Efforts to stem the tide of expansion of the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District in Carroll County suffered a blow March 20 when the Indiana Department of Environmental Management gave permission for construction in both Phase III and Phase IIIB.

Joe Tierney from design engineers GRWannounced the issuance at the March 23 sewer district's board meeting.

In a March 24 telephone interview, IDEM Public Information Officer Bonnie Nash verified the sewer district was issued a permit for Phase III and Phase IIIB in Carroll County. There is no district plan on file for the same area, according to Nash.

"To the best of my knowledge, we requested one, but it was never received," Nash said.

Nash explained applications for permits are reviewed at IDEM by engineers who look at design, plan, and specifications for construction. She said the lack of a district plan is a different matter.

Tierney reported approximately 1,300 signed easements have been received so far for the project.

"We're moving as quickly as we can to get those things ready," he said.

Tierney explained the process of

bid readiness" which included communicating with property owners about pipe and grinder positioning. He said the expectation is to go to bid in the middle of this summer after the funding from Rural Development I s secured for the project.

"Little by little, we're taking care of these things," Tierney said.

"Is there any indication of more grant money for Phase III?" asked Carroll County's representative Ron Felz. "The grant funding is of importance it's a big concern."

"We're going to know something soon," Tierney replied.

Tierney added that four out of five surveys for Phase III lift station locations have been completed.

The next meeting is April 13 at 3 p.m. in the White County Government Building.

A copy of the certified letter issued to the sewer district was forwarded to the Comet by Bonnie Nash, information officers for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Paragraph three of the letter states, "It should be noted that any person affected or aggrieved by the agency's decision in authorizing the construction of the above-referenced facility (TLRSD) may, within fifteen (15) days from date of mailing (March 20) appeal by filing a petition with the Office of Environmental Adjudication for an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with IC 4-21.5-3-7 and IC 1315-6..."

According to the letter, approximately 2,355 carbon copies of the letter were sent to residents and businesses in the project area. A complete list of letter recipients is available at IDEM, Office of Water Quality-Mail Code 65-42, Room N1255, North Senate Ave., Indianapolis, 46204-2251.