HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-16 OPH Ltr to Homeowner Re Storm Water Lines City of Oak Park Heights
e 14168 Oak Park Blvd N.• Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Public Works (651) 439 4439 • Fax 439 -0574
•
August 16, 2007
Tom Grey
14295 55th Street
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Re: Storm Water Line / Soil potholes
Dear Mr. Grey,
We have spent some additional time both in and out of the storm sewer line that
crosses your property to the east. The holes and settlement of the soils in your
yard indicated the possibility of a broken pipe or improper fill and placement of
the bedding around the pipe. Internal inspection showed no broken pipe or
separated joints and shows restraint bolts through the castings to the discharge
point. Our conclusion is that the contractor that provided the initial or repair
installation did not properly backfill and compact the areas around the pipe and
the ground has now settled to fill those voids. There is some concern that a flow
channel exists under the pipe, perhaps from the original failure.
I have instructed staff to fill the deeper recessed areas with both crushed rock
and sand. We hope this will stabilize the soils and, even if there is some
channeling under the pipe, prevent further erosion of the soils and dam the
topsoil in place. Staff is to place dirt and seed on the disturbed areas to try to
encourage natural restoration.
Any assistance you can provide in keeping the new seed moist, particularly in
September when grass does a better job of establishing roots, would be
appreciated. If there is any more settlement or appearance of holes, please
contact us immediately for further work.
Sincerely,
)07/1,A
Tom Ozzell •
City of Oak Park Heights
Public Works Director
(+Y ll1i, Storm water file, City Adnynistrator