Stormwater

Stormwater Management

The City of Hobart is committed to managing a proactive storm water program which improves the quality of runoff entering from our storm water system to our streams, rivers, and lakes.

The City of Hobart Storm Water Program regulated by the Clean Water Act under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is administrated by IDEM, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Understanding the benefits of improving the quality of storm water runoff beyond the basic level of regulatory compliance the city has been a consistent leader in the implementation of its Storm Water Program under Phase II of the NPDES regulations, .

Repairing and maintaining stormwater drains and conveyances throughout the City. Activities include:

  • Street sweeping
  • Storm sewer clean up
  • Outfall inspections
  • Composting of debris and leaves
  • All drainage issues that concern residents both residential and commercial

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater runoff is part of the natural hydrologic process and occurs when rainwater that does not infiltrate into the ground flows into water bodies such as creeks, lakes, streams, or rivers. In suburban areas, the stormwater runoff often has the benefit of passing through naturally vegetated areas, which slows down the velocity of the water and ultimately filters it for pollutants and sediments. In urban settings, however, natural vegetation and topography have frequently been altered to prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground and so it is most often carried by storm drains.

When the drainage pattern of a watershed is altered with the addition of impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and buildings, flows increase in concentration and velocity and pick up sediments and pollutants from land surfaces at an increased rate. Stormwater that flows through urbanized areas to receiving waters is called "urban stormwater runoff."

The City of Hobart has developed a stormwater program that manages the pollutants and impacts from urban stormwater runoff. The program includes education, stormwater quality and quantity measures, and a stormwater utility.

Pollutants

Urban runoff is known to carry a wide range of pollutants including:

  • Heavy metals
  • Nutrients
  • Pathogens
  • Petroleum hydrocarbons
  • Sediments
  • Synthetic organics such as pesticides
  • Trash and debris

Once pollution reaches water bodies, it can harm aquatic life, damage ecosystems, and even end up in water used for drinking or recreation. Protecting our water bodies from all sources of contamination can be accomplished through the cooperation of citizens, government, and businesses.

Community Impacts

Because urban runoff does not originate from a distinct "point" source (e.g., an industrial discharge pipe), it is also often referred to as nonpoint source pollution. These pollutants in urban runoff could negatively impact the vitality of our municipality on many levels.

Urban runoff can:

  • Alter the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water bodies to the detriment of aquatic and terrestrial organisms
  • Make beaches and rivers unsightly or unsafe for human contact
  • Negatively impact beneficial activities and users including water recreation, commercial fishing, tourism and aquatic habitat

In some cases, pollutants of concern may not even be visible to the naked eye.

Problem Reporting

Please report pollution, illegal connections and illicit discharges by contacting the Hobart Stormwater District or via email.

To report a large spill or emergency situation please immediately contact the City of Hobart Fire and Police departments by dialing 911.

Stormwater Technical Standards

The City of Hobart Stormwater Technical Standards Manual provides guidance for design and construction for anyone creating a land disturbance within the City of Hobart, Indiana. The purpose of this Storm Water Technical Standards Manual is to establish design standards for storm water management within a single document that can be easily referenced and to ensure quality design in order to minimize the impacts of development projects on the City’s stormwater facilities. Refer to City of Hobart Municipal Code: Chapter 152 for additional Stormwater Management requirements. The City of Hobart Stormwater Technical Standards Manual applies to new development or redevelopment activities within the City of Hobart. Those projects which cause a land disturbance of more than 1 acre or disturb less than 1 acre that is part of a larger common plan that will ultimately disturb more than 1 acre within the MS4 area shall acquire a stormwater permit. City Stormwater Technical Standards Manual Apply to Public Property & Private Property. The Entire Set of the City Stormwater Technical Standards Manual shall be attached to the Construction Drawings and Shall Be Considered Part Thereto. Please click the link provided to view manual: Storm Water Technical Standards Manual