Valpo stormwater manual coming in 2013
By James D. Wolf Jr. Post-Tribune correspondent August 3, 2012 1:45PM
Updated: September 7, 2012 6:05AM
The city’s engineering department wants input on its first unified stormwater management manual, which will go before the Board of Works and Valparaiso Utilities Board for approval in January.
Although the city has stormwater rules for construction in Valparaiso, “we don’t really have a concise and clear manual that outlines our storage and drainage standards,” Deputy City Engineer Adam McAlpine said.
The rough manual, being put together by Valparaiso University intern Caitlin Soley, will go on the city website Aug. 15, although people can see it before then by contacting McAlpine at 462-1161 Ext. 3316 or amcalpine@valpo.us.
Changes include updated rainfall data, re-done flow rates for pond storage and new water quality requirements.
Water quality requirements are for pollutants and water temperature and include remedies such as rain gardens and retention so sediments settle out of water, plants that filter water and slowed flow that lets water cool.
McAlpine said he doesn’t plan to have public meetings about the manual because he believes Valparaiso can get more effective input from independent reviews of people who’ve studied the technical document.
