Review of Complaints Concerning the Soil Conservation Service's Involvement in the Patton Group Drainage Project

An examination was performed of the Patton group drainage project in response to allegations by Mr. Harold Wood that it caused damage to his farm crops. The project, designed by the Soil Conservation Service, drains runoff from three farms, causing it to reach Mr. Wood's farm--including a creek running through it. Mr. Wood claimed that he was not advised of the project until after it was constructed, and that it changed natural drainage, causing water to flow onto his land.

According to Service officials, they were not required to contact Mr. Wood before construction. Because of conflicting reports, and lack of clear evidence, it was not ascertained if the project had changed runoff patterns or caused damages as claimed. However, it was concluded that the complainant should have been informed of the project and its impact, and the Service should have ascertained that an adequate drainage ditch would extend to the creek.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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