Jasper Stormwater Board Reviews Projects and Public Education

At their October meeting, the Jasper Stormwater Management Board reviewed ongoing projects, state compliance, and upcoming public education efforts. 

The board welcomed new member Brad Popp, who will be filling the vacancy from Roger Messmer’s recent departure after many years of service. City Engineer Chad Hurm opened quotes for the Lions Club storm sewer pipe repair project. 4 quotes were solicited and one quote was received from National Gunite. The sole quote of $118,500 was in excess of the department’s estimate, so it will be taken under advisement. 

The board heard an overview of the recent IDEM audit, where the auditor inspected the Stormwater Department and also conducted a physical inspection of the Street Department. She noted several minor issues that have been addressed, specifically pertaining to labeling that was wearing off over time. The requested adjustments were implemented and the department is in compliance with state standards. 

Stormwater Coordinator Chad Mundy presented 1 new ERU to the board, which was accepted. There were 5 active permitted sites in the IDEM Monthly Report, with 2 sites that are not yet active. In the illicit discharge and spills report, Mundy said the department is working with a property on Rumbach, where a young family member has been changing a truck’s oil in the curb and gutter. 

The upcoming Contractor Workshop, which is a new public education event, is being development in partnership with Christopher Burke Engineering. This will be an annual event and the department plans to use it as mandatory training that will be a prerequisite for construction permits. The event will be held on January 28 at the Parklands. Mundy and Hurm explained that the workshop will fulfill a requirement to provide public education. It will also create an opportunity to deliver important information regarding erosion control, right of way, drainage, and other Stormwater standards. 

In other business, employee training for all city employees will be conducted at the Train Depot in December. Informational mailings on stormwater pollution will also go out in the next utility bill cycle, reaching 9600 customers. The department maintains membership with the Southwestern Indiana Stormwater Partnership, which is largely run by Mundy and a colleague from Evansville, Karen Barnhill. Barnhill will be retiring, so there will be some necessary adjustments in responsibilities with the partnership.  

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


- By Drew Hasselbring