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Residents raise concerns about a dewatering permit and wetlands near proposed Amazon site
Summary
At public comment, a resident flagged a dewatering permit that would allow an unusually large discharge rate into a local ditch and another commenter urged protection or expansion of wetlands amid discussion of an Amazon-related development; speakers said the permit applicant did not appear at the drainage board hearing.
During public comment at the May 6 St. Joseph County commissioners meeting, residents raised concerns about a dewatering permit tied to a drainage board hearing and urged county leaders to protect wetlands amid potential development.
"The petitioner asked to flush 2,200,000 gallons per hour down the Nezpazani Ditch for the next 730 days," said Dan Caruso of New Carlisle, who attended the drainage board meeting and provided county staff a copy of the permit. Caruso said the petitioner did not appear at the drainage board hearing and that he believed the number was likely a mistake, perhaps an extra zero or a misplaced comma; he said the petitioner may have meant 220,000 gallons per hour.
Caruso said he had discussed the matter with county staff, including Carl and Phil Garrett, and thanked the county for oversight at the drainage board meeting.
Another commenter, identified only as Cheryl, said she appreciated Commissioner Morton attending a public hearing and cited a statement attributed to the water policy director of the Hoosier Environmental Council: "Wetland credits don't sufficiently replace the original wet areas and their ability to support a wide range of flora and fauna," she said the director told attendees. Cheryl said other members of the public called for expanding wetlands rather than destroying them. She also said she did not think it likely that "Bridal" would tell Amazon Web Services no; Cheryl was expressing concern about broader policy and political obstacles to protecting wetlands.
Commissioners did not take action on the issues during the meeting; Caruso reported the drainage board application proceeded without the petitioner present. The county did not provide written permit numbers or an official correction to the discharge rate on the record during the session.
