Solar developer work prompts questions about Heimlick and Long Branch drainage; board asks landowner to prove drainage path

Staff briefed the Grant County Drainage Board on field work by a solar developer near Long Branch and the legal Heimlick drain. The solar contractor located a clay block at the end of an inspected tile and reported that portions of the historic Heimlick alignment are not currently conveying water.

Raymond and Doug explained that, if the Heimlick legal drain’s easement does not extend to the wooded area where water would need to cross, Jeff Gaul (landowner) must obtain permission from adjacent landowners to reach the Heimlick or pursue a court process to compel a tile connection. The solar contractor said Presnol’s recent retilling drained a field to Long Branch and that the solar company would leave an easement for drainage where feasible.

The board directed staff to determine the Heimlick legal description and confirm whether existing tile or easements currently serve Jeff Gaul’s field. Jared Han (county surveyor, referenced) advised that if an active tile and applied easement exist, landowners may have rights to those connections, but proving drainage paths typically requires documentation. The solar applicant’s hearing to vacate or alter rights is scheduled in mid‑July; the board asked staff to gather maps, legal descriptions and to ask Gaul to demonstrate where his water runs before any action is taken.