large enough to contain the debris estimated to remain in the center of the culvert. Do not deposit excavated material or debris removed from the culvert on the berm between the ditch and the road.
3) Wait for normal water flow through the ditch to flush out the debris remaining in the center of the culvert into the hole.
4) Optionally, in dry weather, attempt to flush out the center debris (or at least cut notches through it) by running a hose with a sharp stream from the nozzle through the culvert.
5) If it is evident that your culvert is located too high with respect to the ditch, or that the ends are properly placed but it is too high in the middle, arrange to have it excavated and properly repositioned.
6) Once the culvert is cleared, maintain it at least annually to continue to provide proper flow, as required by the restrictive covenants.
5/1/91 REV 6/5/91
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