County developer ordered to 'cease and desist' activity
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County residents along the west-side of Lake Freeman have expressed concern many times about the development site across from Hambridge Addition. The matter came to the attention of state authorities and those authorities recently took action.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Agency brought suit against Winward Developer Greg Jacobs in White County Superior Court for issues surrounding Jacob's activities on land in both White and Carroll counties on the west side of Lake Freeman. In an agreed preliminary injunction and partial settlement agreement pursuant to the suit, Jacobs was ordered by White County Superior Court Judge Robert B. Mrzlack to stop all "land disturbing activities" at the construction site located on CR775N and CR1250W in Carroll and White counties.

However, as a "limited exception" to the order, Jacobs "shall commence the installation of appropriate erosion and sediment control measures at the (construction) site." The erosion measures include surface stabilization to prevent erosion, which was ordered to be through permanent seeding of the site. In addition, all permanent seeding will include the application of fertilizer and the installation of a suitable mulch cover, to be anchored by crimping or other acceptable industry standards.

Jacobs was also ordered to install a silt fence, sediment basins and traps and diversions to reduce sediment loading while vegetation is established. He will stabilize all slopes of six percent at the site with a suitable erosion control blanket, however more stringent measures may be required for portions of the ravine area.

Jacobs was ordered to install sediment control measures to minimize the discharge of sediment to Lake Freeman and adjacent properties.

Jacobs is to be "in substantial compliance" with the terms of the court order within 60 days of Sept. 7, or by Nov. 7. Jacobs is to develop a plan which provides for the maintenance of the measures and will inspect each measure weekly and "following rainfall events of .5 inches or more." He is to initiate corrective action within 24 hours after problems are identified.

Jacobs was ordered to provide written reports to IDEM monthly. A copy of the court order can be obtained from the White County Superior Court in the White County Government Building.