Who owns the drainage ditches in front of my house? Who maintains them? Why do I have to pay for ditch cleanings?
As residents of the Black Swamp and responsible landowners, it is an obligation to maintain the drainage of waterways and ditches associated with personal property. With aging tile systems, fallen trees, and erosion the project can be challenging. Landowners can turn to the Wood SWCD for assistance. Contact Jim Carter at Wood SWCD 419-354-5517 #4.
Landowner Assistance for Ditch Projects
Ditch Cleaning Methods and Descriptions:
Private Ditch Bottom Clean Out:
The least costly method of all of the processes. This process also has the least involvement by any governmental agency. Those requesting assistance make all the decisions and the project does not commence until all financial obligations are met by the group. These is projects are not eligible for County Maintenance Programs managed by the Wood County Engineer.
Mutual Group Reconstruction:
Approximately two and a half to three times more costly than private ditch bottom clean outs. Both ditch banks will be reconstructed. Some decisions are still in the groups’ control. This type of project could be eligible for County Maintenance Programs.
County Petition Ditch:
Approximately six to 10 times more costly than a Private Ditch Bottom Clean Out. It is a legal process. It involves the reconstruction and removal of brush from both banks and correction of all tile outlet pipes and surface water conveying devices. No decisions are made by the group and the ditch is added to the County Ditch Maintenance Programs.
ORC 940 Conservation Works of Improvement:
Three to five times more expensive than the previous option but is a legal process. It involves the reconstruction and removal of brush from both banks and correction of all tile outlet pipes and surface water conveying devices. Decisions by the group are very basic and minimal. This type of project would be eligible for County Maintenance Programs.
Ditch Cleaning Methods and Descriptions:
Private Ditch Bottom Clean Out:
The least costly method of all of the processes. This process also has the least involvement by any governmental agency. Those requesting assistance make all the decisions and the project does not commence until all financial obligations are met by the group. These is projects are not eligible for County Maintenance Programs managed by the Wood County Engineer.
Mutual Group Reconstruction:
Approximately two and a half to three times more costly than private ditch bottom clean outs. Both ditch banks will be reconstructed. Some decisions are still in the groups’ control. This type of project could be eligible for County Maintenance Programs.
County Petition Ditch:
Approximately six to 10 times more costly than a Private Ditch Bottom Clean Out. It is a legal process. It involves the reconstruction and removal of brush from both banks and correction of all tile outlet pipes and surface water conveying devices. No decisions are made by the group and the ditch is added to the County Ditch Maintenance Programs.
ORC 940 Conservation Works of Improvement:
Three to five times more expensive than the previous option but is a legal process. It involves the reconstruction and removal of brush from both banks and correction of all tile outlet pipes and surface water conveying devices. Decisions by the group are very basic and minimal. This type of project would be eligible for County Maintenance Programs.
