Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin is asking Benton Harbor City Commissioners to lend their support to a clean-up project for the Ox Creek drain system. At this past week’s commission meeting, the body was told easements would need to be granted for the drain commissioner to remove dead trees, industrial debris, and litter throughout the creek. About 10% of the adjoining land is owned by the city. Quattrin told WSJM News it will require jurisdiction to make the clean-up happen.
“What we want to do is acquire that jurisdiction,” Quattrin said. “In other words, control over the creek, which is a drain — it’s an outlet already — to be able to step in there, clean it up, get the water flowing, help bring back the ecology there — fish habitat — and make it a more environmentally friendly environment there.”
Other parts of the land for which the drain commissioner would need easements are owned by Benton Township and residents. He spoke to Benton Harbor City Commissioners first in order to get momentum to seek the permission of others. Quattrin told us putting the needed properties into the drain district would allow for more funding for a clean-up. A similar clean-up effort is underway along the Ox Creek drain near the Orchards Mall, and this would be an extension of that. City Commissioners will learn more later, after a committee presentation.
