NORTH WEBSTER – North Webster Town Council heard about storm drains polluting Webster Lake at its meeting Tuesday.
Mike Wyrick, of the Webster Lake Conservation Association, presented a storm drain study indicating storm drains were noted as a potential pollutant source to the lake.
He noted several studies have been done in the past, dating back to 2000. That year, the Division of Fish & Wildlife's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) funded a diagnostic study for the lake. The study recommended retrofitting the drains with pollutant removal devices and developing an inspection and maintenance plan for these devices.
In 2002, another LARE-funded study examined 18 storm drains within North Webster town limits that conduct storm flow runoff directly from town and residential areas into Lake Webster.
“The study determined that maintenance had not been occurring in the past around the lake and is very important to preventing pollution to the lake,” said Wyrick.
He said proper drain maintenance could reduce sediment leading to the lake by as much as 69 tons per year at a cost of about $15,000 per year.
The study also identified LARE grants and other grants as possible sources of income to help offset initial costs to amend or retrofit drains, said Wyrick.
Responding to several calls requesting dredging in various areas of the lake, WLCA applied for a LARE grant to cover the $10,000 cost of a required sediment removal study needed before any dredging could begin.
“The study identified seven sites where dredging would be permitted by the (Indiana Department of Natural Resources). Of those seven, three are in areas severely impacted by town storm water drainage,” said Wyrick, adding one area is by the town park.
The cost for drainage is quoted at $122,612. A grant will pay most of it, leaving 20% of the cost to be paid by the applicant, WLCA, at $24,522, he said.
He asked the town to assume WLCA’s financial liability under the initial and subsequent LARE grants for the dredging, which could be done in increments.
“We need to get this under control,” said Wyrick, adding he is asking the town council to help pay the $24,522.
In the meantime, he noted drain filters would help, especially if the town can help clean the drains regularly.
Mike Noe, utilities superintendent, said he could do his best with the manpower and time he has to do so. Wyrick suggested an adopt-a-drain program, like adopting roads.
Council members noted the situation is important, with Noe saying “it’s a lot” but “we can work on it.”
Police Chief Greg Church gave the monthly report for December. There were 690 officer calls, and 3,093 miles driven and 170 calls for service, of those 11 were battery fights or domestic issues There were six fraud or theft calls, one criminal mischief and 12 traffic-related calls with eight accidents or vehicles in ditches. There were 16 agency assists for fire and EMS calls. There were 29 citizen assists and lockouts.
Noe said he has used 80 tons of salt so far and “a lot of sand,” which melts better than salt. He said he will need a new air compressor soon, which could cost about $7,300.
In other news, the council:
• Approved memberships for Aim, Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, North Webster Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police.
• Made a Kids Market annual donation of $250.
• Approved a re-certification for the community rating system for a FEMA program for a discount on flood insurance for the town.
• Heard the introduction of an ordinance for wastewater rates to increase at $10 a month. Once the ordinance is advertised, the public can make comments at the next meeting.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at the North Webster Community Center.