- What is the Indian Boundary Conservancy District (IBCD)?
The Indian Boundary Conservancy District (IBCD) is a special district in Indiana that maintains a wastewater (sewage) system for residents in a portion of the Little Calumet River Basin to address pollution from failing septic systems. It was established in 1986 to protect public health and the environment by meeting federal, state, and county regulations for clean water. The system collects waste from individual holding tanks and pipes it to a central treatment facility (Chesterton Utilities). Its management is overseen by a board of directors funded by user fees and taxes.
- What is my associated IBCD holding tank? Is it a septic tank?
The IBCD uses a system of holding tanks located on individual properties that connect to a network of small-diameter pipes. This system directs wastewater to the Chesterton sanitary system for treatment. It is not a septic tank. Instead it acts as a buffer for sending waste water to Chesterton Utilities. IBCD manages and maintains the holding tanks and the sewer lines leading from the tanks to the Chesterton system.
- My associated IBCD holding tank looks full. Should I get it pumped?
No. Your tank should ordinarily look full. If the level is above the discharge pipe to the IBCD main sewer system, then there may be a backup from the IBCD sewer system itself. Then, and only then, should you call your representative. See our tank servicing policy.
- How often is my associated IBCD holding tank pumped?
The IBCD holding tanks are emptied on an approximately 5 year cycle for inspection. This is normally all that is required as the solid waste is liquefied by bacterial action and the waster water drains into the pipes that go to Chesterton Utilities.
- Help! My sewage is backing up into my house! What should I do?
You must first determine if the blockage is between your house and the holding tank. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the line between the house and holding tank. If your line is blocked then you are responsible for the clearing of any debris or tree roots that may have infiltrated your line. You are also responsible for the connection of your line into our tank and its seal. For more information click this link Drainage Trouble.
- Where does my sewage go?
IBCD contracts with Chesterton Utilities to treat the waste water effluent from the holding tanks..
- What is that equipment on Indian Boundary Road and should I call someone if the red light is flashing?
The IBCD system contains equipment at several locations to pump the sewage waste water effluent in the system to Chesterton Utilities. In the event of a power outage or other issue the system is set to send an alarm signal to your representatives and to the IBCD Service Manager to address the issue. The audible alarms were disconnected some time ago; therefore all alarms are now silent.
- I am planning to do excavation around the holding tank or along the street in front of my house. Do I need to call my representative?
No. Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” law, Indiana Code chapter 8-1-26, requires everyone who digs to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before starting their project. You can call 811 or visit the website: https://indiana811.org/homeowners/submit-a-ticket-homeowners/
- If I don’t pay my IBCD bill on time, what will happen?
If you miss a quarterly payment there will be a 10% late charge added to your bill. If you miss two quarterly payments your service is subject to our Disconnection Policy.
- How can I pay my IBCD bill?
Please visit the Pay My Bill page for instructions on paying your bill.