This article is part of a series for land developers in Indianapolis. See the article two about erosion control and article three about leased spaces.
When beginning to think about a land purchase, one of the initial questions that comes to the forefront are local regulations. Environmental regulations play a key role – not only for protecting the health and safety of the community and future residents, but also the ecosystem, and the professionals that will be on the job for many days, months, or even years.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, there are specific regulations for new developments and businesses which protect public and private drinking water sources in certain areas of the city called Wellhead Protection Areas.
Is my development or business in a Wellhead Protection Area?
Before diving into Indianapolis water regulations, it is important to know if your development or business will be located in a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA). The land above and surrounding water wells is called a “wellfield”. Water collecting on the surface in the wellfield and surrounding area seeps through the ground into an aquifer which recharges the well. This above ground area where water can enter the aquifer is called a Wellhead Protection Area. In Indiana, community water systems are required to map their WHPA’s. You can view the specific Marion County WHPA’s with our “Am I in a Wellfield?” map, or use the Indianapolis Department of Environmental Management map for areas outside the city.
What water protection regulations apply to me?
All businesses, regardless of location inside a Wellhead Protection Area, should take simple steps to contain chemicals and dispose of waste properly. If you are in a Wellhead Protection Area and have a specific type of land use, you will be required to comply with Indianapolis zoning codes (Section 742-204) and Marion County health ordinances. Both of these documents contain information on specific requirements and what types of businesses are covered under the rules. While the language is not complicated, it may seem like a maze or be unfamiliar to companies new to the area.
Can I get help with compliance? Will I be inspected?
Fortunately – it is easy to get help! The Marion County Wellfield Education Corporation (MCWEC) is available for FREE consultations as you work to complete the Improvement Location Permit and Wellfield Questionnaire as part of your permitting application and also after development is complete.
Representatives from MCWEC can help you understand the requirements including chemical storage, waste disposal, and stormwater management to name a few. For a quick summary of requirements of the local code, check out the “Are you ready” checklist.
After your Wellfield Questionnaire is submitted, the city will assign a Technically Qualified Person (TQP) to review the application. This person may visit the site during development and after completion to issue an approval letter stating you have complied with the Wellhead Protection Area regulations. (Learn in this previous blog post on the TQP process.
Additionally, the Marion County Health Department may visit to inspect your operations and ensure you continue to comply with regulations after the permitting process is complete.
MCWEC is available to assist if your visits contains violations or if you have any general questions. It is important to note that MCWEC is a non-profit – not a regulatory agency. We do not report violations, but rather want to work with you before these situations arise.
Protecting our water resources is a team effort. Whether you reach out to us, the City of Indianapolis, the Marion County Public Health Department, or the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, there are plenty of resources and assistance available to ensure you are – and remain – compliant with local codes. Our end goals are the same – let’s keep our water clean and our communities safe!
