Bridge, Phillips, Elam Drainage District News From the desk of Milton Sandy Jr
August 8, 2011
Vol 2011-10
This newsletter is directed to friends and supporters of our efforts to get something done about the repetitive flooding in Corinth and Alcorn County which on May 2, 2010, caused loss of life, public and private property and threatened public health and safety by the massive release of raw sewage into flood waters. If you have news, questions or comments, please fire away.
Alcorn County Drainage Districts Meet In the news I noticed that the G7 (also known as the G-7) Flood Threat for August are the finance ministers from a group of seven industrialized nations who were holding emergency meetings today. On Thursday, August 4th, 2011, a different group of seven held a meeting here in Corinth to discuss some drainage issues that are a local emergency. Probably the largest gathering of local Alcorn County Drainage officials in over 50 years took place when seven commissioners of the Hatchie Drainage District, Tuscumbia Water Management District, Bridge Creek Swamp Land District, Phillips Creek Swamp Land District, and Elam Creek Drainage District met at the office of Commissioner Hull Davis, chairman of the Phillips Creek Swamp Land District, who was the host for the event. Special guests were Steve Wallace, Executive Director, and Richard Bryant, Chief Engineer, of the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District (TRVWMD). Representing the Hatchie Drainage District were Mr. Joe Duncan, Chairman, and Mr. Jerry Childs, Commissioner. Representing the Tuscumbia Water Management District were Mr. Doug Mitchell, Chairman, and Mr. Steve Wilbanks, Commissioner. Representing the Bridge Creek Swamp Land District was Mr. John Warren Henson, Chairman, Phillips Creek Swamp Land District was Mr. Hull Davis, Sr., Chairman, and Elam Creek Drainage District, Milton Sandy, Jr., Chairman. Mr. Gary Mitchell contributed much background and local history to the meeting John Warren Henson instructing Commissioners Hull Davis from his experience and and Milton Sandy in proper use of the Kaiser Blade as Steve Stephanie Sandy's research Wallace and Richard Bryant observed. was acknowledged as the foundation for the reactivation
Contact: Milton Sandy Jr 662-286-6087 - Fax 287-4187 - E-mail mlsandy@tsixroads.com
of the Bridge, Phillips and Elam Drainage Districts. Mr. Jebb Johnson represented the Daily Corinthian and reported the meeting in a very nice Sunday edition story. The purpose of the meeting was for the drainage commissioners to get acquainted and to share their views on drainage problems, past history, and plans for the future. This was an outstanding opportunity to share ideas. One thing that I have learned is that drainage is unique in every locality. Until you can identify the specifics for a given area, you cannot start to appreciate the scope of the local problem. You also find that drainage problems always appear enormous when they have been neglected for as long as they have been in Corinth and Alcorn County. Hatchie Drainage District Chairman Joe Duncan and Mr. Doug Mitchell recalls his Commissioner Jerry Childs experience over 20 years ago seeking support from the City of Corinth and being told that Corinth didn't have any flooding problems. I assured him that I didn't think he would find that true today. Mr. Gary Mitchel stated that he really was not partial to meetings but felt that the need to seek solutions to drainage problems was going to make them necessary in the future because the problem in Alcorn County was just bigger than individuals could solve on their own.
Gary Mitchell, consulting historian, Steve Wilbanks, Commissioner, and Doug Mitchell, Chairman Tuscumbia Water Management District
What was evident to everyone was that all our drainage problems were connected in the same manner as the Page 2/12
waterways in Alcorn County are connected and we should work together to try and bring as much influence and public opinion to the problem as possible.
1940 map showing organized drainage districts for 119 miles of canals in Alcorn County My personal highlight of the day was hand delivering the documents approved Monday by the Alcorn Board of Supervisors for our first two priority TRVWMD projects in Corinth. Each of these projects is approximately one mile in length and required the cooperation of local property owners for 20 supplemental easements. With completion of this paperwork, the TRVWMD will issue a work order and the work will be scheduled in order of their priorities. This was a task I started a year ago and which the City of Corinth worked on unsuccessfully for about 7 years because they really didn't believe we had a flooding problem. Now we'll have to hope TRVWMD can get something done before the rains return.
Milton Sandy and Steve Wallace
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Hillandale Country Club Earlier in the day, Richard Bryant and I toured Hillandale Country Club to assess the scope of the work which will need to be done in that area. We were guests of Mr. Jimmy Manahan, Mr. Keith Carlton, Board Attorney, and Mr. Jim Walker, greens manager. Members of the Country Club wanted some assurances from the TRVWMD as to their concerns with possible damage to the golf course and several specific trees which are an integral part of the view scape as well as obstacles on specific holes before signing off on their supplemental access easements. Hillandale Country Club falls within two of the priority clearing projects we have requested from the TRVWMD. Phillips Creek terminates flowing from the north in Bridge Creek almost in the center of the golf course. Bridge Creek flows from the north in a westerly direction diagonally through the golf course. Hillandale is beautifully landscaped and occupies a central spot in the flood plain of Bridge and Phillips Canals. I look forward to working with Hillandale Country Club to satisfy their aesthetic concerns. Richard Bryant assured everyone that TRVWMD wanted to
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mitigate flooding problems in the City and on the golf course but did not want to remove any trees which the Country Club wanted to preserve.
TREES, TREES, TREES A couple of things started me thinking about our trees in Corinth this past week. First I was observing that most of the storm water drainage for the historic residential district of Corinth is all underground- you can't see it except mainly where it drains into Elam Creek. Most of the central and historic residential area of Corinth drains by underground conveyances into Town Creek which joins Elam Creek behind the KCS railroad crossing behind the old Walmart shopping center. A portion is also open behind Renasant and Commerce National Banks in a concrete lined open ditch. When I have been behind the old Walmart during a heavy rainfall event, I've often observed the quite noticeable difference in color between the water coming from Town Creek and the water flowing down Elam. The technical term to describe this is turbidity but you don't need an instrument to measure it, you can see how much clearer the water from Town Creek is compared to the sediment laden Elam Creek. Many of the underground storm water culverts carrying Town Creek are probably leaking and in very bad shape. It is likely that some are approaching nearly 100 years of age as Mayor Irwin has pointed out. While there have been some flooding problems in the historic district that I am aware of, the severity has not been as bad as other parts of the city. There are several major reasons for this I suspect. I believe the major reason is the very old, old, very beautiful trees we have in the historic area of downtown Corinth.
3/6/2011 - Elam Creek-top Town Creek-bottom behind KCS trestle
In addition to being scenic and very important to the historic view scape of downtown Corinth, the trees serve a critical role in flood mitigation and several other beneficial environmental roles. In 1992, the City of Corinth enacted a tree ordinance for the historic residential area which comprises about 390 acres of historic downtown Corinth. At the time, Corinth joined some of the most progressive communities in Mississippi who had tree ordinances to enhance the environment and protect what was considered an important community asset. The trees in just this small area of Corinth intercept by their leaf canopy an estimated 42,000,000 gallons of water per year. An even greater amount is absorbed by their root systems. Other benefits well documented include
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their role in carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere and oxygen production, savings in home air conditioning from their shade, and higher property values for individual properties as well as the neighborhood. A lot of this recent history information seems to have been forgotten like the more distant drainage history so I would like to share it again here. The historic district tree ordinance covers this area of downtown Corinth. The ordinance enacted in 1992 covers all trees found within the rights-of-way between the street and sidewalks. A permit is required to remove any tree larger than four inches except for emergency situations as defined in the ordinance. Shortly after the ordinance was enacted in 1992, the ice storm of 1994 occurred. Because of the existence of this ordinance, Corinth was eligible for grant assistance from FEMA in removing and replanting trees in this district. Corinth applied for and received close to $100,000 in funding to remove and replace damaged trees. FEMA first sent a landscape architect to Corinth to identify trees that were damaged by the ice storm. This landscape architect identified 56 street trees and 6 trees at Battery Robinette that were damaged by the ice storm. As a part of the historical review process to apply for this grant, FEMA then funded a study of all the rightof-way trees within this district. The study which was completed in 1995, surveyed, identified and assessed the condition of 1421 right-of-way trees in this area. The survey was conducted by certified arborists and landscape architects, Southern Urban Forestry Associates, Northport, Alabama. This study in 1995 of 1421 trees identified 233 (approx 16%) which needed to be removed and 551 (38%) which needed work to remove hazards. FEMA would only pay to remove and replace the 56 trees which they identified as being specifically damaged by the ice storm of 1994. Ultimately, around 40 trees were removed and replaced with this grant. The cost depended on the size of tree removed but averaged around $1,500 per tree. The arborists estimated the value of every one of the 1421 right-of-way trees in 1995 depending on species, condition, age, vigor, and size. The estimated total value of right-of-way trees only within the historic district was Page 6/12
$5,464,578. This valuation is very close to the 2010 figures released by the USDA and US Forest Service which estimates the value of a mature urban tree in the southern US at $4,240 in lifetime environmental and other benefits- $6,025,040 for 1421 trees. Unfortunately, this study at the time raised some other serious concerns which have largely been forgotten. Some of these concerns were outlined by an editorial in our local newspaper: THE DAILY CORINTHIAN / FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 1996
OUR VIEW - Our trees are city's 'life limb' Tom Overton, Publisher - Mark Boehler, Editor
A tree expert painted a picture of the downtown landscape so landowners would know what to expect if proper steps aren't taken to-plan for the future. We could call the painting, "Nightmare on Elm Street. The downtown area could be a pitiful sight of dead willow oaks and withering shrub trees, according to landscape architect Alex Vare. Considering Corinth's historic down-town area is a beautiful area with the grace and beauty of towering hardwoods and budding dogwoods, Vare's prediction of a future "nightmare" should prompt us all into action. Hopefully, it will. There were about 20 people at this week's meeting for the Historic Corinth Tree District to hear a certified arborist present a re-evaluation of '94 Ice Storm damaged trees. Presenters gave landowners information on tree value, liabilities, condition and problems of urban trees. Of the approximate 50 downtown landowners in the tree district, only seven showed for the meeting. Let's hope this isn't a sign of the interest in the community as more people did show at a previous meeting. Regardless of the numbers present, some key points were made by Vare and arborist Brian Darr. - Careful consideration should be made when pruning trees. As landowners should be more aware of utility lines when planting lines, the utility company should give careful consideration when trimming trees in the tree district. A cooperative spirit on both sides is important.
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- Willow oaks are not as durable as other species, but they are fast growers. Do not plant water oaks or Bradford pear trees. Recommended replacement trees include Southern red oaks, white oaks and Zelkovas. - Stagger the planting of trees with years apart so all won't die at the same time. - Large trees should be planted 40 feet apart. The district's tree canopy should be preserved. Thirty of the district's 1,400 trees are already dead. Another 40 of the 63 Ice Storm damaged trees have been recommended for removal. Since most of the district's trees are either water or willow oak, old age or disease could wipe out most of the downtown tree canopy. And then, the most alarming information: most of the canopy trees in the district have a remaining life span of about 25 years.
Let's get our shovels out and plan for the future. The Daily Corinthian As a reminder, this was written 15 years ago and the estimated life of Corinth's tree canopy was 25 more years on average at that time. This study's recommendations I think are as valid today as they were 15 years ago and I will repeat them here for the benefit of our new mayor and board of aldermen:
Recommendations: • Storm Damaged Trees Those trees damaged by the winter storm and other causes should be either removed or the dangerous limbs should be removed as soon as possible. Other privately owned trees should have similar done. Those trees that are removed should be replaced.
• Long Range Plan A long range plan should be developed to review the current urban forest situation, develop a vision for the future and write a plan to move the city from the current state to the desired goal. This plan will address many of the items listed below and identify possible sources of funding.
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• Tree Replacement Program With the trees reaching their maturity, an organized tree replacement program should be started in the near future or the City of Corinth could be without a tree canopy within the next 25 years. It should plant trees of a wide variety of species, but with the realization that only a few trees would provide the type of canopy that currently exists in town.
• Location of Tree Planting The tree planting program should consist of planting trees within the rights-of-way, on private land and on other city owned property. Overhead and underground utility lines, site distances, current property usages, and existing structures need to be considered before any trees are planted. If the utility board is willing to allow trees to grow near the power lines, oaks and other species could be planted so that they will provide a canopy over the street. If not, the trees will have to be planted farther away from the power lines or different trees species will have to planted. These other species will be shorter and not develop into a canopy.
• Funding a Tree Planting Program There are numerous sources of funding for tree planting: 1. City Funds 2. Private Homeowner funds 3. Federal Emergency Management Authority 4. Federal Urban and Community Forestry Grants 5. National Tree Trust 6. Intermodal Surface Transportation Enhancement grants 7. Local Businesses and Chamber of Commerce
• Developing a Tree Commission A local tree commission should be developed to help the city coordinate the tree program. This commission would review tree problems, develop a long-term strategy and enhance the tree awareness within the city. This commission would also help the city qualify for other grants and awards.
• Education The city employees, utility board workers, local arborists, local nurseries, citizens and city leaders should learn more about the need, benefits, liabilities, biology and care of urban trees. This education could take place by attending state and regional meetings of state urban forestry associations, developing local programs with the help of the Mississippi Urban Forestry Association, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, Mississippi State University, and urban forestry consultants.
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The other thing which made me start thinking about trees was Saturday's story in the Daily Corinthian about the tree downed by the short “Tommy Tsunami” we had on Thursday afternoon. The other value of trees that I've always had a belief but have never found studies or data to support it is that mature trees help mitigate tornadoes and their damages. The only supporting information I have found in that regard was from the USDA Forest Service which says: “Humans have an amazing ability to manipulate the environment to our benefit, however sometimes what we think is a good thing - in this case, cutting down 'dangerous' trees, we are actually creating an environment that feeds supercells storms even more energy, via increased urban heat islands -and eliminating a natural wall of defense against the energy of tornadoes.” I would also note that removing adjacent trees in a canopy situation must weaken support for adjoining trees somewhat like a domino effect. There is no question the tree shown in the Remains of storm damaged tree Polk St.8/6/2011 Daily Corinthian was a weakened tree with a hollow decaying center. There is no doubt that this tree was a safety hazard and should have been removed for public health and safety. But you should always try to get all sides of a story I believe. Checking just a little deeper. This tree in the historic tree ordinance district was included in the 1995 study mentioned above. At that time, I believe this tree was identified as #42 in the 66 trees FEMA identified as damaged by the ice storm of 1994. There was also an adjoining tree #43 on the same property also identified as damaged. Both trees were recommended for removal and replacement which would have been fully paid for by FEMA at that time. The property owner in this case declined to participate. The City of Corinth through the then city attorney notified the property owner: “Please be advised that you will be responsible for removing your tree(s) if they become a hazard or an obstruction in the future. The cost of removal will be your expense.” This tree in 1995 was identified as a willow oak 90' tall, 42” in diameter with a 40' canopy width was valued at $21,690.11 by the arborist. The adjacent tree at that time was identified as a
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water Oak 80' tall, 30� in diameter with a 40' canopy width and was valued at $9,401.31. Between 1995 and 2011, the adjacent tree was either removed for some reason or the other. The house in 1995 was at some time replaced with two apartments. Fill material was probably placed on the house lot and a concrete driveway was placed right up to the trunk of the tree both of which probably contributed to the demise of this tree which we can say was given at least another 16 years of life by the property owner but with some risks. What can the city do proactively to help our trees? One suggestion I would make is a very old idea that is not new in Corinth, just somewhat forgotten. Downtown around court square you will note brick pavers edging the asphalt paving.
1995- Tree 42, ice storm damaged These pavers allow some water infiltration into the soil reducing storm water runoff while providing nearby trees some additional water supply. Some people might question the expense of using brick pavers which I assume would be more expensive than asphalt. But I would ask you to consider that these downtown pavers may have been there a minimum of 50 years or more. How many times do you think the streets have been recovered with asphalt during that time? A little cost analysis should shed some light on the economics involved not to mention the environmental benefits. Starting with the most Brick pavers, downtown court square Page 11/12
endangered right-of-way trees from the 1995 study I would recommend consideration of this small investment at least near endangered trees. I know after replacing my concrete driveway every 10 years due to oak tree roots, I went with pavers and thus far (over 10 years) haven't had another problem. If we are to save this major asset of the City of Corinth we also need an aggressive tree planting program to repair and replace damaged trees- many of which may still remain from the ice storm of 1994. The time is short and this is an area where the City of Corinth, like with drainage, has raised all sorts of questions about responsibility, liability, access rights. We need to sit down and work out a plan. We already have one that has been gathering dust, we just need to move forward and find people in the community who will give back to the community and help impliment it the way early Corinthians did who left us the beautiful tree lined streets we enjoy today.
A FINAL NOTE After last weeks treatise on the Kmart shopping center storm water detention pond, I observed and photographed this scenic scene with the mother goose's exact comments that I translated for your benefit:
Sunday 7/31/2011- Canadian mother Goose and goslings Kmart Shopping Center storm water detention pond
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