Recent Updates
2025
IDEM Report on Evaluation of Existing Regulations
Governor Mike Braun issued a series of executive orders to streamline Indiana's environmental regulation approach, including Executive Order 25-38. EO 25-38 directs agencies responsible for environmental regulations to "identify state environmental regulations and policies that are unduly burdensome, significantly raise the cost of living for Hoosiers, are not supported by current law and the best available science, or do not benefit Indiana's environment."
EO 25-38 established that relevant agencies should "report opportunities to revisit or rescind such state environmental regulations to the Governor's Office no later than July 1, 2025."
- IDEM Regulatory Review Report for Executive Order 25-38 [PDF]
- Public Comments concerning Executive Order 25-38 and related orders [PDF]
2026 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan
Federal regulations (40 CFR 58.10) require IDEM to review Indiana’s ambient air monitoring network annually to assess the current network and determine if any changes are necessary to meet the monitoring goals and carry out monitoring projects across the state. IDEM evaluates many factors when reviewing the network plan, including current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), data trends, population changes, new monitoring projects, site redundancy, siting problems, site access concerns, and other identified monitoring issues.
IDEM is required to develop and submit an annual monitoring network plan to U.S. EPA that details the current air quality surveillance system and proposed changes for the coming year. The public can review the proposed 2026 plan and submit comments by June 18. Instructions on how to submit comments are located in Appendix A (Page 79) of the proposed plan.
Indiana State Materials Management Plan
The Indiana State Materials Management Plan (MMP) aims to provide a statewide roadmap to improve how pre- and post-consumer materials are managed and reduce waste across the state. Input solicited during the planning process will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive new MMP that promotes a circular economy for materials while supporting statewide efforts to advance pre- and post-consumer materials management. Visit the Indiana State Materials Management Plan page to learn more.
Partners for Sustainability Annual Conference & Trade Show - September 17, 2025
Attend the premiere sustainability conference in Indiana featuring presentations and learning opportunities by leaders in the sustainability and pollution prevention fields. The 2025 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence will also be presented at the conference.
Register to attend! Exhibit space and sponsorships are available.
2023
Tornado and Storm Recovery
IDEM advises residents affected by the recent storms and tornadoes to exercise caution when managing debris. Debris can pose a risk to health and safety if not handled properly. IDEM has fact sheets to help Hoosiers safely dispose of tornado or storm debris and other household items, such as cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals and other hazardous substances.
- Emergency Debris Management [PDF]
- Emergency Burning for Disasters [PDF]
- Emergency Asbestos Debris Management [PDF]
- Household Hazardous Waste [PDF]
- Construction Demolition Waste [PDF]
You should always follow the directions from local authorities and your local solid waste management district (SWMD). A list of permitted solid waste facilities is provided here.
2022
IDEM Fee Updates
Public Law 250-2019 was passed by the 2019 Indiana General Assembly to amend the process in IC 13-16 concerning the adoption of environmental fees by the Environmental Rules Board (board) for both the water and waste programs. The amendments provide a process by which the board may direct IDEM to initiate a rulemaking to address fees based on information collected by IDEM and presented to the board for its review and consideration. Public Law 250-2019 also establishes that the board may not change fees more than one time in five years, and the fee increases may not amount to more than 10%.
Love's Travel Stop 355 Diesel Release - Memphis, IN
On Thursday, Feb 10, 2022, at 11:00 AM the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Emergency Response section (ER) received notification from the Clark County Health Department of diesel fuel emerging from the ground and flowing along an un-named drainage ditch in front of the Memphis Christian Church. IDEM ER promptly deployed and identified a mixture of diesel fuel and storm water being discharged from the Love’s Travel Stop 355 (Love’s) located at 13615 Blue Lick Road, Memphis, Indiana. Upon discovery, IDEM required Love’s to initiate a spill response and cease diesel fuel dispensing until the source of the release had been conclusively determined and any necessary repairs of the underground storage tank (UST) system are completed.
2021
Improving IDEM OLQ Billing and Collections Process
Based on internal recognition of the problem and a wide range of feedback from our environmental partners, the Office of Land Quality (OLQ) is revamping and improving our billing and collections process. We are conducting an in-depth analysis of our current process and a subsequent redesign of the process.
- Billing Announcement Flyer [PDF]
- Billing Announcement Letter [PDF]
- Billing Announcement Letter Follow-up [PDF]
U.S. Steel - Midwest
Federal and state agencies continue to investigate the matter to determine the cause of the discharge and possible Clean Water Act compliance issues.
Draft Wetland Classification Form Presentation
On Friday, August 6th, 2021, IDEM gave a technical presentation on the new draft form [DOC] that the agency intends to use for wetland classification for State regulated wetlands. This draft form has been developed to reflect the changes to wetland definitions in IC 13-11-2 as a result of SEA 389 and to provide transparency and reproducibility in the classification processes for State regulated wetlands. IDEM is seeking feedback on the form using the Comment Form. Feedback we receive will be utilized to finalize the form and technical guidance documents. All comments are due on or before Friday, August 20, 2021. The presentation is available on IDEM’s YouTube channel: Wetlands Consultant Meeting August, 2021 [YouTube].
Extensions for Generators Due to Incinerator Capacity Limitations
IDEM is aware of issues with certain hazardous wastes that are destined for incineration and the impact this is having on Indiana generators. Generators who cannot ship their hazardous waste off site within the allowed timeframe (90, 180, or 270 days) should request a 30-day extension if they have not already exceeded their time limit. If the waste cannot be shipped off site before the extension expires or if the waste has already exceeded the time limit, the generator should self-disclose that they are in violation of the on-site accumulation standard for hazardous waste generators.
Indiana’s State Regulated Wetland Law
On July 1, 2021, amendments to Indiana’s State Regulated Wetland Law became effective. The changes are the result of SEA 389 (Public Law 160) which greatly reduced the number of non-federal wetlands regulated by the state. It is important to note the law did not eliminate protections of state wetlands; regulations governing wetlands remain at both the state and federal level. In order to confirm that a wetland is not regulated, a person seeking to impact the wetland must take certain steps.
Blue-Green Algae Sampling
Sampling of the DNR’s swimming beaches began May 17 for the 2021 recreation season to prepare for DNR’s opening of these areas on Memorial Day weekend, and will end the week of August 30th in advance of Labor Day weekend. IDEM samples for blue-green algae and analyzes those samples for the type and quantity of blue-green algae present and for the following toxins which may be produced by certain types of blue-green algae: microcystin, cylindrospermopsin (only done if species that produce it are present), anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin. More information is provided on the Blue-Green Algae site.
Senate Enrolled Act 389
IDEM has been carefully reviewing Senate Enrolled Act 389 to ensure all changes will be clearly and accurately implemented following the effective date. Section 1 of the law is retroactively effective to January 1, 2021 while Sections 2-14 are effective on July 1, 2021. Most permits issued since January 1, 2021 will be unaffected by the new law, and previously approved mitigation plans remain in effect. IDEM will provide guidance prior to the implementation of the new law. Should you have questions about these changes, please contact IDEM’s wetland section.
Aerosol Can Rule Banner
Indiana adopted the U.S. EPA’s Aerosol Can Rules to be regulated as Universal Waste effective February 14, 2021. With this rule, the U.S. EPA adds hazardous waste aerosol cans to those “Universal Wastes” regulated under title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 273. No regulatory language changes from the federal rule were included in the adoption. Managing aerosol cans as Universal Waste is estimated to reduce waste in landfills, promote recycling, and create streamlined management practices for retailers. Generators may notify and update their status via RCRAInfo. The U.S. EPA Universal Waste page provides additional information.
Pharmaceutical Rule
Indiana adopted the U.S. EPA’s Pharmaceutical Rule effective February 14, 2021. The new rule adds regulations for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by healthcare facilities and reverse distributors. Additionally, over-the-counter FDA approved nicotine substances will no longer be included under the P075 hazardous waste listing. Manifest and transportation requirements of potentially credible and non-credible pharmaceutical waste have been specified in the new language as well. Notification is required to operate under this rule. Generators may notify and update their status via RCRAInfo.
Dry Cleaner and Laundry Dataset
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Land Quality (OLQ) has compiled information from historical and current city directories, business directories, and telephone books to create a dry cleaner and laundry (DCaL) dataset.
2020
Waelz Sustainable Products, LLC
Information and documents related to the Waelz Sustainable Products, LLC New Source Construction and Part 70 Operating Permit are available on the IDEM Public Notices: Northern Indiana page.
ArcelorMittal Fish Kill
Information and documents related to the August 2019 fish kill are available on the IDEM Water Quality in Indiana site.
Emergency Spill Response: Selecting a Spill Contractor and Spill Contractor Map
When spills occur, it is imperative that prompt actions are taken to protect human health, the environment, and property. These actions often require the expertise of specialized professionals who are trained and equipped to respond to environmental emergencies. To help expedite the containment and cleanup of spills, IDEM has developed two new webpages: Selecting a Spill Contractor and the Spill Contractor Map.
The spill contractor map is specific to spill response contractors servicing Indiana and is not intended to include other services such as environmental consulting, permitting, or industrial hygiene. If your company specializes in emergency spill response, you may complete the Spill Response Contractor Form to be added to the map.
If you have questions please contact IDEM Emergency Response (317-308-3038, emergencyresponse@idem.IN.gov).
Nonrule Policy Document for Addressing Closure at Low-threat Petroleum Releases
The Nonrule Policy Document, Independent Closure Process Guidance, is available on the IDEM Storage Tanks website. The Nonrule Policy Document expands the State Cleanup Program’s “Independent Closure Process Guidance” by requiring submission of the initial findings within 60 days of a low-threat petroleum release. Due to the increased level of IDEM involvement, IDEM will issue a No Further Action letter upon satisfaction of closure requirements. The NPD effective date is August 7, 2020.
IDEM and Purdue MEP Offer Technical Assistance and Grant Opportunities to Manufacturers
Indiana manufacturers are eligible for a unique opportunity for on-site technical assistance and training from the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The Purdue MEP program is a champion for the manufacturing sector and has a longstanding history of providing manufacturers with high value, affordable solutions to manufacturing challenges including lean manufacturing, energy efficiency, quality improvement, six sigma, and more. Now, with funding from IDEM's Pollution Prevention Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Purdue MEP is offering a new process improvement assessment to your facility’s toolbelt: W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping.
Pending Nonrule Policy Document for Addressing Closure at Low-threat Petroleum Releases
A pending Nonrule Policy Document, Independent Closure Process Guidance, is available on the IDEM Nonrule Policies website. The pending Nonrule Policy Document expands the State Cleanup Program’s “Independent Closure Process Guidance” by requiring submission of the initial findings within 60 days of a low-threat petroleum release. Due to the increased level of IDEM involvement, IDEM will issue a No Further Action letter upon satisfaction of closure requirements. Any interested party may submit comments before the comment period deadline on April 13, 2020. For additional information and contacts, please refer to the pending Nonrule Policy Document.
Amendments to 329 IAC 3.1-14 and 329 IAC 3.1-15
The Second Notice of Comment Period and Draft Rule for LSA Document #14-287 was published in the Indiana Register on February 12, 2020. The rulemaking includes amendments to 329 IAC 3.1-14 and 329 IAC 3.1-15 for the financial assurance requirements at hazardous waste facilities, including technical amendments to the financial test requirements and the addition of specific and detailed requirements for corrective action financial assurance at hazardous waste facilities. The Second Notice of Comment Period document available on the Indiana Register website provides details about the draft rule and information on how to submit comments. Any interested party may submit comments before the comment period deadline on March 13, 2020. For additional information and questions about the notice and rulemaking, please contact the Office of Legal Counsel, Rules Development Section.
Franklin Site Investigations
Interactive map and updates regarding IDEM sites in Franklin, In.