Who:                          The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

What:                         Public meeting and public comment period for a draft Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for the West Fork Whitewater watershed

When and                 6 p.m. (local time), July 30, 2008

Where:                       Cambridge City Public Library
                       33 West Main Street
                       Cambridge City, Ind.

Public comments:  Accepted July 28 through September 5, 2008

On the Web:             http://www.in.gov/idem/4685.htm

Staff from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) have drafted a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for the West Fork Whitewater watershed in East Central Indiana. IDEM staff will be at the Cambridge City Public Library at 6 p.m., July 30, to provide the public with information and accept public comments about the draft TMDL report.

A "TMDL" is the maximum amount of pollutants a waterbody can receive and not violate state water quality standards. Water quality can be impacted by a number of common activities and sources, including: permitted industrial and municipal wastewater discharges; pollutants in storm water run-off from paved surfaces, construction sites, and crop lands; and, failing septic systems.

Water samples that IDEM has collected from streams in the West Fork Whitewater watershed did not meet water quality standards for E. coli. IDEM's draft TMDL report for the West Fork Whitewater watershed contains sampling data, information about activities in the watershed that may be affecting area streams and creeks, and numeric limits or targets for pollutants that may be causing impairments. The document will also include suggestions for water quality improvements that local residents can implement. Individuals who attend IDEM's meeting will learn how local communities can use the TMDL report for the West Fork Whitewater watershed to guide their efforts to improve water quality.

In addition to the opportunity to submit comments about the draft TMDL report during the meeting, the public also has until the close of business September 5, 2008, to mail, fax, email, or hand deliver written comments to:

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Attn: Ernest L. Johnson III
100 North Senate Avenue
MC 65-42/TMDL  IGCN 1255
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Email: ejohnson@idem.in.gov
Fax: (317) 232-8406

About IDEM
IDEM (http://www.idem.in.gov/) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment. 

 

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