Board approves relocation of county tile and a 3-acre recreational pond at Walker Farm with conditions

The Boone County Drainage Board approved April 20 a petition to relocate the county-regulated 'quick' tile on the Walker property and to construct a 3-acre recreational pond, subject to conditions the surveyor's office described.

Carol, speaking for the surveyor's office, said the petitioner (Randy Walker) requested relocation of the existing 10-inch clay tile and proposed installation of a 10-inch solid dual-wall plastic tile, with all work to be paid for by the petitioner and inspected by county staff. Staff told the board they had reviewed exhibits showing the existing tile, the proposed relocated alignment and the 75-foot easement area; they also told the board private lateral tiles that currently drain to the county tile must be rerouted or given a positive outlet into the pond or the reconfigured county tile.

Staff discussed construction protections: where dirt would be hauled across the county tile during pond excavation, the plan calls for a temporary haul road (stone build-up) to protect the tile from heavy equipment. Staff also warned that future homes near the pond would have to meet county drainage standards, which may make basements infeasible in some locations.

Staff noted normal farm surface flows and use of field chemicals could enter the pond unless the petitioner installed a surface-flow bypass or other controls. The board approved the relocation and pond construction by voice vote; the transcript records ayes but does not include a roll-call tally.

Next steps: staff will require the petitioner to submit final construction plans, ensure private lateral connections are addressed, and oversee the work under county inspection.