GOSHEN, Ind. — A 30-day public comment period opens Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 as the City of Goshen seeks approval for a Goshen wastewater mercury variance tied to its wastewater discharge permit and advances its mercury reduction program. The comment window closes Dec. 28, 2025.
The variance request was submitted after recent testing showed trace mercury levels in treated effluent remained below federal and state treatment guidelines but above new permit limits. The Goshen Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 1000 W. Wilden Ave., treats about 3 million gallons of wastewater each day from homes, schools, medical facilities and businesses.
City officials report the treatment plant does not produce mercury. Instead, mercury enters the wastewater system from community sources, including broken fluorescent bulbs, dental offices, laboratories, legacy plumbing components and household products disposed of incorrectly. Monitoring shows levels trending downward following education campaigns and equipment replacement.
As part of the variance request, the City submitted an updated Mercury Pollutant Minimization Program to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The plan outlines current actions and next steps. These include equipment replacement, chemical purchasing standards requiring non-mercury alternatives when available, expanded sampling and continued public education on proper disposal. The City also converted lighting to LED and removed mercury-containing instruments as part of the ongoing reduction strategy.
The plant will continue operating under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit while the state reviews the request. Existing utility staffing and funding support compliance and monitoring requirements.
The variance request may be reviewed below in its entirety and is also available for public inspection through the appropriate permitting offices.
Written comments may be submitted to Jim Kerezman, Superintendent, Goshen Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1000 W. Wilden Ave., Goshen, IN 46528, or emailed to wastewater@goshencity.com with “PMPP” in the subject line.