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SarahLogenecker

St. Joseph County Stormwater

Rule 5 / Rule 13 / MS4 Regulations

 

SWCD Staff Contact

Sarah Longenecker, County Conservationist

Email: sarah.longenecker@in.nacdnet.net

Phone: (574) 936-2024 Ext. 4

Plan Submission Contacts for
St. Joseph County  

(Last Updated: 3-3-2016)

  

Throughout St. Joseph county, several people have been established by local municipalities for overseeing the sediment control of construction projects that will disturb more than 1 acre of soil.  

  

  

  • Within the city limits of Mishawaka, including Bethel College, MS4/Rule 13 SWP3's are to be submitted to the Mishawaka Planning Department, ATTN: Melissa McGuire (574-258-7113).  The City of Mishawaka has three (3) different land disturbing classifications.    

  

  

  • In the remaining areas of the county that are incorporated, but that are either too small to have a designated oversight person, or just elect not to have one at this time, the Rule 5 SWP3’s are to be submitted to the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District, ATTN: Sarah Longenecker (574-936-2024 Ext. 4).  Mrs. Longenecker will also be over seeing the SWP3’s for projects being conducted by an MS4 entity (i.e. City of South Bend, City of Mishawaka).

 

If you are still uncertain as to who the appropriate overseeing entity is for your project, contact Sarah Longenecker, St. Joseph County SWCD at 574-936-2024 Ext. 4 or the St. Joseph County Engineering Dept., at 574-235-9626.      

Links - More Guidance for Operators
  

Background  

On December 8, 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published final EPA's Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water regulations in the federal register.  This prompted the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to update Rule 5 and develop Rule 13.    

 

General Information  

  • IDEM's Rule 5/Rule 13 Forms

  • Storm Water Manager’s Resource Center:The Storm Water Manager's Resource Center (SMRC) web site is made possible through EPA grant funds.  This site is specifically for storm water practitioners, local government officials, and others who need technical assistance on stormwater management issues.

  • Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center: This is a FREE environmental compliance assistance website for contractors, builders, and developers.  It was developed with EPA grant funds and construction industry trade organization guidance. Indiana Storm Water Quality Manual

  • Attend the Indiana MS4 Annual Meeting or other training sessions.  Some websites to keep an eye on for information on upcoming workshops are: 

  1. The Michiana Stormwater Partnership Website

  2. The Elkhart Stormwater Partnership Website

 
Plan Submission SWP3 or SWQMP? 

What's the difference between an SWP3 (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) and an SWQMP (Storm Water Quality Management Plan)?

 

Erosion Control
Michiana Stormwater Partnership  

  

The St. Joseph County Soil & Water Conservation District serves on a task force/committee known as the Michiana Stormwater Partnership (MSP), which maintains its website at http://michianastormwaterpartnership.org. 

  

The purpose of the MSP includes providing educational and outreach components for the EPA’s National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II water quality program.

  

The Mission Statement of the MSP is to:  

  

Educate our Community on the importance of good environmental stewardship of all of our rivers and streams and provide the community with information, resources, and opportunities to help them develop or enhance their own efforts for the common good.

  

As of December 2010, the partners of the MSP include:

Did you know...

Currently stormwater runoff is not treated before entering our rivers and streams. We must do our part to prevent pollution from entering our waterways and protect aquatic life. 

 

Simple activities that can be done to prevent stormwater runoff pollution are:

  • Never dump anything down storm drains

  • Use lawn fertilizers sparingly

  • Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces

  • Consider a rain garden to capture runoff

  • Pick up pet waste

  • Compost your yard waste

  • Check cars for leaks

  • Wash your car at a car wash or in your lawn

  • Have your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly

Juday Creek
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