Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stormwater coordinator reports illicit hydraulic‑oil spill, outlines 2026 inspections and training plans
Summary
The Jasper stormwater coordinator told the board an illicit hydraulic‑oil spill near Jasper Elementary School was cleaned by the contractor and logged; staff also reviewed 2025 permits, training partnerships, a possible engagement with Christopher Burke and plans for spring outfall inspections.
The stormwater coordinator reported to the Jasper Stormwater Management Board that a linear illicit discharge on the north side of Jasper Elementary School resulted from a ruptured hose on a concrete supply vehicle and that the contractor responded promptly to clean the spill and apply absorbent materials.
The coordinator said the incident was logged as an illicit spill, that crews focused cleanup where hydraulic oil puddled rather than on surface stains, and that no fines or violations were assessed because the contractor was responsive and removed absorbents. “It has been cleaned up,” the coordinator said when board members asked about the outcome. When asked what material spilled, the coordinator answered, “It was the hydraulic ... oil.”
Why it matters: board members heard this as part of an annual program review that tied routine enforcement, education and inspections to the city’s permit requirements. The coordinator emphasized that field observations and contractor responsiveness shape whether enforcement follows a cleanup effort.
Board members also received the coordinator’s summary of 2025 work: 25 drainage permits processed, two corrosion‑control permits issued, 12 monthly IDE/IDM reports prepared and one annual IDE/IDM report completed. The coordinator noted that all permitted sites were inspected and that photographs and reports are on file.
The board discussed training and partnerships. Staff reported participation in a Southwestern Indiana Stormwater Partnership training in Chandler, Indiana, coordinated with Karen Barnhill (stormwater coordinator, City of Evansville) and representatives from Christopher Burke (engineering). The coordinator said outside‑engineer participation provided additional credibility and recommended continuing the partnership while pursuing more in‑house training to manage costs.
Contracting for compliance support was a focal point. The coordinator reminded the board that last year’s engagement with Christopher Burke was a not‑to‑exceed $25,000 arrangement with about $11,000 spent so far. The coordinator said the preference was an engagement letter tied to specific deliverables with hourly time‑and‑materials billing rather than committing to a large fixed contract: “I just don’t want to sign a contract $20,000 and then have them find $20,000 worth of work,” the coordinator said.
Looking ahead, staff outlined plans to complete outfall inspections this spring (previously done by kayak), target work before leaf‑off, and inspect outfalls both inside and where the storm system leaves city limits. The coordinator said office preparation for the outfall inspections is complete and staff expect to perform the physical inspections in the coming months.
The coordinator closed the report by noting the department received a recognition award from the Indiana MS4 Partnership for 2025 and reiterated the need to track continuing education and documentary evidence for future audits.
Next steps: staff will return with details on any engagement letter or contract for compliance services, and the coordinator will schedule and report back on outfall inspections when field work is complete.
