County Approves Provisions To Help Storm Runoff Problem

Neighbors in flood-prone Eaglewood subdivision cheered last week when Spokane County commissioners unanimously approved emergency provisions to slow storm runoff in fast-growing areas.

However, the North Side residents still want to know what commissioners plan to do about existing neighborhoods, such as theirs, that are regularly submerged.

“The commissioners have been very good and very responsive about taking care of this problem in the future, we appreciate that,” said Diane Blumel, who lives in the Eaglewood subdivision, near Colbert. “But we still need something done about the existing problem.”

Blumel, whose basement filled with 14 inches of murky water on New Year’s Day, says she is speaking for herself, not her neighborhood.

However, some of her neighbors also want to know what the county is planning to do about the community’s existing flood problem.

The neighborhood has banded together, forming work groups to research area geology, development history, monitor soil and water studies, and consider solutions.

The county commissioners have banned grassy depressions or drywells to soak up storm water. New houses won’t have basements, unless they are specifically built to keep out water.

Besides Eaglewood, Moran Prairie, Glenrose Prairie, Central Park and other subdivisions are affected by the decision.

All new developments must have lined evaporation ponds to handle rain and snowmelt.

Commissioners had considered a moratorium on new building in the areas. In Eaglewood, only about 15 possible homesites will be affected by the commissioner’s action. Another 32 have already been platted and will be exempt from the new restrictions.

The county has suggested neighbors from Section 35, including Eaglewood, Peone Pines and Winfield Parks, will have to pay the bill to fix the current flooding problem. About 500 residents in that area signed a petition last spring opposing an assessment on individual homeowners, claiming it is a county problem.

Unlike flooding from streams and rivers, storm water runoff stems from roads, driveways, roofs and other surfaces that can’t absorb rain and melting snow.

In Eaglewood, an underground clay bowl acts like a liner, preventing storm runoff from soaking deep into the ground.

“I think it is great that we have brought this problem to their attention enough that they are making plans for future homes, but that isn’t going to help our situation right now,” said resident Nancy Bulmer. , DataTimes