Controlling erosion and land disturbance during construction is an important part of protecting groundwater. Sediment, soil particles that have detached from the land, can carry contaminants and be swept into waterways or directly enter the groundwater. (Not to mention that the excess sediment in water can be a problem as well).
In December of 2021, Indiana transitioned from Rule 5, a permit by rule detailing how developers and contractors must protect Indiana’s soil and water during the process of construction, to a new method of permitting, the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP).
The new conditions brings Indiana into compliance with the EPA’s permit requirements around protecting soil and water during construction.
Key changes to the permit conditions include
- Shorter soil stabilization timelines
- Stricter self-monitoring requirements
- New methods of dewatering sediment basins
- New buffer requirement.
To apply for a construction stormwater permit, you must submit a Notice of Intent for the project to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management through their online portal. If you are working on a site that previously had a Rule 5 permit, the project must submit a Continuation of Coverage form within 90 days to ensure that the permit remains active and the site is compliant with state and federal regulations.
To learn more visit IDEM’s Construction / Land Disturbance Permitting or contact the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District.
