STAN DIAMOND JOINS WESSLER ENGINEERING

Wessler Engineering is pleased to announce the addition of Stan Diamond to the Firm’s Civil Group.  Mr. Diamond has practiced civil/sanitary engineering for more than thirty years.  During that time he has been involved in the planning, design, construction, and startup of water treatment, storage, and transmission facilities, and wastewater collection and treatment systems.    Stan has provided engineering services to cities and towns throughout Indiana and various communities across the United States.

Mr. Diamond is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University with Bachelor of Science degrees in civil engineering and engineering and public policy.  He is a member of the Indiana Water Environment Association and the American Water Works Association.  He is a past chair of the AWWA Indiana Section and the Indiana Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (InWARN) Steering Committee. He is currently serving as secretary-treasurer of the InWARN Steering Committee.

Jeff Peters, Executive Vice President of Wessler Engineering stated “I’ve known Stan personally and professionally for over 15 years and I couldn’t have asked for an engineer that could fit better into our organization than Stan Diamond.  He will provide tremendous value as we look to grow our business in the Indiana market and in the fields of water and wastewater engineering services.”

 

IDEM SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR GOVERNOR'S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Applications to be accepted until April 23

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is accepting applications for the 2010 Indiana's Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence until April 23.

All Indiana businesses, governments, individuals, technical assistance organizations, educational groups and nonprofit organizations who can demonstrate exemplary environmental projects with measurable results may apply.

Governor’s awards are open to all Indiana facilities, state and local units of government, individuals, and technical assistance organizations that implement. Awards will be given for the following categories: Energy/Renewable Resources, Five Years’ Continuous Improvement, Greening the Government, Land Use, Outreach or Education, Pollution Prevention, and Recycling/Reuse.

Winners will be invited to a special presentation to celebrate their accomplishments.

“These awards exemplify the extraordinary efforts of Indiana businesses and citizens who take actions that improve the quality of life, positively affect the economy and protect our environment,” said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. “Working toward these common goals is something that benefits the entire state.”

IDEM is working to notify businesses, communities and other organizations in Indiana about the opportunity to submit nominations. For additional information on how to apply, contact Anthony Sullivan at (800) 988-7901 or by e-mail at asulliva@idem.IN.gov. For a nomination form, visit IDEM's Web site at www.idem.IN.gov/5147.htm#how.

David Wrightsman has joined Energy Systems Group in the newly created position of Municipal Utility Sales Manager. In his new role, David will help communities utilize guaranteed savings contracts to improve their facilities and infrastructure.

This was received from Paul Berebitsky of the Indiana Construction Association

INDOT has adopted rules regarding the relocation of utility facilities in conjunction with a highway construction project. The rules became effective May 14.

JANUARY 1st, 2010 - NEW LAW REQUIRES ALL UTILTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OWNED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT, TO JOIN INDIANA 811

As of January 1st, 2010, a new law is enforcing all utilities, including those owned by local governments, join Indiana 811. Any utility that fails to join by March 1st, 2010, could face fines of $100 per day retroactive to January 1st. In addition, your company will not be able to collect for any damage done to your facilities, even if that damage is caused by someone else's careless excavation.

To make joining easier, Indiana 811 is waiving the $150 signup fee through March 1st. So not only can you save $150 right away, you can protect yourself from thousands of dollars in liability. To join right now, without the $150 signup fee, visit www.indiana811.org. You'll be glad you did.

This was received from Paul Berebitsky of the Indiana Construction Association

INDOT has adopted rules regarding the relocation of utility facilities in conjunction with a highway construction project. The rules became effective May 14.

This was received from H. J. Umbaugh & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, LLP

Curt W. Pletcher has become a partner in the firm.

This was received from Paul Berebitsky of the Indiana Construction Association

INDOT has adopted rules regarding the relocation of utility facilities in conjunction with a highway construction project. The rules became effective May 14.

The rules were required by legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2005. The law directed INDOT to develop rules regarding utility relocation as part of INDOT's responsibility to manage the state highway system right-of-way. The new INDOT rules and the law resulted from efforts of a Utility Relocation Task Force that included representatives from ICA (highway contractors then as part of ICI), INDOT, consulting engineers, utility companies and Federal Highway Administration.

The rules establish a formal procedure for highway projects that involve utility facility relocations by setting requirements for utilities, highway contractors and INDOT. Key components of the process are:

• INDOT will determine what utility facilities are located within the project area early in the design phase of a project;
  
  
• I NDOT will send each identified utility an initial notice of the proposed project;
  
  
• Utilities will have to respond within 30 days with a description of its affected facilities or notify INDOT that no facilities are within the limits of the project;
  
  
• Using the information provided by utility companies, INDOT will show all utility facilities on plan sheets and send those drawings to each utility for review;
  
  
• Within 30 days, each utility will have to either confirm the accuracy of the drawings or detail any corrections;
  
  
• INDOT will subsequently provide each utility with preliminary construction plans for the highway project;
  
  
• Each utility will respond with a work plan that details how the utility will protect or relocate its facilities;
  
  
• INDOT will review the proposed work plans and - if necessary - work with the utilities to finalize those plans;
  
  
• The approved work plans will be included or referenced in the highway construction contract;
  
  
• If a work plan shows that portions of a utility's work are dependent on the highway contractor first completing certain work (such as clearing), the contractor will be required to notify that utility within certain time frames.

The rules also include a list of factors that would excuse a utility from meeting the schedule in its approved work plan. These include significantly differing site conditions, unexpected impacts of other utilities or severe weather.

While the rules became effective on May 14, the new procedures won't impact construction until projects on which the required coordination steps between INDOT and utility companies have been implemented are ready for letting.

INDOT plans to conduct training about the new rules in the near future, but specific dates and locations have not yet been finalized. Training will likely be available at multiple locations. INDOT personnel are also available to meet with various organizations about the new requirements. Contact Matt Thomas at 317-232-5308 to arrange a presentation for your group. Download the new rules here.

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Just a reminder that the new Indiana Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (InWARN) was designed to assist with the potentially devastating impact of emergencies and to advance statewide disaster preparedness. If your utility has not yet signed on to this voluntary program of "utilities helping utilities", we have attached information for your use or you may visit IRWA's website -- www.indianaruralwater.org -- to download.

The following is a compilation of information which was received from Governor Mitch Daniel's office and from Senator Beverly Gard's office.

As of June 20, 2008 the following counties -- Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Washington, and Wayne -- have been approved for federal assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses because of severe storms that began on May 30. Residents of these counties may begin applying for FEMA assistance.

Here is the latest information concerning resources available to residents affected by recent severe flooding in Indiana.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE FROM FEMA:
Application for Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance: It is not necessary to visit a FEMA office to file an application. Applications may be accessed on-line at https://www.disasteraid.fema.gov/IAC/ , http://www.fema.gov/ or www.emergency.in.gov. People may also call 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. You need your Social Security number, your current and pre-disaster address, a phone number where you can be contacted, insurance information, total household income, a routing and account number from your bank, and a description of your losses. FEMA recommends you take pictures of any damage for your records.

Qualifying for assistance: To receive money or help for housing needs that are result of a disaster, you must have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster by the president (see above for county listing); damage to your property is either not covered by your insurance or your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your losses; you or someone who lives with you is a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or qualified alien; damage is to a home where you usually live and were living at the time of the disaster; and you have accepted assistance from all other sources for which you are eligible.

Housing needs: Money to rent a different place to live or government provided housing.

Other than housing needs: Money is available for disaster-related medical and dental costs; disaster-related funeral and burial costs; clothing, household items (room furnishings, appliances) tools and other equipment required for your job; educational materials (computers, school books and supplies); fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas); clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier); disaster damaged vehicle; moving and storage expenses related to the disaster, including moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home.

Repair: Money to repair damage from disaster to a primary residence that is not covered by insurance that will make it safe, sanitary and functional.

Replacement: Money is available to homeowners for replacing a home in a disaster not covered by insurance.

Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for construction of a home; help available only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET HELP:
Family and Social Services Administration offices and Work One Centers in every approved county have computers available for individuals to use to apply for FEMA assistance. A list of locations for those offices and centers may be found at this link: http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Press/locations.pdf.

• A toll free resource line is operational to help direct residents to resources. The number is 1-888-880-3749 and will be available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  
• One-stop disaster assistance centers are being opened in various counties. These centers will have a variety of state services available including:
  
  
• Housing support: Listing of emergency shelters; listing of temporary housing; rental assistance; applications for Small Business Administration home disaster loans.
  
  
• Social Services: Replacement and emergency food stamps; application for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care; listing of available child care providers; mental health service referrals; mobile feeding; Red Cross and Salvation Army case work; crisis counseling.
  
  
• Unemployment Insurance: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is urging workers laid off due to recent flooding and tornado events to apply for unemployment benefits during the first week they do not receive a paycheck from their company. Applications for state unemployment benefits or Disaster Unemployment Insurance are available at disaster centers or by calling 1-800-891-6499.
  
  
• Insurance Information: Interpretation of insurance policies by staff of the Indiana Department of Insurance; information on lost or damaged policies; information on obtaining copies of insurance policies; general insurance navigation advice and complaint resolution; car insurance assistance; representatives from private insurers on site to answer questions.
  
  
• Public Health Information: Clean-up advice and education including mold removal and prevention; vaccination information, including tetanus shots; information regarding free well water testing; access and information to vital records such as birth and death certificates; listing of open medical treatment facilities.
  
  
• Transportation Assistance: Rental car information; vehicle title and registration replacement or apply for a salvage vehicle title via the BMV; car insurance assistance from agents of major private insurance providers; replacement of driver licenses and identification cards.
  
  
• Business and Financial Services: Application assistance for SBA Disaster Loans from small business counselors from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; business continuation and planning consulting from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
  
  
• Agriculture: Representatives from the Department of Agriculture will be available to answer questions.
  The latest information from state agencies about coordinated relief and recovery efforts is available at www.emergency.in.gov.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES:
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property for businesses - regardless of size - in a declared disaster area. For more information, call 1-800-659-2955.

Here are some of the things offered by the SBA:

• Physical disaster loans: Businesses of all sizes may apply for a loan of up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and fixtures. These loans cover both insured and uninsured losses. Interest rate on this loan will not exceed 4 percent.
  
  
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for these loans up to $1.5 million to meet necessary financial obligations - expenses the business would have paid if the disaster had not occurred. Interest rate on this loan will not exceed 4 percent.
  
  
• Downloadable applications: Businesses may apply directly to the SBA at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/basics/howtoapply/index.html

KEY PHONE NUMBERS:

Toll Free Information Line: 1-888-880-3749 (available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 1-800-621-3362
Red Cross: 1-800-438-4636
Indiana State Police: 317-477-1125
Emergency Food Stamp Assistance: 1-800-403-0864
Indiana Department of Insurance: 1-800-622-4461
Indiana Department of Agriculture: 317-290-3030; Livestock Loss 317-227-0300

Indiana Department of Environmental Management Oil/Chemical Spill Hotline: 1-888-233-7745
Unemployment: 1-800-891-6499
U.S. Small Business Administration: 1-800-659-2955

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
Computers available at FSSA, Work One Centers: Those wishing to apply for FEMA assistance in counties qualifying for disaster assistance may use computers at these centers. Call the toll-free information line to find the office closest to you.

Volunteers and donations: To help Hoosiers affected by severe weather, the Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) is coordinating private volunteer and donation efforts with the American Red Cross. A toll free number has been established to create a central repository of statewide volunteers. The telephone number is: 1-888-335-9490. OFBCI also will coordinate donations of needed supplies and goods. A storage and distribution center has been established at Pen Products, 6075 Lakeside Boulevard, near I-465 and 71st Street, in Indianapolis. Donations will be organized at that location and sent to areas with the greatest needs. Among needed items are cleaning supplies, water, and personal hygiene products. For directions to the distribution center, call 1-800-736-2550. Constant updates: The latest information from state agencies about coordinated relief and recovery efforts is available at www.emergency.in.gov.

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INDOT has adopted rules regarding the relocation of utility facilities in conjunction with a highway construction project.  The rules became effective May 14. 

The rules were required by legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2005.  The law directed INDOT to develop rules regarding utility relocation as part of INDOTâs responsibility to manage the state highway system right-of-way.  The new INDOT rules and the law resulted from efforts of a Utility Relocation Task Force that included representatives from ICA (highway contractors then as part of ICI), INDOT, consulting engineers, utility companies and Federal Highway Administration.

The rules establish a formal procedure for highway projects that involve utility facility relocations by setting requirements for utilities, highway contractors and INDOT.  Key components of the process are:

• INDOT will determine what utility facilities are located within the project area early in the design phase of a project;
• INDOT will send each identified utility an initial notice of the proposed project;
• Utilities will have to respond within 30 days with a description of its affected facilities or notify INDOT that no facilities are within the limits of the project;
• Using the information provided by utility companies, INDOT will show all utility facilities on plan sheets and send those drawings to each utility for review;
• Within 30 days, each utility will have to either confirm the accuracy of the drawings or detail any corrections;
• INDOT will subsequently provide each utility with preliminary construction plans for the highway project;
• Each utility will respond with a work plan that details how the utility will protect or relocate its facilities;
• INDOT will review the proposed work plans and ö if necessary ö work with the utilities to finalize those plans;
• The approved work plans will be included or referenced in the highway construction contract;
• If a work plan shows that portions of a utilityâs work are dependent on the highway contractor first completing certain work (such as clearing), the contractor will be required to notify that utility within certain time frames.

The rules also include a list of factors that would excuse a utility from meeting the schedule in its approved work plan.  These include significantly differing site conditions, unexpected impacts of other utilities or severe weather.

While the rules became effective on May 14, the new procedures wonât impact construction until projects on which the required coordination steps between INDOT and utility companies have been implemented are ready for letting.

INDOT plans to conduct training about the new rules in the near future, but specific dates and locations have not yet been finalized.  Training will likely be available at multiple locations.  INDOT personnel are also available to meet with various organizations about the new requirements.  Contact Matt Thomas at 317-232-5308 to arrange a presentation for your group.

A copy of the final rule is attached. Paul Berebitsky

Indiana Construction Association


It is with great pleasure that Hach Company announces the addition of OPS Systems, Inc. to its family of products. OPS Systems has been in business for over 30 years and has provided water-related reporting and analysis, preventive maintenance and laboratory information management (LIMS) software solutions specifically for water, wastewater, and industrial plant operations. OPS' commitment to customer service and innovative customer solutions has made them a trusted vendor in the industry.

OPS Systems and Hach both have long traditions of solid business values and providing leading edge products with a strong focus on customer service. OPS Systems' tradition of strong customer service and support will continue and will blend with Hach's excellent reputation for delivering first-rate services and support. Outstanding customer service will continue to be provided by the Rio Rancho staff.

By combining OPS' robust information management solutions with Hach instrumentation and water analysis expertise, we will be able that tie together instrumentation and software into more unique and complete solutions. The expanded product portfolio provides a focus on protecting public health and the environment, aiding with regulatory compliance and reducing costs and will include a Hach Water Information Management Solutionú (HACH WIMSú), a computer maintenance management system (Hach JobCal¨), and a LIMS system (Hach Aspen).

For additional information or a demo of our new products, please do not hesitate to contact your local Regional Sales Manager or call 1- 800-677-0067.

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We are saddened to report that Reggie Baker, the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator from IDEM, passed away this past weekend after a hard fought battle with cancer. We received the following from Pat Carroll:

I have some very sad news to pass along. Reggie passed away Saturday morning February 7. He was known for his unbridled enthusiasm for all he embraced; his work with the state, his marriage with his equally enthusiastic wife Debby and to the outdoor sports. In his 30 years with IDEM, including the Indiana Department of Health, he worked in the Air Pollution Division, served as Chief of Superfund in Office of Emergency Response, worked in the Office of Water Quality in the Wet Weather program and finally in Drinking Water as the counter-terrorism coordinator. He had a unique passion for the "silent sports". He was a proficient SCUBA diver for about 40 years, engaged in all the paddle sports including white water paddling and freestyle canoeing, enjoyed archery, cycling, cross country skiing and canoe camping. He will be very much missed. I don't believe there are any funeral arrangements being planned.

Our sympathies are with Reggie's family, friends, and co-workers.

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To: Transient Noncommunity Public Water Systems
From: Patrick Carroll, Chief
Drinking Water Branch
Office of Water Quality
Subject: IDEM Laboratory Reporting Forms

327 IAC 8-2-13(a) requires that a water system "using forms provided by the Commissioner, shall report to the Commissioner the results of any test measurement or analysis required by this rule". For all samples collected on or after January 1, 2009, all individual sample results submitted to IDEM must be submitted on the enclosed state-approved forms. All of the certified laboratories have also been informed of this requirement. Any reports not conforming with this requirements will not be accepted for compliance purposes.

You can find copies of the forms online at http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/4236.htm. This is the website of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. You can search by form number by selecting Edit, Find on this Page. The form numbers are on the summary page included with this letter.

If you have any specific questions about the forms, please contact the Compliance Section staff associated with that rule. A copy of the current Compliance Section phone list is attached. If you have general questions, please contact Susie Fulford at (317) 308-3282
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SUMMER INTERN POSITION AT SRF -- The State Revolving Fund ("SRF") Loan Program and the Indiana Brownfields Program ("Brownfields Program") seek a joint summer intern to provide assistance to update the SRF Needs Surveys, and the Brownfields Return on Investment Project ("ROI Project"). For more information about the Programs see: www.in.gov/ifa

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