The city of Sedona needs your help.

Now in its fifth year, the city’s pre-monsoon inspection and clean-up program has officially kicked off and will run through June. Staff from the Sedona Public Works Department will inspect public and private drainage ways in various residential and commercial areas of Sedona.

The inspections identify debris, dirt, trash and vegetation in drainage ways that could block the flow of stormwater or that could be carried downstream during a monsoon storm. If the debris is in public right of way, staff will remove it, and if the debris is on private property, the owner will be notified that it will need to be removed.

“The pre-monsoon program helps get out in front of potential problem areas that could create flooding during the monsoons,” Associate Engineer David Peck said. “Our goal is to make Sedona’s drainage system as safe as possible for residents.”

Debris that flows downstream may clog culverts and bridge underpasses resulting in additional flooding, beyond what might have occurred if drainage ways weren’t blocked. Also, because waterways in Sedona flow to Oak Creek, the debris in channels and washes contribute to the pollution of Oak Creek. To avoid a funnel effect, all city drainage projects are started downstream and work their way toward higher elevations.

Peck said something as simple as a branch, which would normally flow through, can get lodged across the opening of a culvert. As debris comes downstream, it accumulates around the branch creating a mass like a nest that gets bigger with every passing minute.

Property owners are encouraged to contact the city of Sedona if they have concerns or questions related to washes or drainage areas on their private property.

“This program is more of a proactive approach,” Assistant Engineer Michael Righi said. “We’re hoping property owners will allow us to do these inspections, which will help reduce potential flooding.”

The city will be sending letters to residents in the most at-risk areas of town. The letter requests permission to enter private property to assess drainage conditions. Once permission is granted, the inspectors will not be disturbing the property but will be there to take notes and photos. Depending upon the conditions observed, the city may require removal of debris.

While the city is requesting that homeowners voluntarily clear their drainage ditches of debris, for those that don’t comply, they could face enforcement action. City code addresses this issue and states, “Every person owning property through which a watercourse passes, or such person’s lessee, shall keep and maintain that part of the watercourse with the property free of trash, debris, excessive vegetation and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate or significantly retard the flow of water through the watercourse.”

In an effort to help with the hauling off of debris that may be produced from the cleaning of drainage facilities, the city will provide some assistance with curb side debris pick up. As long as the clean-up area has been identified and inspected by city staff prior. The city will allow for the temporary placement on the road shoulders and hire a contractor to haul the debris away.

In conjunction with the pre-monsoon program, the city will sponsor a debris collection event, free to Sedona residents, Wednesday through Saturday, June 6 to 9, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents may bring yard waste, including any debris that could block stormwater drainage areas to the city’s maintenance yard, located at 2070 Contractors Road. More information on this event can be found on the city’s website at sedonaaz.gov, under the Latest News section.

For more information on the pre-monsoon program, contact Peck at 204-7108.