By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Drainage Board will be seeking more information on several problem areas.
Problems with a wetland area that was too wet was brought before the board several weeks ago by the Marchatas family.
Investigation by Marshall County Surveyor Larry Fisher discovered that the problem lies in a pond on a property owned by Jim Irsay in the area off of S.R. 10.

A higher water level on drainage tile in the area has been caused and by above ground observation Fisher could not tell what might be causing the problem. His suggestion was to get a camera into the tile to see if the problem is just an obstruction. The cost of such work would be considerably less than actually digging in the area. Since the tiles and pond in question are privately owned it would be up to the property owner to undertake the fix.
If the owner didn’t wish to do so, the county’s only recourse would be a legal remedy.
Rick Huff came before the board with drainage problems on his property near 1st and Oak Road. The land in question has been wet for nearly a year, and Huff maintains that the problem started after the county undertook work on a tile across the street from his property.
Fisher maintained that the work should have had no effect on any of the drainage on Huff’s land, and if anything should have provided more efficient drainage. The board agreed to come to the property to look at the situation to try to come to a conclusion.
Drainage Board President Kevin Overmyer brought before the board the possibility of the county vacating all drainage tiles that lie within an incorporated area such as a town or city.
Overmyer said that other counties had undertaken such action. Recent problems with tree planting and construction on right of way’s to drainage tiles and ditches would be handled by vacating the area to the town’s and cities involved. Currently residents obtain permits from city entities and are unaware that the county has jurisdiction over the area’s and their right of ways.
Overmyer suggested a public meeting on the subject to gage public opinion on the matter.