Rochester Hills approves drain repairs

Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, January 8, approved nearly $850,000 in repair work to the Hamilton Relief Drain, which discharges into the Clinton River and has led to significant soil erosion in the 700 block of River Bend Drive.

The drain is one of 26 Chapter 20 drains maintained by the Oakland County Water Resources Commission for the city, with Rochester Hills responsible for covering 92.63 percent of costs and Oakland County responsible for 7.37 percent of expenses.

Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Allan Schneck said the 8-foot diameter outlet is located within a 20-foot easement in the 700 block of River Bend Drive prior to its downstream discharge into the Clinton River. However, soil erosion next to and under the pipe has caused significant loss of stream bank, which could ultimately lead to loss of private property and damage to a home along the water's edge.

"At the beginning of 2017, this project came to light," Schneck said. "There has been a continuous erosion issue with this particular drain, to the point where it needs immediate attention."

Erosion has also exposed the top of an existing 24-inch diameter sanitary sewer that is in the alignment of the drain. A portion of the existing sewer is planned for abandonment and 116-feet of new sewer relocated outside of the drain is included in the project.

The total budget for the project is $910,123 with the city responsible for $843,046.

Council unanimously approved the funding the project.