Addressing Stormwater Management for the Benefit of Public Paths and Homeowners
Bandaid solution: Sandbags in front of driveways and public path.
In the Berkeley Hills, many streets do not have sufficient gutters or curbs. Stormwater flows down streets, hills, and paths. It floods neighbors’ driveways, homes, and yards. The runoff carries pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, fertilizers, and debris from car tires that contain synthetic rubber, microplastics, and chemicals.
Green stormwater features such as bioswales, rain gardens, tree boxes, and permeable pavement catch and slow stormwater while filtering pollutants. However, in steep hilly neighborhoods, curbs and gutters remain important. They divert stormwater downhill and help protect homes, streets, and public paths from erosion and flooding which can cause structural issues.
A few years ago, a Berkeley Hills resident, Steve Brindle, shared a video with Berkeley Path Wanderers Association. The video shows water rushing down the street, channeling into the lower Glendale Path, and cascading down the concrete stairs.
“It is as if the public path is a storm gutter,” said David Gyorke, Path Building Liaison for Berkeley Path Wanderers Association. “It is washing away the soil under the treads and around the handrail support-post concrete footings. This dramatically degrades the longevity of the path.” He added that it makes economic sense to address the root problem instead of continuous repairs that will be needed as flooding increases due to climate change.
Berkeley Path Wanderers Association has created diversion blocks and placed sandbags at the top of the path. This year, additional sandbags were added to build up the barrier. Brindle, whose home is next to Glendale Path, has also placed sandbags during heavy rains. He said it is a hassle because they block the driveway entrance as long as the rain lasts and water still seeps through. In the past, his driveway and basement have flooded.
Heavy sandbags are placed every time storms are expected, blocking access.
Four months ago, Brindle reported the issue to the city. After an initial response, he said there has been no further correspondence or progress.. “The curb on our side of the street is not sufficient,” Brindle said. “Stormwater is supposed to flow down the far side of the street, but soil from the hillside is blocking it. So water enters the street and floods our area. Not only do we have to deal with water on our side of the street, we are getting significant flow from the other side.” Brindle is unsure whose responsibility it is to fix that or if it is an enforcement issue.
Adjacent hillside property sliding into the street and blocking runoff.
Gyorke has contacted the city and spoken with Terrence Solanga, supervising civil engineer for the city of Berkeley’s Public Works Department. “He has recognized the issue,” Gyorke said, adding that he hopes for a resolution that will protect homeowners and path infrastructure.
According to Berkeley’s Stormwater Master Plan website, the city is developing a comprehensive plan and provides a link to report a drainage issue. For immediate concerns, flooding and clogged drains can be reported through calling customer service at 3-1-1 or (510) 981-6620.
Investing in adequate stormwater management supports climate-resilient infrastructure. Substantial future repair costs are avoided through adaptation strategies that address underlying problems. However, many cities face challenges related to funding, responsiveness, and unclear responsibility for infrastructure management. Residents can review completed city project lists or contact the Public Works Department to find out whether Measure M or Measure FF funding has been allocated to stormwater projects in the Berkeley Hills.
In the meantime, Brindle said he is trying to determine whether he can improve the curb and gutter if it is considered public right of way, whether a permit is required, or whether the city has plans to address the lack of adequate stormwater infrastructure in Berkeley Hills.
Regarding the paths, the city manages repairs on concrete paths, while Berkeley Path Wanderers Association manages wood tread pathways. Gyorke said wood treads typically last at least 20 years. However, increased flooding and erosion may shorten that lifespan. Volunteers are adding gravel under the wooden treads to reduce soil erosion and dry rot. However, many paths need new wooden treads and updates.
“We have identified 14 paths that need upgrades,” Gyorke said. “We just need more volunteers to assist.”
If you would like to get some sunshine and exercise and work with your hands, we could use your help! Those interested in volunteering can contact: pathbuilding@berkeleypaths.org.