Indiana Department of Environmental Management

09/28/2026

Indiana is celebrating Hoosier Riverwatch Week, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, recognizing a program that has connected volunteers with Indiana’s rivers and streams for 30 years.

Through hands-on water quality monitoring and environmental education, Hoosier Riverwatch gives individuals and communities the tools to better understand local waterways and take an active role in protecting them.

For three decades, volunteers have also helped build a statewide water quality dataset that supports the protection and restoration of Indiana’s waterways. Whether you want to learn more about the water in your community or become a stronger steward of local rivers and streams, Hoosier Riverwatch is a great place to get involved.

Anyone interested in participating or learning more can contact [email protected].

09/28/2026

Meet Karen Beverly Huaraca Pacheco, an Environmental Engineer with IDEM’s Office of Air Quality (OAQ).

Originally from Peru, Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, an MBA, and a Professional Certificate in Sustainability from MIT. Before joining IDEM, Karen worked in Peru’s mining sector, managing environmental compliance, permitting, and sustainability efforts.

In her current role, she reviews technical documentation and permits and helps ensure facilities comply with federal and state clean air regulations. Karen is passionate about environmental protection, continuous learning, and public service. She hopes to pursue a PhD and eventually establish her own environmental company.

Karen wants the public to know that IDEM is a place of opportunity, integrity, honesty, and respect for both the public and its employees.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing piano with her kids, exploring the outdoors, and extreme sports like paragliding, scuba diving, rafting, and racing.

09/25/2026

Did you know Indiana is a national leader in water quality assessment? Adjusted for size, Indiana has sampled more water miles than any other state in the country.

With more than 62,000 miles of rivers and streams across Indiana, IDEM’s Office of Water Quality works every day to assess water quality, identify impairments, and develop plans for restoration.

Indiana’s latest water quality assessment highlights continued progress in protecting and restoring our waterways through science-based monitoring and collaborative restoration efforts.

09/24/2026

Exciting energy advancements! 🔌

Major news for Indiana’s energy future!⚡

Today, Governor Mike Braun, Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski, and Jonathan Brightbill from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the SPARK Grant, a major investment to strengthen Indiana’s electric grid while supporting affordability and reliability for Hoosiers.

Through this partnership with the DOE, Indiana will upgrade existing transmission infrastructure to move more power safely and efficiently, strengthen the connection between the PJM and MISO grids, and prepare our state for continued energy and economic growth.

09/24/2026

A huge thank you to the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College and the Lake Doctor Podcast for featuring NPDES Permit Manager Jodi Wray!

Jodi is a proud Grace College graduate and has served in IDEM’s Office of Water Quality for four years.
On the podcast, she explains how NPDES permits help ensure Indiana’s lakes and streams are protected for their designated uses and how her work sets science‑based limits that safeguard water quality. 💧

She also reflects on her research experience at the Lilly Center, talks through the differences between point‑source and non‑point‑source pollution, and shares practical advice for Hoosier homeowners.

Watch or listen to the full episode: https://lakes.grace.edu/s3-e6-is-industrial-wastewater-safe-for-lakes-and-streams-jodi-wray-explains-npdes-permits/

09/24/2026

🏆 2026 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence (GAEE) Spotlight 🏆

MPS Egg Farms is leading the way in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources right from North Manchester, Indiana. Through the groundbreaking Kipster farming model, their three state‑of‑the‑art barns are engineered for advanced animal welfare, renewable energy and improved air quality.

By using agricultural and food grade byproducts, their chicken feed also has a smaller environmental footprint. Each barn is equipped with rooftop solar for a total of 828.5 kW rooftop solar array, and they’ve achieved remarkable results:

☀️ Solar power provides 36% of their total energy usage
🌱 Carbon footprint per egg is reduced by 23% compared to conventional egg production methods
♻️ Manure, responsible for 8% of their footprint, is dried for use as fertilizer
🔌 The remaining 42% of energy needs are met through a grey grid mix

Indiana is one of the top three egg‑producing states, and as the 6th largest shell egg producer in the country with roots dating back to 1875, MPS Egg Farms continues to redefine what sustainable agriculture can look like.

We’re proud to honor MPS Egg Farms as this year’s 1 of 2 category winner for Energy Efficiency/Renewable Resources! 🌍🥚

09/23/2026

IDEM congratulates Metro Auto Recyclers Inc. (Indy Location) for achieving Indiana Clean Yard Gold Status for the 3rd time 🏅

IDEM has partnered with Automotive Recyclers of Indiana to develop the "Indiana Clean Yard", a recognition program to reward auto salvage yard operators. This recognition highlights the company’s long-standing commitment to protecting Indiana’s environment through responsible auto salvage practices, pollution prevention, and strong stormwater management.

Senior Environmental Engineer Hani Sharaya with IDEM's Compliance & Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) presented a commemorative certificate to Metro Auto Recyclers' Robbie Martin, Carlos Cruze, Dustin Murry, Harold Ellis, and manager Ben Graves.

Learn more about the Indiana Clean Yard program: https://bit.ly/3Xyc66F

09/23/2026

❓ Quiz time! What is the biggest challenge to Indiana's waterways?
👇Answer below.
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Answer: B. From activities on Earth's surface. These are normal, everyday things that might seem insignificant, but they add up to be a big problem.
Together, we CAN make a difference in OUR water quality. Continue following this page for easy ways to reduce our impact on our water.
Our friends at Indiana Department of Environmental Management provide more information about these issues: https://www.in.gov/idem/nps/watershed-assessment/water-quality-assessments-and-reporting/section-303d-list-of-impaired-waters/impairments-and-other-constituents-considered-in-assessing-indiana-waters

09/22/2026

Happy first day of fall, Indiana! 🍂

As the leaves begin to change and fall, remember that yard waste can be put to good use. Composting leaves and other yard waste helps save landfill space, reduces methane emissions and creates nutrient-rich material that can benefit soil and plants.

Before tackling your fall yard cleanup, learn more about yard waste and composting in Indiana: https://bit.ly/3YJF5G6

09/21/2026

Meet Tyler Hennessy, an Environmental Manager 2 in IDEM’s Office of Air Quality.

Originally from Dyer, Indiana, Tyler earned a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Geology from Indiana University Indianapolis and joined IDEM after working in environmental consulting.

As an air permit writer, Tyler reviews permit applications from businesses across Indiana and prepares permit approvals and renewals. He is excited to continue learning about air permitting and the role the Office of Air Quality plays in protecting Indiana’s environment.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys weightlifting and attending local hardcore and metal concerts.