The following discussion is based on drainage problems or complaints that were identified in the Mallory Granger Ditch - White River Watershed for existing and future concerns noted in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of this Master Plan.

Each issue, concern, or opportunity is restated in simple terms, and then followed by an evaluation of the promising alternative solutions (if applicable), a discussion of the recommended improvements, and an estimate of the associated costs. The cost estimates are provided for budgeting purposes only. A copy of these cost calculations is included in Appendix 4. They are based on field observations and limited data. Actual cost of construction and design may be more or less depending on additional information that would be gathered during the design phase. For the issues that had several promising solutions, CBBEL explored the solutions and narrowed them down to the best solution with input from the Town of Fishers staff. Table 5-2 at the end of this Chapter provides a summary of the recommended improvements. Chapter 6 of this Master Plan will focus on implementation of the recommendations identified.

MG1

Issue

Water ponds at 126th and N. Reynolds Drive (A8).

Recommended Improvement

Several options were investigated to solve street flooding issues including:

1. Creation of roadside swales to direct runoff to outlet points. These swales could use vegetation and be constructed at shallow slopes such that water quality benefits could also be obtained by the removal of sediment and other pollutants,
2. Construction of hybrid ditches (or infiltration trenches) in lieu of swales to permit recharging of groundwater or filtration and collection by an underdrain system,
3. Installation of bioretention areas (rain gardens) to collect and treat runoff from roads, paths, and rear yards,
4. Installation of curb and gutter with turnouts to direct runoff to a roadside swale or bioretention area instead of keeping water on the street,
5. Installation of culverts and/or inlets to collect and convey runoff safely to a discharge point,
6. Establishment of a plan for routine inspections and maintenance of the storm sewer infrastructure so that trash, debris, sediment accumulation, or system component damage does not prevent the system from working at full capacity,
7. Location of the source of the flooding and construct bioretention areas or diversions that keep water off the street,
8. Installation of permeable pavement in areas where other methods of eliminating the flow will not work,
9. Requirement of as-built data to be submitted for all new development in order to ensure compliance with approved plans and to provide data for troubleshooting a system in the future, and
10. Construction of asphalt shoulders to prevent vehicles from creating dirt mounds along the road that hold water on the road,

Based on the goals and performance criteria established for this Master Plan (Chapter 4) as well as limitations at the site, the recommended alternative for this site is to create a swale on the east side of the road to convey water to the culvert under 126th Street. There does not appear to be much grade available so survey data would be required prior to the swale construction. The estimated cost of this alternative is $6,000.  (Site A8)

MG2

Issue

Water ponds at 126th and N. Cumberland Road (A9).

Recommended Improvement

Water does not currently pond onto the road. There is, however, the potential for such if the outlet for the ponded water is elevated above the road. Grade differences are such that this could easily happen. Based on a review of the site, it is therefore recommended that the outlet at the southern edge of the field in the southwest corner of the intersection should be maintained to prevent flooding of the road. This can be accomplished by review of any plans for development of this area to make sure that the outlet is maintained or replaced in an appropriate manner to prevent flooding of the road.  (Site A9)

MG3

Issue

Street overtopping occurs during the 1% annual chance flood on Shoemaker Ditch at 131st Street (AR4) and Britton Park Drive (AR5).

Recommended Improvement

Based on the goals and performance criteria established for this Master Plan (Chapter 4) as well as limitations at the sites, the recommended alternative is to replace bridges and/or raise road approaches to elevations above the 1% annual chance flood as these structures are replaced in the normal course of bridge/road improvements. Replacement of these structures was assumed to cost $500,000 each on the average for a total estimated cost of $1,000,000 for these two sites.

Recommended water quality sampling sites along Britton Branch.
Site C9

Potential solution along Britton Branch is to redesign the ditch using 2-stage design.

MG4

Issue

Water quality is questionable in Britton Branch south of Builder’s Concrete (west of 131st and N. Britton Park Road) (C9).

Recommended Improvement

To address this issue several potential solutions were explored. These include structural and non-structural BMPs to better understand land use and onsite conveyance of stormwater runoff, operation and maintenance of facilities onsite, and water quality sampling. The following is a discussion of the each promising solution investigated:

1. Investigate washout practices at Builder’s Concrete to determine if these impact the water quality of Britton Branch. It is not clear what types of vehicular washout practices are used or if water quality BMPs are in place. The estimated cost is $500 for Town staff time to schedule and visit the site. Town staff has already met with Builder’s Concrete staff to initiate a water quality discussion in regard to the site. Results of this Master Plan study may help encourage them to be even more proactive in addressing potential issues from the site.
2. Reconstruct this stretch of Britton Branch as a 2-stage ditch to improve water quality. Britton Branch is a regulated drain that divides the Builder’s Concrete site. Stormwater runoff is directed into the drain. The estimated cost to design and construct a 2-stage ditch for this 1,500-foot portion of the ditch is $75,000.
3. Establish baseline water quality data by evaluating the water quality (chemical, physical, and biological properties) where Britton Branch enters (North Britton Park Drive) and leaves (131st Street) the site. Cloudy water has been observed in Britton Branch at the site. However, water quality samples have not been collected at Builder’s Concrete or upstream of the site. The estimated cost is $4,000 for Town staff time to gather 12 water quality samples from 2 locations during 3 dry and 3 wet weather events and have them analyzed by a laboratory as well as document physical characteristics and gather biological samples once at both locations.
4. Establish native grass plantings along the banks to filter and settle pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. The area adjacent to Britton Branch is currently mowed. This area could continue to be managed by mowing or controlled burn on an annual basis rather than a regular mowing schedule. Reducing costs for the Builder’s Concrete, improving water quality, and reestablishing corridors for urban wildlife. The estimated cost is $1,000 and could be subsidized through the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWL) and Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation (SWCD) programs.

Based on the goals and performance criteria established for this Master Plan (Chapter 4), establishing baseline water quality data by evaluating the water quality is recommended (#3 above). The priority to implement a water quality program is high since it will help determine the appropriate solution to the issue. Once the water quality issues are better understood, the Town should work with Builder’s Concrete to implement the other recommendations as necessary.  (Site C9)

Recommend collecting water samples and regrading ditch behind homes.
Site C11

MG5

Issue

Area with suspected septic system failure drains into retention pond and side ditches behind homes (N. Traverse Place in Sunblest Farms neighborhood) (C11).

Recommended Improvement

To address this issue several potential solutions were explored. These include extending sanitary sewer service, operation and maintenance of septic systems, installation of water treatment filters in septic tanks, water quality sampling, and regrading of a ditch with standing water problems. The following is a discussion of each promising solution investigated:

1. Connect these homes to the sanitary sewer. These homes are not currently within the Town’s corporate limits. Sanitary sewer mains do exist east of the neighborhood in the annexed neighborhood of Sunblest. The feasibility of sanitary sewer connection would need to be investigated prior to annexation, but annexation would need to occur prior to sewer connection. The estimated cost is $48,000 to extend a sewer line for connection of laterals. The estimated cost is roughly $10,000 per household to disconnect and cap the septic system and connect to the sewer line via a lateral line.
2. Install effluent filters in septic tanks. Effluent Filters are designed to extend the life and proper function of the septic drain field by preventing solids from leaving the septic tank. The estimated cost is $200-$450 (depending on the age of the septic system) for each filter installed by a septic system professional. Septic systems need to be cleaned prior to installation which would cost an additional $250 per unit.
3. Distribute educational materials from Hamilton County Health Department on septic system operation and maintenance. The estimated cost is minimal for Town staff to contact the Health Department and request they mail the literature to these residents.
4. Inspect existing septic systems to ensure each unit is properly functioning. The estimated cost is $450 per household for a septic system professional to inspect and certify that the septic system is functioning properly.
5. Establish baseline water quality data by evaluating the water quality (chemical, physical, and biological properties) at the retention pond and side ditch behind homes. The estimated cost is $2000 for Town staff time to gather 12 water quality samples from 2 locations during 3 dry and 3 wet weather events and have them analyzed by a laboratory as well as document physical characteristics and gather biological samples once at both locations.
6. Poor drainage and standing water behind the homes may be contributing to the suspected septic system failure and water quality problem. The estimated cost is $14,000 to regard the ditch and improve drainage.

Based on the goals and performance criteria established for this Master Plan (Chapter 4), establishing baseline water quality data by evaluating the water quality is recommended (#5 above) and regrading the ditch to improve drainage (#6 above) were recommended for implementation. Since the landowners would be responsible for regrading the ditch, the priority for the Town is low. The priority to implement a water quality program is high since it will help determine the appropriate solution to the issue.  (Site C11)

MG6

Issue

Detention pond surrounded by mixed use development may not be functioning as effectively as it was originally intended (D4).

Recommended Improvement

To address this issue, the extent and reason for the problem will need to be understood first. Therefore, it is recommended that the Town study the detention pond to better understand its function for water quality and quantity for the surrounding land use, opportunities to retrofit the pond itself or integrate LID practices into the drainage area. The estimated cost is $10,000 for an engineering firm to complete the study. Due to the uncertainty of the effectiveness of this pond for water quality and flood control, it is a high priority recommendation for implementation.   (Site D4)

MG7

Issue

Pond floods business parking lot and has almost been into the business (D11).

Recommended Improvement

This flooding is on private property so is an issue for the landowner to address. The Town may, however, want to provide assistance to the landowner in discussions with State Highway to understand the possible impacts from I-69 drainage. It is also recommended that the Town be involved in discussions of results from any study/investigations that the Landowner would initiate since the area is part of the overflow/relief valve that prevents excessive flooding of 106th Street (Issue MG2). Potential solutions to the business flooding may also impact Issue MG1 which is a Town issue. There is potential that the solution of all three issues could be accomplished more efficiently together than separately. The initial cost estimate of staff time for the Town to be involved in discussions is $2,000.

Image of Casteller and Randall Drain.
Site E1

No improvement to the stream bank is recommended.
Site E1

MG8

Issue

There is erosion of the streambank along Castetter and Randall Drain (Turkel Drive between Farley Drive and Turkel Place in Sunblest Farms neighborhood) (E1).

Recommended Improvement

Several options were explored to address this issue including watershed studies, stabilization techniques, and educating landowners about stream form and function. The following is a discussion of the each promising solution investigated:

1. Do nothing. The site was visited during the development of this Master Plan and the bank of the Casteller and Randall Drain appears stable with plenty of herbaceous and woody vegetation at the base and along the bank. The homeowner should remove the trash and debris that has gathered in the dense under story vegetation (see photo on left).
2. Send landowner educational materials from the Hamilton County SWCD about being a good neighbor to waterways. The estimated cost is minimal for Town staff to contact the SWCD and request they mail the literature to this resident.

Based on the goals and performance criteria established for this Master Plan (Chapter 4), the recommendation is to do nothing (#1 above) since the streambank appears stable and no problem was present at time of site visit. (Site E1)

MG9

Issue

Water pools on bike path along Allisonville Road south of Orchard Boulevard (west of Sunblest Farms neighborhood) (F15).

Recommended Improvement

This issue has recently been addressed by the Town for an estimated cost of $2,000. The implemented improvement appears to have solved the problem for the time being. No further action is needed at this time.

MG10

Issue

There appear to be errors and omissions in the preliminary Hamilton County FIS floodplain delineations in this watershed. These include the following:

1. There are approximately the following number of structures in the floodplain: Weaver Creek (20 structures), Home Run Creek (5 structures), and unnamed tributary to Shoemaker Ditch (5 structures), as well as 5 commercial structures along Shoemaker Ditch (3 of which are also in the floodway).
2. The structures along Weaver Creek, Home Run Creek, and the unnamed tributary to White River may be erroneously shown to be in the floodplain.
3. There are also obvious errors in the floodplain delineation along Shoemaker Ditch east of the railroad.
4. Shoemaker Ditch upstream of SR 37 has no floodplain designation in the FIS even though drainage areas are greater than one square mile and the floodway is regulated under the Town ordinance and State law.

Recommended Improvement

The structures in the approximate Zone A along Weaver Creek, Home Run Creek, and the unnamed tributary to Shoemaker Ditch appear to be included erroneously in the floodplain. The Zone A could be corrected by completing a revision to the approximate Zone A delineation and submitting the data to FEMA for revision of the map. The cost of this study would be approximately $5,000 for each of the three streams for a total of $15,000.

The floodplain structures along Shoemaker Ditch may also be incorrectly identified in the floodplain or the floodway even though a detailed study exists. A restudy is recommended for this reach of the stream as it appears it was not done as part of the recent Hamilton County FIS. The estimated cost of the restudy is $5,000.  (FIS Delineation Issues)

MG11

Issue

The Oliver Shoemaker Drain, which is a Hamilton County Regulated Drain from its confluence with Shoemaker Ditch and Britton Branch upstream to at least SR 37, has a drainage area over 1 square mile. The regulated drain Krause and Klepfer Drain from SR 37 to approximately 1,500 feet upstream of Cumberland Road also has a drainage area over 1 square mile. Any construction in the floodway of these reaches would therefore be subject to an IDNR Construction in a Floodway Permit. The current FIS map does not have a floodway calculated so all construction within the approximate Zone A as well as the unzoned portions are subject to the Permit process. There is, however, no information for the Town to use to enforce this requirement.

Recommended Improvement

Perform a detailed hydraulic study of this reach to determine the floodplain and floodway limits.  Results of this study could then be submitted by the Town to FEMA for addition to the FIS mapping.  The estimated cost of this study is $10,000. (Oliver Shoemaker Drain)

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