MAINTENANCE OF NATURAL COLLECTION SYSTEMS – DO YOUR CREWS KNOW WHAT TO DO?

Utilities are dealing with emerging water quality and habitat protection issues by constructing “natural” drainage systems such as vegetated channels, wetland detention facilities and creek restoration. Utility crews may not be equipped to handle the maintenance of these facilities, which are not the pipes and ditches they are used to. Seattle Public Utilities has developed Operation & Maintenance Manuals for 20 of these drainage facilities. Each manual contains a description of the facility and its intended purpose, along with a detailed narrative of maintenance procedures that explains the steps for inspection, cleaning, and repair.The utility has begun using the O & M Manuals to gain some experience carrying out the required maintenance. We will assess the total resource needs for all of this work and then evaluate options for getting it accomplished. The manuals will help document the costs to facilitate budgeting.