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Muncie Sanitary District reports near-miss at pollution control plant, starts $135 security deposit for new connections and schedules shred week
Summary
District staff described a recent leak at the pollution control facility that was contained, announced a $135 new-connection security deposit to start April 1, detailed annual stormwater training, and publicized a community shred event April 21–25.
The Muncie Sanitary District on March 19 described a near-miss at its water pollution control facility, announced a new $135 security deposit requirement for all new sanitary connections starting April 1, and promoted a public document-shredding week in April.
District Administrator Rick Conrad told the board that a leak occurred at the pollution control facility over the weekend and was caught and corrected by staff. "Thanks to our crew out there, Jason Ingram, our plant superintendent, and Sean Bowden, out of plant maintenance. They got this corrected very quickly," Conrad said. He described the location of the leak as "in the most unfortunate place it could possibly be" but said the crew resolved the situation and the district avoided a larger emergency.
Conrad also announced that beginning April 1 the district will require a $135 security deposit for all new connections to the sanitary district. "That money will go back, of course, when anyone gives their notice that they're ready to disconnect, but it'll help protect us from some of our outstanding bills for late payment or nonpayment," he said. Staff described the deposit as applying only to new users and said the deposit will be refunded after final payment when a customer disconnects.
The board heard that the district conducted its annual stormwater training for department heads earlier in the week to meet a state requirement. Courtney Pruitt and Laura Boley delivered the presentation; Conrad said the training is required by the state and helps staff understand responsibilities to prevent runoff and protect water quality.
The district also announced a Shred Your Files Week from April 21 to April 25 at the Sanitation Building, 701 East Centennial Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Residents can bring documents for shredding and receive a receipt for items turned in.
Board members praised staff response to the plant leak and the clarity of budget materials. "That could have been a phase 1 emergency," one board member said in acknowledgment of staff action. The board had no additional new business and adjourned after routine approvals.
Ending District staff said employees will continue annual stormwater training, and the deposit policy will take effect April 1. The district asked residents to use the April shred week to dispose of sensitive documents safely.
