Vandals Dropping Storm Sewer Grates into Sewers in Grand Forks

(KNOX) – Neighborhoods on Chestnut Street and Belmont Road in Grand Forks are dealing with a new kind of vandalism.

Storm sewer grates are being turned on their sides and dropped into the storm sewer themselves.  The problem requires city crews to retrieve the grates, as some can be as deep as 10 feet.

Grand Forks Police Chief Jason Freedman says he believes it to be a prank, but the prank is far from harmless, as it creates a void in the street, can cause damage to the storm sewer, and can be dangerous for children.

The problem first began in August of last year, and continues into this month.  Officials with the city discount the idea of the problem being caused by accidents, saying the occurrence is too frequent to be accidental.

Daniel Hanson, the city’s water operations manager, says the only way (the grates) will fall into the bottom is if you pick them up, turn them sideways and drop them inside.