Whiteland staff report failed stabilization inspections, smoke testing finds illegal sump-to-sanitary connection; parking-lot drainage and project permits also,

Stormwater staff told the Whiteland Town Stormwater Board about recent inspections, an illegal connection found during smoke testing, and several follow-up projects and contractor issues.

Brian, a town stormwater staff member, said the town recorded three rainfall events over 0.5 inches in the past month. Two recently inspected developments failed stabilization checks because multiple areas ("7 or 8 spots") needed seeding and blanket work; staff expect those areas to be re-inspected in mid-October and advised the developers they are not yet ready for notice of termination from IDEM.

Brian also reported problems at an apartment construction site where mud had been tracked onto roads and trash remained; crews scraped mud from the road and curbs and continued cleanup. He described a lot on Pearl Street where a property owner's sump pump discharges beyond the building setback line; staff plan an on-site meeting with the owner to require correction under the town's ordinance.

Manager and staff said consultant Wessler is conducting smoke testing of the sanitary system across town to locate defects and prioritize repairs. Smoke testing identified at least one sump-pump drain tied into the sanitary system, which staff described as illegal; Brian said the town will require that connection be fixed. Staff warned that smoke testing can cause smoke to enter homes and prompted several fire-department calls; the town posted social-media notices and distributed door hangers where possible.

The manager raised other local follow-ups: a list item for a pipe and sinkhole near a creek has not yet been revisited; ponding behind a residence was noted for additional review. The manager also reported a recently patched parking lot that is not draining properly and said the town gave contractor Omera until Friday to provide a solution or face a bond pull. Staff captured photos after recent rain to document the drainage problem.

On planning, staff said Brian will assemble a 2026 project list of roughly a dozen smaller residential-scale projects; the town is drafting a scope of work for water, sewer, and storm tasks to issue a request for qualifications so contractors can be compared on similar scopes. For a separate development near the library, staff said the land-side permit has been issued, a water-easement agreement remains under negotiation, and the contractor's posted schedule lists a May 11 start. Engineers adjusted the detention approach for that project, replacing a proposed retention pond with underground detention, and the project obtained a stormwater waiver from the town council and county related to release rates.

No formal action was taken on these operations items at the meeting; staff will follow up with re-inspections, corrective notices for illicit connections, and contractor-bond decisions.