Porter County Government - Storm Water Advisory Board - April 20th, 2026

The Porter County Government's Storm Water Advisory Board met on April 20, 2026, to discuss several stormwater management issues, including an after-the-fact approval request for encroachments into a drainage easement associated with Batty Burglar Ditch. The board reviewed staff recommendations to approve the construction of buildings, impervious surfaces, a fence, and the installation of storm sewer and drainage swales within the easement, contingent on a hold harmless agreement to protect the county from erosion-related damages. The board voted to approve the staff recommendation unanimously. Additionally, the meeting included a detailed stormwater program manager's report highlighting recent heavy rainfall impacts, drainage concerns, erosion control compliance, and updates on ongoing projects such as the Bridalwood subdivision ravine restoration and the upcoming Rolling Meadows storm sewer replacement project. The discussion emphasized the challenges posed by increased storm intensity and the county's efforts to monitor and address drainage infrastructure needs.