Porter Health System came one step closer to construction of its new hospital in unincorporated Liberty Township Wednesday.

Four members of the Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved four variances requested by Porter Hospital. The planned five-story facility, located on a near 104-acre parcel on the Northwest corner of U.S. 6 and Ind. 49 bypass in Liberty Township, will need to get final approval from the Porter County Plan Commission before it breaks ground later this spring.

The variance that drew the most debate concerned the hospital’s request to move stormwater throughout certain parts of the parcel without having to go through the stormwater management system. It also calls for eliminating the requirement of constructing a 5-foot ledge or fencing around the detention lake located on a 40-acre section of the property that is to remain undeveloped.

Attorney William Ferngren who is representing the hospital said if a ledge is to be added in line with the ordinance, the developers would have to drain the lake for excavation and refill it. The fencing would also require trees and vegetation to be removed. Ferngren said this step is unnecessary and the lake already has a gradual slope. He said the goal of the variance is to maintain the natural conditions of the lake while limiting the amount of water added to the ditch to prevent runoff.

BZA Board President Debbie Kerr-Cook opened the discussion for public comment. Liberty Township resident Glenn Wiles said that he is neither for nor against the hospital, but asked that the board does not discriminate by giving special consideration to the hospital and to keep in mind this is a rural setting.

Porter County Drainage Board member and Liberty Township resident Edwin Gutt also said he is neither for nor against the hospital, but is concerned with the fact the hospital did not bring the matter before the county drainage board. Gutt read a state law that said developers must submit drainage plans and specifications to the county drainage board which must be approved before the construction may proceed with development of a subdivision.

Gutt also told the board that the Damon Run Conservancy, which the stormwater eventually drains into, has a very poor holding capacity and that the drainage in the area is a concern to him. He advised the developers to be in contact and address the way they handle drainage.

“I want to keep abreast of the situation so I can report back in an orderly fashion,” said Gutt.

Ferngren said the hospital already has a stormwater ordinance put in place, explaining why the plans were not submitted to the drainage board. He said the hospital is not subdividing the property as addressed in the law. The plans however will need to go before a development advisory committee and the Porter County Plan Commission for approval said county planner Raymond Joseph.

Matthew Pishkur of Liberty Township asked if residents living near the property will need to connect to a specific sewer system and what the costs would be for those connections.

Joseph said no decision has been made regarding the sewer system whether it will come from Chesterton, Damon Run or elsewhere. Joseph also said he could not give an estimated cost at this time.

BZA member Robert Detert said the development will face “stricter” requirements for the drainage. Fellow BZA member Richard Burns asked how the hospital plans to monitor the site. Ferngren said there has not been discussion on whether cameras will be used in all areas but there will be officers patrolling the site at all times.

BZA member Marvin Brickner asked how the hospital plans to maintain the water quality of the lake. He said stormwater runoff is likely carrying at times oil and salt from the nearby parking lot. Brickner mentioned it is one of the few lakes in Porter County that contains rainbow trout.

“It’s a really nice lake and I don’t want to see it compromised,” said Brickner.

Ferngren said the water from the site will be cleaned through stages. The water will first collect in a stormwater drainage system that will dip into a forebay where it is to be treated. The water will then move from the forebay to a wetland area and eventually drain into the lake, which itself is connected to the Damon Run Conservancy. Brickner said the drainage in Damon Run is a great concern and that he does not want to see the situation worsen. Brickner asked that the hospital place an aerator system in the lake to help preserve the water quality.

Burns made the motion to approve the variance under the conditions that the facility and the lake will be monitored and that the lake aerator will be operated during the summer months. The board approved the motion 4-0.

Posted 3/4/2010