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s . <br /> The perforated drainpipe was cut off ten feet from the property line and plugged. This pipe still <br /> serves as an outlet to the house foundation drainage system. The amount of water that can drain <br /> through this pipe and percolate into the ground is limited. Therefore,additional foundation drainage <br /> can be provided by a sump pump that will pump water into the drainage ditch to the southwest. <br /> Since the ground surface elevation above the drainpipe is higher than the basement floor elevation <br /> the �vater will back up into the sump before surfacing to the ground. The owner of the new house <br /> said that since moving into the house,there has never been any water in the sump. Some sandy soils <br /> were encountered on the property, so the amount of foundation drainage is limited. <br /> Mr. Vang's comments about the original pipe installation being inappropriate were regarding using <br /> this pipe to drain yard surface drainage to the south. This problem has been conected by the drainage <br /> ditch to the southwest. Use of this perforated pipe as only an outlet for the foundation drains is <br /> appropriate and reasonable and an allowable use within the intent of the City's codes. There is <br /> nothing in the codes to prohibit this foundation drainpipe. The water from the foundation drains is <br /> existing groundwater and use of perforated drainpipe to discharge this into the ground is reasonable. <br /> . I am not clear on exactly what the conversations between yourself and Bruce were. Bruce has told <br /> me he indicated that the pipe could not drain surface water and that this problem would have to be <br /> conected. This problem has been corrected now and the pipe does not drain surface water. He also <br /> indicated that the pipe would have to be plugged and removed from within 10 feet of the property <br /> line. This has also been accomplished. <br /> Regarding the comments that Bruce made about sending a letter saying that Bruce Bren <br /> Construction and the City of Orono would have to correct any future water damages caused by this <br /> pipe. Bruce does not have the authority to make these statements or send letters providing these <br /> assurances. We have discussed this situation with Bruce and he understands that it would be <br /> inappropriate to make such commitments. The City's regulatory function is to take adequate and <br /> reasonable steps to facilitate projects to minimize adverse impacts to the environment or adjoining <br /> properties. We cannot offer 100% guarantees that everything will be perfect without exposing the <br /> City to future liabilities. We believe that the diversion of the surface drainage to the southwest,using <br /> the perforated drainpipe only for foundation drainage, and plugging the end of this pipe 10 feet from <br /> the property line aze adequate and reasonable steps to handle the drainage in an appropriate manner <br /> and protect the interests of all parties involved. <br /> We offer our apologies that this issue was not dealt with in promptly. As Bruce's immediate <br /> supervisor, I have to admit that I was not totally familiar with the situation and exactly how this <br /> issue was being handled. We have discussed this situation with Mr. Vang regarding the importance <br /> of promptly responding to citizens and not making promises or commitments that he cannot fulfill. <br /> We hope this letter clarifies the history of the project and the City's position on the corrective actions <br /> taken to ensure that the drainage from the new house is handled appropriately. <br />