Jasper Stormwater Board Approves ERUs, Manages Drainage and Compliance Issues

On Monday morning, the Jasper Stormwater Board addressed a range of compliance and development issues related to ongoing construction site management. 

The ERU Update showed 10 new ERUs, with one additional that was held for Carr and Sons Construction. 

The board approved all 11 ERUs as presented. The board reviewed the IDEM Monthly Report, which contains work done for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. This covers construction sites and permitted sites in the City of Jasper. These include North Ridge Estates, Park Place, Cathy Lane, Brookstone Estates VII, and Jasper High School. A permit for North Ridge Estates II was newly-approved, based on an effective meeting related to existing basin issues, and the erosion control permit has been issued. Archangel Addition has not begun construction, and Jasper Substation 36 is still in progress. 

A violation fine was assessed, and work stoppage was issued for a site at 36 th and Mill Street. They began construction at the site without the appropriate permits and without installing the basin first. The corrections have been made, and the site is back in compliance. 
 
In reviewing the Illicit Discharge and Spills from the prior month, all issues have been resolved and closed with the exception of one location. The owner of the residential property 721 East 15 th Street is out of state, and communication has not yet been established. A letter of notification to owner’s home address as well as the 15 th Street address have been sent and yellow tags have been put on the residence, but there has been no response from the owner. Next steps will be identified to resolve the issue. 

In another example of Illicit Discharge, the issue of grass clippings in the street continues to be a problem. It presents a safety hazard, particularly for those on bikes and motorcycles, and it also clogs storm drains. 

In IDEM updates, the annual report has been submitted. There will be a program audit on August 19. This will also involve a physical inspection of the Street Department due to the materials used in their work. 

Earth Day will be held at Memorial Hospital on April 22. On April 30, an event for Jasper High School students will be held at the Parklands. More information will be provided as soon as it is available. On May 15, Stormwater Coordinator Chad Mundy will visit science classes at Jasper Middle School.  

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- By Drew Hasselbring