Jasper Stormwater Board Reviews 2025 Activity and Staff Training

The Jasper Stormwater Management Board held its first meeting of the year in preparation for a busy season ahead.

The board approved new officers, reviewed 2025 stormwater activity, and outlined priorities for 2026. They unanimously selected its officers for 2026, installing Greg Kuntz as Secretary, Brady Albright as Chairman, and Roger Messmer as Vice Chairman.

Among the key actions, the board approved additional Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs) tied to building permits. Three ERUs were approved for November 2025 and three more for December 2025, reflecting new development activity in the city.

Updates were provided on permitted construction sites for North Ridge Estates, Park Place, Cathy Lane, and Brookstone 7. Additional developments, such as Archangel Addition, North Ridge Estates Phase 2, and an expansion project at Jasper High School, are expected to move forward in early 2026.

One illicit discharge incident was reported involving a hydraulic oil spill near Jasper Elementary School. The spill was traced to a concrete supply truck with a ruptured hose. The responsible company responded promptly, cleaned the affected area, and no fines were issued.

Members reviewed the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) monthly report and discussed ongoing compliance requirements under the city’s MS4 stormwater permit. Continued training efforts were highlighted, including a regional stormwater education session held in Chandler, Indiana, through the Southwestern Indiana Stormwater Partnership. Employee training was also completed in December with assistance from Christopher B. Burke Engineering. It emphasized illicit discharge detection, construction site compliance, and best practices across city departments. It was noted that these trainings are an important educational resource, and are also important to show compliance in the case of an audit.

Financial discussions included continued use of Christopher B. Burke Engineering for specialized compliance support in 2026. Rather than a fixed contract, the city plans to proceed with hourly services under a “not-to-exceed” authorization, similar to the approach used in 2025. The board approved December claims totaling $4,499.49. In discussing projects, the annual report was completed, but a physical inspection related to illicit discharge was delayed for training. It will be completed this spring.

A summary of 2025 activities was presented, including:

 25 drainage permits processed

 2 erosion control permits issued

 All required monthly and annual IDEM reports completed

 Permitted construction sites and city facilities inspections

 Stormwater training to all city employees

 City of Jasper received an Indiana MS4 Partnership Recognition of Excellence Award The February meeting date may be adjusted due to scheduling conflicts.

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

- By Drew Hasselbring