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.
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
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).
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!
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!
03/01/2023
A reminder of this month's upcoming meetings!
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.
! 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
01/31/2023
A friendly reminder of our upcoming meetings in February.
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.
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
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!
Find information about the new Porter County Government American Rescue Act Planning Process.
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!
01/18/2023
Have you ever wondered who provides your storm water services?
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!
01/05/2023
Before you just grab the salt, use other household tools to clear your driveway and sidewalks!
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!
12/28/2022
Do you know the answer? Drop your guess in the comments! ❄️
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.
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.
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?
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!
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/
Storm Water and Storm Water Management in Porter County
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.
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
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When a road reconstruction or utility project is scheduled, our Highway Manager drives that segment of road to have a visual record of the preexisting conditions. Restoring the Right-Of-Way vegetation is crucial for ditch bank stabilization and reducing sediment that flows downstream. The Right-Of-Way is a dedicated space that the county maintains and usually refers to the roadway, starting at the centerline and extended outward for a certain distance.
Here’s a fun fact in celebration of National Fishing & Hunting Day! The Clean Water Act of 1972 established two main goals to restore the chemical, physical & biological integrity of American’s waters:
1. Zero discharge of pollutants by 1985;
2. Attain water quality that is both fishable and swimmable by 1983.
This undertaking was vastly underestimated, and unfortunately these goals have not been reached. But programs for improving water quality have been successful at reducing pollution discharges and restoring waterways, including the MS4 program we implement here in Porter County.
To learn more, visit https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/statute-and-regulations-addressing-impaired-waters-and-tmdls.
#HuntingAndFishing #GetOutdoors #nationalfishingandhuntingday
How does freshly applied seed mix stay in place through wind and rain? Erosion control blankets retain seeds and moisture in the soil, which creates a humid environment for healthy and fast vegetation growth. Although installation instructions for erosion control blankets may vary depending on the product, most require overlapping to ensure full coverage of the exposed areas!
Construction Observation: Curb & Gutter Pour
Did you know? Street curbs and gutters are one of the many types of infrastructure we inspect and maintain. They support the roadway edges and are also a part of the storm water conveyance system. Check out this video to watch the process!
Have you checked out the storm sewer inlets on your street? Storm water infrastructure functions best with routine maintenance. Porter County Storm Water is implementing a 5-year plan to clean all storm sewer structures in unincorporated Porter County!
If you see any issues with your local infrastructure, please submit a drainage concern at portercountystormwater.org.
Drainage issues...how do we assess them? First, we must look at the history of the area to observe changes over time. Did this system function before? If so, how was it designed to work and how did it fail? There are several factors to consider before a new design can begin. Watch this GIF to see how Hidden Hollow has changed over time!
Bridge 68 on South Smoke Road is under construction! The original bridge was due for reconstruction after servicing the traveling residents and visitors of Porter County for many decades. Check out the process of building a bridge from the ground up!
How does a detention basin work? This type of storm water infrastructure is designed to be a vegetated, dry bottom pond most of the time and as storage for storm water during and after a rain event. Storm water enters through overland flow and storm sewer outlets as shown. The pond returns to its dry state as water outflows to a nearby ditch, stream and infiltrates into the soil.
*FUN FACT: A drone flew 200 feet above the detention basin to capture the full view!
Meet our new staff members!
⭐ David Champion, Assistant County Engineer & Development Review Program Manager
⭐ Nathan Tranel, Department GIS Technician
⭐ Tom McNabb, Plan Reviewer & Site Inspector
Both David and Nathan are new to the area, and Tom transferred from the Highway department where he spent seven and a half years. Join us in welcoming them and their expertise to our department!
The 2022 MS4 Annual Meeting was a success! Over 300 attendees from around the state, new and existing Indiana MS4s, are ready to tackle the new permits. One of our favorite experiences was the Augmented Reality Sandbox presented by the Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership, which shows a 3D landscape of sand and the height of the "raincloud" to start the rain. Our MS4 Program Coordinator is looking forward to attending next year's meeting!
Learn more about the sandbox: www.elkcoswcd.org/education/classroomprograms/augmented-reality-sandbox/
Geese Family Crossing
We came across this growing family out for a walk during one of our routine new home construction site inspections. Happy to see them enjoying the beautiful weather!
We're celebrating World Water Day today! We respect water in all forms: flowing in creeks and ditches, falling as snow, infiltrating the ground to create wetlands, transpiration through plants, and, of course, storm water caused by rainfall. Tell us how water impacts your day-to-day life.
Restoration for the Yellow River will be finishing up this spring! The Yellow River has experienced high erosion because the force of water flow has increased from channelization long ago. More glacial sand is carried downstream where it collects at the Illinois border as the river begins to meander. A small portion of the Storm Water Fee is helping fund the effort to stabilize the eroded banks by reducing the grade of steep and collapsing banks, stabilizing banks with stone, wood and native vegetation, and increasing the flow capacity of the Yellow River Channel. Watch this video to see the Yellow River's restoration!
Why are sediment control practices important for construction sites? With snowmelt and recent precipitation, sediment from development sites can be carried into the roadway, where it is led to storm drains and discharged into our waterways. Although sand and soil seem harmless, too much sediment can cloud streams, creeks and lakes, decreasing visibility and reducing light and air filtration for aquatic wildlife to thrive. In this video, you can see the large amount of sediment being washed away.
To help control how much sediment is being transported into our local waterways, erosion and sediment control practices need to be properly installed and maintained to reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment-laden storm water runoff from leaving development site. If you happen to see similar murky, sandy runoffs coming from construction projects, please let us know by filling out our Stormwater Concern Form: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1397b8bc2d2f457db0bb4383855f36b0?portalUrl=http://PorterCoGov.maps.arcgis.com
Follow the journey of a permit application. We make sure construction projects are in compliance with Porter County ordinances and standards. So, the review process on our side may take longer for us to evaluate construction plans, storm water management, erosion controls, and more. The ultimate goal is for implementation and utilization of proper storm water management practices to ensure that the proposed work is not harming our local waterways which can affect our native ecosystems. Visit portercountystormwater.org to apply for a permit or learn more about what the Department does for Porter County.
Keep Storm Inlets Clear
We’ve been tracking the incoming winter storm event: first rain, then wintry mix, then snow. Rain begins this afternoon, becomes heavier into Wednesday night, dropping temperatures into a snowy Thursday. Because of the current snow cover and frozen ground, all rain will turn into storm water runoff including snow melt. Flooding is an increased risk due to this storm! We are currently working to identify and remove any obstructions to flow from brides and culverts throughout the County, but please minimize flood risk by making sure that inlets and driveway culverts near your home are free and clear of snow, ice, and debris. If you do have issues that come up during or following the storm, please use our online Storm Water Concern Reporting Form, which we will be monitoring during and after the event. https://www.weather.gov/lot/weatherstory
Erosion happens when there is too much water and not enough space, and is the result of flooding. This part of the Yellow River has experienced high levels of erosion, which is caused by the increased amount of storm runoff. The reconstruction project for the Yellow River started last summer where, you'll see, the excavator provides extra room for flood events. Watch this video to see the project in action!
A day in a life of our MS4 Coordinator! Each day has its own surprises working for Porter County Storm Water. In this video, we will review the new IDEM permit, inspect onsite construction and visit the highway garage. Take a look!
The Yellow River has fallen victim to bank erosion. On its 60-mile journey, the water etches away the banks and pushes sediment downstream. Check out this drone video as it inspects these erosion issues from the sky.
Porter County has four highway facilities, which serve the northern, central and southern areas for street sweeping, snow plowing, ditch cleaning and more. Part of the MS4 program is inspecting these facilities annually to ensure they are following the best management practice (BMP) for reducing pollutants in stormwater discharges. We make sure toxic material, such as road salt, automotive fluids and chemicals, and flammable items are stored properly to prevent storm water pollution. Here's only a few inspections we look for.
Throwback Thursday! One year ago, our director of engineering, Mike Novotney, was at Crooked Creek showcasing our bank stabilization bioengineering methods. Watch this video to see how we restored this stream bank and our methods we have used for other streams.
Our MS4 Coordinator has conducted the annual dry weather IDDE outfall screenings. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) screening allows us to monitor storm drainage systems and determine if significant pollutants are entering local waterways. Follow our MS4 Coordinator as she investigates a local subdivision outfall into the Salt Creek watershed.
Check out this illicit discharge we found! When dumped into a flowing stream, automotive fluid can travel and damage multiple ecosystems along its path. If undisturbed, the dense fluid can settle and separate almost completely. To help keep our waterways clean, we ask that you be mindful of our waterways and dispose of your hazardous waste appropriately.
We're at Bridge #152 on Wagner Road in Porter, Indiana. In 2019, a cost-effective technology called Latex Modified Concrete was used to replace only the damaged material and preserve the bridge for many years to come. Watch this video to learn how we did it
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
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 here: Stormwater Concern Reporting Form (arcgis.com)
We will look into it as soon as we can. Thank you!
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.
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.
! 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.
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!
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.
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!
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