CSO Public Notification Program

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On May 9, 2003, a new rule went into effect requiring communities with combined sewer overflows to notify the affected public of the occurrence of overflows containing untreated sewage into local streams and rivers. As required by 327 IAC 5 - 2.1, this program will be incorporated in the Combined Sewer Overflow Operational Plan. the objectives of the CSO Notification Program are to educate the public about potential health impacts from contact with combined sewer overflow discharges, alert members of the public who are affected by CSO's and enable the public to better protect themselves from exposure to waterborne pathogens associated with CSO's.

The "affected waters" for this program have been determined to be the following:

That part of the Mississinewa River from the Pennsylvania Street bridge north to the northern property line of Matter Park, and Boots Creek from the 9th Street bridge to its confluence with the Mississinewa River.

These maps show the location of all public access points, CSO outfalls, boat launches, parks, schools, parkways and greenways on the affected waters.

There are no known drinking water suppliers with surface water intakes within 10 miles downstream of Marion's affected waters.

In March of each year, Marion Utilities will provide a Public Notice in the Marion Chronicle-Tribune Newspaper to allow the affected public, local media sources such as the Chronicle-Tribune, WSOT TV 57, WIWU TV 51, WMRI, WGOM, WCJC, and WBAT radio stations, and other interested members of the affected public to request CSO notification. In the same public notice, Marion Utilities will offer to provide signage to access points to affected waters on private property. Failure to respond to this public notice will constitute refusal of the community's offer to provide signage.
To notify the affected public and the County Health Department, when a weather forecast indicates a substantial chance of rain, local newspaper and radio stations will be asked to make an announcement similar to the following: "When it rains, older sewer systems throughout the city can overflow sending untreated rainwater mixed with sewage into the Mississinewa River and Boots Creek. In the event of rain, please avoid contact with water downstream of combined sewer overflows for the next three days. Signs are posted along our waterways to identify where contact with the water could be hazardous to your health. For more information, please call Marion Municipal Utilities or log on to marionutilities.com." Signs are posted at CSO outfalls and public access points such as boat launches, parks, schools, parkways, and greenways on affected waters as shown on the maps. Signs will read: "Caution - Sewage or Wastewater pollution. Sewage or Wastewater may be in this water during and several days after periods of rainfall or snow melt. People who swim in, wade in, or ingest this water may get sick. For more information, please call Marion Municipal Utilities, (765) 664-2391."

Public notifications will be documented on the monthly DMR's, and a record of submitted reports will be kept at the Marion Utility's Administration building and available during normal working hours.