MS4 – Stormwater
CONTACT
HOURS
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Notice: Due to the nature of our business, the office may not be staffed periodically throughout the day. Please call ahead or email before coming out.
LaPorte County Stormwater Ordinances:
Article 20 Joint Zoning Ordinance Stormwater Management
ANNUAL REPORTS
As of December 18, 2021, Indiana no longer administers the construction stormwater program under Indiana Administrative Code (327 IAC 15-5 or Rule 5). Permitting coverage is now issued under the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP). The CSGP is a performance-based regulation designed to reduce pollutants that are associated with construction and/or land-disturbing activities. You can read more about the new CSGP here.
Please continue to check back to this page as new updates, forms and processes are created.
Municipal Separated Storm/Sewer System (MS4)
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is water from snow and ice melting, as well as rainwater from storms. When rain or melting snow and ice fall or flow across natural surfaces like forests and grassy areas, most of it will soak into the soil. When it lands on streets, parking lots, and other hard surfaces, it runs off to another location like a storm drain or a local waterway. Watch “Blue is the New Green” for more information.
What is Stormwater Pollution?
As stormwater flows, or snow and ice melt, the waters pick up debris, nutrients, sediment, bacteria and other chemicals which enters the storm sewer system through drains and ditches, and eventually makes its way to our lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands.
Why is Stormwater Pollution something I should be concerned about?
When stormwater goes down the storm drains, it enters our water bodies untreated. This means that the water does not pass through the wastewater treatment plant for clean-up. This allows everything that is on the land, including grease, grass clippings, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, pesticides and many other pollutants to go directly into our water ways. This stormwater pollution can make our waters unsuitable for swimming, fishing or drinking. It also degrades habitat for our fish, wildlife and other aquatic critters.
We all have something to contribute when it comes to stormwater pollution. Its up to us if we want to contribute positively or negatively! Read our pages to find out more about how you can help reduce stormwater pollution!
Source: North Carolina Clean Water Education Partnership: https://nc-cleanwater.com/stormwater-pollution/stormwater-pollution-infographic/#
Community HOT LINE (Environmental Complaints)
La Porte County Health Department – 219-326-6808 Ext. 2357
Solid-Waste District – 219-326-0014
Storm Water & Erosion- 219-326-6808 Ext. 2115
For questions and to report possible illegal dumping, please email your name, phone, email address along with the location.
STORM WATER AND EROSION
EROSION CONTROLS
- A storm water pollution plan (SWPPP) must be submitted and approved for any land land disturbing activity of one (1) acre or more in size. The plan preparer shall follow the IDEM Guidance Document outline of required information. The approval is required prior to constriction/site before work begins.
- Approval time(s) are generally about 5 days, depending on work and/or land. A $100/acre permit review fee is required, made out to La Porte County MS4 – upon submittal.
- Once approved, a copy of top cover page is required to be sent to IDEM by the plan preparer-with a Notice of Intent (NOI), form, and a additional fee of $100 to IDEM within 48 hours prior to commencement of construction start. A proof of Publication is also required to be sent with the notice of intent.
- Upon project completion, a Notice of Termination (NOT), must be submitted to the local reviewing official. A 70% coverage of stabilization (seeding sod), and erosion control must be removed prior to submittal.
LONG TERM MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
- *NEW* Effective March 1, 2017 the new LTMA must be signed by the owner and turned in with the SWPPP inspection.
DOWNLOADS
- Construction SWPPP Template
- Basic Questions
- General SWPP Approval Process New/Effective 2013
- General SWPP Guidance Process
- Rule 5 Notice of Termination
- Rule 5 Self Inspections
- Rule 5 Notice Intent
- Phosphorus Information
- Frac-Out MS4 Policy
- De-Watering Procedure
- Erosion Control Self-Inspection Report