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Hood Hazard Mitigation <. .-. " .. ,. .. '-. '. ,-. '-. \ ..NoRT~ }lMH:tcAN ~RIE "l"v.\NT~ \ "D~'':' '-. ,-. .. .<. r". Excerptfrom a Lake County citizen's guide showing how deep root systems can stabilize banks. While channel improvements change the shape of the channel. channel maintenance takes care of vegetative growth and debris that can block flows. Channel maintenance activities normally do not affect the shape of the channel, but they do affect how well the channel can do its job. Appropriate for: smaller streams. Annual cleanup campaigns should be conducted in late fall through winter. before spring flows and when there are no leaves restricting visibility. Problems: Channel inspection and maintenance is a continual operation. In many cases, the permission of the property owner is needed, which may require lengthy legal negotiations to obtain maintenance easements. If not done properly. channel clearance can allow bank erosion and destroy natu- ral habitats. For more infonnation: Agencies that can provide technical advice include local drainage districts, the Chicago District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Office of Water Resources. References include Stream Preservation Handbook and CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance. DuPage County has a model program which is explained in its Stream Maintenance Program Report. 2.1.10 Waterway dumping regulations Aoodplain regulations, zoning ordinances and building codes control major develop- ment projects in floodplains. However, debris can accumulate or be accidentally or intentionally dumped into the channels and detention basins, obstructing even low flows. Stream dumping regulations are one approach to preventing intentional placement of trash or debris in watercourses. Many communities have nuisance regulations that prohibit dumping garbage or other "objectionable waste" on public or private property. Some prohibit the discharge of polluted waters into natural outlets or storm sewers. Stream dumping regulations need to also apply to "nonobjectionable" materials, such as grass clippings or tree branches which can kill ground cover or cause obstructions. Many people do not realize the consequences of their actions. They often want to fill in the ditch in their front yard which is needed to drain street runoff. They do not understand how regrading or discarding leaves or branches can cause a problem.