Organization

In early 2005, Harrison County submitted a Section 205j project proposal to address water quality issues in the Indian Creek watershed. The Federal Clean Water Act Section 205j program provides funding for various types of projects that work to develop watershed plans and reduce nonpoint source water pollution.

The Section 205j project proposal included the following goals: 1) hire a Watershed Coordinator and establish a Watershed Forum, 2) conduct public outreach by holding public meetings and distributing articles, 3) compile, integrate and assess existing data, 4) develop monitoring and quality assurance plans and assess data using statistical analysis, 5) identify and verify sinkholes, and 6) develop a watershed management plan.

A grant of $99,930 was awarded to the Harrison County from the US EPA through IDEM. The grant period is from March 1, 2006 through March 1, 2008. Harrison County advertised for consulting services to develop the Indian Creek Watershed Plan and selected Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott, and May Engineers, Inc. of Jeffersonville as the contractor for the two-year project.

Mission Statement

Foster economic development, preserve environmental quality and enhance the quality of life for all who live and work in the Indian Creek Watershed.

Public Participation

Public participation is essential to the success of the watershed plan. Information to the quarterly meetings which will be open to the public will be easily accessible through the internet and personal contact with the Watershed Coordinator. Articles in newspapers, Soil and Water Conservation District’s newsletters, annual reports and other publications will be used to coordinate with the general public. The internet will also be used to share information with all interested parties. Community events such as County Fairs will be used to raise awareness or watershed issues at hand.