IDEM / EEPA CONTRACT TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has decided to allow the contracts between the local air quality agencies in Indiana to expire. The decision affects agencies in Anderson, Gary, Hammond, Indianapolis, Vigo County (Terre Haute) and Evansville. IDEM stated they made this decision to avoid duplicative government services and increase efficiency.  IDEM did not notify EEPA of any dissatisfaction with our work.  We were not consulted or notified in advance of IDEM's announcement.

IDEM has provided vague, misleading and incorrect information regarding this issue in their briefing which attempts to explain their actions. Click here to read IDEM's briefing. In reality; IDEM’s decision will:

• Create duplication – Both agencies (state and local) will be inspecting the same industries. Previously, the local agency conducted one inspection on behalf of both IDEM and themselves.
• Create a “double jeopardy” - If a company is found violating a rule, they could be subject to an enforcement action from both IDEM and the local agency.
• Create inefficiency - IDEM staff will have to drive longer distances and use more fuel to perform inspections, respond to complaints and handle ambient air monitoring tasks, all of which local agencies currently manage.
• Delay responses to citizen complaints and emergencies - Local agencies provide same or next day response to complaints. IDEM inspectors are allowed up to 30 days to respond.
• Reduce oversight of businesses and industries - IDEM will only inspect the largest industrial facilities. Local agencies inspect even very small businesses at least once a year (much more frequently than IDEM).
• Reduce assistance to businesses and industries - Environmental regulations are complicated. Many companies can’t afford to hire environmental managers or consultants. Local agencies help local companies understand how to comply with their requirements. This education process helps prevent pollution.
• Increase IDEM staffing levels - By IDEM’s own admission, they will need to hire two people for their South West Regional office and two to three more people for their Indianapolis office.
• Cost the City of Evansville approximately $164,000 in 2009 - For the work EEPA did for IDEM, The City of Evansville received payments from IDEM and portions of state annual operating fees. This revenue will now go to the state.  Other local agencies will also suffer revenue losses to the state.

For more detailed information click here.

To express your support for Local Air Quality Agencies you may contact: