Jasper Stormwater Board Reviews Projects and Compliance Initiatives

Infrastructure projects, audit findings, and compliance efforts were among the topics discussed during the Jasper Stormwater Management Board’s September meeting. 

City Engineer Chad Hurm told the board that surveying is being completed in preparation for upcoming Community Crossings projects involving storm sewers. The bidding process for the Lions Club stormwater project was extended until the October meeting to allow time for a quote in progress to be received. 

Prior to his report, Stormwater Coordinator Chad Mundy thanked Roger Messmer for his many years of service on the Stormwater board. Messmer has stepped down from his position, and a replacement board member will be sought. 

Mundy reviewed active permits for August, with 8 ERUs approved by the board as presented. In the IDEM Monthly Report, Mundy reviewed the 5 open sites with permits. These include North Ridge Estates, Park Place, Cathy Lane Stockpile, Brookstone Estates 7, and Jasper High School, and inspections are complete. There has been significant progress at the high school, and the entire north bank has been vegetated, minimizing runoff. North Ridge Estates 2 and Archangel Addition have not begun construction. The Wellness Center, which is a large City of Jasper project, is also permitted. 

One illicit discharge was presented at Bohnert Park. The sanitation system experienced some overflow, and was reported by residents who noticed an odor. An overflowing manhole cover released waste into the creek area, noticeably affecting water quality. An immediate response from sanitation crews rectified the issue the same night. 

The IDEM Audit was successfully completed this month, with minor suggestions to implement from the onsite auditor. Mundy said that itinerary and coverage level are being confirmed for the upcoming Contractor Workshop, and invitations will go out soon. The event will be in partnership with Burke Engineering, and will be held at the Parklands. A representative from Burke will also be giving a presentation at the next Southwestern Indiana Stormwater Partnership meeting on some of the new additions and changes taking effect in the new permit cycle. As part of those changes, outfall inspections will increase and require additional training. A brief discussion was also held on policies that are in place and under development to keep Buffalo Run clean and ensure that maximum daily loads are not increased at the White River. 

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


- By Drew Hasselbring