Storm Water

Illicit discharges can generally be found in the form of spills, illegal connections (sanitary cross-connections), illegal dumping, or excessive soil and sediment. Other examples of prohibited discharges are listed below. Illicit discharges can contaminate water supplies, disrupt recreational activities on our rivers and lakes, and harm the environment and aquatic species. It’s important to find illicit discharges and eliminate them in order to protect our natural resources and preserve them for future generations.

Illicit discharges are illegal, and, if not corrected, can be enforced through various means, such as notices of violations, fines, and corrective measures. Keep in mind that illicit connections may be unintentional or unknown to the business owner or home owner who is causing the illicit discharge.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

RESIDENTIAL: Failing septic systems, swimming pool discharges, vehicle maintenance spills or leaks, yard waste dumping, lawn or landscape watering, dumpster areas, odors, colored or murky water, surface floatables, stains or deposits,soapy or sudsy discharge.

COMMERCIAL: Grease traps, vehicle maintenance/repair/fueling/washing, dumpster areas, oil and grease containers,hazardous waste spills, odors, colored or murky water, excessive algae blooms or dead vegetation, stains or deposits, surface sheen, fish kills.

CONSTRUCTION SITES: Sediment from outlet pipes, sediment on roadways, vehicle fueling areas, equipment staging and storage areas.

If you think you have discovered an illicit discharge, contact this office at the information above.

The Board of Warrick County Commissioners created regulations concerning construction site and post-construction site storm water runoff. Those can be found in Ordinance 2006-14.

327 IAC 15-5 [PDF] (Scroll to bottom of page 10 to access the Rule) is a performance-based regulation designed to reduce pollutants that are associated with construction and/or land disturbing activities.

The requirements of Rule 5 now apply to all persons who are involved in construction activity (which includes clearing, grading, excavation and other land disturbing activities) that results in the disturbance of one (1) acre or more of total land area. If the land disturbing activity results in the disturbance of less than one (1) acre of total land area, but is part of a larger common plan of development or sale, the project is still subject to storm water permitting.

In Indiana most construction projects subject to Rule 5 are administered through a general permit. A general permit is a permit by rule, and as such it is not “issued” in the same manner as an individual NPDES permit would be issued. Rather, Rule 5 was “conditionally issued” to all future “project site owners” at the time that the rule was adopted by the Indiana Water Pollution Control Board. The permit conditions within Rule 5 apply universally to all “project site owners” who are eligible to operate under the rule.

Therefore the application for a Rule 5 general permit is called a Notice of Intent, or NOI, because the “applicant” or “project site owner” is essentially notifying IDEM of his or her intent to operate their proposed construction project in a manner consistent with the Rule. The applicant follows all guidelines and requirements for submittal of the general permit, which includes the submittal of a Construction Plan and a Notice of Intent. The Notice of Intent must include the fee, notice of publication, and verification from the review authority that the plans meet the requirements of the Rule.

Project Site Owner is any developer or other person(s) who has financial and operational control over construction activities and project plans at a construction site, including the ability to modify those plans.

For further information on 327 IAC 15-5 please CLICK HERE.

The Indiana Storm Water Quality Manual provides general guidelines and specific storm water quality measures for controlling soil erosion; controlling and treating the non-point source pollution associated with the sediment-laden runoff; and the management and treatment of pollutants associated with post-construction land uses. These guidelines will provide guidance to help minimize the adverse impacts that land disturbance, construction activity, and development can have on soil and water resources. This manual also discusses the philosophy and planning procedures critical to developing an effective storm water pollution prevention plan.

Construction Projects

Warrick County and IDEM regulate construction projects that disturb one acre or more of land. Storm water runoff form construction sites picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. To protect these resources, communities, construction companies, industries, and others, use storm water controls, known as best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs filter out pollutants and/or prevent pollution by controlling it at its source. Refer to the Building Department for more information on permitting and County Standards.

Contractor/Builder Training Videos: 

Stormwater Quality Inspection provided by INAFSM 

Proper Concrete Washout for Contractors provided by INAFSM 

Site Access and Preparation Construction BMP provided by INAFSM 

Stormwater Runoff/Runon Construction BMP provided by INAFSM

Surface Stabilization Construction BMP provided by INAFSM

Outlet Protection and Grade Stabilization Construction BMP provided by INAFSM

Homeowner Responsibilities

A clean community and clean environment are everyone’s responsibility. Here are some ways you can help as a homeowner.

Be Green! Keep lawn and yard clippings out of storm drains!

Did you know that grass clippings are considered a source of pollution when washed directly into storm drains or drainage ditches? Not only do they clog the storm drains, clippings can fill catch basins to capacity and create flooding during rain events. The increase in nutrients associated with grass clippings in the storm system can cause algae growth, kill fish and other aquatic life and add organic material to the drainage system that can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and insects. You can help by simply mulching the grass back to the lawn to serve as a natural fertilizer.

Illicit Discharge, what is it? 

An illicit discharge is the release of pollutants to the storm drainage system via overland flow or by direct dumping of materials into a catch basin, curb gutter or grated inlet (e.g. storm drains). Storm drains flow directly to local waterbodies without filtration or other treatment. Illicit discharges can have a negative impact on water chemistry and aquatic health. An illicit discharge is anything entering a storm drainage system that is not composed entirely of storm water.

What can you do?

• Don’t dump anything down the storm drains, collect and properly dispose of waste such as grass clippings, pet waste, leaves, hazardous household waste, trash, etc.
• Report suspected illicit discharges to the Storm Water Department by calling 812-897-8632.

What to report?

• Oil, gas, vehicle fluids entering a storm drain.
• Suds or any kind of unusual color or odor coming from a storm drain pipe.
• Chemicals spilled on a roadway or parking lot.
• Sediment from a construction project entering a waterway or storm drain.
• Anything entering a storm drain or drainage way other than stormwater.

Leaf Collection Tips

You can help protect our waterways by keeping leaves out of the streets.

What’s the problem? 

Excess leaves can block drains and cause localized flooding, block vital sunlight for aquatic life in our lakes and streams, and they can release nutrients that stimulate algae growth and contribute to fish kills.

What can you do?

• Collect leaves for annual leaf pick-up
• Mulch leaves on your lawn with your lawn mower to serve as a natural fertilizer.
• Turn your leaves into compost.

Protect our waterways, clean up after your pet!

When not properly picked up and disposed of, pet waste is carried with runoff and flows

directly into nearby streams and creeks.

What’s the problem?

Pet wastes contain nutrients that promote algae growth in local water bodies and

bacteria that can cause disease.

What can you do?

• Pick up pet waste from your yard.
• Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it in the trash.

Videos:

Stormwater Pond Maintenance for Homeowners provided by INAFSM

IDEM administers a general permit program that targets storm water runoff associated with industrial activities. Requirements of this rule apply to specific categorical industrial facilities, which are exposed to storm water and have a point source discharge of storm water from the industrial activities. Facility managers are required to submit a Notice of Intent and implement a storm water pollution prevention plan to address the discharge of pollutants associated with storm water runoff from their facility.

327 IAC 15-6 [PDF] (Rule 6) has been revised. The revised Rule 6 became effective on November 26, 2003. This general permit rule applies to specific categories of industrial activities that have these activities “exposed” to storm water run-off. By definition in the rule, “storm water discharge exposed to industrial activity means storm water discharge that has been exposed to the manufacturing and processing activities, or raw materials or intermediate products storage areas at an industrial facility.

HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

We are located in the Old Warrick County Courthouse at 107 W. Locust Street in Boonville, Indiana, Room 208. If you wish to report storm water quality problems such as illegal dumping, illicit discharges, or construction site runoff, you may contact us at [email protected]. Also you may call us at 812-897-8632 or 812-897-6094. Our mailing address is:

Department of Storm Water Management

Courthouse, Room 208

107 W. Locust Street

Boonville, IN 47601

WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE STORM WATER UTILITY FEE?

Everyone within the County uses or benefits from the maintenance and improvement of the storm water system. Properties in the County with impervious area must pay, even those that are tax exempt. The only exemptions from this are County owned streets and sidewalks. The rate and who is subject to the fee was established in Ordinance 2007-01.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE STORM WATER FEE?

The revenue generated by the Utility will be applied to; maintaining and improving existing storm sewer infastructure, preserving, protecting, and improving the water quality issue of storm water runoff in Warrick County, and continue developing and implementing the Storm Water Management Program required by the Federal Government in the Indiana Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System (MS4) – NPDES Permitting Program 327 IAC 15-13; in Warrick County, Indiana.

HOW WILL RATES BE DETERMINED?

The Storm Water Management Fee rate schedule will be based on the impervious area of the property or unit that is being billed. All residential units will be billed for a quantity of one unit. All other parcels will be billed based on the impervous surface on the property. The rate for non-residental properties is determined by calculating the impervious surface area on the property and dividing that number by the average impervious surface area for residential property in the County. The result of that calculation determs the quantity of units that parcel is billed.

WHAT IS AN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE?

An impervious surface is any surface that does not allow rainwater to soak into the ground; such as buildings, driveways, and sidewalks.

External Links:

Warrick County SWCD

Warrick County SWMD

• Indiana Department of Environmental Management
• Indiana Stormwater Quality Manual
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
• United States Zip Codes
• Reverse Phone lookup
• Storm Water Fee Explanation Letter

• Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management
• Stormwater Authority

• Environment Kids Club
• Printable Stickers!
• Discover Water

Storm water runoff is part of the natural hydrologic process and occurs when rainwater that does not infiltrate into the ground flows into water bodies such as creeks, lakes, streams, or rivers. In suburban areas, the storm water runoff often has the benefit of passing through naturally vegetated areas, which slows down the velocity of the water and ultimately filters it for pollutants and sediments. In urban settings, however, natural vegetation and topography have frequently been altered to prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground and so it is most often carried by storm drains.

When the drainage pattern of a watershed is altered with the addition of impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and buildings, flows increase in concentration and velocity and pick up sediments and pollutants from land surfaces at an increased rate. Storm water that flows through urbanized areas to receiving waters is called "urban storm water runoff."

Warrick County has developed a storm water program that manages the pollutants and impacts from urban storm water runoff. The program includes education, storm water quality and quantity measures, and a storm water utility.

Pollutants

Urban runoff is known to carry a wide range of pollutants including:

• Heavy metals
• Nutrients
• Pathogens 
• Petroleum hydrocarbons
• Sediments
• Synthetic organics such as pesticides
• Trash and debris

Once pollution reaches water bodies, it can harm aquatic life, damage ecosystems, and even end up in water used for drinking or recreation. Protecting our water bodies from all sources of contamination can be accomplished through the cooperation of citizens, government, and businesses.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) designated Warrick County as a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and is required to comply with a state-issued storm water permit (INR040065). Warrick County is implementing a program to prevent storm water pollution and improve the water quality of local water bodies.

The Storm Water Quality Management Plan describes every aspect of Warrick County’s MS4 program and how it is implemented. Annual Reporting of certain measures and goals is required to be submitted to IDEM.

• Storm Water Quality Management Plan
• Annual Report

As part of the MS4 Program, Warrick County adopted Chapters 52, 53, 54, and 55 to protect storm water. Only pure rainwater should enter storm drains or surface waters. The ordinances prohibit illicit connections and discharges to the storm sewer and illegal dumping. The ordinances also regulate storm water detention, water quality, and construction and post-construction practices.

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is an unlawful act of disposing, dumping, and spilling, emitting, or other discharge of any substance other than storm water into the storm water drainage system. The storm water drainage system includes streets, ditches, catch basins, yard inlets, and streams.

Examples of Illicit Discharge include:

• Paint being poured into or near the storm drainage system
• Changing oil or antifreeze over or near a storm structure
• Washing vehicles where the runoff could drain into the storm drainage system
• Washing dumpster pads and allowing the runoff to drain into the storm drainage system
• Dumping grass clippings into a storm water basin or inlet or into the street

Illicit discharges cause water pollution by sending pollutants directly into creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. Be sure you know what illicit discharges are so you can help prevent water pollution and keep our streams clean! Report illicit discharges by calling the Storm Water Department at 812-897-8632 for either emergent or non-emergent issues.

Videos:

Illicit Discharge and Elimination provided by Center for Watershed

Illicit Discharge and Elimination (IDDE) provided by Washington Conservation District

Warrick County is promoting pollution prevention activities and education as part of this program. The below educational brochures are available at the Storm Water Department:

• Household Hazardous Waste
•  Proper Disposal of Pet Waste
•  Green Landscaping
• Stormwater Pollution
• Rain Barrel Brochure
• MS4 FAQ
• MS4 Fact Sheet
• Combined Sewer Overflow
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

The following additional educational resources are available for viewing to learn more about storm water.

• Blue is the New Green - YouTube. Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality. March 2015. Duration: 10:11. Educational video for the public on the right things to help protect our environment.
• Water Quality Education by The Clean Water Education Partnership - YouTube. Town of Cary, North Carolina. January 2018. Duration: 2:42. Video on what you can do to maintain water quality.
• Freddy the Fish Teaches About Stormwater - YouTube. North Central Texas Council of Governments – Environment and Development. December 2014. Duration: 4:28. Freddy the Fish teaches kids about what happens to rain after it hits the ground, where storm drains lead to, and what we can do to help prevent water pollution.
• Explaining Stormwater Runoff - YouTube. The Watershed Institute. Original video produced by the West Michigan Environmental Action Council for the City of Grand Rapids, MI. June 2018. Duration: 1:35.

Citizens of Warrick County can contact the Storm Water Department for non-emergent issues. If you have an emergent issue, please call the Storm Water Department at 812-897 8632. Citizens can report the illegal dumping of chemicals, heavy erosion from constructions sites, polluted water, or other illegal connections to the storm system (such as septic tank discharges or washing machine wash water).

What can you do to prevent storm water pollution?

• Clean up your property. Properly dispose of outdated or unused household chemicals stored in your basement, garage, or barn by taking them to the Warrick County SWMD. Do not store these materials outdoors.
• Recycle used oil, automotive fluids, batteries, and other products. Do not dispose of hazardous products in storm drains, alleys, or the ground. This pollutes the water supply.
• Reduce the number of fertilizers, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals that you use. Buy only what you need so that you do not have to dispose of leftovers. Read all the labels and follow directions.
• Sweep up debris, rather than hosing down areas.
• Clean up after your pet and dispose of pet waste in a trash container or toilet. When left outdoors, pet waste contributes bacteria and nutrients to storm water.
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on an unpaved surface to reduce the amount of dirty, soapy water entering storm drains and waterways.
• Cover piles of soil and mulch being used for landscaping projects.
• Prevent debris from entering nearby storm drains when conducting outdoor home improvement or landscaping projects.
• If you have a septic system, have it serviced regularly. Make sure it is not connected to the storm sewer or polluting a creek or body of water 
• Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit shows non-detectable levels of chlorine.
• If you spill chemicals, oil, or fuel, clean it up with absorbent materials (for example kitty litter). Do not let it soak into the ground. Place absorbent in the trash.