IDEM to End Contracts with Local Units

(posted Dec 6)

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has announced a $2 million savings plan by ending its practice of outsourcing the air permit process to local agencies. In a Dec 1 news release, the agency stated its plans to streamline air permitting, monitoring and compliance processes for all 92 counties. IDEM's decision will impact the City of Indianapolis' Office of Environmental Services.

IDEM will no longer be contracting services with local air pollution control agencies in Indianapolis, Evansville, Anderson, Gary, Hammond or Vigo County. Contracts with Indianapolis, Evansville and Anderson that expire December 31 will not be renewed. Contracts with Gary, Hammond and Vigo County will be canceled as of March 31, 2009.

"The state will save approximately $2 million. This will be somewhat offset by the additional costs for IDEM to conduct more inspections, write more permits, and maintain more air monitors," IDEM's Office of Media and Communications Services Robert Elstro said.

Elstro said "the cities of Hammond and Indianapolis wrote construction permits, operating permits, and permit renewals for most of the facilities in their local jurisdictions. After the permits were written by the local agency, IDEM reviewed the drafts and approved them for issuance. Since these local air permits were already reviewed by IDEM, and were issued with IDEM's approval, the consolidation of all air permitting under IDEM will ensure that the quality of air permits will be maintained or improved."

Department of Public Works Public Relations Office Steven R. Hardiman II said "The City of Indianapolis is currently involved in positive discussions with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) in reference to the decision to cancel contracts with local air pollution control agencies. As we work together to understand IDEM's stated needs and to gain from input from state and local environmental partners, we are confident that neither the best interests of taxpayers, or of our environment will be put at risk as we work toward resolution. As a result of ongoing conversations, we are very encouraged that we will be able to work effectively with our state partners to reach an agreement that addresses potential efficiencies that benefit taxpayers and the environment."