Jasper Stormwater Board Addresses Projects, Enforcement, and Outreach

From infrastructure improvements to environmental compliance and public education, the Jasper Stormwater Management Board tackled a wide range of stormwater management issues at its June meeting. City Engineer Chad Hurm told the Stormwater board that the timeline for repairing the large metal storm sewer under Lions Park has been accelerated. Originally planned for next year, Hurm said the project has been moved to the top of the list after sink holes appeared and the fence began to sink. 

In his report, Stormwater Coordinator Chad Mundy presented five additional ERUs for the month of May, which were accepted by the board. In the IDEM monthly review, Mundy said there are a total of five open, permitted sites, not including permits that are under an acre. Two permitted sites that have not begun construction are North Ridge Estates II and Archangel Addition. The Jasper Substation project is in progress, and the Wellness Center site is now active and will be added to the list. The Jasper High School site has submitted regular self- inspection reports and is in compliance. There were 4.33 inches of rain in May with 3 rain events, prompting more frequent inspections at construction sites. 
 
The legal department provided an update on the 15 th Street property that needed owner contact regarding a potential illicit discharge. Letters to the property and the out of state property owner as well as yellow tags on the property have gone unanswered. The legal department will attempt to contact the owner as a next step. 

The Street Department contacted the Stormwater Department regarding an illicit discharge on Leslie Drive. Contractors were using a concrete bag, but it overflowed the bag, into the gutter and down the drain. All parties were notified and the incident was logged. 

Each permit cycle, outfall inspections are required to maintain compliance. Those on land have been completed, and inspections along the Patoka River are almost complete. Reports on the inspections will be available in time for the IDEM audit on August 19. The audit process will begin with questions for Stormwater staff and will extend to inspections of department sites, including the Street Department. 

In upcoming projects and education, Mundy will be visiting each city department for a Stormwater Inspection as part of the annual Good Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention review. While site inspections are required quarterly by the state, the department completes these monthly. On June 30, the “Source to Sip” open house will provide public education and family friendly activities to learn about our water sources. 

On January 28, a Contractor Workshop has been scheduled as an educational training event. The department hopes to continue the workshop as an annual event at the end of January, since that time provides more availability for contractors. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- By Drew Hasselbring