Economics of Ditch Maintenance in Northwestern Ohio

by Robert L. Burris, Soil Conservation Service, Columbus, OH, USA,
Dana C. Chapman, Soil Conservation Service, Columbus, OH, USA,
Gary L. Overmier, Soil Conservation Service, Columbus, OH, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Development and Management Aspects of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Abstract:

A history of drainage and settlement in the Black Swamp of Northwestern Ohio is presented. The Ohio Ditch Law and county ditch maintenance program is explained. An economic comparison of annual maintenance to periodic reconstruction is shown to be cost effective. In addition, a method of estimating the annual cost of maintenance as a function of ditch length is shown for certain soil types. Current design, construction, and maintenance techniques are also reviewed.

Subject Headings: Maintenance and operation | Economic factors | Drainage | Construction methods | Benefit cost ratios | Wetlands (fresh water) | Water resources | Ohio | United States

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