When will the city learn?

Tonight we see in the news that part of Oshkosh are again flooded. I truly feel for people like Lori Stang that just replaced all of her appliances just to watch them get ruined again within hours.

When will the city learn?

I have spoken out on the purpose and viability of retention ponds. I am not convinced that they will do what the public thinks that they will do. Sure, they will reduce the pollutants flowing into the lake but it will not prevent the flooding that we are seeing in Oshkosh.

When will the city learn?

Perhaps they won't. Ms. Stang had to watch as the sewer drain gurgled water (including raw sewage) into her basement. Storm water retention would do NOTHING to stop that. The SANITARY sewer backed up. These are two completely separate systems that are independent of one another. The only thing that they have in common are the houses that are not compliant with code that prevents the pumping of basement sumps into the sanitary sewer. Granted, it is not the sole reason for the backup... but it would go a long way to prevent flooding of this nature.

When will the city learn?

For those like me that realize that the leaders of this city may never learn may want to take a trip to Menards or Lowes to purchase a new drain cap that has a check valve that closes when the water backs up. I've been told that there is a city code that prohibits the installation of this valve, but if the city doesn't enforce the sump code, what makes you think that they would enforce the valve code either? Besides, the fine is far cheaper than replacing your basement contents and appliances.

In the meantime... I think that the city needs to pray for the rain to stay away.

KM