Updated: July 5, 2023 

Public Hearing – July 8, 2023. 10am, Brown County Fairgrounds.  Public Hearing – Outline of the Process

This sewer expansion is just the “FIRST PHASE” of a county wastewater strategic plan developed by “appointed” officials of the Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board “without any” public input. The overall plan affects all taxpayers as well as those with existing functional septic systems.  Map – Phase 1 – Area to be covered

• • BCRSD Board Members: President – Mike Leggins, Vice President – Clint Studabaker
    Treasurer – Phil LeBlanc, Secretary – Richard Hall, At Large – Matt Hanlon

The County Comprehensive Plan by statute, represents the voice of the citizens as to what they want and do not want in terms of infrastructure and development. This plan DOES require public meetings prior to approval by the Commissioners. The current plan does not address the need or desire for county-wide sewers.

Questions?   Citizens can provide questions in advance, can ask questions at the hearing, or submit their questions in writing on the day of the hearing or through July 14.  Responses are to be provided.  Questions and responses become part of the record and can serve as the basis for any requests to state and federal officials for further review. Email:  BrownCountyRSD@gmail.com

• • I will continue to share my questions and concerns in the following links: County Wastewater Strategic Plan and Water Quality Study and at:
    

    BCRSD Sewer Expansion Project on “Trial” – For The Record 

Learning More – Homework – BCRSD Website:  Video Presentations, Strategic Plan, and Watershed Study (Appendix B)

Online – Read-Aheads –  Application for Funding- Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs).  Hard copies are available at the Library, Health Department, Helmsburg General Store, and Lake Lemon Conservancy District Office.

Indiana Finance Authority – Application Guidance and Documents

Contents:

• • BCRSD – PER – Phase 1
  • Helmsburg RSD – PER – repair existing plan; PER 2  Support Phase I
  • Phase I – Two Corridors
    • Western Corridor – Helmsburg to Lake Lemon – valid need and justification for funding.
    • Eastern Corridor – Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Woodland Lake – need based on assumptions, and overstating an effect on the watershed.
      • Assumption Defined: something that you accept as true without question or proof.

• Validating estimates and assumptions. The counter to assumptions and anecdotal evidence as a basis for supporting decisions is the application of the scientific method.  This method includes identifying operational definitions of key terms such as “failing” and “inadequate” systems, and “useful life”, followed by data collection and statistical sampling plans, inspections, data analysis, and conclusions.   Findings from a statistically valid sample can then be applied to the larger population.