To the editor,
It is indisputable that water runoff from field tile drainage contributes to flooding, and it may be a determinative factor in that regard because the amount of water in each watershed that flows from those fields into the rivers and streams is so massive.
The Legislature should pass a bill making landowners with field tile drainage jointly and severally liable for any flooding in a watershed that occurs if they don't plug those drains before the spring flooding season begins until it is over. The farmers' fields would have plenty of time to drain before planting season. Landowners should be compelled to be "good neighbors" and not dump their water issues on other people in the community and the associated massive expense that goes along with it.
I realize that it would be a slight inconvenience to the landowners, and require some slight modifications to their drainage systems, but that is nothing compared to the cost and expense that is being borne by everyone in having to address the problems that arise due to flooding, much of which occurs due to field tile drainage.
To work, the bill would have to place the burden on each landowner, if sued, to prove that the landowner plugged the drains on the property.
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Stephen A. Emery
Montevideo, Minn.
