20100311085824137.pdfFebruary 1S, 2005
Ms. Jeannine Graf
City of EdmoDds
121 50' Ave N,
Edmonds, WA 98020
DELIVERED BY FACSIMILE: 425-771.0221
Dear Ms. Graf:
I '�' / t:11 fA Y �;, F I L E
Another mudslide/debris flow has occurred on the west slope between the Sequoia Ridge
Plat and the Lorian Woods Plat. Again, there is water seepage emergirig from the slope
30 to 35 feet below the top of the slope beyond the property line of the Sequoia Ridge
Development in the middle of the slide area. This is now the third such incident since
December of 2001, where mudflows/slides have occurred and water seepage is evident.
As determined by both Landau Associates and GeoGToup Northwest the seepage
observed at the base of all these niudflows is in the vicinity of the City of Edmonds storm
drain system on the slope between Sequoia Ridge and Lorian Woods. The City of
Edmonds required that I retain a geotechnical engineer after the slide on December 16,
2001. Our engineers clearly pointed out to the City of Edmonds that: 11 the City and
private seepage collection and drainage system must be maintained on a regular
basis." The recommendation further stated: -a new seepage collection system be
installed where the water seepage emerges. Filter fabric and crushed rock needs to
be placed where the water seepage emerges and new catch basins and drains should
be installed to capture the water and minimize erosion of the slope." The en&eer
goes on to say: 11 if these measures are not implemented the rate of bank recession
could be faster than anticipated."
The recommendations of the geotechnical engineer have never been implemented. The
storm chain system between Sequoia Ridge and Lorian Woods has not been maintained.
Over the past year there has been clearing activity on Lorian Woods property below the
Bosch house in Sequoia Ridge where these drain systems could have been further
compromised. These slides as indicated by professional geotechnical engineers are
occurring from the bottom up as opposed to the top down, Water seepage from the slope
is causing erosion and undermining the slope above the seepage area thus causing the
slides and mudflows. The developer of the Lorian Woods project has indicated to the
City of Edmonds that water seepage catch basins and related drain pipes have been taken
out and never replaced.
Due to the fact that this in now the third occurrence of debris/mudflow in the vicinit), of
the City's storm drain system on the Lorian Woods property and the fact that none of die
recommendations of the geotechnical engineer have been completed after the December
16, incidence, I am requesting a timetable by the City of Edmonds as to when the storm
drain, system will be repaired/replaced or a new system installed as recommended by the
geotechnical engineer. I will await your response. Should I not receive an adequate
response within the neat 10 days, I will Band this matter over to legal counsel for
hnrnediate action.
Sincerely,
ohn E noresen
16 72"d Ave W.
Edmonds, WA 98026
CC. Mx. Phil Ijolroyd, 16120 72nd Ave W.
Mr. John Johnson, 16122 72"d Ave W.
Mr. Jim Bosch, 16116 72nd Ave W.
Duane Bowman, Director of Development Services
Dave Gebert, City Engineex