HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARADISE VALLEY S-9505Paradise Valley
¢ose #
S-9505
08/04/00 13:54 FAX 907 343 4220 CommuniTy Planning ~ CROSS ~010/o14
PlaOcdng Board
Summary of Action
August 2, 2000
Page 9
~ S-9505 Paradise Valley Subdiv/sion
Approval of the request to remove the 88-foot septic setback
easement for Lot 12A, Block 8, Paradise Valley Subdivision
reflected on Plat 95-27 subject to recording a resolution at
the District Recorder's Office.
S-10626 Parlmide Subdivision - with Vacation
Approval.of the request to vacate the 33-foot BLM easement
along the west property subject to obtaining approval from
the Alaska Department of Transportation and the
Department of Natural Resources and to recording a l-mai
plat within 18 months.
(Note: The State has indicated that
easement is required to be retained for
access to Chugach State Park,)
the 33-foot
future trail
Denial of the request to vacate the utility easement.
Approval of the plat subject to:
1) Resolving utility easements.
2) Mnking the following ckafting corrections:
{a) Correct the spelling of anchor easement.
(b)
Street names: Carol Drive has been renamed
Glacier View Drive.
(c) Correct Title Block information:
located in Grid SW 60.
Property is
g. $-6798 Cnlu~ka Industrial Park - Plat Note Amendment
Approval of the request to delete Notes 6 and 7 on Plat 84-
147 to allow installation of on-site septic systems subject to
recording a resolution at the District Recorder's Office.
h_ $-10624 Stratford Glen Subdivision - with Variance
Paradise Valley Drainage
Investigation and Cost Estimate
December 4, 1986
December 4, 1986
RE, M No. 651148
J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipal Engineer
Municipality of Anchorage
Pouch 6650
Anchorage, Alaska 99502
RE: Hydrological and Water Quality Services -- Paradise Valley
Investigation and Cost Estimate -- A Letter Report (Revised)
Dear Mr. Norton:
On November 19, 1986, Mr. Tom Bacon of your staff requested that RE-M
Consultants, Inc. investigate drainage in the northwest portion of Paradise
Valley Subdivision. Mr. Bacon instructed us to prepare preliminary rec-
ommendations and a cost estimate, and a letter report containing the
information requested by Mr. Bacon was submitted on November 26, 1986.
On December 1, 1986, a meeting with the District Engineer at the State
Department of Environmental Conservation was held regarding drainage in
Paradise Valley Subdivision, and the results of this meeting are incor-
porated into this revised letter report. The detail in this report reflects
the short preparation time requested by the Municipality.
GENERAL
Prior to beginning our analysis we reviewed the previous work, reviewed
the Public Works file, visited the site twice, and performed a brief litera-
ture review. Our investigations and analyses were limited by the time
constraints imposed by the schedule.
The previous work consisted of reports by Alaska Environmental Control
Services, Inc. for the Department of Health and Human Services. The
most useful report was dated May 31, 1985; however, this report did not
have sufficient detail for R~,M to concur with its assumptions and
conclusions. Our analysis led us to different conclusions than those
presented in the Alaska Environmental Control Services, Inc. report.
The Public Works file contained a variety of correspondence and documen-
tation regarding the drainage in the subdivision. The recurrent problem
present in much of the documentation was surface/subsurface water inter-
acting with onsite wastewater systems. The Municipal Department of
Health and Human Services with the support of the State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) has classified a surface drainage feature
19/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 2
through Blocks 7, 8, 9 and 10 as a stream. Since the average lot in
Paradise Valley Subdivision is approximately a half-acre, several existing
onsite wastewater systems are within the 100-foot stream setback zone.
The other significant problem described in the file was aufeis or 91aciation.
Aufeis formations have completely blocked road access in portions of the
subdivision.
The site was visited twice: once on November 21, 1986 and again on
November 24, 1986. During the first field trip, Jim Maclnnis, P.E. and
Larry Acomb, C.P.G., drove through the subdivision and observed the
general features and drainage conditions. On the second trip, Mr.
Maclnnis walked Austria Drive, Romania Drive and Bulgaria Drive, took
pictures and noted the drainage conditions.
The existing literature consisted primarily of geologic and soils maps.
SITE VISITS
The first site visit was in the late morning of November 21, 1986. The
subdivision was covered with a light (less than 1-inch) snow, and the
existing ground, cut slopes and roadbed were readily visible. Several
aufeis formations were noted in the road cut slope. Cross culverts were
approximately half full of ice. No surface water, streams or ditch flow
were observed.
In the afternoon of November 24, 1986, Mr. Maclnnis walked on the roads
in the problem area. Since November 21, an additional 1-inch of snow had
fallen. The observations by road are as follow.s:
Austria Drive from Romania Drive to end of constructed road -- no water
observed. Roadside ditches were partially filled with ice and snow. No
streams or springs were observed.
Romania Drive from Golden View Drive to Spain Drive ~- small quantity
(less than 0.05 cfs) of water flowing in north ditch near Austria Drive.
Culvert under Austria Drive was open and carrying water. Culverts and
half culverts were found in the ditch in front of Lots 19 through 16. The
culverts were half full and the half culverts were completely full of ice.
From Lot 16 east to Spain Drive, the north ditch was full of ice. The ice
surface was wet, typical of an overflow aufeis condition.
Golden View Drive from Romania Drive to Bulgaria Drive -- cross culvert
collecting water from the North Romania Drive ditch was 90% blocked with
ice.
Bulgaria Drive -- cross culvert near Golden View Drive was half full of ice
at outfall, but open at inlet. Small aufeis formation was encroaching onto
road surface. Aufeis begins at base of the or9anJc mat.
19/3
·
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 3
PARADISE VALLEY SUBDIVISION SURFICIAL GEOLOGY
The surficial geology of Paradise Valley has been studied and mapped by
Schmoll and Emanuel (1982) of the USGS. Their data show that the subdi-
vision lies on four different geologic units. The northern 2/3 of the study
area is dominated by glacial moraine composed of unsorted silt, sand and
gravel. The southern 1/3 of the study area, adjacent to Potter Creek, is
predominantly colluvial material composed of sand, silt and gravel (prin-
cipally derived from the till) with some bedrock fragments. Near the
intersection of Golden View and Bulgaria Drives an acre-plus sized area of
sorted sandy gravelly alluvium has been mapped and near Italy Circle
lacustrine fine-grained sediments have been identified. The entire subdi-
vision may be blanketed by a thin layer of silty loess covered with a few
inches of organic duff.
The moraine and colluvium have similar water-handling characteristics,
each being moderately permeable with thin, scattered, less permeable
layers. Water infiltrating into the till and colluvium may have a much
greater horizontal conductivity than vertical conductivity (due to the soil
particle shapes and orientation, and the presence of Iow-permeability
layers). Surface runoff is generally moderate to Iow. The coarse-grained
alluvium generally has Iow runoff, rapid infiltration and high vertical and
horizontal permeabilities. The fine-grained lacustrine sediments have a Iow
permeability, Iow infiltration rates and consequently a high runoff (despite
occurring on more gentle slopes). The lacustrine sediments are probably
saturated near the surface and may cause a shallow or perched water table
promoting the growth of sedge and sphagnum muskeg plant types.
Paradise Valley subdivision has a wide range of slopes, varying from
approximately 5% to greater than 45%. The lots adjacent to Bulgaria Drive
and Romania Drive east of Spain Drive, composed of colluvial soils along
Potter Creek, lie on slopes generally greater than 25%. In the area of
glacial till, slopes are commonly moderately gentle (less than 15%) to mod-
erate (15-25%). The lacustrine soils lie on lower angle slopes (less
than 10%). The steepness of the slopes in Paradise Valley subdivision
necessitate, numerous Iow cut sections and fills along area roads, drive-
ways and foundations. Additionally, the steep slopes (those greater than
about 20 or 25%) are frequently unsuitable for on-site septic systems
because the leach field effluent may surface downslope of the system
before waste treatment is complete.
The only existing natural surface stream channel which has year-round
flow in the Paradise Valley Subdivision study area appears to be Potter
Creek. Significant tributary channels have not been noted on topographic
maps or aerial photographs of the area. Although a "year-round stream"
was described by Alaska Environmental Control Services, Inc., we believe
that the stream is probably intermittent (seasonal) based on: 1) the time
of the AECS field work (April-May?) during the high runoff spring melt,
with shallow frozen soils layers inhibiting infiltration; 2) the description of
the stream as only 6-12 inches wide, without reference to an alluvial
9/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 4
channel and as disappearing underground and reappearing as a spring;
and 3) the lack of flow during the REM field visit. The development of
roads and ditches has superimposed a surface drainage system on the
Paradise Valley area which operates with surface runoff and infiltration to
handle precipitation (and water input from leach fields).
Water in significant quantities may enter the Paradise Valley system as
precipitation or, to a limited extent, as effluent from leach fields. Pre-
cipitation falling on the unfrozen 9round surface in Iow intensity events
and effluent from leach fields ~infiltrates into the soil where it may 1)
percolate vertically to the 9round water table and/or 2) flow as "interflow"
with a horizontal component downslope through soils layers with a higher
horizontal conductivity and through permeable layers along contacts with
Iow permeability layers. During high intensity precipitation events or
when the 9round is frozen, water incident upon the 9round surface flows
over the surface as sheet flow or collects in small rivulets, eventually
reaching the ditch system, then being directed toward Potter Creek.
Water moving through the soil in the zone of saturation and as interflow
may intersect the 9round surface forming a spring. The spring water may
later disperse and infiltrate back into the soil.
The groundwater table throughout much of the Paradise Valley study area
is mapped as being seasonally very shallow (less than 1 foot over approxi-
mately 20% of the subdivision). The shallow water table and the interflow
(]commonly occurring at the base of the organic duff) may be intersected
by the Iow road cuts throughout the subdivision forming small seeps
which, during winter months, form aufeis .frequently filling ditches and
culverts and covering roads. Additionally, the natural springs and
springs occurring in roadcuts may intercept saturated-flow groundwater
and interflow which carry incompletely-treated effluent from leach fields,
creating a potential health hazard.
Water wells in the area are generally developed in bedrock at an average
depth greater than 100 feet. Water entering a well at the 100+-foot depth
is probably derived from surface recharge upslope beyond the limits of
Paradise Valley subdivision and is therefore probably not adversely affect-
ed by any existing non-conforming poorly-operating leach fields or subject
to adverse impacts by a minor lowering of the water table by subdrains.
A drainage system composed of a combination of subdrains (installed below
the water table and designed to lower the local groundwater table), fin
drains and/or curtain drains (intercepting interflow) and storm drains
(channeling surface waters) may solve some of the problems currently
experienced in Paradise Valley Subdivision.
SUBSURFACE DRAIN SYSTEM
The two main purposes of constructing a subsurface drain system in a
portion of Paradise Valley Subdivision are 1) to eliminate the current
19/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 5
conflict regarding stream setback requirements and onsite wastewater
systems, so that existing systems can receive Municipal approval and
vacant property can be developed; and 2) to eliminate aufeis on the roads,
so that winter access is available without extensive maintenance. A
subsurface drain system will affect subsurface water by: 1) intercepting
groundwater interflow, 2) locally lowering the groundwater table, and 3)
maintaining the groundwater level during seasonal fluctuations. Since the
surface water feature (identified by others as a stream) is created by
interflow and the water table that can be collected by a subsurface drain
system, a drain system can eliminate the surface feature. In addition, the
subsurface drain system will reduce or eliminate aufeis.
As previously mentioned, effluent from onsite wastewater systems is con-
tributing water to the interflow. It is possible that interflow collected by
a subsurface drain will also collect incompletely treated effluent; Suitable
treatment or disposal of the drain water may be necessary.
In order to insure proper operation of the subsurface drain system, the
surface drainage connection to the subsurface system must be carefully
considered. Ideally, no connection between the surface and subsurface
systems should be allowed. Traditional storm drains with surface inlets
freeze and become blocked with ice during cold weather. Addition of
surface inlets to the subsurface drain system will likely cause it to freeze
and become blocked with ice. Many of the problems currently associated
with surface drainage may be eliminated with the installation of the sub-
surface system, and the existing ditch/culvert surface drainage system
may then adequately transport surface runoff.
A conceptual plan is presented in this letter report as requested. We
strongly recommend that a thorough soils testing and groundwater monitor-
ing program be implemented prior to design of any drain system in the
project area. The program might consist of 20-30 shallow (20-foot deep)
wells that are monitored for one year. The results of the program will
enable an effective subsurface drain design.
The concept design described in this letter report should not be used as a
preliminary design. Neither should it be used as a basis for preliminary
design unless suitable subsurface investigations are performed.
The conceptual subsurface drain system design criteria are as follows:
1)
The main conduit within the subdivision would be an 18-inch
perforated pipe subdrain (MASS detail 236), but installed with
the perforations on the top, rather than the bottom. This
configuration will allow incompletely treated onsite wastewater
effluent, if present, to be transported, but if the groundwater
level reaches the top of the pipe, the groundwater will also be
collected.
19/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 6
2) Curtain or fin drains would be the interflow collectors and would
be installed in most cut slopes.
3)
The main conduit would be installed in a non-standard location,
under the cut slope ditchline. In this location, the conduit will
be better able to intercept groundwater and interflow.
4)
All conduit would be buried a minimum of 4 feet in snow-covered
ground and 10 feet in roadways and other snow-cleared areas.
Based on our analysis of frost penetration in this area, frost
should not be present at these depths.
5) All manholes and cleanouts would be sealed and insulated. No
direct connection to the surface would be allowed.
The conceptual system is shown on the attached map, and is similar to the
system proposed by Jim Lamson in his October 31, 1985 memo to Norm
Hudec and Susan Metcalf. This system consists of 2,620 feet of 18-inch
subdrain and 1,470 feet of curtain drain, but does not include an out-
fall. The cost estimate for the conceptual system is $724,008, and a cost
detail is shown on the attached spreadsheet.
Three alternates for disposal and discharge of the subsurface drain water
were investigated: 1) outfall to Potter Creek, 2) drywell/drain field
system, and 3) underground storm drain system and outfall at Cook Inlet.
Potter Creek Outfall - the subdrain would end at a rock-filled outfall
structure designed for winter operation. From the outfall structure, water
would flow down a natural swale to Potter Creek. If incompletely treated
onsite wastewater effluent is present, a tablet chlorination system or other
device is used to treat the water at the outfall. This is the least
expensive alternate with an estimated cost of $159,520.
Drywell/Drain Field water would be routed to a suitable one-acre lot
where a series of drywells and/or drain fields route the water under-
ground. No treatment is necessary. The estimated cost for this alternate
is $478,220.
Storm Drain System and Cook Inlet Outfall - the trunk system presented in
the 1985 Little Rabbit Creek Potter Yalley Storm Water Drainage Study
would be constructed. The sediment basin may be replaced by an outfall
directly to Cook Inlet, as the costs are considered equivalent. This is the
most costly alternate, with an estimated cost of $1,117,200.
Cost details for each alternate are shown on the attached spreadsheet.
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
On December 1, 1986, the Project Manager met with Steve Eng, P.E.,
District Engineer with the State Department of Environmental Conservation
19/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 7
to discuss Paradise Valley Subdivision drainage. Mr. Eng reviewed the
concept design and supporting information and offered the comments sum~
marized below·
Any subdrain or curtain drain placed within 100 feet of a septic
system/leach field would be assumed, unless proven otherwise,
to collect partially-treated wastewater effluent. State DEC would
allow placement within 100 feet if suitable disposal and/or treat-
ment is provided.
Of the three outfall alternates, the Cook ~lnlet outfall is the
favored disposal· The drywell/drain field alternate was also well
received, but sizing the field and estimating the life of the field
may be difficult. The Potter Creek alternate will require treat-
ment (probably chlorination) until sampling can support treat-
ment discontinuation· It was felt that the Potter Creek alternate
would require regular maintenance, and State DEC must be
convinced that the maintenance will be performed·
LOCAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
According to the Municipal staff, it is likely that if significant drainage
improvements are constructed in Paradise Valley Subdivision, the project
costs will be paid by the affected property owners through a local drain-
age improvement district. The boundary for a proposed drainage improve-
ment district consisting of sixty-four benefitted properties has been
defined and a proposed district map is attached. Based upon this
proposed district, a preliminary assessment roll has been prepared using
the cost estimates in this letter report.
The assessment roll indicates that the cost of the local drainage system will
be $.4416/square foot and the average lot assessment will be $11,313.
Each outfall option is also shown on the assessment roll: Since alternates
1 and 2 will likely serve only this local district, costs for these two
alternates will be paid by the property owners in the district· The Potter
Creek outfall will cost $.0973/square foot with the average lot assessment
being $2,493. The drywell/drain field will cost $.2917/square foot with the
average assessment lot being $7,472. Alternate 3, the Cook Inlet Trunk,
is the most expensive alternate, but the trunk costs have been spread
over the entire 220 acre subbasin served by the trunk. The trunk dis-
trict rate is $.1665/square foot, and the average assessment within the
local improvement district is $4,267 per lot.
In addition to the assessment, a monthly or annual fee may be necessary
to support system maintenance, particularly if the Potter Creek Alternate
is selected. Such maintenance may consist of cleaning, sampling and
testing, and is estimated to cost $30,000/year. Spread equally among the
19/3
Mr. J. David Norton, P.E.
Municipality of Anchorage
December 4, 1986
Page 8
64 properties in the proposed district, the annual fee would be approxi-
mately $470 or a monthly fee would be approximately $39.
If you have any questions, Mr. Maclnnis and Mr.
meet and discuss this letter report with you.
Very truly yours,
R ~ M CONSULTANTS, INC.
James D. Maclnnis, P.E.
Project Manager
JDM:paw
Attachments
Acomb are available to
19/3
, I
Paradise Valley Subsurface Drainaqe
I0
2O
24
2O
TR
A
TR 7A ~ ~ .
Paradise Valley Subsurface Drainage
Paradise Valley Subsurface Drainage
Se,~o,,,,~ll7 5~,
z
z
/
/
/
/
Paradise Valley Subsurface Drainage
ROSEMONT Or
9
~ERvE
2O
TR
'~'~' TR
15 20
24
C
TR~. i
Paradise Valley Subdivision
Subsurface Drain System COst Estimate
JDM 12/3/86 PARACE
SUBDIVISION DRAIN SYSTEM
Quantity
2620 LF
Work Description
Furnish & Install 18-inch Subdrain $100
with trench excavation, backfill,
disposal of unsuitable, etc
Furnish & Install 4-inch diameter $80
curtain drain (3' to 5' curtain)
with trench excavation, etc
Storm Drain Manhole (insulated) 8 EA $3,000
Storm Drain Cleanout (insulated) 4 EA $1,200
Slope Stabilization 40 MSF $500
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
Contingency 20%
Easements (permanent) 10 EA $2,000
Easements (construction) 20 EA $500
Engineering, soils, survey, 35%
inspection, overhead
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS-SUBDIVISION SYSTEM
1470 LF
Unit
Price
Page 1
Total
Price
$262,000
$117,600
$24,000
$4 800
$20 000
$428 4O0
$85 680
$20 000
$10 000
$179 928
$724,008
OUTFALL ALTERNATE I-POTTER CREEK
Work Description Quantity
Furnish & Install 24-inch CMP 600 LF $110
with trench excavation, backfill,
disposal of unsuitable, etc
Outfall Structure (includes sampling I~LS $30,000
port, treatment chamber, rock lined
channel, etc
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
Contingency 20%
Easements 2 EA $2,000
Engineering, soils, survey, 35%
inspection, overhead
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS-OUTFALL ALTERNATE I-POTTER CREEK
Unit
Price
Total
Price
$66,000
$30,000
$96,000
$19,200
$4,000
$40,320
$159,520
Paradise Valley Subdivision
Subsurface Drain System Cost Estimate
JDM 12/3/86 PARACE
OUTFALL ALTERNATE 2-DRYWELL/DRAINFIELD
Work Description
Page 2
Furnish & Install 24-inch CMP
with trench excavation, backfill,
disposal of unsuitable, etc
Unit Total
Quantity Price Price
Storm Drain Manhole (insulated)
1600 LF $110
Drainfield (includes excavation,
pipe, bedding, fencing, etc)
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
Contingency
5 EA $3,000
1LS $40,000
Easements
Land (1 acre+)
Engineering, soils, survey,
inspection, overhead
20%
2 EA $2,000
1LS $100,000
35%
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS-OUTFALL ALTERNATE 2-DRYWELL/DRAINFIELD
OUTFALL ALTERNATE 3-COOK INLET
Unit
Price
Work Description Quantity
Construction Cost from Drainage Report
"Little Rabbit Creek and Potter Valley
Stormwater Drainage Plan, 1985"
Pipeline segment
Detention Basin (or outfall to Cook Inlet)
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST
Contingency 20%
Engineering, soils, survey, 35%
inspection, overhead
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS-OUTFALL ALTERNATE 3-COOK INLET
$176,000
$15,000
$40,000
$231,000
$46,200
$4,000
$100,000
$97,020
$478,220
Total
Price
$350,000
$210,000
$560,000
$112,000
$235,200
$1,117,200
84O
83O
820 ~
810 ~I
800
79O
780 ~~ ~
DRIVE
840
840~
~omant~ Drive
Road Im~ovements - ~ Detail
850
840
86O
85O
840
820
DT1001242 ~I~
] ?ew Road Improvemen~-See Dtl~
Austria Drive
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL ENGINEER
ROMANIA DR. / AUSTRIA DR.
870
860
850
846
850
8ZO
I
/
/._
O..e C
~
~ ~
DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION /
ANCHORAGE/WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE
437 "E" STREET, SUITE 303
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501
BILL SHEFFIELD, GOVERNOR
274-2533
December 13, 1985
Department 0¢ Health & Human
Services
825 "L" Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
SUBJECT:
Lots 1 thru 20, Block 8, Paradise Valley,
Subdivision, Anchorage, Alaska
Dear Sir:
Per conversation with some of the subject property owners it
has been asked by us to clarify our position whether or not we
consider the road side ditch on the front side of their proper-
ties (Romania Orive) a stream. The owners main concern is
whether the separation distance between their septic system
and this drainage ditch is legal.
From on site investigations by our department, water flows
along this ditch have been observed, but have not yet been
considered significant enough to be established as stream
flou. Most water flow through the ditch at this time appears
to be storm and snow runoff with some possible temporary
groundwater coming from recent exacavation work from new
construction.
However, if in the future upon further investigation it is
determined that flow through this ditch may be considered a
stream, then all affected property owners will be subject to
required state regulatory separation requirements of 100
from their septic systems to the stream and will be required
to make corrections.
If you have any questions, please contact me at our Anchorage/-
Western District Office.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Lewis
Environmental Engineer
MPL:msm
MUnicipality of Anchorage
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
June 5, 1985
Ail On-Site Services Staff & Support Staff
Division Manager, Environmental Health
Paradise Valley
As a result of a joint meeting between representatives of this Department,
Alaska D.E.C., and Public Works on this date, the following will be in effect
until further notice:
All permit issuance on Blocks 7, 8, 9, and 10 is frozen until
drainage problems are resolved. Permit applications for other
blocks will continue to be accepted at the counter and reviewed by
me or my designee. Those applications must include a suitable soil
test and a site plan showing proposed well and sewer installation
locations and dimensions as well as information on all surrounding
sewer systems and wells. I will review these applications for con-
formity with existing and potential future development.
Exceptions to the above will only be authorized by me in conjunction with
review by Public Works and Keith Bandt. Under no circumstances will any per-
mits be issued without the above review.
Robert W. Robinson
Division Manager
RRO/ka/dEH4
September 8, 1971
Mr. Dave Belanger
645 Pearl Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99502
Dear Mr. Belanger:
I have received your letter of August 27~3~7t--ex~
your concern over the development of t~..~aradise Valley ~
Subdivision. ~~___ J
I regret that I must inform you at this time that the
Greater Anchorage Area Borough, Department of Environ-
mental Quality, has no ordinances or regulations to ade-
quately cope with the problem. I suggest that you might
contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conserva-
tion concerning the possible pollution of Potter Creek
and also the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Divi-
sion'of Lands, as riley may have some jurisdiction over
misuse of the stream.
I am transmitting your letter to Hr. Vernon Wiggins, the
Director of the Borough's Planning Department, so that
he may determine whether or not there is any action that
his Department should take concerning this matter.
I hope that in the future this Department will be able to
ee of more assistance to individuals with environmental
problems of the nature mentioned in your letter but until
that time there is no direct relief that we can provide.
Sincerely,
C.P. Judktns, R.S.
Dt rector
cc: Vernon Wiggins
August 27, 1971
Greater Anchorage Area Borough
3500 Tudor Road
Deptartment of Environmental Quality
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
Gentlemen:
On numerous occasions I have communicated with Mr.
Zamarello during the past year relative to improving
the poor quality roads and completing construction of
the road system in Paradise Valley as approved by the
Greater Anchorage Area Bureau Planning Commission. I
have received verbal and written assurance, as seen in
the attached correspondence from Olympic, Incorporated,
that the problems would be corrected. However, to date,
no action has taken place and the conditions have further
deteriorated so that roads are inaccessible, private
property is threatened ag serious erosion is occurring
in excavated areas. This has caused serious pollution
of Potter Creek, encroachment on private property and
erosion of normally passable road beds. Large embank-
ments are eroding toward the creek undermining trees
which fall across roadways causing hazardous conditions.
I request that you investigate these conditions and
take the necessary action to prevent further environmental
destruction.
Please advise me of any action taken.
Sincerely,
DAVE BELANGER ' /?
RECEIVE~
SEP 1971
(~,REATER ANCHORAGE AREA BoRoUGH
DEPT. O~ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALI'JY
August 27~ 1971
Olympic~ Incorporated
2056 E. Northe~Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska
Dear Pete:
We are organizing in~o s Paradise Valley Association as
you once suggested to me, in order to get every home owner into
a cooperative effort for road mainnenance~ e~c. As of now, I
am the only bomeo~,~ner but we do expect more before fallo
Again, I want to ask for your immediate attention to pro~
viding us with basic roads as platted throogbout the subdivision.
The purchase of property in Paradise Valley included road access
as shown on the approved platt which has never been provided.
Only one road is passable in the area and that is only one
car width in mos~ places. ~o drainage ~itches or culverts have
been installed; the creek crossing is not started, and most
roads are little better than a pioneer trail.
Last December you wrote ali of os to promise an early spring
construction start, however, it is almos~ the end of Augus~ and
no effort has been s~arted as yet. We must have the roads con~
structed in order to provide us access to oor homes this winter~
They cannot be plowed or maintained in their present condition.
I realize you have been busy and hsve not seenthe area lately
so I am enclosing photographs to show the extreme condition of
the roads.
Please advise ~ne within the next week as to what action will
be taken ~so that I can advise many concerned lot owners that
further action will not be necessary.
Encl
Photos
Sincerely,
. .. -~:~, ..... '~..~ ~ ~
DAVE BELANGER
645 Pearl Drive
Anchorage, Alaska
Copies to:
Greater A~chorage Area Borough
Mr. Marvin Frankel, Arty
PR~SI[]~JN T
205~~.n F~OR?-HERN lIGHTS
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
November 17~ 1970
272.1482
David Bela-nger
645 Pearl Drive
Anchorage, Alaska
Dear Mr. Belanger,
This is in regard 'to your recent correspondence regarding
Paradise Valley~ your letter dated. November 16, 19'70.
The items you listed in your letter, drainage, culverts~
roads, e~c. we know are still outstanding in the subdivision,
but due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the
contractor and his crew were unable to finish them this year.
Please be asse]:ed thau th remaining work on Paradise Va.Iley
zs listed as top priority on the 1971 Spring schedule~ and
as soon as it is possible, the work will be done.
You will be receiving a letter zn the mail, in the next few
days, along with all other property o~n-lers in Paradise Valley,
regarding utility service in the area. In talking with the
electric company, they need at least 90 days notice before
putting in the electrical lines. We will be advising you
as to -the proceedure, etc. in notifying the company of your
need for service.
Thanking you in advance for being patient in this matter, and
let us reiterate again, the work will be done in the Spring.
PARADISE VALLEY SUI~DIVISION
DEVELOPED BY 0LYMP]LC,
Wa~er a~d mud flow across int,~rsectio~ keeping it co~stant]y
wet and soft. Numero~s vehicles get s~-uck or csnnot negotiate
the ditch creata¢~ by water~ Sp~i~g in rafddle of i~[ersect~on
keeps area wet°
Romania Drive is concave and w~ry bumpy. Water cannot flow off
road° No drainage ditch is provicled o~ uphill side.
- PARA0iSI': VAL'f/f'iY SI/BD'I[V][StO[~ '
Spain Drive sltows example of narrow one vehici[e road
ten feet '~:,,~ide where Greater Anchorage A/'ea Borough
app~:oved platt shows sixty fe,qt R/W for road.
PA~:o%DISE VAL],EY SUBD]VTS'IO,N
DEVELOPED t:'f OLYNI'IC, I'NC~
RomanS. a Dri.ve, Above photos show how road embankments
are slidSng into roadways completely b'lockit~g t~ccess
and leaviug uncontro].led eros~.on to d,lmage private
propel:q:y and a pub]lc st:ream° Road mater~.a] is unstable
and road is compeer:ely impassable.
pARAI)ISJ!; \/ALI~E'Y 8UN}iilVISiON
DEVF,'LOP}iiD BY 0LY?fPiflC~ INC.
Above phot:os show Romania Drive as it disappears into
an ugly scar of stripped land erosion at, ct stumps. A
creek cros~¢ing was ~"~ be construcl, ed at lNis point~ to
join ti~e two sides of Paradise Valley according to the
Greater Anchorage Area Borough approved platt.
DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
ANCHORAGE/WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE
437 "E" STREET, SUITE 303
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501
RILL SHEFFIELD, GOVERNOR
274-2533
December 13, 1985
Department o¢ Health & Human
Services
825 "L" Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
SUBJECT: Lots 1 thru 20, Block 8, Paradise Valley,
Subdivision, Anchorage, Alaska
Dear Sir:
Per conversation with some o? the subject property ouners it
has been asked by us to clarify our position whether or not ue
consider the road side ditch on the Front side of their proper-
ties (Romania Drive) a stream. The owners main concern is
uhether the separation distance between their septic system
and this drainage ditch is legal.
From on site investigations by our department, ua:er flous
along this ditch have been observed, but have not yet been
considered significant enough to be established as stream
floo. Most water flow through the ditch at this time appears
to be storm and snow runoff with some possible temporary
grounduater coming from recent exacavation uork from new
construction.
Houever, if in the future upon Further investigation it is
determined that flo~ through this ditch may be considered a
stream, then all affected property o~ners ~ill be subject to
required state regulatory separation requirements o? 100
from their septic systems to the stream and ~ill be required
to make corrections.
If you have any questions, please contact me at our Anchorage/-
Western District Office.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Leuis
Environmental Engineer
MPL:msm