Water restriction question...?

Question

Our neighbor is restricting the natural water flow (by smashing down the culvert on his side of the road) causing it to back up into our yard (flooding every time it rains). What are the EPA codes/rules and regulations on natural water restrictions in Illinois? Your answer is greatly appriciated. Thanks in ahead!

Answer 1

yea that would be an issue for a local or state government, the epa wouldnt get invovled in that

Answer 2

I don't think the EPA has much to do with ditches on the road side. That's up to the county or city Road Department. In some areas the road right of way extends well into your property. That's why you can't build a permanent structure right next to the road. It's called a set back. It could be 25 feet or more from the center of the road. Now if you neighbour is deliberately blocking the water way for whatever reason, he's violating the law. He is also causing your property to lose value because it floods when it rains. You could call your tax collector and ask for a lower property valuation due to the flooding problem.  He would surely notify the Roads Department  because the government doesn't want your property to loose value.  But you might not want the tax collector coming out, so the best thing to do is call the Roads Department and tell them the ditch until recently  worked fine but now overflows when it rains. They will have the problem corrected without you saying anything to the neighbour.

Answer 3

There are no EPA  regulations about restricting  a drainage culvert.Your county pblic works dept. would be more intrested as they install culverts to prevent flooding of public roads,and they run $200-$400 a culvert.The state DNR regulates dams and/or flood control.EPA  simply measures pollution and ways to prevent it.If the drainage culvert only drains water GOING TO your property under your driveway]then it is your culvert he destroyed.

Answer 4

First I would talk to the local , and state govt. But I dissagree, you can not change the flow of water, and the EPA will get involved if nessassery, because it will still affect  habitat and plant and animal life both up, and down from the culvert.

KS Class IV Certification Wastewater 10 yrs