(TNS) — The Warrenton, Ore., Commission plans to develop a new policy to address encroachments on the city's levee system.

A recent inspection of Warrenton's nearly 11 miles of levees revealed several issues. There are moles everywhere and, in several cases, there are structures built into levee slopes.

One example the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has rated as "unacceptable" is a garage built into the levee right of way off Main Avenue near Fourth Street.

If the garage is not addressed, it could jeopardize the levee system's status within the federal Rehabilitation and Inspection Program, which provides rehabilitation assistance.

Mark Kujala, a Clatsop County commissioner and former Warrenton mayor who has been acting as a levee consultant for the city, estimates that most of the garage is built into the right of way, property that does not belong to the homeowner.

Other encroachments include things like gates, sign posts, boat dock access ramps, water and sewer pipes, utility poles, trees and access roads -- not all of which fall into the "unacceptable" category. But the property, specifically the garage, near Fourth Street has long been an issue.

"And it's for sale," Kujala said.

It is up to the homeowner to prove the garage does not impact the levee's ability to withstand a major flood. Kujala outlined several steps the property owner could take that had been discussed by the inspection team in January.

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