Save the Lakes

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Save the Lakes

Pictorial Essay of the Ahwatukee Lakes Drainage Concerns
Background of Save the Lakes and a Summary of our Drainage Concerns
It is clear that in order to analyze the existing conditions that are occurring in this watershed, one
must acknowledge that drainage features were incorporated into the initial design of the golf
course, and that they need to be analyzed as a part of the existing drainage condition, whether or
not the property remains as a golf course.

Figure 1a - Neighbors observe Flooding on Lakeside Boulevard after the peak has subsided from the September Storm.
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This was the 3 Storm in a 15 month period that flooded this crossing and created property damage in Ahwatukee

In February, 2014, Maricopa County Flood Control District initiated a study to evaluate a 39
square mile area to the South of South Mountains. This includes the Greater Ahwatukee Area
and is referred to as the Ahwatukee Foothills Area Drainage Master Study/Plan (AFADMS). The
Save the Lakes Board was invited to participate in the Community Working Group whose
purpose is to identify community flooding concerns and issues, communicate the study goals and
process, discuss study results, and collaborate to identify potential problems and mitigation. This
pictorial essay is a presentation of our understanding of the drainage features contributing to the
Ahwatukee Lakes System and a presentation of our community flooding concerns and issues.
Save the Lakes is a coalition of Ahwatukee homeowners whose objective is to assure that the
Ahwatukee Lakes and the surrounding open space remain as originally planned and designed. In

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addition to providing open space, the lakes function as an area drainage facility. Flooding during recent
thunderstorms made it evident that lack of maintenance and/or recent changes to the drainage-way may
have compromised the drainage-ways ability to function as originally intended. The rains that occurred

in September, 2014, were unusual as they continued over several hours with three separate
downpours that produced an inch and a quarter (or more) of rainfall in the watershed that
contributes to the Ahwatukee Lakes Retention System. It is important to our membership, that
both normal design events be considered as well as the flooded conditions of the September
event. Three flooding events with property damage have occurred in a 15 month period.
Information furnished by our members show that some of the most severe damage to a single
home may have happened in the August Storm when the Ahwatukee Channel was filled in.
At the annual Save the Lakes meeting in January, a presentation was made that first showed
deterioration and lack of maintenance on the Ahwatukee Lakes property, and then many of the
graphics contained herein that demonstrate the importance of the Lakes Retention as an integral
part of controlling runoff and flood waters in the watershed. The presentation was used as a
vehicle to solicit photographs and comments from members about neighborhood drainage
concerns and flooding. There were several good comments at the meeting and when asked how
many would attend a Public Meeting on the AFADMS, approximately 60 to 70% of the
estimated 200 people raised their hands. Some members commented they couldnt attend the
meeting if held after winter residents left the Valley for summer. This Essay is a compilation of
photographs and comments from dozens of our neighbors who live in Ahwatukee.
The following is a summary of our concerns. These concerns are further detailed in this
document. A Location Map is provided to more easily identify the features referenced:
Maintenance of the Lakes, Berms, Inlets, Outlets, Swales and Spillways on the Golf
Course property has been neglected. Is it within the power of the MCFCD or the City to
force, or at least suggest, that the drainage features be maintained to a suitable level?
Can the Spillways from the Lakes, especially Lake No 1 and No 3; be evaluated to
determine if adjustments might make them perform better during major flood events?
Could additional Berms along Sandia and grading between Lake No 3 and the No 18 Tee
Boxes reduce future storm waters from running onto Sandia and keep those storm waters
on the Ahwatukee Lakes property and out of the street.
Sedimentation from upstream was a huge problem in the August and September Events.
In addition to the normal sedimentation transport evaluation, can the MCFCD evaluate
whether the materials dumped in the drainageways upstream contributed to the
downstream problems in the lined approach channel at 40th Street and the Lakeside
Boulevard Crossing? We understand that sediment will be carried in the normal events,
but allowing these materials to remain in these channels may be questionable.
The material dumped in the Ahwatukee Channel, a part of a solution developed
approximately 20 years ago by Presley Development and the MCFCD for upstream
drainage control, should be removed. The channel was completely filled in, and then
flooded adjacent properties with diverted waters during the August storm ($10,000

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worth), yet only a portion of those materials have been removed and regraded. To the
best of our knowledge, there was no engineering, design or permitting for this action.
What appear to be gradated aggregates have been dumped in the 40th Street concrete
lined channel upstream from the Sequoia Channel to the Equestrian Trail. These
materials and any others added to any of the equestrian paths that were meant to serve as
multi-use facilities that would include drainage features should be evaluated for removal.
Sediment currently found at the confluence of this channel and the main channel crossing
at 40th Street above the Sedimentation Basin, can be traced upstream to this material.
Above the Equestrian Trail crossing of the 40th Street Channel, the native material
appears to be siltier in nature, more finely granulated and much lighter in color.
The Sedimentation Basin at Lakeside has been filled in. This construction involved 1640
cubic yards of imported material. It was neither engineered, nor was the required
permitting acquired from the City of Phoenix. It is speculated that this contributed to
several inches of mud and silt deposited on Lakeside during the September Event;
however, the temporary chain link fence and overgrown trees and bushes on the
downstream side may have contributed to the situation. Evaluation of the previous
condition needs to be done to determine if the original Sedimentation Basin needs to be
restored or if the modifications can remain in place. As constructed, there is no place for
sediment to be deposited except in the small concrete lined channel, the outfall pipes and
the area that remains outside the channel above the springline of the pipes. This was
apparently done without understanding what the Sedimentation Basin was designed for.
Dumping and or storage of Asphalt Millings and/or Aggregate Base Course, and fill dirt
have been occurring for several weeks in the main channel upstream from the Lakes.
These materials should be removed immediately to eliminate downstream migration in
future flooding events as is occurring with the other materials placed in the Ahwatukee
and 40th Street upstream channels. Whoever is responsible for dumping/storing these
materials and/or their removal should be contacted as soon as possible and advised which
Ordinances, Policies, Guidelines, and Statutes that they may be in violation of.
Dirt ramps on the grade control structures have been in place for some time now. It is
unknown if there is enough cover to keep the gunite below from cracking, especially near
the top, or if there are any voids that may be vulnerable. As we are recommending
materials dumped in these channels be removed, we are also recommending that these
ramps be evaluated, recommendations be made on types and weight of vehicles that can
be used on them, and how long they should be allowed to remain in place.
Removal of trees in the middle of drainage channels and at the entrances to box culverts
should be removed by the responsible parties.
Silted in channels should be evaluated and monitored and recommendations should be
made where routine maintenance has been neglected and should be scheduled.

We respectfully submit this document for your consideration and appreciate the opportunity to
be included in the AFADMS.

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Figure 1b - Although the September Event was an anomaly; it is not uncommon for runoff to flow over the dip section on
Lakeside Boulevard. During the Monsoon Season, we often see heavy rains during thunderstorms creating flows that
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cross the roadways at both Lakeside and 38 Street, causing temporary disturbances in traffic patterns. The video
captures shown here are from a storm event in July of 2013. Although severe winds did destroy several trees in the area,
the heavy downpour was of short duration and the flows across Lakeside were more in line with what we have come to
expect during the heavy Summer Monsoon Storms.

Figure 1c Flood waters along the Shindell House after

Ahwatukee Channel was filled with 3 feet of material

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Location Map Sheet 1

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Location Map - Sheet 2

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Location Map

Save the Lakes

Introduction
Legend tells us that around 1921 Dr. VW Ames built a house on the Southeast side of South
Mountains. In 1935 the house and land was purchased by Helen Brinton who named her ranch
lands from the Crow words awe chuuke, meaning land on the other side of the hill or in the
next valley. This gave birth to the original Ahwatukee Ranch. In 1971 the land was purchased
to be developed by Presley Development Company after a handshake deal with then Mayor John
Driggs of Phoenix agreeing that water would be provided to the area.

Figure 2 Ahwatukee circa 1980

As can be seen in Exhibit Number 1, Initial construction was the retirement section within the
Warner-Elliot
Loop and the single family homes to the North of Elliot Road. Access to
Figure 2
Ahwatukee was limited to a single interchange with I-10 at Elliot. By the early to mid 80s,

Figure 3 Ahwatukee mid to late 80s

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Ahwatukee was expanding to the North, West and South. The rapid expansion included schools,
stores, churches and further development of the drainage system to both serve the new
community and to pass the storm waters running off of South Mountains. Note that the

Figure 4 Ahwatukee circa 1990

Sedimentation Basin has been constructed upstream of the Lakes System as an integral part of
the system but drainage from Keresan empties directly into a channel running to the lakes as the
roadway storm drain system is not yet in place.
The City of Phoenix Storm Water Policies and Standards states: In the planning process,
drainage corridors and storm water storage basins should be combined where feasible with open space,
parks, and trails to create focal points for the community instead of isolated tracts. These combined
uses should be planned and designed to augment City of Phoenix parklands. The benefits of this
approach are an enhanced sense of community, increased open space with landscape amenities, and
decreased crime. The City encourages combined use of drainage and recreation facilities on both public
and private lands.

Our City Fathers have provided us with a set of guidelines designed to enhance our way of life
and provide our neighborhoods with policies centered on improving our standard of living. The
Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course and Drainage System Features have met that goal. It further
states: Storm water runoff facilities are an integral part of public infrastructure systems and should be
planned as such. The drainage engineer must be included in the formulation of both site-specific and
regional drainage plans and all urban planning should be coordinated from the beginning with the
drainage engineer. Drainage master plans need to be carefully prepared for all local and regional flood

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control and flood management projects, and this same general concept should be followed for land
development of all sizes. A drainage master plan, in addition to providing a unified drainage plan, should
be coordinated with planning for open space and recreation facilities, planning for transportation, and
other urban considerations.

The Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course Drainage System

The Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course became an extremely popular golf venue as it presented an
array of challenging golf holes with water hazards in a setting having tall mountain views set
against water, grass, Mexican palms and Eucalyptus trees, offering shade and challenges for
errant golf balls. It offered wildlife viewing as a number of bird species frequented the Lakes,
herons, egrets, king-fishers and especially large raptors who would stop during the Migration
season. The Golf Course was rated in the top 30 Executive Courses in the Country and was an
important feature in our community, both visually and for recreation. The Golf Course closed
nearly two years ago to be sold for development. Although the Drainage Study may not be the
process for addressing development potential, the drainage system does runs through the heart of
the property. Several issues with drainage have been identified by neighbors near the golf course
and will be addressed herein. Flooding occurred three times in 15 months, and our biggest
concern is how we might be protected in the future. There are channels overgrown with plants
and debris, as well as modifications to some features without permitting or analysis. We will
address our issues in a systematic tour through the Lakes and the upstream features. For this
report, we will address these lakes as Lake 1 thru 5, indicated on the aerial photo in Figure 6.

Figure 5 Ahwatukee Lakes Photo May, 2014

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The runoff flows in a main channel from the lower right hand corner (Fig 6) and into the
Sedimentation Basin at Lakeside Boulevard. During the past summer, the Sedimentation Basin
was filled in, and will be subject of discussion in a later section. Low flows run into Lake No 1
through two pipes under the roadway and larger flows are conveyed over the roadway through a
dip section. Both Lake No1 and No 2 flow over spillways when full and into Lake No 3. When
full, Lake No 3 flows through the Driving Range to a Triple Barrel Box Culvert under 44th Street
and into Lake No 4, and then No 4 into No 5. Lake No 5 flows across 48th Street and through the
neighborhoods in a Channel to a drop structure, then under Interstate 10 in a Box Culvert to the
large basin East of I-10. In addition to the aforementioned channels and retention basins for
drainage from South Mountains, the Ahwatukee Lakes property also serves an important
function as a collection point for offsite neighborhood drainage, primarily from the North and
from the West. There are several points where the neighborhoods and streets drain onto the Golf
Course property. In some places it drains directly into the Lakes, in others it collects in retention
areas and slowly bleeds off if the drains are clear. There are other areas where the golf course
runoff is retained in linear basins around the perimeter of the property. The following graphic,
Figure 7, shows the areas on the property that convey or collect water. The graphic is not
intended to be to scale, only to demonstrate where the flows and storage occur. Many of the
backyards adjacent to golf course drain through decorative blocks onto the golf course. Many of
those are now blocked through years of re-landscaping and/or neglect.

Figure 6 Aerial View of Lakes, Channels and Ponding Areas

The Lakes also contain a system of leveling and recirculation pipes to maintain normal water
levels and to bleed off excess storm runoff in minor events. There are also circulation pumps
near Lake No 5 with an additional pipe/pump system that supplies water from the wells on the

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Country Club Golf Course. These are used to add water into the Lakes system when needed. The
approach and departure channels, as well as the Sedimentation Basin, are owned and maintained
by the Ahwatukee Board of Management.

Lake Number One

Lake No 1 is fed by an approach channel that runs through the neighborhoods from South
Mountain Park (See Figure 8) and flows into the Sedimentation Basin on the North side of
Lakeside Boulevard. It crosses 36th Street and 40th Street in multi-cell box culverts and crosses
38th Street in a dip section. A combination of pipes for low flows and a dip section for major
flows are provided for the crossing of Lakeside Boulevard. There are several Grade Control
Structures in the channel as it would otherwise be very steep and velocities could prove to be a

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Figure 7 Channel from 40 Street to Sedimentation Basin

hazard in the dip sections. It is not uncommon in Monsoon Storms for substantial water to cross
at both dip sections and occasionally close the roadways for brief periods. In addition to the
channel flows from South Mountain Park, neighborhood and roadway drainage also flow into
Lake No1. As Shown in Figure No 9, drainage comes from both directions into the dip section
and spill into Lake No 1. Street Drainage also enters the property from the North along both
Oneida Court and Shasta Court. Oneida flows directly into the Lake and Shasta flows over a low
point on the cart path and through a swale into Lake No 3.

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Figure 8 Lake No 1

Lake Number One Spillway

When Lake No 1 is full, it flows over a spillway and through a meandering short channel to Lake
No 3. During the September Flooding the flows jumped the spillway channel while travelling to
Lake No 3. The spillway is long overdue for maintenance as it is in a state of disrepair and filled

Figure 9 - Meandering Spillway from Lake No 1 to Lake No 3

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with rocks, debris and unattended plants. Later in this document we will discuss the flooding
along Sandia that impacted homes. As we have not yet found photographs of the flows from the
golf course, we have been unable to determine whether those flows came from a breach at Lake
Number 1 or at Number 3. It is believed that routine maintenance and cleanout of this spillway
should be required by the property owner (See Figures 11 & 12) and perhaps additional width
may be desirable to help better control the outflow from Lake No 1 during a major event.

Figure 10 - Debris in Lake No 1 Spillway

Figure 11 - Meandering Spillway from Lake No 1 to Lake No 3 in need of Maintenance and possibly re-design

Lake Number Two

Lake No 2 primarily serves the neighborhood runoff and roadway storm drainage from the Lakes
property Westerly across 40th Street and nearly all the way to 38th Street. The roadway drainage

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Figure 12 - Lake No 2 with Headwall and Channel on the left and Spillway to Lake No 3 on the right

Figure 14a Here the runoff can be seen flowing at the top of the curb line and on the sidewalks upstream from the
Lakes Golf Course on Keresan. Low flows are normally intercepted by two curb inlets and transported to a pipe outlet
above Lake No 2. In this case the Concrete Overflow Channel came into play that is shown in Figure 14b.

for smaller events is collected by two large curb inlets and runs underground through a pipe and
into Lake No 2. Larger events continue to flow along the roadway and are diverted between

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houses by way of a concrete channel which flows into the Lake directly above the pipe headwall.
(See Fig 14a and 14b) There is evidence of small PVC pipes for collection of small

Figure 13b - Neighborhood Drainage Channel flowing to Lake No 2

amounts of drainage from the golf course but they are silted in and/or covered. A leveling pipe
runs from Lake 1 to Lake No 2 to control the water level in Lake 1 but there is no Spillway from
Lake 1 to Lake 2. When Storm runoff fills Lake No 2 water flows through a crude railroad tie
banded inlet and through a Spillway to Lake Number 3. See Figure 15.

Figure 14 - Spillway Inlet for Lake No 3

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Neighborhood Drainage from the Southwest
Just as the neighborhood drainage from the West flows along Keresan and into the Lakes
Retention Basins, another Drainage Channel enters the property near Shomi Street (Fig 17) and
drains the neighborhood from the Southwest. Unlike drainage to the North, this flows into a
separate retention area on the Southwest portion of the Lakes property and is retained in a large
basin that wraps around the Number 14 Green & Number 15 Tee Box, Fig 16. When the Basin is

Figure 15 - The Blue Area indicates the approximate limit of the drainage retention area

full, an overflow channel conveys water to the South through another concrete channel (Fig 18)
and onto the roadway approaching Knox and the Mountain Point High School property to the
South. A manhole cover serving as an outlet was found in a low point at the Southeast corner of
the basin but we had to uncover it as it was covered with dirt and grass roots. We could not
determine where the outlet pipe went. (See Inset, Figure 18)

Figure 16 - Concrete Inlet Channel for Neighborhood Drainage in the Southwest corner of the property

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Figure 17 - Overflow Channel to the South, Inset shows uncovered Drainage Inlet

Lake Number Three

Moving back to the Lakes Drainage System, Lake No 3 is shown in Figure 19. Shown just above
Lake No 3 is Sandia, described by a neighbor as looking like a small river during the September
Event. Neighbors worked furiously to control damage to their properties. As I have talked to
only five people along this street, the neighborhood should be canvassed to ascertain additional
an accurate information. One of the neighbors described the street as a small river, while another
described a small lake where Sandia has a sag that redirects neighborhood and roadway runoff

Figure 18 - Lake No 3 with Sandia shown above it. The Lake 3 Spillway flows onto the Driving Range from a point just above
and to the left of the Waste Dumpster and Trash sitting in the middle of the Driving Range.

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into a channel discharging to the golf course. One neighbor was a little short when asked if
anyone took photographs of the flooding. He responded How the hell could we. We were too
busy trying to keep the water out of our houses. I am hesitant to knock on doors to ask for
further information. Similar to the flooding shown on Lakeside, this flooding basically went
unreported. Lake No 3 was likely breached and the cause of this flooding, but without photos of
the water as it was flooding it is difficult to say that for certain. Lake No 1 was also overtopping
the side of its Spillway and could have also breached during the peak of the event. There
appeared to be evidence of water leaving sediment on the Cart Path between the 17th Tee Box
and the 17th Green (see Figure 20), and an area that appears to be eroded away atop the berm on
the North side of Lake No 3 (See Figures 21 & 22).

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Figure 19 - This Sediment near the 17 Green would appear to be from Lakes overtopping the berms.

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Figure 20 This appears to be a portion along the top of the Berm that has eroded. This may be a potential breach point
that could have contributed to the additional flows along Sandia.

Figure 21 - Showing the Berm in question from the other side.

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Although I have been unable to locate images of the water flowing and ponding on Sandia, I
have been able to include some photographs that indicate the elevation of the street and the
houses relative to the elevation of the berm North of Lake No 3 (see Figures 23 and 24), and the
ponding area on Sandia (Fig 25) where the water is redirected to the South and flows through a
pipe under the 18th fairway and into the Swale through the Driving Range that drains Lake No 3.

Figure 22 - This is a view looking Westerly from Sandia. Note the Cart Path coming down from the 18th Tee Box on the
right. The Berm to the North of Lake No 3 can be seen just above and to the left of the Cart Path. The closer berm on
the left contains golf course features such as trees and bunkers. As can be seen in the photograph, the drop from Lake
No 3 to street level is several feet. Additionally, Lake No 3 is several feet below Lake No 1, not visible from this point.

Figure 23 - Standing near the waters edge in Lake No 3. Note height of the Lakes Berm with
respect to the roofs on Sandia

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The top of the Berm in Figure 21 should be evaluated and possibly repaired. We would also like
to request that consideration be given to constructing a berm from the 18th Tee box to the Berm
the Cart Path climbs (shown in Figure 23 at the left) beyond the Forward Tee Box. Material
could be removed between that Tee Box and Lake No 3 Berm that would allow water to flow
along the 18th fairway rather than into the Street should another event cause Berms to overtop or
fail. That water could make its way down the 18th fairway and on its way to the Driving Range
Swale further to the East with positive grading. This may not be the best solution but it appears
practical and it is desirable that a solution be evaluated to contain water on the Lakes Golf
Course property to reduce potential risks with water along the residential area on Sandia.

Figure 24 - The Valley Gutter is located in the low point on Sandia. Water flows from both directions to this point and
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from here the water is drained to the Golf Course and through the 18 fairway to the Swale in the Driving Range. This is
one of the areas where neighbors said water got into houses on the North Side of the Street.

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Figure 25 Shows the Inlet channel to a small pipe and headwall that drains under the 18 fairway. The insert shows the
pipe and headwall at the outlet to the Driving Range Swale.

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Lake Number Three Spillway and Swale
Lake No 3 drains through a Spillway (see Figure 27) and onto the Driving Range (see Figure 28)
where it makes its way to the Triple Barrel Box Culvert under 44th Street. Along the way it picks
up the drainage from Sandia, also shown in Figure 28.

Figure 26 - Lake No 3 Spillway

Figure 27 - Demonstrates how the Lake No 3 Spillway flows onto the Driving Range and where the Neighborhood and
Roadway Drainage flow from Sandia into the Swale

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The Driving Range Swale

Figure 28 - Water flowing from the Driving Range to the Culvert crossing under 44th Street. The erosion to the right of the
Cart Path may indicate the water surface at this location during the peak of the September Event.

Figure 29 - Indicates the flows from the Driving Range Swale crossing 44th Street to Lake No 4 and the Neighborhood
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Drainage that is retained around the 11th Tee Box, 10th Green and on the 10 Fairway.

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Neighborhood Drainage at Hole Number 10
The area around hole Number 10 and the Golf Course Parking Lot adjacent to 44th Street is also
a collection point for quite a bit of neighborhood drainage. A rather wide concrete drainage
channel (see Figure 31) runs from S. 42nd Place to the Golf Course near the 11th Tee Box. The
runoff is collected in a retention basin at the 10th Green (Fig 32), and floods around the green to
the 10th Fairway as well. The basin is contained by a rock lined berm with a small pipe bleeding
water into a channel that runs to 44th Street. During the September event the water did overtop
the berm and quite a bit of water was flowing Southward on 44th Street to Knox Road.

Figure 30 - Concrete Lined Drainageway from S 42nd Place to the Golf Course

Figure 31 - Retention area at 10th Green

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Figure 32 - Flooding on the 10th Fairway

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Figure 33 Shows the water overtopping the Berm at Hole 10 and running to 44 Street

Lake Number Four

After the Storm Waters flow through the Driving Range, they cross 44th Street through a Triple
Barrel Box Culvert which also serves as a crossing for Golf Carts, Golf Course equipment and
cart sized maintenance vehicles. The Box Culvert has lacked maintenance and now has exposed
reinforcing and spalled concrete on the Wingwalls. There wasnt much determined about Lake
Number 4. There may be additional neighborhood drainage or roadway drainage we have not

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identified but no channels or outlets were obvious except decorative blocks used to drain the
back yards of adjacent neighbors. It does accept on-site drainage from the golf course.

Figure 34 - Lake No 4

Lake Number 4 consists of two areas connected by an equalizing channel and drains eastward from the
larger body thru a Swale to Lake Number 5. The Swale picks up Neighborhood drainage from the North
by way of two paved channels between the houses as shown in Figure 36.

Figure 35 - Lake No 4 and Drainage Swale to Lake No 5

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Lake Number Five
Lake No 5 is the last of the Lakes on the Golf Course. It receives drainage from the
neighborhood from the West and also what appears to be overflow from On-site drainage beside
and behind Hole No 3. The on-site drainage on the Golf Course property has not had much
attention but there are several retention areas around the perimeter of the property. The areas do

Figure 36 - Lake No 5

Figure 37 - Lake No 5 showing on site Retention and Apartment Drainage

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appear to retain water and much of the on-site drainage moves to Lake No 5. Some of the
drainage from the Apartments on the North flows through an opening in the Wall and proceeds
to the Storm Drain Inlet and dip section on 48th Street. I am not certain the extent of the Storm
Drain system in 48th Street, but it has an inlet in the dip section and curb-inlets further up the
roadway grade in each direction. Most likely it empties into the channel adjacent to 48th Street
further south. This storm drain can intercept low flow drainage from the Lake No 5 outfall but
major flows are intended to flow across the dip section in 48th Street and along the outfall
channel between the residential units and on to a drop structure at Interstate 10. It is then
conveyed under the freeway through a Culvert and into the Detention Basin east of I-10 referred
to as the Pig Pit. The water that falls on the golf course is not all contained on the property.
The on-site drainage South of Lake No 5 flows overland and into the street. To the East of the 7th
Green there is sediment and debris on some of the patios indicating golf course water may be
reaching into the apartments in some areas. See Figure 39.

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Figure 38 The blue area at the top tracks the outflow from Lake No 5 to the dip section on 48 ; however the blue area
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to the South is usually soggy as you approach 48 Street. It may also carry water or retain water, but the circulation
pumps and a restroom were adjacent to Lake No 5 and it may have been a maintenance issue. The arrow to the East is
the channel to the Pig Pit. The Apartments at the bottom right corner may receive runoff from the golf course property.

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Figure 39 - Shows the general steepness of the slopes coming off of South Mountains

Figure 40 - Shows the East-West Outlet Channel thru the Residential Neighborhood at Wakial Loop Road

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Figure 41 - Detention Basin on the East Side of I-10 (The Pig Pit) at approximately Knox Road extended.

Wakial Loop Road Crossing

During the 1980s and 1990s it was not uncommon for this crossing to be closed during
Monsoon Storms. We have had no reports of closure during either the August or September
event but there wasnt a lot of water in it when these photos were taken about 9:00 AM on
September 8th. It did leave a lot of sediment in the roadway. See Figures 43 and 44.

Figure 42 - Sediment in the Wakial Loop Road Crossing

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Figure 43 - Channel Crossing at Wakial Loop Road downstream from the Lakes Golf Course

Upstream Sedimentation Basin

During the Initial Community Working Group Meeting, the representative from the Ahwatukee
Home Owners Association challenged the contention that they had filled in the Sedimentation
Basin at Lakeside Boulevard upstream from the No 1 Lake on the Golf Course. At the time I did
not understand why they would deny what was obvious to everyone who lived nearby and who
watched as it happened. Forty trucks hauling in fill material does not go unnoticed. We had been
asked at the beginning of the meeting to be respectful so I chose not to open the meeting up to
controversy and figured I would address the issue after gathering more information and having
further discussions with nearby neighbors. But with that said, it is time to put the issue to rest.
On the Ahwatukee Board of Managements website they state There were an astounding 82
truckloads and 1,640 cubic yards of dirt used to fill in the very deep basin. In the previous
paragraph they also state It will increase retention capacity which should eliminate storm water
from going over the street. It just doesnt work that way. When you fill in a basin, it does not
increase its storage capacity, nor does it eliminate storm water from going over the adjacent
roadway, when more flows in than the two small pipes can carry. The initial problem is they do
not understand the purpose of the Sedimentation Basin to begin with. Furthermore, they either do
not understand the requirements for doing this type of work, or they choose to ignore them. In an
email to one of our Board Members, an Engineer from the Citys Planning and Development
Dept wrote: From what you are describing below, a grading and drainage plan and permit
would have been required along with a landscape plan and permit. Grading and drainage permits

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are required if they move more than 100 cubic yards of cut or fill and they change the drainage.
Depending on the site requirement for the area, the site plan would also need to be amended. I
spoke with the area civil supervisor and no permits to his knowledge have been obtained.
Normally, when one would engage in the modification of a primary feature in a major drainage
corridor, they would enlist the services of a Registered Professional Engineer who would
research what information was available pertinent to design of the in-place features. They would
then do the hydrology and hydraulic analysis, and possibly a sediment transport study to
determine whether the desired modifications to the Sedimentation Basin could or should be
made. They would then prepare grading plans, and detailed plans of the modifications proposed
to the channel, grade control structures and pipe inlets at Lakeside. Additionally, they would
engage a Landscape Architectural firm to provide a Landscaping Plan consistent with City
requirements. They would also verify if additional permits (Federal, State, and County) would be
necessary based on the construction work to be performed in the drainage corridor. They would
then prepare the Permits along with Design, Plans and Specifications for submission to the City
in accordance with the City of Phoenix Storm Water Policies and Standards and the Drainage
Design Manuals of Maricopa County. Although this may not be inclusive of everything that
should be done before such construction is initiated, these requirements show the extent to which
our Local Governments have put in place requirements to insure their citizens are protected from
ill-advised modifications to drainage systems. The after construction looks very nice, but it does
not function as they say, nor does it provide the same function as the Initial Sedimentation Basin.
There are good reasons for these requirements to be satisfied. Primarily to assure nothing is
modified that might cause harm to our property or our families. What they did may in fact still
work. But it is incumbent upon the Ahwatukee Board of Management to hire the appropriate
level of Professional Engineering Expertise and Environmental Consultants, and go through the
required permitting processes before initiating these types of projects. The following images
show the Sedimentation Basin before it was filled in and the aforementioned construction.

Figure 44 Shows the Sedimentation Basin and the Concrete Paved dip Section at Lakeside Boulevard. Two
Concrete pipes act as a leveling device controlling water level in the Sedimentation Basin and Lake No 1. Low Flows
would be conveyed by the two pipes, but larger flows were carried across the roadway through the concrete dip
section.

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Figure 45 Aerial View of Sedimentation Basin from Plat Maps.

Figure 46 Normal water levels in the Sedimentation Basin were maintained between the flow line and the springline
(centerline) of the outlet pipes. In addition to Sept, 2014, there was also water over the roadway in the August, 2014
Storm and we have included images showing water flowing over the roadway in the dip section in July, 2013.

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Figure 47 Shows the Sedimentation Basin while it is being drained.

Figure 48 Filling in the Sedimentation Basin with 1,640 cubic yards of fill material. (82 truck loads)

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Figure 49 Filled in Sedimentation Basin with low-flow concrete channel from Drop Structure to Pipe Inlet.

Figure 50 Low flow concrete channel constructed in Sedimentation Basin. The flow line of the pipe lines up with the
Invert Elevation of the Pipes. The flow line is just below the water level of the removed Sedimentation Basin (see Fig 45)

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38th Street Upstream Crossings

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Figure 51 This figure shows water just downstream from 40 Street in the Main Channel. This is not during the peak
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and is just below where drainage from the smaller 40 Street Channel enters below the Triple Barrel Box Culvert that
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carries the Main Channel under 40 Street. At the time of this photo, most of this runoff had just passed through the dip
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section that is upstream on 38 Street.

We have no images that show water flowing through the dip section one quarter mile upstream
from the flow shown above in Figure 52. The dip section at 38th Street does become impassable
with large events but there are alternative ways to get in and out of the neighborhoods, and no
one has indicated driving into larger flows at that location. It is only noted because it was not
listed as one of the crossings that is impassible during large flows. 38th Street, Wakial Loop and
Lakeside Boulevard all need to be included in your Flood Report as crossings that were either
closed during the September event or are frequently impassible during flooding events on this
water-shed. But there are additional concerns in the Main Channel. There is dumping, storage, or
allowing dumping of what appears to be Asphalt Millings or Aggregate Base Course, Fig 53, as
well as fill dirt in upstream Channels and Tributaries. This occurs at several locations. The
Ahwatukee Board of Management is the owner of the Main Channel and should have it removed.

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Figure 52 Appears to be Asphalt Millings or Aggregate Base Course dumped in the Drainage Channel above 38 Street

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40th Street Upstream Channel
Storm Water Policies and Standards for the City of Phoenix states:
Drainage features/facilities that are the responsibility of entities other than the City of Phoenix (i.e.
Homeowners Associations, developers, management companies, private owners) may not be altered in
form or function that detrimentally impacts the performance of the feature.
Material dumped in the 40th Street Channel, being transported downstream that should be removed.

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Figure 53 The material shown in the 40 Street Channel is dumped material that has been transported to this location.
This material has been cleaned out of the lined channel but has begun to build in lesser events since the bigger flood.

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Figure 54 Material spilling out into the Main Channel from the 40 Street Channel. The source of this material is most
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likely material dumped and graded in the 40 Street Channel upstream and material used to fill the Ahwatukee Channel
upstream just below Equestrian. Until the upstream material is removed, this problem will likely continue.

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The Ahwatukee Channel
The best way to begin this Section is to include a report prepared by Presley approximately 20
years ago regarding a cooperative effort between the Maricopa County Flood Control District,
Presley and the Equestrian Management Association:

Figure 55 This Report is Referenced in the following letter addressing Flooding on properties adjacent to the
Ahwatukee Channel

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ron@blakepulsifer.com

August 26, 2013

Equestrian Management Association, Inc.

CERTIFIED MAIL

C/O City Property Management Company

4645 E. Cotton Gin Loop
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Re:

Flooding during rain storm on August 12, 2014

Dear Officers and Directors:

My Wife and I built our house at 3727 E. Sequoia Trail, Phoenix in 1982 and have lived here ever
since. Our lot number is 973. Our neighbors Rick and Mary Shindell built their house at 12230 S.
Tonalea, Phoenix in 1992 and have lived there ever since.

Both of our houses are in the Ahwatukee E-1 subdivision, for which the homeowners association
is the Equestrian Management Association (EMA). Our houses are both in the area where Tonolea
turns and becomes Sequoia Trail.

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During the rain storm on August 12, water flowed down the drainage easement (which Presley
and the EMA refer to as the Ahwatukee Channel in their document Equestrian Estates Drainage
Projects that was prepared about 20 years ago) above the Shindell house until it was obstructed
because the Ahwatukee Channel had been filled with dirt by the EMA shortly before the rain storm. The
water then flowed across the Shindells lot and entered their house. The water then continued down
Tonolea until the road turned and became Sequoia Trail. At that point, the water jumped the curb and
flowed onto our lot and flooded our garage.

We have not had problems with flooding from water flowing down the Ahwatukee Channel
and/or Tonalea since Presley Development, the EMA, and the Maricopa County Flood Control District
completed the Equestrian Estates Drainage Projects about 20 years ago. I am enclosing a copy of the
report about this project that Presley and the EMA provided to us and other homeowners about 20
years ago, which I will refer to in my letter as the Report.

The key parts of the project for our neigborhood were items 3, 4, and 5 in the Report. The intake
structure referred to in item 3 directed the storm water into the Ahwatukee Channel at Equestrian Trail
where it was contained. Items 4 and 5 increased the ability of the Ahwatukee Channel to carry more
water within the Ahwatukee Channel. Deepening the Ahwatukee Channel and creating a vee in the
Ahwatukee Channel was a critical part of the project.

In the time period from the end of July until August 11, 2014, the EMA through its contractor
WSP, Inc., filled the Ahwatukee Channel with dirt and raised the grade by about two feet. The
Ahwatukee Channel was graded flat and the vee was removed. This destroyed most of the ability of the
Ahwatukee Channel to drain storm water, and was the cause of our houses being flooded. It also
eliminated for our neighborhood most of the benefits of the Equestrian Estates Drainage Projects. We
also believe that our houses now have a much greater risk of being damaged in the future by flooding.

Since the rain storm and having learned about the damage to the Shindell house, WSP, Inc. has
done some work to the Ahwatukee Channel. However, this does not even come close to restoring the
drainage capacity of the Ahwatukee Channel that existed before it was modified by the EMA. Mary
Shindell was told by WSP, Inc. that it would remove the dirt fill that was placed in the Ahwatukee
Channel and regrade the channel to restore the vee, but that this needed to be authorized by the EMA.
Apparently, the EMA has not authorized this and refuses to allow the Ahwatukee Channel to be restored
to its prior state.

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Mary Shindell and I would like to meet with representatives from the EMA, City Property
Management, and WSP, Inc. that are knowledgeable about the drainage issues and have authority to
agree upon a resolution of this problem. Our primary concern is that the drainage capacity of the
Ahwatukee Channel is restored.

I have worked as an attorney for 40 years, and I am familiar with matters like this. However, this
matter has not yet become a project for the lawfirm of Blake & Pulsifer, PLC. I am sending you this
letter as a homeowner and not as an attorney. The Shindells are friends and neighbors, but they are not
clients and I am not representing them in this matter. It is our intention that this matter be resolved
amicably without hiring lawyers or engaging in legal proceedings.
Sincerely,
Ronald K. Blake, OF COUNSEL
RKB:bw
cc:

Mary Shindell

Figure 56 These photos show some of the flooding referenced in the above letter

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Figure 57 Shows the trapezoidal channel (referred to as a V-Ditch) and known as the Ahwatukee Channel in the Report
prepared by Presley addressing the Projects in conjunction with MCFCD and Equestrian Management Board

Figure 58 Shows the Ahwatukee Channel after three feet of material has been placed in the channel, essentially
removing the drainage capacity intended in the original projects.

Materials placed in the drainages from here, over to and including the 40th Street Channel, not only
reduce the capacity of the drainageways but most likely will continue to contribute to the increased
sedimentation and debris in the downstream channels and across the roadway at Lakeside Boulevard.
This situation, in addition to filling in the Sedimentation Basin needs a careful look during the Drainage
Study to determine if these features need to be restored to their original conditions. It would appear the
damage caused by this is irrefutable and needs to be addressed for the safety of the adjacent
neighborhood properties and stability of the drainage system.

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Figure 59 This is material that has been placed in the 40 Street Channel between the Box Culvert at Ahwatukee Drive
and the Equestrian Trail.

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Figure 60 Fill materials placed in the Ahwatukee Channel and the 40 Street Channel below the Equestrian Trail will
likely contribute to downstream sediment accumulations until they are removed. These materials have been placed in
these channels during the past year. A casual viewing of the main channel looking upstream at this same location does
not indicate the same type of sediment deposits as are occurring here.

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Dumping Upstream in the Main Channel
Additional dumping, storage and piles of material can be found at several upstream locations in
the Ahwatukee Lakes watershed.

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Figure 61 - Piles of material left in the middle of the Upstream Channel up from 36 Street

Figure 62 Piles of material dumped in Main Channel. Although the trees are attractive, they are growing both
above and below the grade control structure. Trees in the middle of the channel should be cleared. Only the trees
along the sides should remain as they are both attractive and may stabilize the banks.

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Figure 63 More dumping in the Upstream Channel

Figure 64 Dumping of fill dirt or excavated material in the Channel

Additional Concerns
In addition to the dumping and storage of materials in the drainage channels, we do have a few
other concerns. There are areas where trees have been allowed to grow in the middle of the
channels. They are attractive, but in the wrong locations can cause problems with the drainage
conveyance or integrity of the system. Desert trees, when mature, form large canopies, have
surface roots, and over time can restrict culvert openings and damage grade control structures.

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Figure 65 Large tree growing uncontrolled at box culvert opening

Figure 66 From atop the Culvert, you can see the large tree with broken limbs and surface roots collecting rocks and
sediment in the channel and creating some blockage at the upstream Culvert opening.

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Another concern is dirt ramps built on several of the grade control structures. They appear to be
used for driving up the grade control structures, and the primary concern is, are these are being
used for hauling heavy loads of material that is being dumped in the Channel. As the channels
otherwise have very steep grades, these structures are generally spaced at 200 to 300 feet
intervals. While it would appear driving small, light-weight maintenance vehicles may not be a
concern, the material placed over the gunite at the tops of the structures may be insufficient to
protect them in some cases; especially considering the large piles of Asphalt millings or
Aggregate Base Course that have been hauled in to the channels. These are very heavy loads and
care should be taken in any case to adequately protect these structures. Additionally, if there are
any voids below the gunite and rock surfaces, they are vulnerable to even the slightest of loads
and can crack creating scour and additional maintenance problems in the future. This material
has been left in place for several weeks and can be another source for sediment downstream. It
may not be possible in all cases but perhaps smaller maintenance vehicles can be accommodated
around the ends or edges when practical and these ramps eliminated. The dirt ramps themselves
are erodible materials and subject to adding to sedimentation downstream.

Figure 67 This image slows a series of Grade Control Structures in the Main Channel upstream from the Lakes, with dirt
ramps near the center of each one. Note the exposed rock of the Control Structure at the top of the first one, left
exposed and vulnerable if heavy vehicles were to drive over it.

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Although the following channel is in one of the watersheds draining to the Ahwatukee Country
Club, we were by asked by one of our members to address it along with our concerns for the
Lakes System, as it also is in need of maintenance. The maintenance in the channel by the Las
Lomas School has been neglected for several years. Historically, there was a sedimentation catch
upstream from the grade control structure where the water has left South Mountain Park in the
Power Line Easement. There is evidence of sediment piles where this sediment trap has been
cleaned out in the past. Currently it is filled, and the sediment below the grade control structure
has filled the channel up to the second rail of the steel fence that crosses the channel. The
channel adjacent to the school between the control structure and the Warner/Elliot Loop has
accumulated a lot of sediment over the years, in some cases nearly a foot. There is a quick drop
at the inlet to the box crossing the Warner/Elliot Loop and it has some buildup of sediment, and
sediment is collecting in the box culvert. The channel does look nice as the grass has managed to
survive and grow nicely in the new material in most places with only a few bare spots. A cleanout of the material below the drop structure would be nice and possibly a sediment trap of some
sort below the grade control structure may be easier to clean out than the one above.

Figure 68 Sediment below the Grade Control Structure at Las Lomas School

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Figure 69 Five Barrel Box Culvert crossing Warner-Elliot Loop Road has several inches of sediment build-up. This should
be monitored as eventually this channel will need to be cleaned out. There is also a tree growing at the base of the
roadway drainage turnout on the left that should be removed.

Although these are not features that indicate a lack of maintenance the following collage shows a
few of the individual fixes placed by some of our neighbors to assist with their localized drainage
problems. The drainage features in Ahwatukee have been well thought-out, but in some cases the
water still gets out of the channels or has a mind of its own.

Figure 70 This figure shows a makeshift dam of cinder blocks between a fence and a culvert headwall to keep drainage
from flowing onto the street and into yards, sandbags to keep the flow out of a back yard, a relief channel to move
ponded water away from a fence, and what was a rock lining to stop the channel from migrating toward the block fence.

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Conclusion for the Ahwatukee Lakes Watershed and Drainage Features :
It is clear that in order to analyze the existing conditions that are occurring in this watershed, one
must acknowledge that drainage features were incorporated into the initial design of the golf
course, and that they need to be analyzed as a part of the existing drainage condition, whether or
not the property remains as a golf course. The System of Retention Basins (Lakes) has worked
generally well over the years but closures and floodwaters have been common occurrences in the
past at 38th Street, Lakeside Boulevard and Wakial Loop Road. 48th Street below Warner
sometimes floods, but to a lesser degree than 48th Street at the other Golf Course Crossing.
The system on the golf course is in a deteriorated condition and in need of some maintenance. It
would be nice if the spillways were cleaned and maintained, and perhaps even widened to
contain the outflows in major events. It would also be nice if a concept could be developed to
connect the 18th Tee Box with a berm running to the large berm against Sandia to the East, with a
swale excavated between the Lake 3 berm and the Tee Box to contain any overtopping of the
Lakes onto the 18th Fairway and direct them to the Driving Range. Ultimately this might better
protect the homes along Sandia. Consideration should also be considered to removing the pipe
and headwalls that cross the 18th Fairway and cut a wider channel running across the fairway to
the Driving Range that would relieve ponding when it occurs on Sandia.
The materials that have been placed in all of the upstream channels should be removed and the
original drainage features restored. This would include the Sedimentation Basin unless a
Sediment Transport Study is prepared that would determine it not to be necessary. The
downstream treatment (vertical railroad ties) at the Lakeside dip section is a silt trap on the
roadway and pedestrian walkway. A better solution should be explored. The chain link fence and
bushes/shrubs have been removed and are no longer a problem but they most likely contributed
to several inches of silt and mud being deposited on the roadway. Removal of plants and debris
at this location needs to be a periodic maintenance activity by the ABM.
Prior to the ABM, the EMA or any other Homeowners Association modifying drainage features
or placing fill materials in any of the upstream drainageways, it would be nice if the City Staff
and the Maricopa County Flood Control District could discuss some of the basic guidelines as far
as design requirements, the permitting process and contact information to provide help for them
with these processes. Some of their past projects did require permits that were never prepared.
The City of Phoenix Storm Water Policies and Standards states: Drainage features/facilities that
are the responsibility of entities other than the City of Phoenix (i.e. Homeowners Associations,
developers, management companies, private owners) may not be altered in form or function that
detrimentally impacts the performance of the feature.

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Additionally, Sedimentation basins/structures shall be designed to hold a minimum of two years of
watershed sediment yield using an annual sediment yield of 0.25 ac-ft/sq. mi./year or the site-specific
sediment yield based upon in-situ geomorphic analysis meeting or exceeding those identified in the
sedimentation chapter of the Drainage Design Manual for Maricopa County, Hydraulics. Sediment
basins/structures shall be designed with minimum 8:1 side slopes and 16-foot wide access ways on
opposing sides. Sediment basins/structures shall be designed to slow the passage of runoff but not
prevent the passage of runoff. Sediment check structures shall have low flow outlets with inverts set
equal to the invert of the drainageway and shall be no higher than 18 inches. All outlets shall be
designed to protect from scour per the Drainage Design Manual for Maricopa County, Hydraulics.

Apparently, no engineering work was done with respect to the Sedimentation Basin, and whether
it met these criteria, or whether there was no need to meet these criteria. The lack of engineering
knowledge is apparent, as grading and drainage permits are required if they move more than 100
cubic yards of cut or fill or if they change the drainage features. Clearly, both were done.
Permits would have been required for both the filling of the Ahwatukee Channel, as well as the
Sedimentation Basin, and possibly the 40th street Channel, and a Registered Engineer should
have been consulted prior to initiating any of these activities. I would like to think they did not
understand that the permitting would be required, so possibly some help would be in order,
advising them of what constitutes routine maintenance and what requires design, approval, and
permitting. This discussion should also include what might constitute violations of City
Ordinances, County Ordinances and any State or Federal Statutes that might apply.

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