Ground Restoration:   Generally, MSD restores yards and landscaping to the same or similar condition existing prior to MSD performing work.

MSD's standard for ground restoration is to apply seed and straw mat.  In situations where seed and straw mat would pose an extreme hardship to the customer, MSD may place sod if it is available.   In large undeveloped areas, straw will be used in place of straw mat.

In situations where MSD has disturbed a property owner's landscaping in order to perform work, MSD may work with the property owner to replace the landscaping in a manner as similar to its original condition as possible. (For purposes of this section, landscaping does not include grass, but shall refer to flowers, shrubs, trees, etc.)

Where it is necessary for MSD to remove landscaping which is causing an obstruction to public drainage, MSD may attempt to relocate it to the satisfaction of the property owner such that it no longer obstructs drainage.

Mowing:   Reference should be made to the Routine Mowing Program.  Where MSD assumes responsibility for mowing channels not included in the Routine Mowing Program, it is MSD's goal to mow these channels on an annual basis subject to resource availability.

Paved and Earthen Ditches:   MSD's primary objective is to achieve positive drainage.  Therefore, where anticipated total costs are low, an earthen ditch may be installed rather than a paved ditch for grades as flat as 0.5%.  Additionally, earthen ditches may be installed, where the grade is less then 0.5%, as a temporary measure to a flooding situation.

At any grade, a paved ditch may be necessary where flow velocity or potential erosion dictates.

Where there is flooding to a structure, MSD may perform an interim solution which does not entirely conform to the standards for paved or earthen ditches, even where that solution may result in a standing water condition.  Additional remedies and alternatives for conditions resulting in flooding to a structure are contained in MSD's Board Policy addressing the purchasing of flood prone property and flood proofing.

Piping of Drainage Facilities:  Where MSD is doing drainage work, and if applicable design criteria will be met, MSD may install pipe rather than an earthen ditch where the ditch would have side slopes steeper than 3 to 1 and it would be deeper than 2 feet for a roadside ditch, or 3 feet for any other ditch.  Additionally, for roadside ditches, if the center line of the ditch is 6 feet or less from the edge of the pavement, MSD will coordinate the decision to pipe the ditch with the agency having jurisdiction for the roadway.

For requests from customers that a ditch be piped strictly for the convenience of the customer, reference should be made to the subsection entitled "Piping of Drainage Facilities", which can be found in the Guidelines section of this Manual.

In situations where pipe is used, MSD will strive to use the most appropriate pipe available.  Issues for consideration in determining the appropriate pipe type are:

• existing pipes in use in the area
• functionality
• aesthetic appearance
• ease of installation
• ability to meet cover requirements for the pipe
• installation requirements
• durability
• life cycle costs
• ease of maintenance
• joint integrity
• potential for damage by other utilities, fence installation, etc.

Regrading:  MSD's standard when performing regrading work is to achieve a bank slope with a steepness of 3 to 1 or less, and a depth of no more than 2 feet for a roadside ditch or 3 feet for any other ditch.

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