Looking The Other Way

Below are photographs of the Euclid Creek area at the Cutter's Creek development site taken on May 10, 2008. Two vastly different techniques are utilized for erosion control at this location. Notice how the drainage pipe for storm water runoff in the first photo looks secure with a well supported base. The next series of pictures depict a scenario with rocks merely dumped into the creek. It is important to realize that none of the boulders and rocks deposited into the creek by the developer were previously present. As is evident from these images, the bank of the creek was hacked out to accommodate the drainage pipe. An inquiry to the Ohio EPA indicated that this method being utilized is not one that is prohibited by Ohio law. However, the lack of properly maintained silt fencing is. They advised to check local regulations and ordinances.

South Euclid Codified Ordinance #1326.08 states:

"No soil, rock, debris or any other material shall be dumped or placed into a water resource or into such proximity that it may readily slough, slip, or erode into a water resource unless such dumping or placing has been authorized by the City, and where applicable, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, for such purposes as, but not limited to, constructing bridges, culverts, and erosion control measures."

In conclusion, either City officials are unaware of the situation, or, they have authorized the dumping.

Please click on the link below to read the entire text from the South Euclid Code of Ordinances:

• Chapter 1326 - "Erosion and Sediment Control"
• Chapter 1325 - "Flood Damage Prevention"
• Chapter 1324 - "Storm Water Management"
• http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Ohio/south_euclid_oh/directoryofofficials2006?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0

It is unfortunate that regulations regarding riparian setbacks have not yet been enacted by the City of South Euclid. It is most disturbing that common sense would not prevail regardless of the existence of any such legislation.

As a reminder, Mayor Georgine Welo was the Council Chair of the Euclid Creek Watershed Council in 2006 during the approval process of the Cutter's Creek development. This organization partially defines their mission: "to improve and protect the watershed."

Please click on each individual photo below to view full size.