Clicky

Porter County Storm Water

Porter County Storm Water What is Storm Water? Water from rain, snow and ice that runs off your roof, across your driveway, through your yard, and down the street has to go somewhere.

The Department of Development and Storm Water Management helps resolve drainage problems, improve water quality, reduce flood damage and much more to keep Porter County's water clean. That’s where The Department of Development and Storm Water Management comes in. As storm water flows over the land, it has to be directed into a ditch, stream, lake, or river through inlets and storm sewers. Along th

e way to these waterways, the storm water picks up sediment, nutrients, pesticides, trash, debris, and other pollutants that can impact these receiving water bodies. We use infrastructures to control and minimize the negative impacts of storm water runoff on our communities and water resources. A typical storm water management system includes:
- inlets to collect storm water from the land
- storm sewers to convey water to detention basins
- a detention basin, where the storm water can be managed and treated, before it goes downstream
- ditch, stream, lake, or river -- the storm water runoff’s final destination

In order to properly address the impacts of storm water, we need both, storm water management program and the efforts of individual landowners. We have many different projects in unincorporated Porter County to resolve drainage problems, improve water quality, reduce flood damages, and maintaining and enhancing the county’s valuable storm water infrastructure. Have A Drainage Concern? If you have a storm water management and/or drainage concerns, please fill our Storm Water Concern Reporting Form on our website. We will look into it as soon as we can. Thank you!

Operating as usual

03/16/2023

Did you know...The Porter County GIS Data Map has a soils layer! Under the Environmental layer, select the sublayer called “Soil - 2015 SSURGO USDA” to see the soils map. You can zoom into any area of interest and learn about the elements beneath your feet! Each soil type has a different color that is signified with an alphabetical naming convention.

Click here to explore: https://loom.ly/n9aZAeQ

All this precipitation creating small ponds in your yard? ☔ These temporary ponds are good for the environment! Short-te...
03/15/2023

All this precipitation creating small ponds in your yard? ☔ These temporary ponds are good for the environment! Short-term ponding that lasts up to 72 hours reduces runoff volumes and soil eroding velocities. It also replenishes the ground water table for reuse.

However, if you’re experiencing small ponds that last more than 72 hours, you can submit a drainage concern here: https://loom.ly/zU_eFzU

Why are silt socks arranged like this? They help reduce erosion on a slope! Each row adds a level of erosion protection,...
03/08/2023

Why are silt socks arranged like this? They help reduce erosion on a slope! Each row adds a level of erosion protection, reducing velocity and filtering out sediment. The stakes are necessary to keep the silt socks in place. Stakes should also be used on surfaces where the sheet flow occurs (a thin layer of water over a wide land surface).

Neimer Ditch, a regulated drain in Porter County, has an upcoming capital improvement project! The overall purpose of th...
03/06/2023

Neimer Ditch, a regulated drain in Porter County, has an upcoming capital improvement project! The overall purpose of the project is to enhance the drainage and storm water management services provided to the surrounding property owners by improving the area’s drainage and storm water management infrastructure. It will consist of:

-Removal and replacement of an existing failed culvert
-Clearing and tree removal
-Road cut and repair
-Restoration of disturbed areas during the project

Stay tuned for Neimer Ditch project updates here!

Silt socks installed across a drainage path like this create a “check dam”. A check dam is a small, sometimes temporary,...
03/02/2023

Silt socks installed across a drainage path like this create a “check dam”. A check dam is a small, sometimes temporary, dam constructed across a swale, drainage ditch, or waterway to reduce the velocity of water. Reducing flow velocity reduces erosion downstream. A check dam is important for construction sites that are in the vegetation growth phase. They allow the grass seed to germinate and stabilize the area!

A reminder of this month's upcoming meetings!
03/01/2023

A reminder of this month's upcoming meetings!

Storm water infrastructure is designed to be long-lasting, but sometimes fails early due to age, failure during installa...
02/27/2023

Storm water infrastructure is designed to be long-lasting, but sometimes fails early due to age, failure during installation, ground water infiltration, and more.

Example: Pictured here is a sinkhole that formed next to a curb stormwater inlet. This issue appears to have been caused in part by the placement of gutter downspouts. These downspouts deliver stormwater to the surface directly behind the inlet. This has caused the soil to erode completely with the traveling water, and a hole formed in the pavement.

If you see an issue like this, please submit a drainage concern HERE: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1397b8bc2d2f457db0bb4383855f36b0?portalUrl=http://PorterCoGov.maps.arcgis.com

! The Ludington Ditch Arm 19, Phase 1 consisted of the installation of a new drain tile system to replace a failed drain...
02/23/2023

! The Ludington Ditch Arm 19, Phase 1 consisted of the installation of a new drain tile system to replace a failed drain tile which included the downstream end of Ludington Ditch Arm 19. The purpose was to enhance the drainage and storm water management services by improving the area’s storm water infrastructure. This project was completed in 2021. The vegetation has grown back beautifully, and the ditch banks are holding well!

CORRECT ANSWER: Caddlefly is a made-up invertebrate name! Here is a list of invertebrates that were FOUND in a local Por...
02/22/2023

CORRECT ANSWER: Caddlefly is a made-up invertebrate name! Here is a list of invertebrates that were FOUND in a local Porter County waterway.

Aquatic worms, black fly, blood midge, caddisfly, clam, cranefly, crayfish, damselfly, dobsonfly, dragonfly, flat worm, leech, left-handed snail, maggot, mayfly, midge, riffle, right-handed snail, scud, sowbug, stonefly, water penny.

Water quality sampling data is an important part of the Water Quality Characterization Report (WQCR). Invertebrate Sampl...
02/21/2023

Water quality sampling data is an important part of the Water Quality Characterization Report (WQCR). Invertebrate Sampling, one of the data sets from the Hoosier River Watch Program to assess water quality, is referenced in the WQCR.

Which of the following invertebrates was not recently located in Porter County waters? ⭐ Hint: one of these is not a real invertebrate!

Check out the Hoosier River Watch program here to learn more: https://www.hoosierriverwatch.com/.

DID YOU KNOW... About 4.5 TRILLION ci******es are discarded each year worldwide?! This is the most littered item on eart...
02/16/2023

DID YOU KNOW... About 4.5 TRILLION ci******es are discarded each year worldwide?! This is the most littered item on earth and the top plastic polluter. The filters are made of plastic, and when they are carelessly tossed into the environment, they are dumping plastic, ni****ne, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Cigarette butts leach these toxic chemicals into water, where they can remain for as long as 10 years. Cigarette butts regularly get into waterways, oceans, and inhibit plant growth.

2023 Northwest Indiana “Trained Individual” Erosion Control Construction Workshop Agenda is out! Join us on March 7th fo...
02/15/2023

2023 Northwest Indiana “Trained Individual” Erosion Control Construction Workshop Agenda is out!

Join us on March 7th for water quality education and earn the required construction site certification, for compliance with the IDEM Construction Stormwater General Permit. This training is open for all Northwest Indiana construction contractors, developers, and engineers.

Click here to register for FREE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-northwest-indiana-trained-individual-certification-workshop-tickets-542823007227

*Registration closes Friday, March 3.

What is a Water Quality Characterization Report? The WQCR is a document required by Indiana Department of Environmental ...
02/14/2023

What is a Water Quality Characterization Report? The WQCR is a document required by Indiana Department of Environmental Management for compliance with the MS4 program which includes the following information:

1. Land use assessments and locations of structural and nonstructural stormwater BMPs. How is the land used and what stormwater quality measures are in place to care for our waterways?

2. Sensitive area locations such as public swimming areas, surface drinking water intakes, any endangered species and their habitat and our local water resources.

3. A review of available water quality monitoring data of the MS4 receiving waters – where do we share waterways with our neighbors?

4. Identification of areas which may have a reasonable potential to cause storm water quality problems based on relevant data.

5. Assessment of Best Management Practices (BMPs) located with the MS4 area, their condition and maintenance requirements.

When this document is complete, you can find it on our website. Stay tuned for the update!

Meet our new Storm Water Project Manager Lori Larson! She will assist the Department with customer concerns, capital imp...
02/09/2023

Meet our new Storm Water Project Manager Lori Larson! She will assist the Department with customer concerns, capital improvement projects, and storm water maintenance projects.

Please mark your calendars for Monday, Feb 27th, 2023, at 5:30pm. The Porter County Board of Commissioners Meeting will ...
02/08/2023

Please mark your calendars for Monday, Feb 27th, 2023, at 5:30pm. The Porter County Board of Commissioners Meeting will be held at the Porter County Expo Center to allow for increased attendance. This meeting will feature a public hearing for the Malden Solar Project. The project encompasses approximately 1,100 acres.

Construction sites are busy places. With so much activity we take precautions to prevent exposed soils from leaving the ...
02/07/2023

Construction sites are busy places. With so much activity we take precautions to prevent exposed soils from leaving the project site. Before any work begins, we install Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESC). One of the most used ESCs in Porter County is called a “silt sock.” These “socks” are filled with material that will filter water through slowly, but not sediment! See the images below to see how these are used on a construction site!

02/06/2023

Are there ice jams on the Kankakee River? An ice jam, or ice dam, happens when chunks of ice clump together to block the flow of a river. Ice jams are caused by melting snow and ice runoff in warmer weather. Although melting snow and ice add to the risk, there are no signs of ice jams forming at this time. Please submit a drainage concern if formations appear!

Check out this very satisfying video of the Kankakee River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOcICxsuX5A

Bitter cold temps arrived this week - is your septic system prepared? Here are some tips to keep your septic system warm...
02/01/2023

Bitter cold temps arrived this week - is your septic system prepared? Here are some tips to keep your septic system warm this winter:

❄️ Add 8-12 inches of mulch over the pipes, tank and soil treatment system to provide extra insulation.
❄️ Use warm water: Spread out your laundry schedule and hot baths/showers throughout the day.
❄️ Fix leaky plumbing and appliances to prevent freezing and help your system perform more efficiently.

Do you have any tips for keeping your septic system functioning year-round? Drop them in the comments!

A friendly reminder of our upcoming meetings in February.
01/31/2023

A friendly reminder of our upcoming meetings in February.

Porter County Department of Development and Storm Water Management has a new Code Enforcement Officer! Becky Harper will...
01/26/2023

Porter County Department of Development and Storm Water Management has a new Code Enforcement Officer! Becky Harper will be working across the county to keep Porter County safe and beautiful.

According to Ordinance No. 22-13, The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 granted Porter County a grant for $33,096,066.  E...
01/25/2023

According to Ordinance No. 22-13, The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 granted Porter County a grant for $33,096,066.

Exhibit A on the same ordinance lays out how funds will be distributed, which are demonstrated in our pie chart below! The Porter County Storm Water and Development falls under the “Infrastructure and Facilities” group, and we will be using these grant funds towards the following approved projects:

-Flood Reduction Systems: Salt Creek Commons, Willowcreek and 700N: $1,340,000
-Failed Storm Water Systems: Carriage Hils, New South Haven, Salt Creek Commons and Stimson Drain: $3,430,000
-The Shorewood Forest Storm Water Project: $685,000
-Shirley Heinze/Porter County Storm Water Management New Partnership Project: $235,000

Click here for Ordinance No. 22-13: https://www.porterco.org/DocumentCenter/View/15129/No-22-13-August-2-2022-Adopted-Plan

Click here to track ARPA spending: https://www.porterco.org/1839/Tracking-Porter-Countys-ARPA-Spending

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed March 11, 2021. This bill is a response to ...
01/23/2023
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Planning Process | Porter County, IN - Official Website

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed March 11, 2021. This bill is a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and addresses the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The bill includes $350 billion in funding to states and local governments to address losses in revenue.

Much of this funding is available to spend on projects in cities and towns across America, including here in Porter County! $33,096,066 was awarded to Porter County $5,690,000 of which has been allocated to stormwater projects! The funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and expended by the end of 2026. Check back here tomorrow to find out what the stormwater projects are!

Visit the Porter County website to learn more about ARPA: https://www.porterco.org/1862/American-Rescue-Plan-Act-ARPA-Planning-P

Find information about the new Porter County Government American Rescue Act Planning Process.

Did you know... that melting snow is stormwater too? Just like rainfall during the rest of the year, melting snow turns ...
01/19/2023

Did you know... that melting snow is stormwater too? Just like rainfall during the rest of the year, melting snow turns into stormwater runoff. Heavy rains can carry pollution into nearby streams, lakes and waterways. Melting snow can do the same thing! Here are some tips to keep in mind for winter stormwater this season:

1. Make sure the nearest storm drains are clear and free of snow piles.
2. Use de-icing chemicals and salts sparingly.
3. Pay attention to areas on your property that are eroding due to snow melt and improve them in the spring with plants that can slow erosion like native grasses, trees, or shrubs!

Have you ever wondered who provides your storm water services? Click here to use our interactive Porter County Data Map!...
01/18/2023

Have you ever wondered who provides your storm water services?

Click here to use our interactive Porter County Data Map! https://loom.ly/4Vi_8z0

Kemper Ditch, Arm 15 is in the restoration phase! Minimal vegetation growth occurs during the winter season. We will che...
01/17/2023

Kemper Ditch, Arm 15 is in the restoration phase! Minimal vegetation growth occurs during the winter season. We will check back in Spring 2023 for 🌱 progress!

Before you just grab the salt, use other household tools to clear your driveway and sidewalks!
01/05/2023

Before you just grab the salt, use other household tools to clear your driveway and sidewalks!

CORRECT ANSWER: 800 miles! Our highway garages have nearly 40 trucks that plow the 800 miles of roadway, split into desi...
12/29/2022

CORRECT ANSWER: 800 miles! Our highway garages have nearly 40 trucks that plow the 800 miles of roadway, split into designated sections (North, Central, South) of unincorporated Porter County. The 800 miles of roads take all crews up to 9 hours to cover the "basics". Snow drifts caused by wind can make plowing very difficult. Regular vehicle traffic on roads cause delays in plowing time. If snow is actively falling, this causes further complications since different parts of the county could be experiencing more or less snow.

Be sure to thank our amazing crew the next time you see them!

Do you know the answer? Drop your guess in the comments! ❄️
12/28/2022

Do you know the answer? Drop your guess in the comments! ❄️

Happy Holidays, from all of us at Porter County Storm Water!
12/25/2022

Happy Holidays, from all of us at Porter County Storm Water!

12/22/2022

The holidays are in full swing as we wrap up our final projects and reviews for the year, fueled by Christmas cookies, snacks and cheer!

12/22/2022

All Porter County Government Offices & Courts Will Be Closed As Of Noon Today, December 22nd because of the forecasted blizzard conditions. FYI...County government offices will also be closed on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 for Christmas.

The final grading is finished at the Troon bioretention area! The banks have been fully stabilized with seed and erosion...
12/21/2022

The final grading is finished at the Troon bioretention area! The banks have been fully stabilized with seed and erosion blanket. Before the project began, the side slope of the pond banks was nearly 30%, making it steep and unsafe for those who live nearby. After final grading, the slope was reduced to 15%!

We also added outlet pipes so that the pond can actually drain after a rain event! Before the project began, it was 9 feet higher than the bottom of the pond, making it impossible to drain.

The pictures below illustrate the materials and process behind a pipe installation, as well as a real-world example of u...
12/20/2022

The pictures below illustrate the materials and process behind a pipe installation, as well as a real-world example of us working mid construction on the drain tile outlet to the Kemper Ditch, Arm 14.

Haunching: The material that is placed on either side of and under a pipe from the top of the bedding up to the centerline of the pipe. It is the most critical area in providing support for a pipe!

Backfill: The process of refilling an excavated area around a structure. Backfill material is usually compacted to provide support and stability as well as prevent settlement over the trench.

12/15/2022

Here's a peek at our office Christmas tree - Porter County Storm Water themed! How did we do?

Help keep our walkways safe and protect our local waterways from salt pollution! Do your part by following these three s...
12/13/2022

Help keep our walkways safe and protect our local waterways from salt pollution! Do your part by following these three simple steps!

Gather your items in need of repair and mark your calendars! On January 28th, services will be available for a variety o...
12/09/2022

Gather your items in need of repair and mark your calendars! On January 28th, services will be available for a variety of repairs such as simple sewing repair, jewelry, small appliances, IT: Computer and electronic, clocks, small furniture assembly/repair, and glasses.

Thank you Recycle Porter County for this wonderful event!

Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction has partnered with Porter County Public Library System to host our first Fix-It Fair, an event that highlights reuse, inviting the community to get items repaired at no cost. Volunteers and professionals provide repair at these events and educate attendees on how to make their own repairs.

Services are available for a variety of repairs such as simple sewing repair, jewelry, small appliances, IT: Computer and electronic, clocks, small furniture assembly/repair, and glasses.

Attend our next event January 28th at Valparaiso Public Library (103 Jefferson St.) to get your items fixed.
PLEASE SIGN UP NOW TO VOLUNTEER AS A FIXER OR RSVP AS AN ATTENDEE:
portercountyrecycling.org/fix-it-fair/

Porter County Storm Water Management Board will announce the Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the Annual Constructi...
12/06/2022

Porter County Storm Water Management Board will announce the Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the Annual Construction & Maintenance Services Agreements for 2023. These are typically utilized for labor and equipment used in storm water construction and routine maintenance activities.

Just a friendly reminder, "only rain in the drain!" 🌧️ Keeping storm water clear and free of pollutants helps protect th...
11/30/2022

Just a friendly reminder, "only rain in the drain!" 🌧️

Keeping storm water clear and free of pollutants helps protect the wildlife that live in and around our waterways and maintains the quality of water we use for drinking and recreation!

11/29/2022

When storm water runoff becomes heavy with soil and sediment, there is greater risk for erosion damage. This video is an example of the following steps:

1. Before a rain event, soil may have started to stabilize with seed, or the surface may have hardened.

2. As rain begins to fall, it will saturate the topsoil layer until all the air pockets are filled.

3. After saturation, the water starts to runoff, carrying loose particles and floatables, like leaves or grass, with it.

4. As water flows from uphill, following the path of least resistance, the runoff begins to concentrate and flow in channel-like patterns. This concentrated flow is more powerful and begins to carve into the saturated soil layers.

5. If the surface lacks vegetation, the surface is free to fall apart and start flowing with the force of the water.

6. The soil particles add weight to the water and can do more erosion damage.

Address

155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 311
Valparaiso, IN
46383

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12194653530

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Porter County Storm Water posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Porter County Storm Water:

Videos

What is Storm Water?

Water from rain, snow and ice that runs off your roof, across your driveway, through your yard, and down the street has to go somewhere. That’s where The Department of Development and Storm Water Management comes in. As storm water flows over the land, it has to be directed into a ditch, stream, lake, or river through inlets and storm sewers. Along the way to these waterways, the storm water picks up sediment, nutrients, pesticides, trash, debris, and other pollutants that can impact these receiving water bodies. We use infrastructures to control and minimize the negative impacts of storm water runoff on our communities and water resources.

A typical storm water management system includes:


  • inlets to collect storm water from the land

  • storm sewers to convey water to detention basins
  • Nearby government services


    Other Public & Government Services in Valparaiso

    Show All

    Comments

    Did you know...The Porter County GIS Data Map has a soils layer! Under the Environmental layer, select the sublayer called “Soil - 2015 SSURGO USDA” to see the soils map. You can zoom into any area of interest and learn about the elements beneath your feet! Each soil type has a different color that is signified with an alphabetical naming convention.

    Click here to explore: https://loom.ly/n9aZAeQ
    All this precipitation creating small ponds in your yard? ☔ These temporary ponds are good for the environment! Short-term ponding that lasts up to 72 hours reduces runoff volumes and soil eroding velocities. It also replenishes the ground water table for reuse.

    However, if you’re experiencing small ponds that last more than 72 hours, you can submit a drainage concern here: https://loom.ly/zU_eFzU
    Why are silt socks arranged like this? They help reduce erosion on a slope! Each row adds a level of erosion protection, reducing velocity and filtering out sediment. The stakes are necessary to keep the silt socks in place. Stakes should also be used on surfaces where the sheet flow occurs (a thin layer of water over a wide land surface).

    Neimer Ditch, a regulated drain in Porter County, has an upcoming capital improvement project! The overall purpose of the project is to enhance the drainage and storm water management services provided to the surrounding property owners by improving the area’s drainage and storm water management infrastructure. It will consist of:

    -Removal and replacement of an existing failed culvert
    -Clearing and tree removal
    -Road cut and repair
    -Restoration of disturbed areas during the project

    Stay tuned for Neimer Ditch project updates here!

    Silt socks installed across a drainage path like this create a “check dam”. A check dam is a small, sometimes temporary, dam constructed across a swale, drainage ditch, or waterway to reduce the velocity of water. Reducing flow velocity reduces erosion downstream. A check dam is important for construction sites that are in the vegetation growth phase. They allow the grass seed to germinate and stabilize the area!

    A reminder of this month's upcoming meetings!
    Storm water infrastructure is designed to be long-lasting, but sometimes fails early due to age, failure during installation, ground water infiltration, and more.

    Example: Pictured here is a sinkhole that formed next to a curb stormwater inlet. This issue appears to have been caused in part by the placement of gutter downspouts. These downspouts deliver stormwater to the surface directly behind the inlet. This has caused the soil to erode completely with the traveling water, and a hole formed in the pavement.

    If you see an issue like this, please submit a drainage concern HERE: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1397b8bc2d2f457db0bb4383855f36b0?portalUrl=http://PorterCoGov.maps.arcgis.com
    ! The Ludington Ditch Arm 19, Phase 1 consisted of the installation of a new drain tile system to replace a failed drain tile which included the downstream end of Ludington Ditch Arm 19. The purpose was to enhance the drainage and storm water management services by improving the area’s storm water infrastructure. This project was completed in 2021. The vegetation has grown back beautifully, and the ditch banks are holding well!
    CORRECT ANSWER: Caddlefly is a made-up invertebrate name! Here is a list of invertebrates that were FOUND in a local Porter County waterway.

    Aquatic worms, black fly, blood midge, caddisfly, clam, cranefly, crayfish, damselfly, dobsonfly, dragonfly, flat worm, leech, left-handed snail, maggot, mayfly, midge, riffle, right-handed snail, scud, sowbug, stonefly, water penny.
    Water quality sampling data is an important part of the Water Quality Characterization Report (WQCR). Invertebrate Sampling, one of the data sets from the Hoosier River Watch Program to assess water quality, is referenced in the WQCR.

    Which of the following invertebrates was not recently located in Porter County waters? ⭐ Hint: one of these is not a real invertebrate!

    Check out the Hoosier River Watch program here to learn more: https://www.hoosierriverwatch.com/.

    DID YOU KNOW... About 4.5 TRILLION ci******es are discarded each year worldwide?! This is the most littered item on earth and the top plastic polluter. The filters are made of plastic, and when they are carelessly tossed into the environment, they are dumping plastic, ni****ne, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Cigarette butts leach these toxic chemicals into water, where they can remain for as long as 10 years. Cigarette butts regularly get into waterways, oceans, and inhibit plant growth.
    2023 Northwest Indiana “Trained Individual” Erosion Control Construction Workshop Agenda is out!

    Join us on March 7th for water quality education and earn the required construction site certification, for compliance with the IDEM Construction Stormwater General Permit. This training is open for all Northwest Indiana construction contractors, developers, and engineers.

    Click here to register for FREE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-northwest-indiana-trained-individual-certification-workshop-tickets-542823007227

    *Registration closes Friday, March 3.
    What is a Water Quality Characterization Report? The WQCR is a document required by Indiana Department of Environmental Management for compliance with the MS4 program which includes the following information:

    1. Land use assessments and locations of structural and nonstructural stormwater BMPs. How is the land used and what stormwater quality measures are in place to care for our waterways?

    2. Sensitive area locations such as public swimming areas, surface drinking water intakes, any endangered species and their habitat and our local water resources.

    3. A review of available water quality monitoring data of the MS4 receiving waters – where do we share waterways with our neighbors?

    4. Identification of areas which may have a reasonable potential to cause storm water quality problems based on relevant data.

    5. Assessment of Best Management Practices (BMPs) located with the MS4 area, their condition and maintenance requirements.

    When this document is complete, you can find it on our website. Stay tuned for the update!
    Meet our new Storm Water Project Manager Lori Larson! She will assist the Department with customer concerns, capital improvement projects, and storm water maintenance projects.
    Please mark your calendars for Monday, Feb 27th, 2023, at 5:30pm. The Porter County Board of Commissioners Meeting will be held at the Porter County Expo Center to allow for increased attendance. This meeting will feature a public hearing for the Malden Solar Project. The project encompasses approximately 1,100 acres.

    Construction sites are busy places. With so much activity we take precautions to prevent exposed soils from leaving the project site. Before any work begins, we install Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESC). One of the most used ESCs in Porter County is called a “silt sock.” These “socks” are filled with material that will filter water through slowly, but not sediment! See the images below to see how these are used on a construction site!

    x

    Other Public & Government Services in Valparaiso (show all)

    Porter County Central Communications (911) LaPorte Indiana Dunes Leathernecks Attachment Parenting International of Northwest  Indiana Purdue Extension - Porter County Valparaiso Community Church Valpo Chamber Valparaiso Now