Here’s a couple of things area developers and builders should know.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon require the immediate stabilization of disturbed soil at construction sites if that soil is to be left for more than 14 days.

So Chesterton MS4 Operator Jennifer Gadzala reported at Monday’s meeting of the Stormwater Management Board.

EPA is also exploring ways of overcoming the “historical use” of detention and retention ponds and may begin mandating other types of infrastructure—or best management practices (BMPs), as they’re known in the business—to reduce stormwater volumes. EPA expects to make a final decision late in 2012, Gadzala said.

Stay tuned for more from EPA.

Meanwhile, Gadzala continues outreach efforts to bring the message of pollution reduction and stormwater quality to Chesterton residents.

On May 12, 158 seventh-graders from Chesterton Middle School participated in the field day for the annual non-point source pollution education unit developed by CMS teacher Sam Hayes. As part of the field day, Gadzala said, the kids built a rain garden—dedicated to retiring CMS Principal Jim Ton—policed roadside trash, and pulled a bunch of invasive plants, all at Coffee Creek Park.

The students will complete the unit by writing papers on what they learned and Gadzala is hoping arrangements can be made with the Chesterton Tribune to publish the best paper.

Gadzala is also hoping that folks will participate in a six-question on-line lawn survey. Visit the MS4 program webpage at www.chestertonin.org or www.surveymonkey .com/Z3G8726

In April the Stormwater Utility ran a surplus of $6,389 and in the year-to-date is running a deficit of $725.

Posted 5/19/2010