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2010 07 23

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v07n15)

DNR inspects riverbank after honeysuckle removal - by Thomas P. Healy

posted: Jul. 23, 2010

by Thomas P. Healy

On a recent sunny morning, John Hall, a field engineer in the Compliance and Enforcement Section of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, walked along White River on Broad Ripple Avenue.

Tom Healy and John Hall inspecting the banks of the White River east of Applebee's.

His presence had been requested by the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) in response to an accusation that vegetation removal and the spreading of wood chips had caused damage to the riverbank across from Broad Ripple High School.

After looking over the site, Hall said, "Removal of the undergrowth is not a violation." Regarding the spreading of wood chips, he added, "It amounts to erosion control. It's acceptable."

Invasive honeysuckle was cut down and woodchips were applied.

Hall explained that forestry activities in the floodway - cutting vegetation and pruning trees - are not considered construction by DNR as long as stumps remain in place to hold soil.

He said DNR inspectors consider three criteria when looking for violations along riverbanks:

1) Does the work obstruct or adversely affect the efficiency of the floodway?

2) Does the work pose a threat to life or the safety of property?

3) Does the work have an undue effect on fish, wildlife and botanical resources?

At the Broad Ripple Avenue site, Hall noted, "I don't see that this is going to increase flood stages, it doesn't pose a threat to life or safety of property because it's not increasing flood stages, and there is no effect on fish and wildlife and botanical resources because we still have a riparian corridor tree line."

Hall has worked at DNR since 1972. He's one of two inspectors for the entire state. Over the years, he has visited the Village many times to review areas adjacent to Applebee's and Chef JJ's Back Yard. Neither of those sites warranted a citation either.

During the inspection, he pointed approvingly to the half dozen donated fir trees planted along the site. "Those are no problem at all," he said, "That is a good use for erosion control."

Of the wood chips on the crown of the bank, Hall observed, "What I'm seeing is actually a beneficial erosion control berm. Water runs off the sidewalk and down this bank but the wood chips are trapping that immediate flow."

He explained that high velocity water flow causes erosion. "One of the things we want to do is slow the water down. If the chips weren't here, you would have bare soil where it could start to erode."

Hall said he'll write up a report on the inspection soon. "I will say it's not a violation and that we would consider the matter closed. The fill that's in place is more of an erosion control benefit than a problem."

As he spoke, a speedboat raced downstream on the river, then turned and sped back upstream.

Hall nodded toward the boat's wake. "Those waves knocking against the bank - there's your erosion potential."

Thomas P. Healy is a director of the Broad Ripple Village Association and president of the Broad Ripple Alliance for Progress.

DNR inspects riverbank after honeysuckle removal - by Thomas P. Healy

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