South Dakota Ag Secretary Bill Even is assembling a task force to create a model drainage ordinance that counties across the state can adopt in whole or in part.A revision of Minnehaha’s County drainage ordinance might become part of the model for the rest of the state.Right now counties have the responsibility for regulating drainage within their borders, but the result has been legislation all over the map.That wide diversity is what Even hopes to unify with a model drainage ordinance.
Even says the issue has gained attention as more farmers have petitioned county commissioners or zoning and planning boards for a permit or the right to put drainage tile in their fields.
Even addressed the county commission on Tuesday at a public hearing.He expressed concern that Minnehaha's revision of its existing statute that could increase significantly the responsibility of landowners to secure the permission of their counterparts up to 15 miles downstream before getting a permit to install drain tile.
