I do confess that there often does exist a 90-degree “bend” in storm sewers in the form of a manhole (and also in the form of a junction box for that matter). Wherein your argument is flawed is that manholes, by design, exist as cleanout areas for the storm drainage systems; that being their sole purpose. In essence, they are traps where trash and sediment settle into a containment basin at the bottom of the manhole and water flows in and out at an elevation higher than that of the bottom of the manhole. Surely they do clog, but not as if a 90-degree elbow would. Also, they are, again by design, required to be cleaned out periodically. There are operation requirements of any system – storm drains included. Your tax dollars, in the form of operation costs, were considered in the initial design, approval and construction processes. Also, when the streets in your neighborhood flood, remember that they were designed to. Streets are not just for automobile traffic but also exist as a network of drainage channels to carry storm water away from your homes. In a torrential rain, they will often back up temporarily. Anyone in West Houston will attest to this. Be patient and give the system a chance to catch up; the “flood” will subside.
As for my job, I am an engineer (you got me!) by degree and work for a company that designs, permits and does construction management for landfills. What is the number one aspect of my job, you ask? Storm water drainage. That said, I also spend upwards of 80% of my time in the field working alongside contractors and have a great respect for many of them and their talents. Your post about change orders and RFI’s has nothing to do with the operations of a storm drainage system. I agree that many engineers aren’t practical enough to see beyond a sheet of paper; however, you must agree that many contractors shoot from the hip in making field adjustments in order to get the job done. It happens.
And as for the falsities that the media would have you believe about recycling and the impending shortage of landfill space, I can only say that you are allowing yourselves to be misled. There is not a shortage of space for landfills and we are not overfilling the ones we have. It is estimated that sixty percent of the trash in landfills is paper. Grass clippings make up an estimated thirteen percent. If you want to save space in the landfills, don’t use as much paper. And don’t bother recycling all that paper either. It might make you feel good, but it costs as much to build a landfill that will hold 20 years worth of trash as it does to recycle 5 years worth of recyclables.
As for the mowing, I agree that one should mow with a mulching mower if they can. It does provide proper nutrients that promote a healthy stand of grass without the addition of chemicals. If you can’t mulch, bag it and dispose of it or compost it. Don’t overdue the blowing of grass clippings into the street but don’t be ashamed of doing it either. Just don’t blow it directly into the storm sewer. And if your neighbor does this and it upsets you, educate them about it. For those of you that think it isn't your job, think again. If you want to live in a cooperative society where we all do our part for the common good, you've got to do your part also.
And finally, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
, it's of very little surprise that things genrally differ to a significant degree in the field than what they show on the drawings. RFI's become part of the project record - which means that they are legal documents that in effect change both the drawings and the contract.
