Hamilton County Drainage Board members on July 14, 2025 voted to take enforcement action after the Surveyor’s Office reported two illicit sediment discharges from the Montalena subdivision that entered a regulated drain.

Bill, MS4 coordinator, Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office, told the board the office received reports on May 15 and May 28, 2025, from the City of Noblesville about off‑site sedimentation. “The off‑site sedimentation that accumulated within the off‑site storm pipes and structures discharged into a regulated drain,” Bill said, adding the discharges followed improperly installed dewatering equipment and a non‑plan approved skimmer that was not operating as intended.

The city issued a violation letter to the contractor and MI Homes, and Noblesville inspectors worked with site managers to require removal of sediment from pipes and structures. Bill said surveyor staff visited the site and found the sedimentation removed and the regulated drain stabilized, but asked the board whether the county should support further follow‑up, including fines or other enforcement.

A board member said the incidents were similar and involved failures in installation or operation of dewatering equipment. “They finally did install it appropriately, and it is working now,” the staff member said, describing an initially uncooperative contractor. Board members expressed concern that the contractor had effectively received a “free ride” after the first incident and urged consistent enforcement.

Board discussion referenced the county’s MS4 jurisdiction over illicit discharges into regulated drains. After discussion, a motion “to take action” was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the board did not record individual voter names on the motion. The board directed staff to proceed with enforcement steps consistent with prior cases and to coordinate with the City of Noblesville, though the meeting record did not specify the exact enforcement instruments or fines to be issued.

The incidents and the board’s action come as construction proceeds at the Montalena site; staff reported the active construction area falls within Noblesville’s MS4 jurisdiction and that Noblesville inspectors had required reinstalling approved dewatering controls. The board’s vote signals county support for enforcement when off‑site sedimentation reaches regulated drains.

The board did not set a penalty amount at the meeting. Staff said the restored drain and removal of sediment had been confirmed on inspection; follow‑up enforcement paperwork and any fines or formal notices will be developed by staff in coordination with Noblesville and returned to the board for further action if needed.