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Where Do the Sewers Go? In the Oak Park Conservancy District (OPCD), the sanitary sewer and the storm drainage sewer systems are separate. Water used from sources such as toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines enter the sanitary sewer system and is treated at the OPCD Wastewater Treatment Facility and the clean water released back to the Ohio River. Stormwater from sources such as driveways, gutters, and streets enter the storm drainage sewer, which flows untreated directly into Lancassange Creek and ultimately the Ohio River. What is Stormwater? Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or melting snow flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, streets, and rooftops prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. In our growing urban areas, problems arise when impervious areas not only prevent water from being absorbed, but help it run off at a much faster rate. Stormwater can accumulate, causing nuisance flooding and possible threats to public health and safety. Stormwater can also pick up pollutants on its way to the storm drainage sewer system. Pollution from gasoline, oil, lawn fertilizers, litter, soils, and other contaminants are washed into this system. This polluted stormwater can harm aquatic life, reduce recreational opportunities for boating and swimming activities, increase water treatment costs, and create poor health conditions.
Rule 13, Phase II, and Stormwater Quality In 2003, OPCD started a stormwater drainage department to meet an unfunded, federally mandated stormwater quality program called Phase II. Since that time, we have implemented a program to address the requirements of this water quality program. For general information on this new program, please visit the EPA's website here. OPCD received its first Stormwater NPDES Permit (INR040001) in 2003. Every five years, the permit is renewed with the State of Indiana. Part B is called a baseline characterization report that describes OPCD landuses and areas of potential water qualilty concerns. Part C discusses what OPCD is doing to meet the requirements as set out in Rule 13 (327 IAC 15-13). OPCD renewed its permit in 2008 with the State of Indiana and provided an updated plan. During the next five year permit cycle, OPCD will be implementing the updated Part B and C plans. For more information on the OPCD Stormwater program, please visit the links below. OPCD Rule 13 Notice of Intent (NOI) OPCD Rule 13 Part C Original 2004 OPCD Rule 13 Part A, B, and C Updates 2008
5 Simple Steps to Keep Stormwater Clean • Don’t dump anything into storm drains. • Dispose of all trash and litter properly. • Clean up all automobile fluid spills and do not spray into the storm drain. • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. • Pick up your pet’s waste; it is raw sewage. Illegal Dumping If you see people illegally dumping pollutants and trash into the storm sewer system, please call our office at (812) 283-3960 and let us know! We have an after hours on-call person that can come to the site and address the situation, even during the evening hours. For More Information Please visit the Clark County Solid Waste Management District to find out more about recycling in this county at www.recycleclarkcounty.org Please visit the Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District Stormwater page at www.clarkswcd.org/Stormwater/StormwaterHome.htm
For Kids Please visit the EPA's Environmental Kids Club website at www.epa.gov/kids. It has lots of information on recycling, plants and animals, air, water, and much more! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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