Protecting Public Health and the Environment
The Gary Storm Water Management District (GSWMD) operates under Indiana’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (INR040000), administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The MS4 program helps reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff and protect local waterways, including the Grand Calumet River, Little Calumet River, and Lake Michigan.
It’s the Law
Under Indiana’s MS4 General Permit (INR040000), GSWMD is required to maintain and implement a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) designed to reduce pollutants entering the storm sewer system and local waterways. The program includes public education and involvement, identifying and eliminating illicit discharges, managing stormwater runoff from construction and post-construction activities, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations.
Stormwater management is an unfunded federal mandate. Local communities must find the means to pay for stormwater management and protection through fees and tax dollars. The City of Gary and its residents and businesses need to work together to meet the requirements of our NP DES Storm Water permit.
Management staff inspects local business and municipal facilities to assist them with proper operational maintenance and material management.
