Impaired Waterways. Brown County has a few of the impaired waterways that IDEM has identified. An impaired waterway includes what is determined to be an excessive level of pollutants such as E.coli. This is not unique to Brown County; it is common throughout the state. The cause is not failing or inadequate septic systems. The major cause is pastureland. Other causes can include stream bank erosion, livestock management, and agriculture runoff. Per the study, “When individual sample site drainage is reviewed, the Lake Monroe Watershed loads more E.coli to Brown County Streams than Beanblossom Creek Watershed Streams.”
Misleading. The Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) in their wastewater strategic plan includes the statement that “The primary source of E.Coli has been found from humans.” Since Farmers are “Humans” and manage pastureland, the statement may be technically accurate but is “misleading.” It has led to a common misperception that septic systems are the main problem that can be solved when more people are hooked up to a sewer. The state of Indiana, not the BCRSD, has oversight on farming.
Speculation. The BCRSD plan also includes the statement that “Failing septic systems are likely contributors to waterway contamination in the county.” This is an accurate statement. Note the term “likely” is speculative. The number of failing or inadequate septic systems is unknown.
My Position. There will be public meetings (forums) where the county wastewater strategy and watershed study will be presented. Citizens will be encouraged to ask questions and provide input. Answers will be provided. The information presented will be documented and a report “For the record” will be published. Any follow-on actions requiring decisions by elected officials will be discussed at public meetings and citizens will be allowed to provide comments. The county’s position in support of “Agriculture” will be identified in a new and needed County Comprehensive Plan.
