For years, erosion has been a problem along the Mississinewa River in Randolph County, washing away the banks. For years, trees have toppled into the river, blocking the river's flow and forcing the Mississinewa to change course. These course changes have led to flooded farm fields, yards and other property.
Heavy rain, causing stronger currents because of the increased volume, has regularly created a problem for property owners along the Mississinewa River. And it's a safe bet the same thing happens along other Hoosier waterways. The log jams continue to get worse and, because of government bureaucracy, no one will take responsibility or advise property owners about how to get theses messes cleaned up. This is not fair to residents whose property is being damaged. It is time for a set of uniform regulations to be established, allowing government agencies and property owners to know for certain the procedures for removing the problem. Recently, the Water Resources Study Committee heard testimony from government agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Also Randolph County Commissioners Troy Prescott and Noel Carpenter, Randolph County Surveyor Ed Thornburg and local farmer Tim Acton described how they have been affected by the problem. The DNR, Prescott and Acton agreed current regulations are too vague on who is responsible for removing the log jams. Complicating the issue are state and federal rules and regulations concerning wildlife that use the fallen timber and debris as its habitat. There are too many hands and too much confusion involved. That is why I have a goal of helping develop a clearer, more precise set of guidelines to aid property owners affected by this problem. |
