IDEM cites I-69 project for erosion issues

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Updated: February 18, 2012 11:23PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A state inspector has cited the Indiana Department of Transportation and a contractor on the Interstate 69 expansion project for inadequate erosion controls that critics say could damage the environment.

Workers for contractor Fred Weber Inc. built several erosion control structures that weren’t properly constructed to filter discharge or prevent sediment from flowing into streams, an inspector with the state Department of Environmental Management determined in December. Indianapolis Business Journal reports that no financial penalties were assessed.

“Adequate storm water quality measures are not implemented throughout the project to effectively prevent sediment discharges from this project,” the inspection report stated. “It is imperative that actions be implemented immediately to correct the deficiencies.”

The report did not cite instances of damage to aquatic life, but the Hoosier Environmental Council contends that the $3 billion, 142-mile new-terrain highway could damage waterways, limestone formations and wildlife. The group has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the permit that the Army Corps of Engineers issued INDOT to build the road connecting Indianapolis and Evansville.

The council said sediment can kill invertebrates living on stream bottoms that are food for fish, and the effects can spread to other species such as frogs and snakes.

“It is significant. The best we can tell, it represents a pattern of problems surrounding the highway,” said Tim Maloney, policy director of HEC.

Environmental groups favor the idea of improving U.S. 41 between Evansville and Terre Haute to interstate standards and connecting it with the existing Interstate 70.

INDOT said the I-69 contract at issue is the first one it has awarded to Missouri-based Fred Weber.

“INDOT has been working with the company to help them become familiar with Indiana’s enforcement of erosion and sediment control regulations,” INDOT spokeswoman Cher Elliott said.

She said the company has increased its erosion- and sediment-control efforts.

IDEM spokeswoman Amy Hartsock said most of the concerns cited during the routine inspection have been addressed and that a follow-up inspection is planned.

There was no answer at Fred Weber when The Associated Press called seeking comment Saturday.

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Information from: Indianapolis Business Journal, http://www.ibj.com